Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Target Audience:
Families, individuals seeking versatile, capable, and relatively affordable compact SUVs.
Key Competitors:
Ford Escape (platform sibling), Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Xterra, Subaru Forester.
Design Philosophy:
Mazda's focus on sporty driving dynamics and engaging handling in the SUV segment, borrowing heavily from Ford's compact SUV architecture.
Unique Selling Points:
Available V6 engine, available AWD, relatively responsive steering and suspension for its class.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive mechanical and electrical repair, maintenance, and diagnostics for the 2005 Mazda Tribute.
Secondary Coverage:
Troubleshooting guides, wiring diagrams, specifications, and procedures for all major vehicle systems.
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Type:
Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary application)
Powertrain:
Engine (2.3L L3-VE, 3.0L AJ-DE/VE), Transmission (5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic), Drivetrain (FWD, AWD).
Chassis:
Suspension (front struts, rear independent multi-link), Steering (power rack and pinion), Brakes (front discs, rear drums/discs, ABS).
Electrical:
Engine control module (ECM), body control module (BCM), lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, audio system, anti-theft.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, HVAC, airbags, interior trim.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, brake pad/rotor service, belt replacement.
Repair:
Engine component replacement (alternator, starter, water pump), transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/master cylinder repair, exhaust system repair.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, circuit testing, component testing procedures.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications, valve clearances, diagnostic parameters, fluid capacities and types, alignment specifications.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic owner maintenance to in-depth mechanical and electrical component overhaul and diagnostics.
Software Requirements:
Requires compatible operating system (e.g., Windows XP, Vista, 7) and potentially specific browser plugins or media players.
Digital Quality:
High-resolution diagrams, clear text, searchable content for efficient information retrieval.
Software Delivery:
Downloadable software package or CD-ROM/DVD (depending on distribution).
N/A:
N/A (Digital Format)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
5 Stars
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset:
Good
ABS:
Standard on all models.
Traction Control:
Optional on some trims, standard on V6 AWD.
Airbags Front:
Standard dual front airbags.
Airbags Side:
Optional front seat-mounted side airbags on some trims.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, 3-point rear seat belts.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player. Optional premium audio systems with more speakers and subwoofer available on higher trims.
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed navigation system available on select higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Parking Sensors:
Not typically available from the factory for this model year.
Auxiliary Input:
May be available on select trims, but often requires an aftermarket adapter.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), or 7,500 miles for synthetic oil under normal driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement 2 3L:
Every 100,000 miles (iridium-tipped plugs).
Spark Plug Replacement 3 0L V6:
Every 100,000 miles (iridium-tipped plugs).
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-20 (preferred) or 5W-30.
Engine Oil Capacity 2 3L:
4.5 US quarts (with filter)
Engine Oil Capacity 3 0L V6:
5.0 US quarts (with filter)
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
MERCON V Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Transmission Fluid Capacity Auto:
Approximately 10.3 US quarts (dry fill).
Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Green) or equivalent (GVC-6G).
Common Wear Item 1:
Front suspension components (struts, control arms, sway bar links) due to vehicle weight and typical usage.
Common Wear Item 2:
Brake pad and rotor wear, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
Electrical Concern 1:
Alternator failure can occur with age.
Transmission Concern 1:
Some automatic transmissions may exhibit delayed shifting or harsh engagement, potentially related to valve body or fluid issues.
Mazda SUV Development:
Mazda's entry into the compact SUV market with the Tribute, leveraging its partnership with Ford.
First Generation Updates:
Minor styling and feature updates throughout its run, with the 2005 model year representing a late-stage iteration before the redesign.
Manufacturing Location:
Kansas City, Missouri, USA (shared assembly plant with Ford Escape)
Production Years:
2001-2006
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
The 2005 Mazda Tribute achieved 'Good' ratings in IIHS front and side impact crash tests, indicating strong safety performance for its class.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings varied by model year and specific components, with some common issues noted in owner surveys. The manual would detail how to address these.
