Mazda Protege5 Maintenance and Repair

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Comments

  • tortoise_486tortoise_486 Member Posts: 8
    Thanks for the reply. I actually think I've found the solution. When searching the msprotege.com forums I came across a thread titled "chirping clutch" which described the problem that I had. It turns out that where the exhaust down-pipe levels off before the (1st?) cat. there are two springs that compressed by a bolt to attach the exhaust lengths together. These springs are also attached to the transmission by a clip. So when the engine is warm and the engine/transmission rock on their mounts the springs squeak. They are quite corroded due to our salty winters here.

    I sprayed some silicon lubricant onto the springs (when the engine was cold of course!) and the problem is now solved. How long it will remain solved has yet to be seen.
  • metalmmetalm Member Posts: 3
    Glad you sorted that Squeak Tortoise.

    Has anyone had any problems with 'creaking' in the steering wheel?
    I have a 2002 P5 and my brother-in-law has a 2001 Protege, we both have developed this 'creaking' sound when the steering wheel is turned left or right. When the steering column is straight there is no creaking. My Bro-in-law likes to tinker and he hasn't been able to figure out the cause. It doesnt seem to affect the steering itself but it's bloody annoying.

    Pls Help.
  • kilbeykilbey Member Posts: 4
    Did you mean www.clubprotege.com/forum ?
    --Kilbey
  • mp5mikemp5mike Member Posts: 1
    i have to remove my headlights due to so much condensation inside the lens of my 03 PR5. any suggestions on how to remove the condensationor should i just purchase new headlight units
  • dezaraydezaray Member Posts: 5
    thanks never thought of the windshield they neglected to tell us when we bought the car that they had replaced it in november so they got it resealed to see if that was the problem.
  • dezaraydezaray Member Posts: 5
    We have just had an oil change done last week on our 2002 pro 5 and today i noticed oil spots on the driveway that we never had before, then the engine light came on as we were driving but the car seemed ok. Is it something to worry about we had them check it one other time and they came back with nothing other than a bill for 80.00.
  • iamziamz Member Posts: 542
    First, check your engine oil level before you drive any further. If your oil level is fine, I'm it may be that your crush washer on the oil pan has been used too many times and you might just have a slow leak. Make sure the washer is replaced with a new one on your next oil change.

    When the filter is removed on the P5, it is normal for oil to run down the back of the engine block and that might be what you saw on your driveway.

    Neither of these items will cause your engine light to come on though.
  • ggg3ggg3 Member Posts: 1
    what to look out for:

    I've had my PR5 since december 2002.
    GEARS GRINDED LIKE CRAZY...so hard all the time to put it into gear
    I've had the clutch changed (under warranty)
    the first 3 gears (under warranty)
    Both O2 sensors(under warranty)
    all four factory rims (under warranty..they started to bubble)
    more tranny problems...had the stick pop out of gear 5...and had that and the reverse along with a bunch of other things in there changed (not under warranty)
    ready for this...drum roll please!!!!!!!!!!
    the engine replaced...no oil light came on......car was ticking when the tranny went..and garage told me my oil filter was loose, thought they'd check oil level after that, and didn't....a month later the ticking went to knocking and the engine went at 144,000 kms....I dont know how many miles that is.
    SOOOOOOOO....they cant get blamed because it happened to long after...and I end up with a nice bill
    RUST BUILDUP at the trunk where the PROTEGE5 emblem is...and waterholes I call them...inside right at the bottom of the trunk (under warranty)
    RUST again on the moldings on the rear doors(under warranty)
    RUST on Gas Springs for trunk (under warranty)

    but really besides the engine going...the car has been great...I did drive it a lil crazy at first...was hard on the gears, but they called the first clutch job a manu. defect, and threw in a piece that looked completely different.

    on the upside, the inside still looks brand new and the outside is hanging in there, with few scratches.
  • tortoise_486tortoise_486 Member Posts: 8
    "Replying to: the_big_h (May 16, 2002 6:01 pm)

    Did you mean www.clubprotege.com/forum ? "

    Was this to me?

    If so, no - I was referring to msprotege.com.
  • tortoise_486tortoise_486 Member Posts: 8
    Thanks for the heads up.. My car is now out of Warranty (by 4 months, with 10,000 km to go)_so I'm on my own. I've noticed a little bit of bubbling on my rear rims, but doesn't seem like anything to get worried about. Other than that everything seems to be in order.

    Sucks about the engine!
  • lucblucb Member Posts: 1
    Hi,

    as the post suggests it, my ABS and Brake lights stay on after the engine is started...

    I noticed that this happens when the car as runned for a while (maybe 20 mins) and engine cutted off, lights stays on after the engine is restarted. Brakes light sometimes goes off and work correctly but the ABS light stays on and the ABS system is not working at all when the light is on. And sometimes after the car is stopped (with engine cutted-off) for somes minutes, and when I restart it this light goes off and everything seems to works well... All the fluids are OK and the brakes works perfectly (except for the ABS when the light is on). Is there something I could check to fix or even to have a better idea to what the problem is?

    So thanks in advance for your help, 'cos the nearest Mazda dealer is far away from here...

    The car has just 36000Km and it never had accident.
  • bluep5bluep5 Member Posts: 1
    Just bought my p5 with 75K on it and have to replace the front struts. I'm past the 3 year warranty, so cost is an issue for me. I'd rather not go with the Mazda struts which will be about 2x more than Munroe struts. Anyone have any experience with 'regular' non-Mazda struts? Any concerns with using Munroes?
  • mazdafunmazdafun Member Posts: 2,329
    I thought the Monroe Sensatrac felt a bit harsher than the OEM struts when I put those on my '89 323LX at the 90k milestone. They made the car feel stiffer than I liked. I like to feel the road, but not every pebble and crack.

    I'd stick with standard hydraulic w/ compressed gas strut cartridges, but go with your butt. :)
  • ilovedesmoinesilovedesmoines Member Posts: 2
    i'm new here, i'm looking to buy summer rims and tires for my protege 5 and need to know what will fit.
    i'm sure 17" will fit, but i'm wondering if i can go to 18"...anyone have any experience with this? tire sizes that do/don't fit with 18's would be great.
    thanks.
  • iamziamz Member Posts: 542
    Go to the TireRack or DiscountTire site and you can find out what will and will not work.
  • cceaccea Member Posts: 1
    do u know where I can download the pro ES 2002 owner's manual?
    I just bought this car but the seller didn`t have the manual. I'll appreciate your help
  • autonomousautonomous Member Posts: 1,769
    Sorry, no.

    MazdaUSA is offering free access to Mazda owners manuals from their website (in the Owners section) but it may not cover older models. You may want to call some nearby dealers to see if you can buy one (or maybe photocopy one of their copies).

    p.s. the online service manual which has many of the important technical details can be found at http://protege5.ugly.net/
  • daschissnitdaschissnit Member Posts: 1
    I have a steering issue too. Mine is like a faint grinding, almost like a bearing is going bad on the wheel or in the tranny. Did you end up getting yours fixed? What was the culprit? Mine is in the shop now and no one knows what the problem is. HELP!!! :mad:
  • woddywoddy Member Posts: 12
    Hi, I just purchased a used Protege5, and the shifting phenomenon you described above is already happening to me. The 5speed shifter starts out a little bit stiff, but not bad. As I drive it gets stiffer and stiffer. Did you end up finding out what is the cause of this?
  • tadstertadster Member Posts: 2
    metalm,

    I think I am having the same problem as you. I detect some kind of creaking of squeaking sound whenever I am doing steering. At first it was hard steering, but now I hear it whenever I am doing simple maneuvers. And yes, it IS bloody annoying. It's embarrassing to drive friends around when the car his squeaking--I usually have to keep the radio on when I drive, else that squeak drives me mad!

    anyway, I think I know what the problem is, but I'm not entirely sure. I hope this can help you!

    I looked around in the cabin for suspected squeaky noise producers, and I found that the squeak may not be the steering wheel at all, but a result of steering, and of parts moving. I think the squeak is coming from either a) the steering column (not likely) b) the seat (sit in your seat without the engine started and wiggle around. Do you hear the squeaks? If so, lightly lube the metal parts underneath the seat. Use wd-40 or equivalent) c) the center console with radio/cd player and AC/heat controls. I know that last one sounds crazy, but I really think it's the culprit. When I poke my center console around the bottom edges and sides (especially below the AC controls), I notice the same squeaky sound. It's so annoying! I think that's the cause of it. I'm worried about lubing the underparts of that console up, so for now I am just listeing to music when I drive.

    I will be contacting the mazda dealer shortly.
  • dwryterdwryter Member Posts: 87
    I recall a discussion some time ago either in this group or the regular P5 group about some panel on the right side of the console, under the dash, that squeaked.
  • kuruptboikuruptboi Member Posts: 12
    So after a long hot summer the temp has cooled off and my 03 protege 5 is back to the messed up idle. While it was hot outside the car drove properly: when downshifting or letting off the accelerator the idle took over and dropped the rpms. But since it has cooled off the idle is not taking over again and the rpms stay at the level of downshifting or letting off the accelerator.

    Work done thus far:
    replaced the IAC
    replaced the temp sensor
    changed spark plugs
    air filter is clean
    mass air flow sensor is clean
    throttle body is clean
    checked for air leaks
    mazda hooked it up to the computer there and all levels read in the normal range on all readouts

    quick note: when the clutch is engaged slightly, the idle takes over but once the clutch is let off the idle just lets the rpms loose again. everything under the hood of my car is stock or has been replaced by mazda as well.

    anyone have any new ideas? my car has been in the shop so many times.
  • autonomousautonomous Member Posts: 1,769
    Welcome back kuruptboi. As I recall, your car was extensively modified. Don't you suspect that one of your mods is responsible? :confuse:

    p.s. My stock 2002 P5 is running flawlessly.
  • kuruptboikuruptboi Member Posts: 12
    there was a aftermarket cold air intake on the car for 2 years with no problem. when in the shop, they told me to put the stock intake back on. i did and the problem remained. the other mods to the car have nothing to do with idle (lowering springs, catback exhaust).

    i just want to know if anyone has any ideas as to what to check now, given the difference in performance due to the temperature change. this car has been looked at by 5 mechanics, 2 mazda shops and a few other people and alot has been tried...but it seems no one can figure it out. i mean could the problem come as a result of an intake being on there, sure....but what would that affect and what needs looked at that hasn't been addressed already. it is easy to say "oh it is because you modified it" and leave it at that.....but some ideas would be helpful.
  • dwryterdwryter Member Posts: 87
    The idle on my early-2002 P5 drops toward idle when I let off the throttle, but slowly. If I wait a second or so between shifts, it drops and the shift is smooth. But when I quick-shift the car jolts. Is that what your P5 is doing? If so, the problem might be a dashpot, which is intended to meter the throttle after release. You might want to ask if that could be it.
  • kuruptboikuruptboi Member Posts: 12
    What happens is the rpms don't drop at all when quick downshifting or letting off the throttle. Ex: if the Tac says 4k RPM and i let off the throttle, rather than dropping and feeling the car kick down into idle mode.....it stays at 4k RPM until the car runs out of forward momentum. Essentially if you are on a straight away and get it up to any RPM it will stay at that RPM for miles and miles until the car stops without even touching the gas.

    When downshifting, if you slowly let out the clutch after the shift the idle mode and rpm drop is apparent and working until the clutch is completely let out then it goes into what i call "free fall" mode where the RPM stick wherever it was when the clutch was let out...then acts the same as the throttle example above. but when the clutch is slightly engaged, like at the level where you would have it when taking off on a hill without rocking backward, while coasting along in free fall mode, the idle drop happens as it should.

    One other thing i noticed is when the car is at a stop and in gear and you let out the clutch in preparation to go (similar to the nonrock back hill position) the Tac RPM's bounces over and over and over and never stops between 1k and 0.

    Craziness.

    But like i said, when the temperature was hot outside like the last couple months the car would either drive perfect or eventually start working correctly. But now that the temperature has cooled down outside it is just messed up like stated above all the time.
  • dwryterdwryter Member Posts: 87
    I carefully read your description and now my brain hurts. Unless the problems are intermittant, I don't know why the dealer couldn't fix them on your first visit. There seems to be a safety issue here and one would think they'd be very anxious to address it. If you haven't already spoken with the Service Manager, I'd do so. If you already have spoken to him, do so again and let him know that if they cannot solve the problems this time you want them to escalate them to the Regional Service Advisor or report them to Corporate and ask for instructions. Let them know this is not something you can live with.

    Good luck. Please report back what happens.
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    but when the clutch is slightly engaged, like at the level where you would have it when taking off on a hill without rocking backward,

    BIG NO-NO! That's called "slipping the clutch," and you're going to go through a lot of clutches doing this!

    Meade
  • erics6erics6 Member Posts: 684
    I have a strange clicking noise (sometimes), when I'm braking. Sounds like it's coming from the rear. Only happens when I brake, and it is speed dependend - the noise changes with the rotation of the tires and becomes slower as I stop. Pads still have about 20% left. Any ideas?
  • flyonthewallflyonthewall Member Posts: 41
    I just a call from my dealer's service center. He said they have recalled all 2006 Mazda5s because the exhaust can catch on fire and toast the car. I was told to get the car back to them ASAP and that I would be given a loaner until Mazda has either figured out a fix or refunded my money.

    I guess call you dealer's service center or Mazda for details and verification...
    1-800-222-5500 (I am currently waiting for the next available operator)
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    This is the Protege5 discussion. The Protege5 was discontinued after the 2003 model year. You're talking about the Mazda5, which is an entirely different vehicle.

    Meade
  • flyonthewallflyonthewall Member Posts: 41
    Sorry. My mistake. I hit a link form the Mazda5 Owners - Formus
    /direct/view/.ef90f3f
    and ended up in the wrong place.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
  • dwryterdwryter Member Posts: 87
    Has anyone here popped in platinum plugs and/or perfomance plug wires such as those by Sparkco? If so, did you notice any difference? I saw a few discussions about both a year or so ago, but no difinitive assessment of their value, and nothing at all since then. Platinums gave a little extra low-end grunt to my '87 Civic Si and I'm wondering if they might do the same for my early-2002 P5.
  • tortoise_486tortoise_486 Member Posts: 8
    I had platinum plugs installed in my P5 a couple of months ago. Aside from them costing 14 bucks a piece (yup, i was taken) I haven't noticed any difference.
  • zeniu17zeniu17 Member Posts: 3
    Hi

    This sounds like the problem I had with the security-alarm horn on my P5.
    Whenever the alarm activated the sound would change in pitch and sometimes even die off. Of couse it was very intermittent and weather dependent.
    Eventually I decided to troubleshoot it and found a bad (rusty) ground connection
    on a wire attached to the chassis. The horn itself can easily be tested by connecting it directly to 12V DC.
  • dwryterdwryter Member Posts: 87
    Thanks for the response, tortoise. If it makes you feel any better, the NGK platinums at Kragen in San Diego come in two types, one at $3 the other at $19. You probably got a good deal on the latter. Sorry to hear all they did was lighten your wallet. I've been told, but have not seen or read confirmation, that platinum plugs might increase performance but only if installed in tandem with high-performance wires. I was hoping someone would respond, "Yeah, I put in new wires and plugs and thinned my 0-60 time while fattening MPG."

    Wouldn't it be a kick to drop in a Dodge 318ci small-block V8 (one of the best American engines in history) into the P5? Maybe with pushbuttons like the Dodges of the early 60s controlling manumatics. The main problem would be keeping the beast fed.
  • leadfoot_edleadfoot_ed Member Posts: 22
    I'm wondering if anyone can help me out here. The other day, when getting out of work, I went out to my car and started it up, and it made this horrible metallic rattling noise. It literally sounded like a marble in the crankcase or something. I've heard the "clackety-clack" when you first start it up before the lifters pump up, and it definitely wasn't that. Also definitely wasn't detonation, because it did it even when the engine wasn't under load. When it was making the noise, the idle would get rough at the same time, almost like the crankshaft was hitting something in the crankcase, or the valves were intermittently colliding with the pistons or something. I only kept the engine running long enough to have power steering to get it out of the parking garage, and once I got it on level ground, I pushed it into the nearest parking space and had it towed to the nearest dealer. It's still there right now, and I haven't heard back. My fear is that the oil pump exploded, and there are pieces of it floating around in the oil pan that the crankshaft is hitting. Either that, or some valves are sticking open and hitting the pistons. I can't remember if this is a "clearance" engine or not. As soon as I hear the diagnosis from the dealer, I'll post and let everyone know.
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    OK, you've posted the same thing both here and over on Mazda Protege. But you haven't told us anything about the car in question. Is it a Protege, or a Protege5? What year? Which engine?

    Meade
  • leadfoot_edleadfoot_ed Member Posts: 22
    Well, considering this is a Protege5 specific forum, and that all P5s had the same engine, it's a 2.0L FS four cylinder.
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    Then why are you posting these same posts in the Protege discussion as well? If it indeed is a Protege5, then you only need to post this information here on this discussion.

    A little help, host?

    Meade
  • lachlandlachland Member Posts: 1
    Hello,

    I have recently purchased a 02 P5 after my 97 Ford Exploder was put out to pasture with 210k miles.

    I felt something was amiss during the purchase but it seemed to be something that wouldn't require a lot of time or money to repair and the price of the P5 was hard to beat.

    Basically, the radio, the remote entry, and the dome lamp do not work. I've checked all fuses, reconnected the radio, replaced the bulbs, replaced the key fob battery ... all the simple items that I thought might repair the problems individually.

    Anyway, it does rather seem odd that all of these things are awry especially considering the P5 only has 50k miles and other things like the 12 v outlet work just fine. It could just be coincidence but I'm wondering if there's a circuit that could be to blame.

    If anyone has any thoughts I'd love to hear them as I'd prefer to not visit the local Mazda dealership with at least some better idea of the problem.

    Many thanks!
  • dlhp5dlhp5 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2002 Protege5 with about 50k miles on it that occasionally pops out of 3rd unless I am pushing the stick forward. Is there any way to adjust the linkage or is there some other fix for this short of pulling the transmission?
  • craigp5craigp5 Member Posts: 1
    Ok, we all know that the P5 loves to run the ac on over half of the heater settings. Does anyone know how to rewire the heater panel so the a/c only turns on when the a/c button is on? I am not interested in running the a/c when I am sending warm air to the floor. I would rather have the gas mileage back, thank you very much mazda.

    craig
  • autonomousautonomous Member Posts: 1,769
    the P5 loves to run the ac on over half of the heater settings.
    Are you sure that's the A/C and not the fan running?
  • iamziamz Member Posts: 542
    I'm not sure why Mazda has the AC come on with the floor setting. I'd be curious to know the logic on that one. If I remember correctly, I don't think the AC light comes on either. In any case, it's not really going to save you that much money. I've never noticed a difference in fuel mileage with or without AC.
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    Any time you are using the defroster on the windshield, including when you have the selector switch on floor + defrost, the air conditioner compressor is going to run to remove moisture from the car's interior that otherwise would cause your windshield to fog up. Most cars (not just Mazda) have been doing this since the mid-90s. I know my wife's 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier did it too.

    And like iamz said, having owned Proteges, a Protege5 and a Mazda3 since 1991, I have noticed very little difference in fuel economy based on my use of the air conditioning, believe it or not! Maybe a 1 mpg difference, but not enough to make me wish for such changes. Believe me, after having owned a charcoal-gray car that did not have air conditioning for five years in college, and using it to deliver hot, steaming pizzas in the fall and winter with rain and snow falling outside, you WANT the defroster to use the A/C!!!

    Meade
  • iamziamz Member Posts: 542
    Just want to clarify that the P5 has the AC kick in even when it is set to JUST the floor setting and no defrost. That is what confounds me.
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    Read your owner's manual. If I'm not mistaken, it points out that a small amount of air still is directed out the defroster vents when the selector is at "floor." The reason for the small amount of defrosting is to keep the windshield clear in the event that the floor is damp and warming it would fog up the interior of the car.

    Meade
  • jchandlerjchandler Member Posts: 2
    I just purchased an 02 Protege5 in March 05 with 13,500 miles. I have only put about 3500 miles on the vehicle since then. I rarely drive (since I live in the city) but the last couple of times I've taken the car out, the engine light comes on for the couple of miles it takes me to get to the interstate. It will then cut off once I reach the interstate. I took the car to a mechanic yesterday and he stated that i just needed more brake fluid since I was low. However, once he got the car on the lift to do the oil change, he stated that the brake pads (I believe he said the rear) need to be replaced. These were practically shot and the other ones would need to be replaced in several months. Has anyone else had problems with brake pads so soon? Or could it just be the cause of the previous owner?
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