The Mazda Tribute was developed in a joint effort by Ford and Mazda. The Tribute is assembled alongside the Ford Escape, in the same factory. Thus, besides a few minor cosmetic differences, the Tribute and Escape share the majority of their major components. This includes the cabin air filter. Replacing the cabin air filter in a Mazda Tribute is the same as replacing the cabin air filter in a Ford Escape (all 2001 through 2005 models). The cabin air filter is located within the engine compartment, on the passenger side. Replace your cabin air filter every 15,000 miles; the filter keeps particulates, such as pollen and dust, from entering through your car's cabin. Over time, the filter becomes clogged, which reduces A/C performance.
Turn the engine off and open the hood. Locate the passenger side cover panel directly beneath the windshield (the black plastic piece). Pry up the four caps from the cover with a flat-head screwdriver.
Remove the four Phillips screws from the cover (they are beneath the caps). The screws are fit into four plastic washers. Once the screws are removed, push the bottom part of the washers up to release the cover. Pull the cover off and set it to the side.
Remove the rain guard from behind the cover panel (this guard is marked has a small handle--pull the handle to remove the cover). Pull the old filter out.
Insert the replacement filter into the slot. Re-insert the rain shield to protect the cabin air filter.
Position the cover panel back in place (line up the washers with the mounting holes). Push the cover panel down firmly to pop the washers back into their mounts. Replace the four Phillips screws and re-insert the four caps to cover the screws.
