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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 380 of 414

#3789 of 4133 Re: No cruise and ABS, airbag, and Brake light on [peter0688] by laurenlv

Jul 18, 2009 (12:28 am)

Replying to: peter0688 (Jul 08, 2009 2:53 am)
I have a 2002 Ford Escape and I too have the reoccuring issue of the airbag light coming on and staying on. When I take it to the dealership it ALWAYS turns out to be a simple glitch under my front passenger seat. Apparently the airbag light sensor is in close proximity to the shocks which ultimately cause the sensor to think that the airbag on that side has been deployed.
I have dealt with the same issue 5 times in the past since purchasing the car in 2002. The inspection and correction was always free when my car had a warranty, Now that it's not, the dealership informs me it would cost $100-$200 to fix it!
 
Another issue I have is that once and a while, the brake light will be dimly lit but never fully. It comes and goes and I have no clue why...neither did the dealership.

#3790 of 4133 Re: 2004 Tribute ES with 100k miles -questions [steve_] by motrcyclr

Jul 19, 2009 (4:08 pm)

Replying to: steve_ (Jul 15, 2009 1:56 pm)
Steve, i used the "contact us" link, got back a reply that said post in a member forum or some idiocy like that, no direct comment about incorrect prices.
 
I'm not impressed with the "contact us" response.

#3791 of 4133 Re: 2004 Tribute ES with 100k miles -questions [vg33e power] by motrcyclr

Jul 19, 2009 (4:15 pm)

Replying to: vg33e power (Jul 14, 2009 4:16 pm)
I appreciate the list. Thanks very much. I went to the Amsoil web page for info about their synthetic products. found a reminder bulletin about complete flush tranny fluid changes, and doing damage to the tranny because the filter is not a screen, but a felt material. Can someone confirm for me exactly what the filter on a 04 Trib 4wd automatic is made from? I'm intending to change fluid in the tranny, I want to do it the most short-term & long term effective & efficient way. This vehicle runs/rides like new, even with 100k miles. I see no reason for it not to continue, if I do my part and maintain it. I'm lookin' to do exactly that.

#3792 of 4133 Wheels? bolt pattern for 2004 Tribute? by motrcyclr

Jul 19, 2009 (5:27 pm)

What is the bolt pattern/spacing for the Tribute wheel? I have 16" alloy wheels. measured the center to center between two lugs, it's about 3.5" I think. 235/70 R16 tires (contininental contritrac, going to change those soon ) and I'd like to get steel wheels with a more agressive tread for occasional use, don't want to spend a lot of cash. What other wheels will fit ? thanks for the help.

#3793 of 4133 Re: 2004 Tribute ES with 100k miles -questions [motrcyclr] by beachstringer

Jul 19, 2009 (5:41 pm)

Replying to: motrcyclr (Jul 19, 2009 4:15 pm)
I have an 03 Escape but the basic same auto. I'm not a mechanic and I don't know what the transmission filter is made of, but I do know that you cannot replace it ( wasn't designed to be replaced by the brilliant engineers) unless you apparently take the entire transmission apart. So, although changing the trans fluid is good ( I do it every 50K) you are again running new fluid thru a dirty filter. I think Amsoil products are good but I don't know their costs and considering that, it may not be worth the additional price. Thats my opinion....

#3794 of 4133 Re: 2004 Tribute ES with 100k miles -questions [motrcyclr] by rascal69

Jul 19, 2009 (5:51 pm)

Replying to: motrcyclr (Jul 19, 2009 4:15 pm)
The media used in the CD4E transmission and the majority of higher quality transmissions today is a Polyester Felt material that cannot be flushed. Anyone who tells you they can flush debris from this material is not telling you the truth. The media acts as a barrier into which the contaminants embed into the Felt at various depths. The need to remove the debris relates very closely with the increased use of electronics and precision controllers found in today's premium transmissions.

#3795 of 4133 Re: 2004 Tribute ES with 100k miles -questions [rascal69] by motrcyclr

Jul 20, 2009 (4:26 am)

Replying to: rascal69 (Jul 19, 2009 5:51 pm)
rascal, thanks for the info. do you(or anyone else with experience at this, )know what is involved in changing the filter? I've noted several owners had problems with tranny's after a "flush" change, or a "drop the pan, drain & replace with 3-4qts type change, at a "speedy service" type maintenance facility.

#3796 of 4133 Re: 2004 Tribute ES with 100k miles -questions [motrcyclr] by rascal69

Jul 20, 2009 (4:58 am)

Replying to: motrcyclr (Jul 20, 2009 4:26 am)
Motrcyclr:
 
Unfortunately, this is a "split-case" design transmission which requires dis-assembly of the unit in order to work on the internals, including replacement of the filter. One of the reasons these designs are used is to eliminate access through the pan area and prevent damage that may occur during removal or installation of components such as the filter. Ford experienced an increasing rate of warranty resulting from scratches on the bore on the inlet, often caused by screwdrivers being used to remove seals.
 
Until the transmission actually has problems in shifting or performance, it is probably best to leave the filter, etc. in place. It sure wouldn't hurt to replace the fluid, but as I said earlier, this won't remove debris from the system since it is embedded in the felt. If replaced, the fluid would probably be at least 80% to 90% clean and the filter is designed to hold a fair amount of contaminant under normal circumstances.
 
Hope that helps!

#3797 of 4133 Re: 2004 Tribute ES with 100k miles -questions [rascal69] by motrcyclr

Jul 20, 2009 (5:33 am)

Replying to: rascal69 (Jul 20, 2009 4:58 am)
rascal, thanks for the info. So with 100k miles, I disconnect the input/output lines at the tranny cooler, run a extra hose from the input line to a 5gal can with tranny fluid in it, and the output from the tranny to a disposal container. Have a helper turn on the engine, and run until the fluid coming out is clean, I'll have removed everything harmful, won't have dislogded anything detrimental from the filter, and be ready to go for another 25K miles? feel free to point out anything I've overlooked. thanks.

#3798 of 4133 Ford Escape 2005 transmission GONE at 65K miles by timo888

Jul 20, 2009 (1:06 pm)

Yesterday, with ~65K on the odometer, the transmission on my 2005 Ford Escape blew up. The dealer says there's lots of broken pieces of metal in the pan and they're recommending a complete replacement.
 
Very little to complain about with the Ford Escape. I bought it new and liked it very much from day one. I was just thinking recently how nicely it was riding.
 
 I had all services performed by the dealer, changed the oil every 3000 miles, and drove the car in a civilized manner. I liked the car so much I planned on keeping it and bought the premium extended warranty (72 months/60K miles).
 
Unless the dealer gives me some sort of break because it blew up so close to the end of the extended warranty period, it's going to cost $3600 for parts and labor.
 
I've been reading on the internet about this same thing happening to other Escape owners at approximately the same (fairly low) mileage. Is there a central place where such reports are being gathered? Or is this forum "it"?

Messages Page 380 of 414

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