Mazda Tribute Service Help

[chotto]

My wife's daily driver 2002 Mazda Tribute was experiencing hesitation last week. It was giving us a flashing CEL. We took it in and they recommended a major tune up. They replaced the coils, spark plugs, EGR valve, and cleaned the injectors. Total cost $1,700. After two days of driving, she had more trouble. It will not go over 3,000RPM. The dealer told me that it needs a new DPFE, catalytic converter, main silencer, catalyst, gaskets, and exhaust manifold totaling $2,600. I understand that the hesitation may be caused from DPFE sensor, but why would the cats need to be replaced? A check engine light has not come on. If the cats are bad, I would think that oxygen sensors would be tripped and signaled a CEL. I'm obviously not happy because a total of $4,300 is probably more than its worth. Any advice?

[sonza68]

It sounds like they are just throwing parts at it and not actually diagnosing the problem. Every item listed after DPFE doesn't make sense to me since bad cats should trip a CEL.

The prior CEL means a misfire so, going after the plugs, coils, injectors, etc makes sense to me. When was the last time the fuel filter was replaced? Ford had problems with fuel pumps on the Contique/Cougar that would result in similar behavior, so that could be a possibility. You might try checking an Escape/Tribute forum if there is a decent one.

[TimMullen]

The other question to ask is what was the original code causing the MIL (it's not properly called a Check Engine Light anymore, since it now does much more than just monitor the engine - it's the Malfunction Indicator Light). That should lead to what was the original problem with the system.

They may or may not be doing the proper things, but it's sounds like they are "throwing parts at it", and if they do enough of that, sooner or later they get it right. But it can cost a LOT more that way...