2003 Mazda Tribute Engine missing when wet

Tiny
WADEGRAHAM
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 205,000 MILES
2 years ago car started missing in wet weather. (2-3 times/year)not often in Colorado. I replaced the crank sensor, spark-plugs and all the coil pack-spark plug wires. I replaced the crank sensor based on diagnostic code. I drove it in the rain-several times and no-more missing, problem solved. Last week driving to airport with heavy snow and slush and it started missing again. I could maintain speed of 60 so it was running with some of the cylinders but bucking and engine light flashing. Got it home and parked it in the garage and 2 days later started the car and the missing is gone. Not sure where to look, suspect bad ignition wiring harness or the coil-plug wires I bought are poor quality and beginning to fail. I don't have my scanner and will not have it back until end of week. From searches on Internet many owners of this vehicle have experienced same problem many have tried doing the same thing I did and problem came back. Lot's sold car from excessive repair bills. I do the work myself so not out much money.
Tuesday, December 30th, 2014 AT 9:36 AM

2 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Scan it first then check for a vacuum leak it may have a slight leak from a broken /cracked hose. Of course with a misfire it can be many things like a sensor or injector. You might also try some decarbonizer in the engine it may have a piece of junk that breaks loose and causes a valve to hang open a bit.
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Tuesday, December 30th, 2014 AT 10:20 AM
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Flashing check engine light is an indication of engine misfiring
most common is a bad ignition coil
best to check for codes to id the cylinder #
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Tuesday, December 30th, 2014 AT 10:25 AM

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