Top 10 2003 Mazda Tribute Questions & Answers

These vehicles have a recall on the ABS system for faulty wiring. You may want to check with your local dealer to see if your vehicle is included.

in case anyone else needs this: I found my cable had just disconnected from the eye...nothing was even broken, its just a slip on...so I slipped it back on & it works fine now.

You didn't post your engine size so please choose the one that is applicable:

To Remove:

1. Disconnect the battery cables.
2. Remove the drive belt using the following procedure:
   • The serpentine accessory drive belt on this engine follows a complicated path and, if equipped with A/C could involve as many as seven pulleys. The belt must be installed properly. Some vehicles have an underhood label showing the proper belt path. It is good practice to take the time to sketch a drawing of the belt’s path BEFORE removing it. This will save much time and effort at reassembly.
   • Raise and safely support the vehicle.
   • Remove the right front wheel and tire.
   • Remove the bolts retaining the right front lower splash shield and set the shield aside.
   • Rotate the accessory drive belt tensioner clockwise and remove the accessory drive belt.

My 2001 Mazda Tribute ignition key cylinder was broken and locking up constantly. I would have to jiggle my key for up to 20 minutes to crank the car (it had nothing to do with steering wheel or shifter lock – the cylinder was busted). If at home sometimes I would resort to getting out a sander to vibrate the key while in the ignition and get it to turn. I was ready to take a sledge hammer to the car. I didn’t do any internet research on replacing the key cylinder until today because I figured it would be a big miserable job…but it wasn’t!!! To get to the cylinder, remove the 3 screws on the bottom side of the plastic steering column cover. Remove cover – use a screw driver to pry apart. Turn key to run position (don’t start engine). There is a pin on the bottom of the cylinder which is now exposed- take a small screw driver and push the pin in and pull on key. Cylinder should slide out. Get a new Ford Escape cylinder at the auto parts store (I payed $86, comes with two programmable keys), note: the parts store will not have one for Mazda, but Escape and Tribute are essentially the same car – many Mazda parts you can only get at the dealer for an outrageous price. Now do the following procedure...(note: you must have both original ignition keys for this to work)
1. Get some long needle nose pliers (forceps work best because they lock).
2. Grab the receiver knob that the end of the key cylinder normally engages near the center of the steering column. (Look in the hole that the cylinder was in)
3. Take one of the original ignition keys and insert it into the open cylinder hole alongside the pliers (this simulates the key being in the ignition/cylinder)
4. Push in and turn the pliers (ignition knob) and the first original key at the same time to run position - don't start the engine.
5. Wait for the key light to go off on the dash and turn pliers/key back to off position…note, if key light is flashing, tilt pliers slightly and try again.
6. Repeat with second original key and then the new key. You must go in this order and you must go from one key to the next in 10 seconds or less. This is how the car programs the new key. You may have to try a few times (I had to) and tilt the pliers a bit if they interfere with programming (key light flashing).
7. Once the key light comes on solid for a second or two and goes off with all three keys in a row (not flashing) then you have it. Repeat process with original keys and other new key.
8. Use pliers to align receiver knob to run position and Insert new key cylinder (remember to insert new key in new cylinder and align so cylinder will slide in properly - key should be turned in cylinder to run position).
9. Try out new keys…car should start! Install column plastic cover. You will still need to carry an original key to open the doors unless you fully trust that your keyless entry fob will always work. I would estimate this job to take about 20-30 minutes if you have the tools and new cylinder ready when you start. I was VERY skeptical when I tried this, but it worked great for me and I thank Mike at Cheapfobs.com blog a bunch!!…Good luck with yours!

Definitely an easier way. Not familiar with your exact model but usually there are two side strips that are removable to reveal a couple of holes on each side. At the bottom of these holes are retaining clips that need to be disengaged to remove the unit. You can buy a removal tool that is a pair U shaped wires to poke in the holes and press outwards to release the clips. You can also make one out of coat hanger wire. It is a good idea to coat the face of the radio with tape to avoid any scratches. If your radio doesn't come out exactly like this the principle will be similar.

My sincere apologies for the delayed response.
I am personally going back to answer your unanswered questions.

I do not know if you still need this information, but I am going ahead and answering it anyway. You may want to Print the Diagrams for future use.

CLICK on the following LINK. It has the Belt Diagrams you will need.
If you would: Before Clicking: Let me know if this helped you, or if you have any additional information or questions. Feel Free to contact me at FixYa.com!
Again my apologies...
http://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_information/year/2003/make/mazda/model/tribute/2003_mazda_tribute_drive_belt_routing_diagram.htm

I've owned two Mazda vehicles. An MPV and a Tribute. Both have been great cars. sorry you got a bad copy.

I had a car that did that and in the end my computer was not working properly. I replaced the computer with a used one out of another car and is ok now.

even though the altenator tests good, it could still either over or undercharge.The TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) specifies replacing the alternator and re-flashing the PCM.(Powertrain Control Mudule).

I hope this helps. If you have a misfire, cylinders 1, 2, and 3 are on the back of the engine and 4, 5, 6 are on the front of the engine. Replacing the coil usually fixes the problem. Sometimes it does not and usually then you will find a bad terminal at the PCM connector, but its pretty rare.