Key Programming: Mazda Tribute 1997-2011
Mazda Tribute 1997-2011 Key Programming Procedure
The following are the key programming procedures for the year 1997, 2001 and 2011 Mazda Tribute.
Mazda Tribute 1997
ORIGINATE NEW MASTER KEY:
1. Put the new key into the ignition. Turn it to the ON position. The dashboard security light will flash for 15 minutes. Once the dashboard security light stops flashing, you have five minutes to begin Step 2.
2. Turn the ignition OFF and then back to the ON position. The dashboard security light will flash for 15 additional minutes.
3. Repeat Step 2.
4. Once the dashboard security light has turned off for the third time, the key will be able to function in the car. It has been programmed into the car’s computer and has replaced ALL previous electronic key codes — the computer will not recognize any other key.
ADD DUPLICATE KEY:
1. Put the current key into the ignition.
2. Turn the ignition ON and back to OFF.
3. Remove the current key and insert the new key, turning it ON. You MUST do this within 15 seconds.
4. The security light will switch on for two seconds, confirming that the key has been successfully programmed into the vehicle.
Mazda Tribute 1998 +
ADD KEY (Requires two working keys):
1. Put a current key into the ignition.
2. Turn the ignition to ON, then back to the OFF position.
3. Remove the key and insert a second key. Turn it ON and back to the OFF position. You MUST do this within five seconds.
4. Before ten seconds have elapsed, put a new key in and turn the ignition ON. After one second, turn the key back to the OFF position.
5. The dashboard security light will glow for three seconds. This confirms the programming of the new key has been successful.
About Mazda Tribute
The Tribute, like its Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner siblings, was considerably redesigned in 2007 for the 2008 model year. The vehicle was supposed to be called the Mazda CX-5, but it kept the Tribute name. The modifications were extensive, but did not amount to a “clean slate” redesign because the vehicles remained on the CD2 base and retained the existing 2.3 L L5-VE inline-four and 3.0 L AJ V6 engines. All new sheet metal and interior were visible modifications. The interior was greatly improved, with all new components and higher-quality materials, and was widely lauded by automotive journalists. Unlike the first generation Tribute, which had a distinct exterior and interior from its brothers, the new model only differentiates from them in the “nose” (front fenders, hood, and front fascia), tail lights, and detailing. Exterior changes include a higher belt line and more pronounced wheel arches. The car was designed to appear larger and more solid than the previous model. As a cost-cutting effort, rear drum brakes were installed in place of the earlier discs, prompting condemnation from the automotive press.
The non-hybrid 2008 Tribute was initially shown at the 2007 Montreal International Auto Show and went on sale in March 2007.
The Hybrid variant, which was previously only offered on the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, was a new addition.
For the 2009 model year, the Tribute underwent more important revisions to increase performance, largely in the form of mechanical upgrades. The most important changes were all-new engines; Mazda’s new 2.5 L L5-VE I4 replaced the 2.3, increasing horsepower to 171 bhp (128 kW; 173 PS) and torque to 171 lbft (232 Nm) at 4000 rpm. [10] Despite the increased horsepower, fuel economy improved by 1 mpgUS (240 L/100 km; 1.2 mpgimp) on both the urban and extra-urban cycles. The optional 3.0 L (AJ) V6 was revised, resulting in a 40 horsepower (30 kW) increase, bringing total output to 240 hp (180 kW) and 233 lbft (316 Nm). It also resulted in a 1 mpg increase in fuel economy. After the 2009 model year, the Tribute Hybrid was discontinued.
Another important modification was the adoption of Ford’s new 6F 6-speed automatic transmission, which became standard on all V6 cars and available on four-cylinder models. In addition, new front and rear stabilizer bars of 18.5 mm (0.73 in) were introduced for 2009 to improve ride handling following complaints about decreased performance following the 2008 revisions. Redesigned seats, daytime running lamps, optional steering-mounted audio controls, and other amenities were among the other improvements. The Tribute was discontinued at the end of the 2011 model year, and was replaced in 2012 by the Mazda CX-5.
