Just wanted to let everyone knowwho read my post on the stutteringissue thatI had to get my transmission rebuilt. It cost me $2400 and my Tribute is only 4 years old. The tech at the shop told me that Tributes/Escapes are built with a flaw in the "converter" (I think that is the term he used) in the transmission. He claims the holes that the transmission fluid flows through are too small. I really don't know if any of this is true, but I thought I would let anyone know who may be experiencing the same sort of problems.The tech claims that on the replaced converter they drill the holes larger to avoid any more problems in the future. Hope this helps anyone else!!

 

This sounds identical to my car!!! 2003 model too! I have just been quoted $4,800 to fix. Are you located in Sydney. If so, who did your repairs?

 

hold on guys, I am from sydney too, mine is 2002 and only got 72000km. just want to do a complete flush, your story is pretty scary. is there any sign before the trany gone?

 

I bought it in Feb 2003 - brand new (although the build date is Dec 2002). Has done 145,000km.

Have had the usual shudder in transmission at around 70-75km/hr when going uphill - which has always occurred and has NEVER been rectified by the MDS Computer updates, as the service department claimed it would.

Apart from that, no warning signs. No leaking fluid or weird sounds. It just slipped out of gear at traffic lights and needed to put in Park and then Drive to get it going. Did this repeatedly over the 2km drivento struggle home.

NRMA attended and said AT was stuffed. Although on Monday morning the Tow Truck Driver was able to drive it on and off the truck! He suggested that it may be a computer problem, as it was intermittanr, with no warning signs.

Of couse the dealer (Brookvale Mazda) claim that this AT failure can just happen. Although I had an extended warranty, this is not honoured because I did not get servicing done at the dealership.

Brookvale Mazda denied any computer problem & simply said the system needed replacing - they outsource this (probably why the quoted price is so high).

I simply don't trust them, and have now arranged towing to an Auto Transmission repairer at Mona Vale - recommended by my local (trustworthy) mechanic.

I note that the USA had a recal in 2004, which didn't extend to Australia.

Co-incidence??

http://www.automotive.com/2003/49/ma...lls/65220.html
[blockquote]
[blockquote]
2003 Mazda Tribute Recalls[/blockquote]





Recall ID# 04V175000 - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)

Recall Date:

APR 09, 2004



Model Affected:

2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE



Summary:

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L V6 DURATEC ENGINES , DURING DECELERATION, THE ENGINE CAN STALL.



Consequence:

SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.



Remedy:

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWER CONTROL MODULE (PCM) WITH THE APPROPRIATE CALIBRATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 3, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.



Potential Units Affected:

106000



Notes:

MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS 1904D [/blockquote]

 

My Tribute is originally from Brookvale Mazda, sold just before Xmas '02. The car is smooth but hadn't been serviced with a tranny flush. it has done 72000 kms. One transmission workshop called CAT who just drain and refill the tranny oil which costed my $165AU. I reckon that this is a rip-off. I am going to have a complete flush next month. How much does the recall cost? Will it be free? I have contacted Mazda and they reckon the trasmission should be flushed every 50000 k and the price is around $250AU. Do you think that it will help. You can't trust any mechanic in Sydney, can we?

 

Will a2003 Ford Escape transmission match up to 03 Tribute?