Mazda Tribute 2003 Problems

What you might find is that the loss of power and the squealing noise could be completely unrelated. In any case, a loss of power can be caused by any number of problems, so an electronic scan of the car would be the first move in diagnosing that problem.

You might be on the right track, meanwhile, in thinking that the squealing noise has something to do with the rubber drive-belts in the engine bay. These will often emit a high-pitched squeal if they get moisture on them. Typically, this will be coolant from a leaking water pump or a leaking radiator (both of which are located handily near the belts). Even though the belts may be perfectly tensioned, coolant leaking on to them is definitely capable of producing the noise you’re hearing.

The problem with the gauges needs to be investigated by an auto electrician. With the fuel it appears there is a problem with the pick-up in the tank under cornering when the fuel is being pushed to one side. It could be the pump or the filter inside the tank.

The tare mass of the V6 model is 1527kg; the four-cylinder model is 1434kg, which might help explain the discrepancy.

I don't know of a widespread issue that would cause your problem. It's an old car and first I would be having the ignition and fuel system serviced. If that doesn't prove to be a solution I would be looking for a faulty electrical connection associated with the engine and its sensors.

You need to find out where the leak is occurring. It’s possibly from the windscreen seal.

Check the fuel pressure to make sure it hasn’t dropped since you changed the filter. Perhaps put the old filter back on and observe what happens to the idle speed, fit another filter if the speed returns to normal.

YOU'VE already spent a lot of money on the Tribute, so I would be inclined to keep it. Now it's done 90,000km or so, the chances of more problems are higher than they would be when it was new.