any mechanics/vehicle experts out there?

amayzingamanda

I'm having an issue with my vehicle but I'm not exactly sure what's wrong or what's causing it. I would like to take it to be fixed but being a younger female, I would not like to be ripped off. I'm hoping some people that know the ins and outs of cars etc may be able to help in suggesting a few things that could be causing this issue so I know what to expect when I bring it in to get looked at.


I have a Mazda Tribute (SUV). Manual transmission.
That said, when driving, I have recently started noticing that the RPMs will "rev" a lot (if that makes sense). For example, I'll start out and I'm ok...shift up and it will do its normal increase then steady out to speed shift up again and it will rev then come way down and take a while to pick up but it will just randomly rev a few times in between while I gradually pick up speed. This continues through all the gears. It also seems to be taking a long time to pick up speed while it is doing this and never really seems like its getting to the speeds I'm used to driving (I drive a major highway to work everyday so I'm normally traveling at about 70-75mph). Overall it just feels really sluggish and out of the norm.

I'm extrememly concious about getting timely oil changes, fluids check, tires rotated etc so I'm pretty sure oil/fluids isn't the case. Also, I've been driving manual transmission vehicles since I learned how to drive, so please do not say anything about inexperience with driving stick.

Any help/insight is greatly appreciated!!!
Thanks in advance!!

Mixmode

How many miles on it?

Does it only do it with the clutch in, or out?

Carl01

It is likely an ECM (computer) problem or sensor of some kind.
It has been almost 12 years since I left NAPA and was dealing with garages so couldn`t guess the exact names now.

The systems are so integrated it could be something that you would never think of such as a defective temp sensor not providing the computer correct info to process so it is compensating as best it can.
The old terms were open loop and closed loop.

lockef

Sounds like a slipping clutch. Replace it.

angryguy77

Without actually seeing it, I would guess that you might have a problem with the throttle or clutch. How old is the car?

bikermike5094

I agree.. it has all the symptoms of a slipping clutch. sometimes if you have a rear main seal go bad, oil can get between the clutch and flywheel and cause slippage too. any oil on the floor under the car after sitting a while? if not, then it is probably the clutch plates. when they replace them, they will ask to "turn down" your flywheel too. that will give you a smooth surface between clutch and flywheel and make the repair last longer.

amayzingamanda

its a 2009 that i bought brand new. I have almost 71k miles on it (i have a long commute to work).

It happens when the clutch is out (not engaged)

I was thinking it may be something with the clutch cable but am glad to hear that that is in fact where the problem may lie. Thanks to everyone for the input!

lockef

It happens when the clutch is out (not engaged)

WaAT? The engine is suppose to rev freely when it's not engaged.

ansonrinesmith

It happens when the clutch is out (not engaged)

WaAT? The engine is suppose to rev freely when it's not engaged.

I think the OP means it happens when she does not have the clutch pedal pushed down.

amayzingamanda

It happens when the clutch is out (not engaged)

WaAT? The engine is suppose to rev freely when it's not engaged.

I think the OP means it happens when she does not have the clutch pedal pushed down.

yes...that's correct....when it is not pushed in. Sorry I have my terminology backwards!!!

dieseljay74

Sounds like clutch slippage or ECM issue ...might be de-fueling which would feel like that also

DowntimeDesigns

I would also say clutch issue OR your Throttle Body needs cleaning. I had a similar issue in a GMC Truck and had too much Carbon Build-Up on my throttle body. Once it was cleaned it cleared up my issues.

Lift_hard_eat_big

Is the "check engine light" (CEL) on? If not, being that it's an OBD2 system, I doubt it's a ECM problem, otherwise the CEL would have tripped by now. Does the vehicle jerk while the rpm is dropping or resuming acceleration?

amayzingamanda

Is the "check engine light" (CEL) on? If not, being that it's an OBD2 system, I doubt it's a ECM problem, otherwise the CEL would have tripped by now. Does the vehicle jerk while the rpm is dropping or resuming acceleration?

Ahhhhh....yessss... the throttle body. I actually had that issue a couple months after i bought the car. There was something wrong that the build up became excessive and they fixed something (under warrenty). Very possible maybe that happened again!

@fpacudan... the CEL is not on and hasn't come on. There is no jerking. just a lot of revving and a very slow pick-up. it doesnt seem like there is any fluctuation in the acceleration, just very slow.



thanks to everyone. I'm definitely bringing it in to be looked at/fixed within the next week. I'll let everyone know what it turned out to be.

amayzingamanda

Big thanks to all that responded to this thread. It was indeed the clutch as we all thought...and a little more. The clutch is actually shot so it is going to be replaced as well as new front brakes and roters.

thanks again everyone!

lockef

...as new front brakes and roters.

They always seem to find more... weird huh?!

amayzingamanda

...as new front brakes and roters.

They always seem to find more... weird huh?!

oh yeah. I pretty much expected it. I knew my brake pads were probably due at my next srevice/oil change so may as well just do it now.