P = Park; R = Reverse; N = Neutral- Page 11

T R A N S A X L E

Always check the Owner’s Manual for more operating information and safety features 

Transaxle

Transaxle

Quick Tips

Mazda

2005 Tribute

page 20
page 21

Automatic transaxle*

Gearshift must be in Park or
Neutral to start engine; it must 
be in Park to remove ignition key

P = Park

To move gearshift from Park: 
You must press firmly on the
brake pedal and the ignition 
must be in the ON position

R = Reverse

Never engage Reverse when 
vehicle is moving

N = Neutral

No gear is engaged; vehicle can
roll freely, even on a slight incline,
unless the brakes are applied

D  (Overdrive)

For normal driving: Transaxle shifts
through four forward gears

Tip: Torque converter lock-up
improves fuel economy and
can feel like an additional gear

1

2

D

N

R

P

1

Manual 
transaxle

Depress clutch 
pedal completely 
to start engine and
change gears

Stop vehicle completely before 
shifting into reverse

Four wheel drive (4X4) 
system*

†

Your Tribute is equipped with a
4WD system that is always active
and requires no driver input,
Tribute’s intelligent 4WD system
monitors vehicle conditions and
will automatically adjust power
distribution between front and
rear wheels, the 4WD system is
capable of highway, off-road and
winter road conditions

During some extreme 
off-road events the 4WD 
system may go into heat 
protection mode (locked 
mode), this will help protect 
the system, to exit heat 
protection mode, stop vehicle 
and let it cool down

D  (Overdrive Off)

Press the overdrive switch (

1

) to 

disengage overdrive; an indicator
light on the instrument panel 
will illuminate

2 = Second

Place the gearshift lever in second
when accelerating on slippery
roads or to provide additional
engine braking on downgrades

1 = First

Provides maximum engine braking
on steep downgrades

*Denotes optional equipment
† See Owner’s Manual