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Ford Escape Mazda Tribute Maintenance and Repair

4133 messages,  Last post on Mar 24, 2013 at 5:59 AM

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Messages Page 325 of 414

#3233 of 4133 Re: 2001 Tribute Pwer Steering Pump [wcw1] by escapenut

Nov 14, 2005 (2:54 pm)

Replying to: wcw1 (Nov 13, 2005 12:02 pm)
I feel your pain about the alternator. I replaced mine over 6-months ago to the tune of ~$500.00, including the tow. The alternator placement is a totally inept design in my opinion. The replacement alternator I got was a re-man'd model. In my case as well as your's the front-passenger half-shaft has to be removed and several other things to access the alternator. Because of the hassle with this, whatever vehicle I purchase next will have easier alternator removal/install. I really like the Excape/Tribute, but am not sure what Ford/Mazda engineers were thinking when they placed the alternator that low. I think that sometimes they believe that people will be getting rid of their cars before it comes time change key parts, etc.. So far, 81K miles, with re-built alternator, new-battery, new IAC, a few other things. The vehicle has not been as problematic for me as others in the posts listed. I will replacing the plugs again in about another 10K miles which is a major deal (at least on the back-side of the engine, underneath the intake-manifold). I'd buy another Escape, but am not sure knowing what I know now, if I would.
Also, replaced the muffler itself with a Magnaflow high-performance one. I believe I picked-up an extra 10-15 HP, but have not dyno'd it yet. I left the resonator on the back-end. It has a nice, mellow, low-noise, rumble. Kinda cool. I replaced the stock-size 235-70-16's with 255-65-16's, and the tires fill the wheel-wells better with some room to spare too. I realize I changed my speedo somewhat by doing this, but not by much. I replaced the struts/shocks within a month of each other and can really notice a difference in handling and ride-quality. If you haven't done this and your mileage is getting up there, then this is a worthwhile investment if you plan on keeping the vehicle for a few more miles like me.

#3234 of 4133 Re: Fog lights [chuck1ch] by bmbsd

Nov 23, 2005 (3:09 pm)

Replying to: chuck1ch (Nov 02, 2005 8:21 pm)
Thanks so much for the response. We will give that a try.

#3235 of 4133 Mazda Tribute transmission / differental problem &/or tire wear issue by jkwhawaii

Nov 28, 2005 (3:53 pm)

Hi everyone,
 
My first try at posting. At issue is my mom's 2001 Tribute ES which I drove this past weekend. When cruising at various speeds, sometimes the transmission seems to clunk as the RPM drops to around 2.5K. It is almost like it is dropping into another gear but certainly is not very "normal" like as the car lurches a bit and there is an audible clunk. It always happens when decelerating. Twice, a fairly loud vibrating noise was also heard which went away after a couple of seconds. (ABS?)
 
Well my brother and I checked what we could visually and the only thing we found is a strange unequal wear on the right front tire. This tire does not show an uneven wear pattern indicating that alignment seems OK but it is clearly worn down with respect to the other three. I would say that more than half the thread is gone while the other three still show 3/4.
 
Is there a transmission problem causing the tire wear or is it the other way around? We have heard of a dragging brake causing similar problems with unequal tire wear but have not seen anything about transmission/differential problems. The steering is fine with no pulling and the transmission oil levels and color looks good.
 
She has only 24K miles on the Tribute. Any help or comments would be greatly appreciated.
 
Thanks
 
John

#3236 of 4133 Re: 2002 Escape 2002 Transaxle Assembly/Transfer Case Problem [kimrochelles by farmrca

Nov 30, 2005 (10:08 pm)

Replying to: kimrochelles (Apr 17, 2005 6:17 pm)
I have an '03 that made some noise when I would brake. I thought I had a rock in the brake. Before I could get it to the dealer the whole thing broke and now I need a new case. What kind of noises were you hearing? Thanks

#3237 of 4133 Door not closing on Ford Escape after replacing glass by susan2006

Dec 03, 2005 (7:29 pm)

Replying to: kency95 (Oct 24, 2005 11:03 am)
My car was broken into the other day. The glass on passenger side was broken. Door is ok. All broken glass was removed by window replacement but the door will not close properly. It has been up at the Ford Dealership 3x's this week. Each time told the door is fixed but when I drive home the door flies open. I have an appt on Monday with the Ford manager but I figured I would check the internet to see if anyone else has had this kind of problem b4. Please help!!!!

#3238 of 4133 Re: Body Flex? [kency95] by ashn888

Dec 06, 2005 (9:28 am)

Replying to: kency95 (Oct 24, 2005 11:03 am)
I'm new to the forum so I apologize if this has already been suggested. My 2002 Tribute also had crackling / flexing sounds soon after I purchased it (Sept. 01). They drove me crazy. After spraying/oiling/lubing every possible thing, it turned out to be the door hinges (most noticeable in cold weather). Since I started spraying them regularly with white lithium grease, I have had no more problems and in fact my Tribute has absolutely NO squeaks or rattles at 76k miles.
 
I hope this helps

#3239 of 4133 01 Tribute Completely Dead by angry01tribute

Dec 07, 2005 (8:58 pm)

I own an 01 Tribute that is now decesed due to a ceased engine. I personally took care of the maintance on this vehicle including every single oil change, air filter change, tune ups etc. This car is 5 years old this month and had 81,000 miles on it. My wife was driving on a highway and almost got killed when the engine died. If the check engine light continually comes on, please be very careful. The dealer's official diagnosis "your vehicle needs a new motor". Garbage Frod engine. I am awaiting a response from Mazda. I have no idea why I thought anything with a Ford engine would be anything disposable.

#3240 of 4133 Re: Intake manifold problem [loach] by wcannon786

Dec 07, 2005 (9:50 pm)

Replying to: loach (Nov 16, 2000 5:37 pm)
Hello,
I have a 2002 mazda tribute and while starting the intake valve blew apart. Can you please tell me more about the dealer recall specifics since the dealer is ready to charge me over $800 to replace the valve, gasket and one other part that got damaged as a result.
Thank you

#3241 of 4133 LCD light on dash is out by tcline

Dec 08, 2005 (10:58 am)

The LCD back light for the gear selector has gone out. The gauges are still lit but the P R N D 2 1 digital LCD is dark. What could be the problem? I hope a fuse and not a costly repair. Any ideas?

#3242 of 4133 Re: 01 Tribute Completely Dead [angry01tribute] by escapenut

Dec 09, 2005 (1:19 pm)

Replying to: angry01tribute (Dec 07, 2005 8:58 pm)
Sorry to hear about your engine, was it the 4 or 6 cyl. ? My '01 Escape XLT V6 so far shows no signs of premature failure or anything, but it's hard to gauge as I'm sure you know, what may be happening internally all the time. I've got 83.5K miles now using synthetic oil from 25K.
 
Will Mazda have engineers come and take a look at the engine to see if they can find out what may have caused this? If not, they should. You may want to insist on this or there may be a legitimate claim agianst Mazda. I agree that it was a totally dangerous situation for the engine to seize-up. Also, see if Mazda may be willing to contribute good-faith money to the cost of an engine. It happens a lot when customers push a little, that is you're willing to do this, which you may not be at this point.
 
A new 3.0 V6 short-block engine (probably re-man'd in actuality) is listed at FordPartscheap.com for ~$1334.00 + shipping. The install could be ~15-hrs. at $75.00/hour or thereabouts. Total could be as high as $2700+ by my figures for another engine.

Messages Page 325 of 414

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