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Mazda Tribute Electrical Problems

22 messages,  Last post on Nov 07, 2012 at 3:45 PM

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#1 of 22 2003 Mazda Tribute- short problem ? by tribute2004

May 21, 2008 (7:43 am)

My 2003 Tribute has a problem where all the gauges short out . All gauges go from zero all the way over regardless of what speed you are going. Includes speedometer, tach, fuel, and tempt gauge. Been to the dealer and was given several costly options at what the problem might be. Anyone with same problem? What is the cure?
 
Thanks

#2 of 22 Re: 2003 Mazda Tribute- short problem ? [tribute2004] by bigdog59

May 31, 2008 (10:40 am)

Replying to: tribute2004 (May 21, 2008 7:43 am)
HI, I ALSO HAVE A TRIBUTE 2004 WITH THE SAME GAUGES PROBLEMS. I HAVE TAKEN MINE TO THREE DEALERS AND THEY CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM EVEN WITH THA MAZDA TECH. HAVE FOUND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS.. THANKS MIKE

#3 of 22 Re: 2003 Mazda Tribute- short problem ? [bigdog59] by tribute2004

Jun 01, 2008 (1:11 pm)

Replying to: bigdog59 (May 31, 2008 10:40 am)
Mike,
 
Thanks for the reply. No cause fo rthe problems as of yet. They told me it might be the battery. I had the battery tested and it tested fine. I replaced the battery and it still happens. Also was told it could be the coils, instrument panel or maybe replace the plugs. This was the best information they could find from their tech. If I replaced everything they suggested it would cost about $1700.00. What possible causes did your dealers give?
 
Thanks
 
Jim

#5 of 22 Re: 2003 Mazda Tribute- short problem ? [tribute2004] by jrmazda

Jul 18, 2009 (3:03 pm)

Replying to: tribute2004 (May 21, 2008 7:43 am)
I experienced the same issue. It was a bad coil. Unfortunately it was on the backside of the engine so the manifold had to be dropped. I replaced the coils, wires and plugs while I had access to them. I replaced the other plugs and wires since I have over 113,000 miles on the 2003. It is strange that a could could do that, but it did fix it. The dealer was clueless.

#6 of 22 stereo issue by suckytribute

Aug 06, 2009 (4:53 pm)

first time posting, please bear with me. we have a 2001 Tribute that I recently replaced the alternator on ( kids, don't try this at home ) and now the stereo or dome or map lights do not work. i pulled the stereo out to check the ground wire and surprise, no ground. all of the fuses are fine but it still does not work. any info would be greatly appreciated as my girlfriend is tired of listening to me yell and curse at other drivers. thank you

#7 of 22 Warning lights or sounds by bullymom1

Aug 24, 2009 (2:40 pm)

This may already be posted somewhere, but I wasn't able to find it. I just bought a 2004 Tribute. It didn't come with the owners manual. Today, it kept beeping at me when I cranked it, but I didn't see anything lit on the control panel. It beeped about 5 times and then quit. I turned it off, checked the oil (which was fine) and cranked it again. It did the same thing the second time, still with no warning lights. Do any of you have an idea of what it could be?
 
Thanks

#8 of 22 Re: Warning lights or sounds [bullymom1] by vozac2010

Mar 27, 2010 (6:04 pm)

Replying to: bullymom1 (Aug 24, 2009 2:40 pm)
I have the exact same problem with my 2003 Tribute and cannot figure out what the problem is... Have you had any luck figuring it out?
 
 
The problem is exactly as you describe - when I turn on the engine, it makes 5 long beeps, pauses for a few moments, repeats the beeps, pauses and then repeats the beeps again. This happens every time I start the engine and will sometimes even come on when I have been driving a while (cc 30 mins). No warning lights, no other issues with the car. Just the beeps. Every time I turn the engine on.
 
Did you get your's fixed?

#9 of 22 Re: 2003 Mazda Tribute- short problem ? [tribute2004] by christine25

Jun 06, 2011 (10:30 am)

Replying to: tribute2004 (May 21, 2008 7:43 am)
I have a 2005 Mazda Tribute and it was running fine one day and then the next it was running really badly and wouldn't go over 40 mph. I had to have it towed to the dealership and they are saying that Mazda put out a memo to the dealerships about radio frequencies causing electrical problems. I have been told that according the to memo they have to replace all 6 coils and the PCN ($1900). This doesn't seem right since this isn't regular wear and tear on a vehicle. I can't control if my car is not protected from radio frequencies. Any one else have this story?

#10 of 22 Re: 2003 Mazda Tribute- short problem ? [christine25] by tomv3

Jun 07, 2011 (7:03 am)

Replying to: christine25 (Jun 06, 2011 10:30 am)
Run away as fast as you can! Find another shop that will actually diagnose you problem. Tow it if you have to. Sudden performance problems after 6 years are not going to magically appear because of RF issues. Are you getting a check engine light code?

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