- Good morning!! I have a 2001 Mazda Tribute 3.0 automatic. 170,000 miles. I’m getting a P0320 code. I have changed the crank sensor twice, cleared the code, also changed the cam sensor. Thing is, I can start the car and it will run and idle just fine for say 20-30 minutes. Then when It gets warm it will sputter and die and will not restart. Bucks, sputters, tries to start but won’t, then will throw the P0320 code. I can let it set for a couple hours go back to it and it will start right up. I’m lost. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!!
Your timing will be off and that is what happening. It is the harmonic rubber balancer that when gets hot, goes out of balance and results in shutting off.
So you are saying that you think the harmonic balancer needs to be changed? The “rubber” part is what I’m confused about. Thank you!!
Ok, I think I understand. Sorry but I have never dealt much with those. Didn’t realize that rubber was involved but now I do. You believe it’s just deteriorating? Can it be inspected or would it be all internal?
Yes. Sure. I’m not so sure about your specific car but some of the cars have balances with rubber parts and usually overtime they go bad. Anyway, I would change the balancer and it will most likely solve your issue.
Some people say they can fix it but really it is not the case. It is s rubber which deteriorated and you better off with a whole new part.
So the way I’m thinking is that of it goes “out of balance” when hot, wouldn’t it just stay out of balance?cool or not? I’m just trying-to understand
It is rubber not steel and it can deform drastically when gets hot.
We’ll thanks for the advice. I’m gonna give it a try. Have nothing to lose. Thinking about it, it makes sense but I never would have thought of that. I’ll let ya know!
Well changed the harmonic balancer and I have the same issue unfortunately. Drive it for about 5 miles before it shut off again. As I was driving, I did notice a “stumble “ every now and then under slight, light acceleration as well as heavy. Just like one beat of stumble and hesitation. Then the next two or three times it would be fine, then do it again. Finally it stumbled bad and quit running and would not restart. I really don’t think it’s fuel the way it Hesitates. It like loses power for that quick instant then snaps back on. I’m really baffled here. Any other suggestions? Thanks in advance!
Have you checked the fuel line pressure? If the pressure is fine, you need a higher level scan tool to find out what the exact issue is. You need to find an honest mechanic.
I have not checked fuel line pressure. Think maybe fuel pump heating up? Honest mechanic?? Wheeew. That could be as challenging as figuring out what’s wrong myself. lol