Safety Warning

DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.

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HOMESERVICE MANUALSMAZDA2008TRIBUTE S SPORT, 4WDREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISENGINE PERFORMANCEFUEL DELIVERYSYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING [ENGINE/FUEL - EXCEPT HYBRID]EXHAUST SYSTEM CONCERNS

2008 Mazda Tribute s Sport, 4WD

Exhaust System Concerns

2008 Mazda Tribute s Sport, 4WDSECTION Exhaust System Concerns

EXHAUST SYSTEM CONCERNS DESCRIPTION

16
DESCRIPTION	Smoke

INSPECTION CHART - EXHAUST SYSTEM CONCERNS

STEP	INSPECTION		ACTION
1	IDENTIFY EXHAUST SMOKE COLOR Identify the color of the exhaust smoke. Is the exhaust smoke either black, blue or white?	Yes	For black smoke: Rich fuel mixture indicated. GO to the next step. For blue smoke: Burning oil indicated. GO to step 8. White smoke: Water in combustion indicated. GO to step 7.
1		No	Attempt to VERIFY symptom and exhaust smoke color.
2	BLACK SMOKE: PRELIMINARY CHECKS Carry out the following preliminary checks: Air cleaner (restricted airflow). Air tube (collapsed, restricted). Fuel return lines (restricted). Are all checks OK?	Yes	GO to the next step.
2		No	REPAIR as required. VERIFY symptom no longer exists.
3	CARRY OUT PCM QUICK TEST See PCM QUICK TEST . Are any DTCs displayed during Continuous Memory or Key ON, Engine OFF (KOEO), Engine OFF (KOEO) Self-Tests?	Yes	CHECK for cause. See DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) INDEX - POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) .
3		No	GO to the next step.
4	CHECK FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM Carry out fuel pressure inspection. See TEST 9: FUEL LINE/FUEL PRESSURE HOLD INSPECTION . Fuel line pressure: 240-380 kPa (35-55 psi) Is fuel pressure correct?	Yes	GO to the next step.
4		No	If pressure is greater than 380 kPa (55 psi): INSTALL a new fuel pump. See FUEL PUMP MODULE REMOVAL/ INSTALLATION . If pressure is less than 240 kPa (35 psi): CHECK fuel supply line for restriction.
5	CHECK FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM Check fuel pump fuel flow: See TEST 4: FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM . Did fuel system flow the required amount of fuel?	Yes	CHECK injector for leakage. See TEST 10: FUEL INJECTOR INSPECTION . If injector leaks, REPAIR as necessary. See FUEL RAIL- 2.3L REMOVAL/ INSTALLATION or FUEL RAIL-3.0L (4V) REMOVAL/INSTALLATION . If injector OK, GO to the next step.
5		No	CHECK fuel supply line for restriction.
6	CHECK SECONDARY IGNITION SYSTEM Is strong blue spark visible at each disconnected high-tension lead while cranking engine?	Yes	CHECK spark plugs: If OK, GO to the next step. If not OK, CLEAN or INSTALL new spark plugs. See SPARK PLUGS - 2.3L REMOVAL/ INSTALLATION or SPARK PLUGS - 3.0L(4V) REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .
6		No	CHECK the following: High-tension leads. See TEST 15: IGNITION SCOPE TEST . CKP sensor. See CRANKSHAFT POSITION (CKP) SENSOR MALFUNCTION . See CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (CMP) MALFUNCTION .
7	WHITE SMOKE: CHECK BASE ENGINE/ COOLING SYSTEM Check for base engine concerns (such cylinder head gasket leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks, engine block cracked or porous). See ENGINE . Also, check for loss of coolant. See SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING CHART - ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM . Is a fault indicated?	Yes	REPAIR as required.
7		No	For 2.3L engine, GO to the next step. For 3.0L engine, GO to step 9.
8	BLUE SMOKE: CHECK PCV SYSTEM Remove PCV valve and shake it. Does PCV valve rattle?	Yes	REINSTALL PCV valve. GO to the next step.
8		No	INSTALL a new PCV valve. See POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) VALVE - 2.3L REMOVAL/ INSTALLATION .
9	CHECK BASE ENGINE Start engine and bring to normal operating temperature. Disconnect crankcase ventilation hose from throttle body. Place a stiff piece of paper over the hose. Wait 1 minute. Does vacuum hold paper in place?	Yes	GO to the next step.
9		No	DISCONNECT evaporative hose. PLACE a stiff piece of paper over the hose. Wait 1 minute. Does vacuum hold paper in place? If yes, see EVAPORATIVE EMISSION (EVAP) MONITOR AND SYSTEM MALFUNCTION . If no, CHECK for vacuum leaks, obstructions in the PCV system, oil cap, PCV valve, valve cover bolt torque/gasket leak. REPAIR as required.
10	CHECK BASE ENGINE Check for base engine concerns (such as damaged valve guides, valve stems, valve seals, blocked oil drain passages in the heads [blue smoke on start-up] piston rings [not seated, seized, worn] damaged cylinder bores). See ENGINE . Is a fault indicated?	Yes	REPAIR as required.
10		No	See DIAGNOSTIC INDEX to REPAIR any additional symptoms.

RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

• You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
• Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
• The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
• You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
• You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.