2009 Mazda Tribute 4WD L4-2.5LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Transmission Position Sensor/Switch: Service and Repair




DIGITAL TRANSMISSION RANGE (TR) SENSOR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION

Removal

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. See Lifting.

3.0L engine

1. Remove the Air Cleaner (ACL) outlet pipe. See - Air Cleaner Outlet Pipe Removal/Installation.

2.5L engine

1. Remove the ACL outlet pipe. See - Air Cleaner Outlet Pipe Removal/Installation.

All vehicles

Factory service manual diagram




1. Remove the retainers and the LH splash shield.

3.0L engine

Factory service manual diagram




1. Remove the retainers and the RH splash shield.

All vehicles

Factory service manual diagram




1. Remove the transmission fluid drain plug and allow the transmission fluid to drain.

Factory service manual diagram





2. Install the transmission fluid drain plug.

- Tighten to 12 Nm {1.2 kgf-m, 106 in-lbf}.

3.0L engine

1. Drain the cooling system. See - Removal and Replacement.

2. Disconnect the upper radiator hose from the coolant pump housing and position it aside.

3. Disconnect the lower radiator hose from the thermostat housing and position it aside.

All vehicles

Factory service manual diagram




1. Disconnect the selector lever cable end from the manual control lever.

Factory service manual diagram





2. Remove the nut and the manual control lever.

Factory service manual diagram





3. Disconnect the transaxle electrical connector.

Factory service manual diagram





4. Remove the transaxle electrical wiring harness retainers from the transmission fluid pan stud bolts.

Factory service manual diagram





5. Remove the transmission fluid cooler tube bracket nuts from the main control cover studs and position the transmission fluid cooler tubes and bracket aside.

Factory service manual diagram





6. Remove the 8 bolts, 5 stud bolts and the main control cover

NOTE:Note the location of the stud bolts for assembly.

Factory service manual diagram





7. Remove the main control cover grommet.

Factory service manual diagram





8. Disconnect the Transmission Range (TR) sensor electrical connector.

Factory service manual diagram





9. Remove the bolt and the TR sensor detent spring.

10. Using a small pair of Vise Grips(R) or an equivalent suitable tool, remove and discard the TR sensor locking pin.

Factory service manual diagram





11. Remove the TR sensor.
a. Hold the TR sensor in place and slide the manual shaft outward until the manual shaft is out of the transaxle case.

b. Remove the TR sensor from the transaxle, leaving the park pawl actuating rod attached to the TR sensor.

Installation

All vehicles

Factory service manual diagram




1. Install the TR sensor.
a. Install the TR sensor and the park pawl actuating rod in the transaxle case.

b. Install the manual shaft in the transaxle case through the TR sensor.

NOTE:The TR sensor is easier to install into the transaxle from under the vehicle.

Factory service manual diagram





2. Using a suitable tool such as a center punch or a 5.5 mm (0.216 in) socket and a 101.6 mm (4 in) extension 1/4 inch drive, install a new TR sensor locking pin.

Factory service manual diagram





3. Install the TR sensor detent spring and bolt. Connect the TR sensor electrical connector.

- Tighten to 12 Nm {1.2 kgf-m, 106 in-lbf}.

Factory service manual diagram





4. Connect the TR sensor electrical connector.

Factory service manual diagram





5. Install the main control cover grommet.

Factory service manual diagram





6. Clean the main control cover sealing surface.

Factory service manual diagram





7. Apply silicone to the main control sealing surface of the transaxle case.

Factory service manual diagram





8. Position the main control cover in place.

Factory service manual diagram





9. Install the main control cover 8 bolts and 5 stud bolts.

- Tighten to 12 Nm {1.2 kgf-m, 106 in-lbf}.

CAUTION:Inspect the main control cover grommet to make sure that the seal is on the inside of the main control cover, or transaxle fluid leak will occur.
NOTE:Install the stud bolts in the locations noted during disassembly.

Factory service manual diagram





10. Position the transmission fluid cooler tube bracket and transmission fluid cooler tubes in place and install the 2 nuts.

- Tighten to 9 Nm {0.9 kgf-m, 80 in-lbf}.

Factory service manual diagram





11. Connect the transaxle electrical connector.

Factory service manual diagram





12. Connect the transaxle electrical wiring harness retainers to the transmission fluid pan stud bolts.

Factory service manual diagram





13. Install the manual control lever and the nut.

- Tighten to 24 Nm {2.4 kgf-m, 17.7 ft-lbf}.

CAUTION:Make sure that when installing the manual control lever it is fully seated onto the manual control lever shaft or damage to the manual control lever shaft will occur and the lever will come loose.

CAUTION:Make sure to hold the manual control lever while tightening the manual control lever nut or damage to the manual control lever and park components will occur.

Factory service manual diagram





14. Connect the selector lever cable end to the manual control lever with the manual control lever and selector lever in DRIVE. Check selector lever cable adjustment. See Selector Lever Cable Adjustment.

3.0L engine

1. Connect the lower radiator hose onto the thermostat housing.

2. Connect the upper radiator hose onto the coolant pump housing.

All vehicles

Factory service manual diagram




1. Install the LH splash shield and the retainers.

3.0L engine

Factory service manual diagram




1. Install the RH splash shield and the retainers.

2.5L engine

1. Install the ACL outlet pipe. See - Air Cleaner Outlet Pipe Removal/Installation.

3.0L engine

1. Install the ACL outlet pipe. See - Air Cleaner Outlet Pipe Removal/Installation.

2. Fill and bleed the cooling system. See - Removal and Replacement.

All vehicles

1. Fill with clean transaxle fluid to the correct level.

Factory Service Tools

Use the Manual With the Right Hardware

Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.

Disclosure: Verified tool recommendations may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.

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.

Rather have a pro handle this?

A certified mobile mechanic comes to your home or office. They bring the tools, you stay comfortable. No tow truck, no waiting room, no surprises.

Comes to youSame-day available12-month warranty
Get a Free Quote

No obligation. See pricing before you book.