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.
Engine, A/T Controls - Harsh Upshift/Engagement/Slipping
2009 Mazda Tribute 4WD L4-2.5LSECTION Engine, A/T Controls - Harsh Upshift/Engagement/Slipping
Bulletin No: 05-013/10
Last Issued: 11/05/2010
Subject:
HARSH 2-3 UPSHIFT, 3-4 UPSHIFT FLAIR AND/OR HARSH ROLLING ENGAGEMENT
APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS
2009-2010 Tribute equipped with automatic transmission
DESCRIPTION
Some vehicles may exhibit harsh 2-3 upshift after cold soak and/or 3-4 upshift flare after a coldsoak. Vehicles may also exhibit harsh rolling engagements if vehicle is shifted into reverse or drive before coming to a complete stop.
Customers having this concern should have their vehicle repaired using the following repair procedure.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Reboot the IDS to clear memory before reprogramming.
2. Using IDS 69.04 or later software, reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration (refer to "Calibration Information" table) by following the Module Reprogramming" procedure. This new calibration is not included in the VCM 2010.9 DVD.
3. The fluid level must also be set to the top hole (top of the cross hatch) on the dip stick, the fluid must be at operation temperature of 185-200 °F (85-93 °C) before the fluid level can be checked or set.
NOTE:
^ Always update the IDS tool first, then follow on-screen instructions to download the needed calibration file for PCM reprogramming.
^ It is not necessary to remove any fuses or relays during PCM reprogramming when the IDS screen prompts you to do so. You may accidentally stop power to one of the PCM terminals and cause the PCM to be blanked, or you may receive error messages during the IDS reprogramming procedure.
^ IDS shows the calibration part numbers after programming the PCM.
^ Please be aware that PCM calibration part numbers and file names listed in any Service Bulletin may change due to future releases of IDS software, and additional revisions made to those calibrations for service related concerns.
^ When reprogramming a PCM, IDS will always display the "latest" calibration P/N available for that vehicle. If any calibration has been revised/updated to contain new information for a new service concern/issue, it will also contain all previously released calibrations.
^ When performing this procedure, we recommend that a battery charger be installed on the vehicle battery and turned ON to a maximum charge of no more than 20 AMPS to keep the vehicle battery up to capacity. If you exceed 20 AMPS, it could damage the VCM.
4. After performing the PCM reprogramming procedure, verify the repair by starting the engine and making sure there are no MIL illumination or abnormal warning lights present.
NOTE:
^ If any DTCs should remain after performing DTC erase, diagnose the DTCs according to the appropriate Troubleshooting section of the Workshop Manual.
^ After PCM reprogramming, it is no longer necessary to road test the vehicle to "relearn" KAM (Keep Alive Memory).

CALIBRATION INFORMATION

WARRANTY INFORMATION
NOTE:
^ This warranty information applies only to verified customer complaints on vehicles eligible for warranty repair.
^ This repair will be covered under Mazda's New Vehicle Limited Warranty term for a Powertrain Component.
^ Additional diagnostic time cannot be claimed for this repair.
Last Issued: 11/05/2010
Subject:
HARSH 2-3 UPSHIFT, 3-4 UPSHIFT FLAIR AND/OR HARSH ROLLING ENGAGEMENT
APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS
2009-2010 Tribute equipped with automatic transmission
DESCRIPTION
Some vehicles may exhibit harsh 2-3 upshift after cold soak and/or 3-4 upshift flare after a coldsoak. Vehicles may also exhibit harsh rolling engagements if vehicle is shifted into reverse or drive before coming to a complete stop.
Customers having this concern should have their vehicle repaired using the following repair procedure.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Reboot the IDS to clear memory before reprogramming.
2. Using IDS 69.04 or later software, reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration (refer to "Calibration Information" table) by following the Module Reprogramming" procedure. This new calibration is not included in the VCM 2010.9 DVD.
3. The fluid level must also be set to the top hole (top of the cross hatch) on the dip stick, the fluid must be at operation temperature of 185-200 °F (85-93 °C) before the fluid level can be checked or set.
NOTE:
^ Always update the IDS tool first, then follow on-screen instructions to download the needed calibration file for PCM reprogramming.
^ It is not necessary to remove any fuses or relays during PCM reprogramming when the IDS screen prompts you to do so. You may accidentally stop power to one of the PCM terminals and cause the PCM to be blanked, or you may receive error messages during the IDS reprogramming procedure.
^ IDS shows the calibration part numbers after programming the PCM.
^ Please be aware that PCM calibration part numbers and file names listed in any Service Bulletin may change due to future releases of IDS software, and additional revisions made to those calibrations for service related concerns.
^ When reprogramming a PCM, IDS will always display the "latest" calibration P/N available for that vehicle. If any calibration has been revised/updated to contain new information for a new service concern/issue, it will also contain all previously released calibrations.
^ When performing this procedure, we recommend that a battery charger be installed on the vehicle battery and turned ON to a maximum charge of no more than 20 AMPS to keep the vehicle battery up to capacity. If you exceed 20 AMPS, it could damage the VCM.
4. After performing the PCM reprogramming procedure, verify the repair by starting the engine and making sure there are no MIL illumination or abnormal warning lights present.
NOTE:
^ If any DTCs should remain after performing DTC erase, diagnose the DTCs according to the appropriate Troubleshooting section of the Workshop Manual.
^ After PCM reprogramming, it is no longer necessary to road test the vehicle to "relearn" KAM (Keep Alive Memory).
CALIBRATION INFORMATION
WARRANTY INFORMATION
NOTE:
^ This warranty information applies only to verified customer complaints on vehicles eligible for warranty repair.
^ This repair will be covered under Mazda's New Vehicle Limited Warranty term for a Powertrain Component.
^ Additional diagnostic time cannot be claimed for this repair.
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:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.