Voltage sounds like it is checking out good wyciwug. What do you mean the sensor is hard to get to?? Take a look at the pic below and you will see that it is just hanging right out there in the open.

[IMG]local://upfiles/1377/5F36BF14585B49A4BD069100064BCA36.jpg[/IMG]
Crank sensor

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[IMG]local://upfiles/1377/5C7A390BF2264AFCB9108F4720AACF1E.jpg[/IMG]
GOTCHA!!
Of course, this is the engine that the first pic was taken from. It is a tight fit in there even with the right side undershield removed.[:@]Helps to be able to put up in the air on a hoist so it is at eye level too.

 

To test the CPS, i think i have to remove the right front wheel. I reached my hand down but the area is very tight.

If both of these tests are ok then plug the coil and crank sensor back in. Use a small pin and insert into the backside of the connector at the wire that is Lightgreen with white stripe at the #1 coil connector. Touch a 12 volts test light on this pin. Light should be flashing as the engine is being cranked. < I also did this and the light flashed as the engine was running.

What should I do next? Replace the CPS??

THanks Babyhuey

 

If the part was very expensive I would go ahead and do the testing on it but since it is actually pretty cheap at around $25 I think that is what I would just go ahead and do wyciwug. You will need to go thru the right fenderwell in order to get any kind of access. Impossible from above in engine compartment. Sure wish I could be of more help in having run across this in the past instead of just using the somewhat vague shop manual for testing the code problem.[:@]

 

Babyhuey, I traded in the tribute for a new Xterra '07 because my last attempt to repair it last sunday did not solve the problem. I gave up. I will still visit Mazda Forum because I still have a 626.

Thanks,

D

 

That's one way to solve the problem.

 

Hey Babyhuey....

I'm having a similar problem with my 01 Mazda Tribute 4cyl. Two days ago, my car ran great... no issues at all. I've owned it for almost two years with no repairs just normal oil and other maintainence....

However, yesterday I had a loose knock/miss when I accelerate. If I am in idle/neutral or driving at a constant speed, the car seems to be running smooth. When I press on the gass to accelerate its completely rough until I get up to constant speed. I took it in and found it to read P302 (#2 cyl misfiring). From the history I've seen and other people's stories, I replaced the spark plugs with nice dual tip bosch, new premium spark plug cables, and a new fuel filter. It has helped... but it still remains and the light stays on. I also have noticed in 2nd gear when trying accelerate faster that I occasionally hear a poof noise (sounds like a ziplock bag being popped/depressurized). Any ideas on what else it may be?

-Josh