Thoughts about engine stalling....

It seems that there is a significant problem of engine stalling with the Tribute. I've also read of similar problems with several Escapes, but it seems MUCH more prevalent with the Tribute (especially considering the fact that there are MANY more Escapes than Tributes on the roads).<br><br>I'm confident that Mazda/Ford will come up with a solution eventually, or at least identify the real problem.<br><br>But in the meantime, maybe some of the more "technical" forum members can narrow down the symptoms/causes.<br><br>I've read that some owners had their Trib to the dealer and a "loose connector" was found/repaired. Some owners claim that the connector being repaired solved their problems.....<br><br>I'm not convinced that a "loose connector" is the problem though. If a loose connector did cause the engine to stall, then why would the vehicle simply restart effortlessly? Wouldn't the connector still be loose and cause stalling again? Or even prevent the vehicle from re-starting?<br><br>Other owners have claimed that there is a problem in the programming of the engine control computer. I think this is a little more likely. But one thing that bothers me with that theory is the fact that EVERY Trib that experiences the stalling problem seems to have quite a few miles on it. I've never seen anyone report engine stalling on a Trib with less than a few thousand miles.<br><br>

Engine stalling - here are my statistics:<br>Time of day - 7:00 a.m.<br>After travelling about 6 miles on hwy and about 4 miles in town, I think the engine was sufficiently warmed up. <br>Temperature outside was about 75 degrees.<br>Mileage - 7800 (no previous incidents)<br>No prior warnings - noises, lights, etc.<br>Traveling about 40 mph.<br><br>Linda

My one and only experience with sudden shut down came when I had under 500 miles on my ES. It happened about 7:00AM, 5 miles of up and downhill winding roads at 35mph average, temp probably around 50-55. I was going downhill on about a 30 degree slope applying the brakes comming up on a stop light. At probably 5mph the engine cutout with no warning signs at all; no sounds, no lights, no nothing. Since the idle is so quiet on my engine, it took me a bit to realize that my engine was not running, the first thing I thought was that the power steering and brakes had gone out. I managed to crank the steering wheel over and got to the side where I sat for a few seconds letting my blood pressure drop, then tried putting it in park and turning the ignition; started right up and have not had the problem since with 5300 miles at this point. I pass the same spot 5 days a week on my way to work.<br><br>Dave

This describes my stall experience exactly EXCEPT I was approaching an uphill stop.

I experienced the unexpected cut-off problem exactly once, and that was enough for me. FWIW I had 4300 miles on the Tribute when it happened and I was also coasting at 35mph as others here have said. I have the V6 engine. After reading here of some similar experiences I headed over to my local Mazda dealer, expecting the worst ("we weren't able to reproduce it so we don't know what to fix...").<br><br>However before I could go into my schpiel the service rep stopped me saying they were very aware of the problem. To fix it they needed to install a new "main relay" and reprogram the computer. This is consistent with another report I saw here.<br><br>While I have no way of knowing whether this actually fixed the problem, they were very up front with me and obviously knew of the issue. They seemed completely confident that replacing the relay and reprogramming the computer would take care of it. I imagine Mazda and/or Ford has issued a service bulletin to their dealers about it.<br><br>I get the feeling the problem is quite rare, but possible on any model purchased more than a few months ago, maybe only on V6 engines. If you fall into that category, it might not be a bad idea to just call your dealer and ask about it.<br><br>Hope that helps a little.<br>John

Hmmm... This survey, unfortunately, is already turning rather inconclusive. It occurs when going (relatively) fast, nearly stopped, uphill, downhill, very low miles, quite a few miles, V6, I4 (right Angelize?)<br>So far, I'm not seeing really any 1 thing that nails it down.

My ES has stalled three times since I got it in February. The first two times were at the same EXACT spot. All three downhill, foot not on the accelerator, doing about 35mph.<br><br>Was the ambient temp HOT or COLD that day?<br><br>

You forgot the "it hasn't happened" people.<br><br>:)

Hi Tom1543,<br><br>This survey was a very good idea. My one experience with engine cut off occurred at 8:30 am. It was about 75 degrees. I own an ES V6. I had driven approx 15 miles on my way to work without anything out of the ordinary. I was sitting on rather level ground at a stop light which had just turned green-when I took my foot off the brake-the vehicle rolled backwards slightly. At the time, I had the vehicle less than a week and had approx 350 miles on it (yes in one week!). I put it in park and re-started without any problem. I scheduled an appt for the next week and have not had that problem since. Service advised that the idle was too low and that while sitting at a stop, the rpms slowed down enough to cause the engine to stall. Is that true? I really don't know but I have recently had a new problem that seems to be related. <br><br>After 2 uneventful weeks, I tried to start my Tribby at lunchtime. I had to actually crank it.... Really hot day 90 degrees. It finally started up and acted fine. I called service and was advised that they had just received an alert from Mazda re: engine stalling-could be related to malfunctioning cables/loose terminal connection. You have a really good point about the connection and if it were so, the vehicle should not start up again without hesitation. <br><br>I am supposed to go back one day soon..... <br>Lily 11224

I had mine checked when the loose plug advisory first came out. My mechanic explained that there is a plug in which, during manufacture, some of the pins didn't seat properly, so the pins and connectors weren't making good contact all the time. Your mechanic can reseat them if they are found that way. My plug was alright, so we knew that wasn't causing the stalling problem in my vehicle. It's been 3 weeks now since they loaded the modified engine management computer program, and no stalls. As I've said before, I'll begin to feel more comfortable after several months of no stalls.

Here is my condition for engine stalling...<br><br>It happens to me twice at exact same spot.<br>6 min highway speed, and two minute after getting off highway ramp. Interstate 285, getting off at PowerFerry Rd exit.<br><br>Travelling around 35-45 on a slight downhill road with foot very lightly or not at all on the gas pedal.<br><br>Was the ambient temp HOT or COLD that day?<br>

I've also had a problem starting my car a few times. Usually it starts righ up after turning the key, but sometimes I have to do it a few times and step on the gas too.