Mazda Tribute 2002 V6 automatic with 197 Bhp shifts ok but at relatively high speeds it just doesn't accelerate the way that it used to. Say I'm at 80 mph and I floor it, the engine will rev up to 6,000 rpm but the car will accelerate only mildly, if at all. Any thoughts?
If your engine is at 6000 rpm at 80, it has downshifted properly, and should accelerate pretty well. Though you MAY have transmission problems, a thorough go-over of the engine would be where I'd start. Fuel system, per yaser, air filter, check for vacuum leaks, pull spark plugs and inspect (you could take a pic and post it here, and get decent feedback) while the plugs are out, do a compression check. If that gives no joy, I'd get a GOOD scan tool check, as Scotty shows on YT. Then check the transmission. If you watch Scotty, you know that his usual response to transmission problems is put in a new one or junk the car - very little that you can fix/get fixed for what an 02 car is worth.
Look you don't even have 200hp If you going 80 which is already really fast its not gonna take off like a rocket. You could have 200hp gocart and if you going 80 you might gain a little bit of speed but its not gonna blow your hair back. The only kind of cars that can be going that fast and still have wicked acceleration are race cars with insane horsepower. And its a 2002 there no way it still has 197 hp after all these years...
@jacksonishere
I have had this car for 5 years now and my observations are made in comparison to what it was still capable of say 2 years ago, back then reaching 100 mph didn't seem like such a big deal
if you are sure that it used to accelerate better before, than the transmission is not delivering the 6000rpms from the engine to the wheels anymore. I guess your automatic transmission is wearing out, the time has come to baby it if you want it to hold up much longer. I generally advise against purchasing anything with used automatic transmissions because of it.
@fernd
I suppose you're right, thanks
Check the fuel system: Change the fuel filter and then pressure test the fuel pump. Odds are that this solves the issue.
@yaser
So you don't think I should be looking at the transmission? Given that the engine seems to be revving up just fine?
@yaser
this one just seems to be posting a catchphrase of scotty without even reading the questions.