Mazda Tribute starting woes

garypoole
Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:28:01 +0000
Maintenance/Repairs

I have a 2002 Mazda Tribute. It has an intermittent starting problem. Once in maybe 10 times the car is hard to start. It seems to flood , then eventually run with much black smoke. Once going runs fine with no more problems. It does not set a check engine code. We took it to the dealer and had the idle air control valve replaced. 3 days later, same problem. Took it back to dealer and had the pcv hose replaced.3 Days later same issue On one occasion had to tow it to a shop that kept it 3 days and found no problem. They said the mass air flow sensor was dirty, they cleaned it. Problem persists. Took to another shop ,after 3 days they found no problem, decided to replace the mass air flow sensor. The second start up after leaving the shop it was hard to start again. No flooding, seems as it was not getting fuel. Once running was fine and idling smooth.

Has anyone ever encountered a similar problem. We have taken to several reputable shops and everyone is stumped. What else is there to replace. So far we have spent 700.00 and still have a problem.

Help, I am ready to make a boat anchor out of this vehicle.

8 posts - 6 participants