I’m determined to try and get something out of this suv I mistakenly bought. Have not ventured out to junkyard... going to try and take cross ref photos for possible 5spd conversion only if the $$ is less than a rebuilt auto trans. And I mean less than $1k.
Its an 08 Tribute i 2.3l 2wd w/160k original on trans and ?? On motor.
I’ve so far done a band aid on valve body and did not get to the pump assembly( very concerned about it). <has not been ran yet since...The seller decided to bounce around harmonic balancer and timing issues, car was running but eventually started to have rough engagement. I will be checking alignment of crank and cps here shortly this week.
after seeing the problems that this auto trans encounters, I’m looking at alternatives to try if I cannot get the auto trans to settle out.

For starters I do not know the type of manual trans is paired with the 2.3l? Not sure if the Ford Escape or merc mariner is possible donor for ECU/PCM.

Regardless, I will try to find one with 8th dig vin (Z). And if I do I will snap several photos of what Im pretty sure will need swap.

 

Not sure I follow, crank, harmonic balancer and cps sensor wont affect the trans engagement.

if engagement is a bit rough have you tried a fluid change?

 

Yes fluid has been changed, no heavy metal bits. Very fine particles at first fluid swap. I drained again and down’d The car. waiting on valve body accumulator o-ring.