Rough engine wet weather - 2002 Mazda Tribute

There should be codes present if your check engine light is coming on while driving. If there are no codes, there are several reasons this could happen:
1. The codes that are present are "manufacturer specific" codes and the person scanning your engine computer is using a "generic" OBD code reader. Most generic code readers CANNOT retrieve these types of codes.

2. The code reader that is being used is set for automatic code clearing. Some code readers have this option for when you are wanting to look at engine data that will not be accurate with codes present. I have forgotten and left my scanner in this mode before. It is handy if you have already recorded the codes and are continuing with diagnosis, but can mess you up if you forget and leave it in this mode when you go to scan the next car. It will clear the codes, then show you the engine data...coll feature unless it is the codes you actually want to see....Not all scanners have this feature.
3. Your problem may be caused by intermittent power loss to the engine computer. I have seen things like aftermarket alarm and remote start systems cause this, as well as faulty ignition switches or corroded connectors inthe wiring system. Faukts like these are the reason that you should perform a COMPLETE NETWORK scan. By this I mean scan ALL of the computer modules in your vehicle, including the Body Control Module, The Antilock Brake Module, The Instrument Cluster Module, The Passive Restraint Module, etc.. Sometimes a loss of power at the engine computer will set communications fault errors in the other modules. These communications faults can be clues to what is actually causing your problem. Another way to verify if this could possibly be the problem is to check your OBD readiness monitors when or just before you scan for codes. If there are no codes present and there are several monitors that show "incomplete" or "not ready", then it is because the computer has been reset. Intermittent power loss can cause the computer to reset on its own.
4. Your problem could also be caused by charging system problems such as a shorted battery cell or bad diodes in the alternator. This can cause the source voltage to the computer to become erratic and can cause the computer to do all kinds of weird things.
5. You COULD have a defective engine computer. These are pretty rare, and I have seen too many techs that jump to conclusions and replace them way too often - much of the time, it doesn't fix a thing because they overlook BASIC things like the charging ststem before making these decisions. However, engine control computers do fail, and this could be an explaination of what is going on with your vehicle. There should be codes present if your check engine light is coming on while driving. If there are no codes, there are several reasons this could happen: 1. The codes that are present are "manufacturer specific" codes and the person scanning your engine computer is using a "generic" OBD code reader. Most generic code readers CANNOT retrieve these types of codes. 2. The code reader that is being used is set for automatic code clearing. Some code readers have this option for when you are wanting to look at engine data that will not be accurate with codes present. I have forgotten and left my scanner in this mode before. It is handy if you have already recorded the codes and are continuing with diagnosis, but can mess you up if you forget and leave it in this mode when you go to scan the next car. It will clear the codes, then show you the engine data...coll feature unless it is the codes you actually want to see....Not all scanners have this feature. 3. Your problem may be caused by intermittent power loss to the engine computer. I have seen things like aftermarket alarm and remote start systems cause this, as well as faulty ignition switches or corroded connectors inthe wiring system. Faukts like these are the reason that you should perform a COMPLETE NETWORK scan. By this I mean scan ALL of the computer modules in your vehicle, including the Body Control Module, The Antilock Brake Module, The Instrument Cluster Module, The Passive Restraint Module, etc.. Sometimes a loss of power at the engine computer will set communications fault errors in the other modules. These communications faults can be clues to what is actually causing your problem. Another way to verify if this could possibly be the problem is to check your OBD readiness monitors when or just before you scan for codes. If there are no codes present and there are several monitors that show "incomplete" or "not ready", then it is because the computer has been reset. Intermittent power loss can cause the computer to reset on its own. 4. Your problem could also be caused by charging system problems such as a shorted battery cell or bad diodes in the alternator. This can cause the source voltage to the computer to become erratic and can cause the computer to do all kinds of weird things. 5. You COULD have a defective engine computer. These are pretty rare, and I have seen too many techs that jump to conclusions and replace them way too often - much of the time, it doesn't fix a thing because they overlook BASIC things like the charging ststem before making these decisions. However, engine control computers do fail, and this could be an explaination of what is going on with your vehicle.

P.S. I can't belive I said all of that without saying this:
If the check engine light is coming on and there are no codes present, then THAT is what needs to be diagnosed. The fact that it happens only in wet weather can be a clue as to why that is happening - like an intermittent loss of power to the engine computer because of water getting into a connector... P.S. I can't belive I said all of that without saying this: If the check engine light is coming on and there are no codes present, then THAT is what needs to be diagnosed. The fact that it happens only in wet weather can be a clue as to why that is happening - like an intermittent loss of power to the engine computer because of water getting into a connector...

Hi again Debbie,

I did a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) search for your vehicle. I DID find one that very wel could apply to your situation. Here is a brief description of the issue and the TSB reference number:

DESCRIPTION

Some vehicles may exhibit a Powertrain Control Module (PCM) concern that results in no crank, no start, or malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on with one or more Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) present. There may also be intermittent or inoperative power windows, door locks, keyless entry system, lighting, speed control, radio, instrument cluster warning lamps (possibly dimly illuminated instead of being off), or other electrical accessories. The concern is typically more noticeable in wet and/or cold weather conditions.

TSB: 01-047/06
APPLICABLE MODELS: 2001 - 2004 Tribute Hi again Debbie, I did a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) search for your vehicle. I DID find one that very wel could apply to your situation. Here is a brief description of the issue and the TSB reference number: DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit a Powertrain Control Module (PCM) concern that results in no crank, no start, or malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on with one or more Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) present. There may also be intermittent or inoperative power windows, door locks, keyless entry system, lighting, speed control, radio, instrument cluster warning lamps (possibly dimly illuminated instead of being off), or other electrical accessories. The concern is typically more noticeable in wet and/or cold weather conditions. TSB: 01-047/06 APPLICABLE MODELS: 2001 - 2004 Tribute

I should be getting the system check out first. The engine is running rough and "sputtering" still....so once the system is checked then see what the readings maybe? If I understand correcting the garage needs to check their equipment also. Thanks! I should be getting the system check out first. The engine is running rough and "sputtering" still....so once the system is checked then see what the readings maybe? If I understand correcting the garage needs to check their equipment also. Thanks!