[jodik]

I am having same issues. My Tributw runs fine. I can go a short drive or a long drive and then it randomly won't start. I have even woke up to head out to work and its been sitting all night but won't start. Replaced battery, alternator and fuel pump... getting expensive. Mechanic said he can't diagnose it unless it is doing it while he has it. So far every time we give it to him... it doesn't do it. I am getting frustrated. Anyone have ideas??

[Anything Mechan]

From what I am reading on your post's I take it that you cannot restart your engine when it is hot, however you can start it after it has cooled down. You will find this is often caused by a faulty Crank Angle Sensor unit which is located down near the harmonic balancer. If you were to cool it down by pooring cold water over that area you will find it will start. Try this and if that works which I think it will then replace the sensor unit, here in Australia about $130.00 aftermarket.
Regards, Anything Mechanical.

[Cas19]

Hi. Im also experiencing the same problem with my 2001 Mazda Tribute, but the instrument light dies on me as well so I can put it in Neutral making it impossible to be towed. Please help university student low on funds!!

[JTROKS]

I'm having the same problem with my 2002 Mazda Tribute ES V6 with 46K miles. Vehicle was stored and was not driven much due to military deployments. I'm located in San Francisco north Bay Area. I have replaced the crankshaft position sensor and thought the problem was solved, but it did it again last night. If I drive the vehicle 3 to 30 miles where the engine heats up then park and shut it off for 10 minutes it will not start. I noticed this happens mostly in the evening when the outside temperature is cooling down rapidly. I have thought about getting the fuel pump and filters replaced, but the vehicle does not stall when it's running and it will idle nice and steady. It seems it's a faulty sensor or valve that affects fuel/ignition when it's having difficulty starting. It sounds as if it's flooded, it wants to keep firing but it's getting choked.

[TxGreaseMonkey]

JTROKS, the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor may be bad. The thermistor inside is supposed to deliver a rich fuel/air mixture, when the engine is cold, and a leaner fuel/air mixture, when the engine is warm. This could easily explain the problem you are having. Should the problem persist, focus on the fuel pump--it won't be a cheap fix, however.

[JTROKS]

I'll give the ECT a try. Thanks