Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
I'd be more than happy to totally lose the chime mechanically, but I can't find it.
Do you know where it is under the dash?
Thanks.
Edster
So here's my question, if you would please take the time to answer it - as I haven't yet waxed my Tribute (I told you I can think of many more pleasurable ways to spend my time), what wax should I use for the first time, and perhaps forever after? Any good advice out there?
I admit I've been derilect in this aspect, having my chestnut mica Tribute here in the hot, sunny, and salty Florida marine environment for the last six months without waxing it once. But it already looked so shiny. Well, I'm finally ready, to do it now and for eternity to come (it'll seem that way, anyway).
So please help me out, all of you who read postings and love your Tributes. And remember, I just want to wax it to protect it, not stare at my reflection in it, so please keep it simple.
Thanks.
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
But I think Tribute owners will be pleased to see how the Escape did in Edmunds 2001 Mini SUV Comparison Test.
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I haven't read the Long Term Road Test of the Tribute for a while, but I seem to recall that our editors like it a lot as well.
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
First of all, is the clear coat a given, and if so, what do you mean about the "theory"?
I'm getting water spots and other attached particles that I assume will go away with waxing, or perhaps by cleaning or polishing before the waxing. So isn't that something I should do, even with a clear coat? Any advice from you or others?
And I appreciate my one other reply so far, re the Finish First. If it's for "car nuts" like you say, how involved is it to use? I love my car, but it's not my life, just a vehicle to help me live it.
Thanks for the replies. Please respond.
But I did read that somewhere, prolly here on Town Hall. Definitely not in the Zaino Car Polishes/Products--Your Experiences (Part 2) discussion!
Until someone comes up with the link, the theory is that simply washing the car with a gentle soap made for cars is all that's needed for new cars with clear coat paint. What does your manual say?
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Again, this is hearsay.
Thanks for responses.
Re the manual, it says "waxing your vehicle on a regular basis will reduce minor scratches and paint damage....use only carnauba or synthetic-based waxes."
So that's no help - are there other kinds of waxes besides carnauba or synthetic-based?
The manual also says to "contact your local Mazda dealership for a list of Mazda-approved cleaners, polishes, and waxes." So I did that, and actually got some results.
I wasn't expecting any, but was told by a real helpful guy in the parts department that, yes, I did have a clear coat, but for my needs, he recommended Liquid Gold. So I think I'll try it.
Sounds easy enough, with good results supposedly. Any reaction from you or anyone else re this stuff?
Liquid Gold? Beats me. fwiw, Consumer Reports tested car waxes a couple of years ago, and I understand that the top-rated products were Zymol Cleaner Wax, Prestone Bullet Wax, Nu Finish Car Polish and ArmorAll Car Wax.
Maybe you'd enjoy a few more hours of research?
Store Bought Waxes Part II (No Zaino Posts)
In spite of that theory I reported, I do wax my van once or twice a year whether it needs it or not :-)
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
What happened to the long-term test on the Tribute. It doesn't seem to have been updated since February???
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/longterm/articles/44729/article.html
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Does anyone else have the same problem???
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Many thanks
Wanna know how I did it?...OK here's the recipe:
(You'll need a small socket wrench set, and a small "star" bit screwdriver.)
**BEWARE** I would assume that this is probably a crime in many states, as a door chime is probably seen as some kind of "safety" device rather than a simple annoyance. Proceed at your own peril.
**TAKE NOTE** This chime is of NO USE. A Trib's headlights will turn themselves off after 25 seconds. And if you can't remember to take your keys with you before you lock your car, you probably can't drive a car.
The chiming device is located on the circuit board that makes up the back of the speedometer cluster. To rip it out (a permanent fix) you simply need to get the cluster out of the dash and take it apart. No problemo, 1 hour tops!
Step 1> Remove the two screws above the speedo cluster in the black panel of the dash. Pull the panel out using a screwdriver to wedge into the edge. Other than the 2 screws, there's only "plugs" holding the entire black section of dash in. The wiring for the various climate controls and switches will only let the panel come a couple of inches out.
2> Unplug the power mirrors control and the fog lights switch wiring harnesses. These both have "catches" that need to be pressed in order to get them unplugged. Put the AT gear shifter in 1st. (Emergency brake on?) You'll need to turn the key on w/o starting to get it in first. Hear that?! Don't worry. It only sounds that way because it knows that you're coming to KILL IT!
Sorry, I digress. Turn off the ignition.
3> Lift the left side of the black panel out and up until it can be "hooked" on the steering wheel. Now you can get to the speedo cluster.
4> Using the same sized socket, remove the 4 screws that hold the cluster in place.
5> Unplug the three wireing harnesses on the speedo cluster. Don't worry, this won't change your odometer. Take it out. Move to a bench or table with a towel for CAREFUL disassembly.
6> Unscrew the 5 "star" screws on the back of the cluster. Remove the white protective panel.
7> Remove the 4 "star" screws at the top of the circuit board. Gently pry the circuit board up. It's only being held down to the cluster now by four sets of electrical plugs that are like tight wall socket plugs.
8> On the "inside" of the circuit board is where all the transistors and chips and CHIMES are located. The chime is one of the largest things on the board. It's cylindrical (about .5" x .5"), with a small hole on top. Inside the hole there's metalic resonater that can be seen.
9> Now the fun part. Using a pliers, your fingers or perhaps your teeth, grab that puppy and twist and pull until it breathes its last. Set on garage floor.
Now stomp!...stomp, stomp, stomp.....stomp, stomp, stomp, stomp,.. stomp, stomp, stomp.
Ahhh, don't you feel better now?
10> Put your dash back together in reverse order.
This shouldn't take more than an hour from start to finish. The reason it took me a year to do, was because I couldn't find it before today. Thanks bunches to Jim for the "stethescope" idea. I used a peice of vacuum hose in one ear and an ear plug in the other to figure out that the chime was actually in the speedo.
I've driven the car 3 times since I took out the chime and have noticed no ill affects. I did just think that this might void your warranty, hmmmmm....Be very careful doing this! If you do it right though, no one will ever know! Good luck, 007.
As for RACKS...
We,ve used our factory Trib rack to hold a Thule "rocket box" for 2 cross country trips. It worked fine, and we had 60+ pounds in the box. I would think that the factory cross bars could handle a couple of 25# bikes.
Later All,
Mike
Instead, here's a new one - my 12K warranty period is looming - any suggestions as to what to look for before my final trip to the dealership under a complete warranty?
I assume some of you have been through this and might have some things that you had to (or wanted to) get fixed while it's still free.
Please give me the benefit of your well-earned earned wisdom. Thanks.
The DOT does require a seatbelt chime and ignition key chime is solely a gift to the many who have locked their keys in their car.
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Just my $.02
--->We picked up a Mazda Tribute at the end of August,We have a Honda SUV but wanted a V6. There is annoying wind noise coming from the front two doors and possibly the front of the windshield or moon roof. Can this be fixed? <---
I sat in my first Escape this morning. Very comfy. It may win the race in my head between Santa Fe and Escape. Anyway, while peering in the drivers window I saw a one inch+ gap on the passenger side at the door jam. I laughed and thought shoddy workmanship. But I saw the same gap on the driver's door when looking from the passenger side.
I own a Sable and when the door loosened only 1/8 inch I noticed wind noise from the doors. I adjusted the doors. Noise gone! I love a quiet car so I usually hunt down noises and deaden them if I can.
In the Trib/Escape a one inch wide sponge strip with PSA can attach to the open seam. This vehicle was yellow so sponge may not look cool when the door is open. But I tell you there will be a difference in sound. (One inch is my visual estimate. It may be two inches.)
I didn't test drive the Escape but came to Edmunds today just to see what drivers thought of road noise from doors and bang! Mindy's post.
Good luck Tribbles and add to this if ye have other door noise fixes.
Regards.
What concerns me the most are the crash test results. The Tribute (and Escape) only receives a marginal rating by the IIHS (www.hwysafety.org). Does that concern any of you too? Fortunately, its score at the NHTSA were all 5 stars with one 4 star rating. Does anyone know why it did so well on one test and poorly on another? I don't really want to cross off Tribute from my choices for this reason only but I'm still undecided. Any thoughts about this issue?
Call your insurance agent and check out insurance rates for any vehicles you are shopping. It may be a significant factor in your choice.
No other SUV is as appealing to me as the Tribute where styling is concerned. If I don't go with the Tribute, I guess I'll have to settle with the Highlander that gets good marks on the IIHS. JD Power also gives the Toyota SUV a higher rating. And then there are the latest rash of stalling problems with some of the Tributes. It's making it tougher for me to simply go with the Tribute which is my favorite.
but not sure if I should get the extended
warranty. My SO thinks it's not worth it,
but I'm a little bit worried after reading
about the Escape/Tribute stalling problem.
Does Mazda offer a standard extended warranty
or is it a dealer-by-dealer thing?