The Mazda Tribute was equipped with the CD4E or the 6F35 in later models. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Mazda Tribute transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Mazda Tribute Transmission Models
Mazda Tribute: CD4E Transmission
Mazda Tribute: 6F35 Transmission
Mazda Tribute Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.
Replacement Mazda Tribute Transmission Prices:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| CD4E | 1947 |
| 6F50 / 6F35 | 2480 |
What are the DTC codes related to Mazda Tribute transmission problems?
P0766 – Failed Shift Solenoid D – This DTC can be stored when there is a problem with a shift solenoid or the valve body.
P2703 – Failed Friction Element D – This trouble code can be triggered by a failed friction element like a clutch disc.
P0720 – Failed Input Speed Sensor or Output Speed Sensor – This trouble code is caused by a bad speed sensor on the transmission.
P0730 – Incorrect Gear Ratio – This issue could be caused by a number of problems, including a fault in the transmission control module, dirty transmission fluid, or a bad transmission solenoid.
P0657 – Voltage Problem in the ‘A’ Circuit – This transmission problem is often caused by a short, or bad ground on the PCM or PCM wiring harness.
P0700 – Malfunction in the transmission control system – This DTC is often triggered when there is a problem with the TCM, a wiring harness, a solenoid, or the valve body.
P0715 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Malfunction – This code typically gets stored when the input sensor cannot read the engine RPM, which can prevent the transmission from appropriately shifting gears.
P0717 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor No Signal – This trouble code is generated when the PCM does not get a signal from the input speed sensor, which will prevent the computer from being able to determine when the transmission needs to shift.
P0791 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor ‘A’ Circuit – This error can occur when there is a problem with the intermediate shaft speed sensor, most likely due to a bad sensor, wiring problem, or a failed shift solenoid.
P0793 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal – The computer will generate this DTC when it cannot communicate with the intermediate shaft speed sensor.
Mazda Tribute Transmission Recalls
None Found
Mazda Tribute Transmission Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
None Found
Common Problems with the Mazda Tribute Transmission
Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light
Can I drive with a transmission problem?
If your Mazda Tribute can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.
How often does a Mazda Tribute transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Mazda Tribute transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Mazda Tribute transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.
How are Mazda Tribute transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Mazda Tribute transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.
How is a Mazda Tribute transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Mazda Tribute transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed. Once it is in place, for the 6L80, the vehicle PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission using the latest GM subscription.
Recommendations for Mazda Tribute transmission issues?
To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Mazda Tribute transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Mazda Tribute Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Mazda Tribute Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Mazda Tribute Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Mazda Tribute Transmission
Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Problem Does Your Mazda Tribute Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
Check Engine light and wrench light on a Mazda 2011 Tribute S V6. Diagnostic showed TCC solenoid. Low mileage, some jerking in idle, especially in cruise control. The estimate was $660.00 to replace the solenoid. We drove the car another 1000 miles to get back home from a trip. It just turned 130,000 miles. Could there be other damage to the transmission that should also be checked out?
Took it to MAZDA for a complete diagnostic check. Was informed that it’s the wiring harness and they don’t make the part anymore
it just stop no sign just stop
2005 Tribute V6
Sometimes rough shifting, like banging into gear after a little slip. Sometimes doesn’t kick down when trying to accelerate but I suspect that is more of an engine control problem.
Also flashing 4WD light. At different times 3 flashes, 4 flashes or 6 flashes. I can not determine what triggers any of those as they seem to happen completely randomly while driving and are not associated with any other symptom. Just driving along, starts flashing
Not throwing any codes related to trans
Delayed engagement when you press on the gas in reverse or drive.
It quit shifting altogether. We have done transmission fluid flush 2 times and still no shift, however no dtc’s either. It’s an 02 mazda tribute lxv6 with 4wd
I was driving my 2006 Mazda Tribute and when I came to a stop it wouldn’t move. The car is on and the rpms go high. all fluids are good.
Vehicle shaking, not shifting gears easily.
It will stop shifting after a little while of driving
Bought a 2006 Mazda tribute 3 days ago and I’ve got 6 codes that pop up 0755,0203,0206,0303,0743,0750
The motor whines out at high rpms before shifting and sometimes have to let off gas before shifts
Overdrive light flashes what causes this problem
no reverse forward stays stuck in first
I have 01 mazda tribute when I put in drive it wil it won’t take off in 1st it in 4th but you can pull in 1st to start then go in drive it will change fine bit when you push overdrive button it goes in neutral.?any idea?
I have a 2001 Mazda Tribute that the axle popped out of the trans the day after I got it. That leaked out all the fluid and the car wouldn’t go obviously. The dealership fixed it and a couple months later, it was leaking trans fluid, slipping, and sometimes wouldn’t go into reverse. My own mechanic replaced the seal on trans and when did so, a small rounded piece of metal came out. When I went to get it, it drove great for 15 minutes, then started making a metal clanking noise. It still drives okay but I’m afraid to drive it because of the noise. Could it be another broken piece inside that could mess up the trans internally?
03 Mazda Tribute won’t move in drive… Moves in reverse???
My brother has a 2004 Mazda tribute with 160000 miles and when he was going down the road it went into neutral and now it wont go into any gear except park. Any ideas on what went wrong?
I had the same thing happen to me on my 02 mazda tribute and it was the nutruel safety switch.
2006 Mazda Tribute i have the same problem. curious to see what solution you came up with
neutral switch is good
Yep! Mine did the same thing I have an 05 tribute. Mine is currently in the mechanic shop and the transmission is being rebuilt. 4000$ it will be when the transmission is done
Same problem. I replaced neutral safety switch but still same issue . What was broken in the transmission?
I had transmission service on my Mazda tribute 2005. The shop told me they replaced the transmission with a rebuilt transmission. Although I am still dealing with the gears slipping and delaying to shift and Gears will at times not go in reverse at times. Is this a common issue with a rebuilt transmission. I am still dealing with the gears slipping and delaying to shift. Is this a common issue with a rebuilt transmissions .
Trans X will fix that problem,
My mazda tribute drive fine in reverse but won’t move forward
I have a 2002 Mazda tribute with a 160000 miles on it V6 2 wheel drive automatic overdrive drove it no problems my wife polled in back and Parker vehicle got out when to go to work the next morning she has no forward gears whatsoever reverse works just fine we have no trouble codes transmission fluid is fine don’t know where to begin
I have a 2006 tribute I picked up really cheap. It has 376,000 miles on it. I had a car fax but I don’t think it tells the whole story. Amazingly it runs good . I really believe one of these with this many miles, things have been replaced. The only issue I have with the transmission is when I go from reverse to drive it will clunk if I don’t wait a few seconds for the transmission to change directions so to speak before I press the accelerator. Its almost like the fluid has not caught up with the change. Other than that the transmission works great.
I have a 2005 mazda tribute3.0 and. My problem is when I apply the brakes when coming to a stop.the SUV tries to keep going.the harder you try to stop the sub tries to stall out. If you let off the brake and continue to drive it shifts through all the gears like its suppose to. Any ideas what’s wrong? thanks!
Tourqe converter