I have a 2002 Tribute ES with the V6. I have been having a rough idle at start up for the last couple of weeks. I put in a fuel system cleaner and the problem stopped for two fill ups but returned this week. I went to the Mazda dealer and they said it was an OV sensor or something. It sounds more like a fuel filter problem or something fuel system related. Has anyone else had this issue and what was the cause.

Thanks

 

OV sensor or O2 sensor? Does the rough idle only happen after sitting for a while like overnight and cold engine or every time you restart the enigine? Try the cleaner again and see if same thing happens. Maybe have water in the tank which is getting picked up when you first start up.

 

Haven't had this problem in my Mazda yet but the 17 year old buick I had before developed this problem once. The O2 sensor had gone out and it was feeding the control computer weird readings which caused it to adjust the idle speed constantly. It was a cheap fix though. $175 total and a few hours in the shop if I remember correctly.

 

It only happens when it has been sitting for over an hour minimum. At first I thought it was vapor lock because it first happened when the temps were very high for the area. Then it started occurring on mornings start up. Idle is fine once I get it to hold an idle and it doesn't happen every time. There are no unusual smells at start up or when it is idling.

 

Almost sounds like a fuel pressure/volume loss after sitting for a time but have never run across this issue with Tribute. Let me check for any TSB's but do not remember any with this kind of problem. What did the original diagnosis from dealer say was the problem? OV not ringing a bell but O2 also should not cause an issue after start up. Keep us posted up to date.

 

I believe the problem was a clogged fuel filter. I changed it out with a new one and tried the blow through test. I blew into the filter until my brain about burst and had a VERY restricted air current moving through the old filter. It appears that all is well with the new filter and it hasn't had another problem in a couple of days. Thanks for the help.

 

THERE IS A RECALL FOR TRIBUTES STALLING WHICH INVOLVES A PCM REFLASH


RECALL # 1904D- CALL YOUR LOCAL DEALER FOR MORE INFO

 

i had a problem with my idle air control valve. it gets gummed up after awhile. it sits right on top of the engine and looks like this picture. if my truck stalled i would tap on it with a hammer and it would start up. this is how i determined that's what it was. i'd almost bet it was your problem, do not take to the dealer!!! this part cost's about 80 bucks and with only 2 bolts and one plug it takes like 5 minutes to change.


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