# Mazda tribute 178k transmission failure? Sudden loss of forward drive, reverse ok **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** tribute, transmissions, mazda\ **Created:** [November 20, 2011, 10:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mazda-tribute-178k-transmission-failure-sudden-loss-of-forward-drive-reverse-ok/69606 "2011-11-20T22:51:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Rockbottom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/848f3c/32.png) [@Rockbottom](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Rockbottom)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2011, 10:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mazda-tribute-178k-transmission-failure-sudden-loss-of-forward-drive-reverse-ok/69606/1 "2011-11-20T22:51:14Z")
Noticed slow to move forward at a stop sign, pulled in to get gas, after fillup would not drive forward in any gear, drives fine in reverse. The station attendant checked the fluid, said it was a little low bot looked ok and did not smell burnt. He added some more but no help. Was able to get home, short drive in first. Should i try to drive to transmission shop if any better or tow? No problems in past 178K, kept up with all regular service and fluid changes. Does this sound like a doomed transmission? Anything i can do short term to get thru holidays? ---
**Author:** ![Caddyman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/caddyman/32/23_2.png) [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2011, 12:43am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mazda-tribute-178k-transmission-failure-sudden-loss-of-forward-drive-reverse-ok/69606/2 "2011-11-21T00:43:27Z")
Yes, it sounds like Tranny Time and yes, I would have it towed. ---
**Author:** ![common-sense-answer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/common-sense-answer/32/716_2.png) [@common-sense-answer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/common-sense-answer)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2011, 3:51am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mazda-tribute-178k-transmission-failure-sudden-loss-of-forward-drive-reverse-ok/69606/3 "2011-11-21T03:51:43Z")
**_Mazda Tribute Model-Year ?_** CSA ---
**Author:** ![Rockbottom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/848f3c/32.png) [@Rockbottom](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Rockbottom)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2011, 3:55am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mazda-tribute-178k-transmission-failure-sudden-loss-of-forward-drive-reverse-ok/69606/4 "2011-11-21T03:55:43Z")
2001 i think it’s ES, V6’ automatic with optional AWD ---
**Author:** ![ok4450](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9bcb4/32.png) [@ok4450](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ok4450)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2011, 6:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mazda-tribute-178k-transmission-failure-sudden-loss-of-forward-drive-reverse-ok/69606/5 "2011-11-21T18:17:30Z")
It should be towed and scanned as a first step and it’s best to use a reputable, established transmission shop instead of a chain operation franchise. You state you’ve kept up with all regular service and fluid changes but that doesn’t answer the biggest question; how often has the transmission been serviced?