In 2001, Mazda re-entered the lucrative SUV market when it released the Tribute, which, like the Navajo before it, had a Ford donor: the Escape. The 2002 Mazda Tribute came standard with Fords 2.0-liter Zetec engine, which cranks out 130-horsepower. To keep emissions low, the Zetec engine uses a crankcase ventilation system to funnel toxic gases from the crankcase back into the combustion chamber for re-burning. The positive crankcase ventilation valve is the heart of the crankcase ventilation system, as it opens and closes under very specific loads to allow these gases into the engine. When the PCV valve becomes gummed up and no longer operates correctly, replacement -- not cleaning -- is required.
Instructions
Removal and Testing
- 1
Find the PCV valve on the crankcase vent separator, the component connected to the engine just under the exhaust manifold. The PCV valve is on the far drivers side of the separator the only section of the separator that you can see with the exhaust manifold installed.
2Pull the small vacuum tube from the top of the PCV valve, using a slight twisting motion.
3Grip the PCV valve firmly and pull it from the intake manifold with a slight twisting motion.
4Hold the PCV valve between your index finger and thumb and shake the valve up and down briskly. Listen for a rattling sound from inside the PCV valve.
5Replace the PCV valve with a new one if you do not hear a rattling sound. No rattling means that the check valve inside the PCV valve is stuck in one position, which means it cannot properly open and close. There is no way to clean a congested PCV valve.
Installation
- 6
Line up the PCV valve with its rubber grommet in the separator. Press the valve into the grommet until its flange seats on the grommet.
7Plug the vacuum hose into the inlet on the top of the PCV valve.
8Pull the vacuum hose lightly to verify that you firmly attached it to the PCV valve, as even a minor leak in the vacuum system may cause major drivability issues.
