Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Mazda Protege Basic Maintenance Questions
This discussion has been closed.
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
I have a Protege LX 2000 model, which completed 45k. I recently (on 7/1) got the Signature service from Jiffy Lube done (Oil Chng) after this.
First, the service record says fluids topped, but I could immediately see that windshield wiper fluid was not topped off (as against "Claimed on service record").
Second, after driving home 10 miles, the "Check engine light" came on. I saw the tech at center & he said it is because of some "emmision" related problem. Another one said it could be because of factory set that needs servicing at 45k.
They reset the code, but the lights came on again after driving 10-12 miles..
Need to know what should I do about this case, as I feel cheated. I went to Jiffy for the first time, & have had the problem.
Any or all suggestions welcome.
Whatever. If you don't change it, and the timing belt breaks, at least the engine is "non-interference", so the worst that will happen is you'll need a tow to a garage. In an "interfence" engine, a blown or offset belt could mean broken valves and damaged piston heads (lots of money to fix) in addition to a tow.
Anyway, expect it to cost around $250, give or take $50 (independent to a dealership).
I had mine done in conjunction with a 60k mile service, which included flushing and changing the coolant and transmission fluids. I had them change the accessory belts (they have to be removed to access the timing belt) as well. I also slapped on an EGR valve cleaning since I was getting a CEL (code P0402, which indicates a stuck valve). Total cost was about $800. They threw in a free rental car since I was spending a lot.
You can look up the code on the web to find a description of the cause, though sometimes these can be a little cryptic.
JL guys checked & filled up the fluids (gave some grief that it was filled blah blah!!).
As for engine lights, the error code is 171: System too lean.
I am not sure what is the problem. I have driven about 1200 miles after that (been to NY from DC), & had had no problems.
Any suggestions what could be the problem?
I paid $ 8500 in March to but this baby, don;t want to start pouring in any more money if I can avoid it!!
Regards
Choosy
I guess this should be it, as at the time of buying, I had checked Carfax, & talked to the dealer about this. They said it is just an extended warranty for the Mass Air Flow Sensor.
I will take it to them & have them have a look at it!!
Hopefully it is nothing more serious.
Choosy
Timing belts are designed to last at least 130,000 miles but they wont tell you that.
I bought a Mazda Protege 1999 last month, one week after the check engine light went on, took it to the dealer and the OBD threw code PO402, got the EGR clean and the light off.One week later the light came back on.. went again to the dealer, now code PO171..got the light off. Guess what.. this morning..Check Engine Light back ON again!!.. I plan to take it to the dealer next week, the car is running ok. but this light is annoying!..it seems not to be a big deal (Dealer's words..), maybe could be the Mass Air Sensor?, how much it could cost? any inputs on this?..any similar cases?, I will strongly appreciate any advice, I'm loosing my patience with this CEL on every week!.Thanks.
Timing belt replacement
4 cyl. $10 with coupon
6 cyl. 10% off with coupon
Timing belt replaced for $10 can't beat that.
I'm sure they'll say with was a missprint or mistake or something, but not my fault.
Anyon else get one like this?
I have a 01 LX Protege with almost 93,000 miles. I have been told that I need to get my timing belt replaced. When the car is running I can actually hear a "hissing" sound coming from under the hood. Could that be my belt getting dry (I live in the South)?
I was also told by the dealership that smaller car repair shops do not always have a machine that "aligns" the new belt once it's on... I don't know what they were talking about...
Also, when I get the belt replaced, what other parts should be checked/replaced at that time? I was told that it would be wise to replace the water pump because of where it is located.
I have never done any major repair on my car. Just the regular oil change every 3000 miles or so. I live 45min. away from work and most miles on my car are interstate miles. So far, my car has been doing great!
I know it's a lot of questions! I am a female who does not know a lot about cars and I just need some advice. Thank you all for your time!
You might as well replace your accessory drive belts (AC, power steering etc.) since they have to be removed to access the timing belt.
You might replace the water pump as its also more easily accessible when you replace the timing belt. Some seem to break more often than others. I'm at 64k miles on my Protege's original water pump (didn't replace it), and my '89 323LX was still running on its original water pump at 142k miles when I sold it. I figure I would replace the water pump on my '99LX at the 2nd timing belt change at 120k miles.
The hissing sound is likely not due to your timing belt. You may have a leak in a vacuum hose somewhere, which can affect whatever system the hose is hooked to.
You may want to have your transmission fluid and coolant changed every 30k miles too, as preventive measures.
I dont think Haynes makes one for that year?
Thanks
Linds
Scroll down page and download each file, starting with 00-00, 01-02a, etc.
After all 87 files are on your hard drive, open the 00 INDEX file to find where a subject of interest can be found
And, best of all, it's free
thanks - David
Are the spark plug wires the originals? Maybe worth checking and replacing at the same time.
Blow all the dirt off from around the plugs before removing the boots or coils. You don't want this falling into the combustion chambers.
Good air filters can cost as little as $15 when you buy them on-sale. No point in trying to save a couple bucks on cheap filters that may offer shorter life and may have poor gaskets, leading to unfiltered air.
I have a similar problem in my Protege 99 and called to a Mazda dealer about the warranty you mentioned, they asked me for any proof of that and then they will check it out, can you please give me the telephone and address of the Mazda dealer that fixed your car so I can have my dealer calling them to check on mine also?. I will strongly appreciateyour help with this matter.
Thanks.
Ummm...had another question, but I've lost it. So you guys get off the hook with just the one this time I'd appreciate any advice.
I have a general maintenance question. My 95 mazda has 92k miles on it and over past year I have done 3K oil changes, tune-up, radiator flush, transmission fluid replacement, put new tires, and new battery. Still it continues to give only 20 MPG. I mostly drive in city but was expecting atleast 27 - 30.
Any ideas on what could the possible culprit? I would hate to go to a mechanic and open up the wallet to find the issue.
TIA,
Poila :sick:
Meade
I bought a used mazda at 48K milage, and have been doing oil changes on it every 3K miles till now...
I want to do a better servicingo f the car...waht all should be done on a car...now that I have run it for 12K miles...Also, the only issue i have seen it Brake Squealing, as another gentlemen had mentioned. Other than that I only had to replace the battery...
Kindly suggest waht should I ask the shop to do as a part of a wider servicing of the car at 60K...milage.
Thx,
Jay
I got Pep Boys to do that services for just about what Edmunds suggested... I am not doing the Timing Belt replacement (as its Minimun repalcement milage is 60K)....
Apart from that the total (minus timing Belt) was $240...This includes the following:
Air filter
Automatic transmission fluid
Engine oil
Oil filter
Spark plugs
Hope its not a RIP off.....John Elway Mazda dealership was asking for $289 that did not include Automatic Transmission Fluid change...Dealers are always up to rip you off...ANother one Burt here in Colorado asked for $1010....ridiculous...
ANyways, thx a lot for your assistance and guidance...
Be back for more later...
Take care
A stock set from Mazda costs about $60; I've purchased aftermarket sets from NAPA for about $40. As long as you remove one at a time and replace each one in order, it's not a hard job at all. I can replace a set in less than two minutes, and no tools are required.
Meade
Thanks
My manual recommends around 90,000 k but because the timing belt is a pain to get at the last time I had it replaced was at 168,300 kms when I had other work done on the car. (I had previously had the belt replaced done at around 87,000k. Hence the references posted elsewhere on this forum about replacing the timing belt when you replace the water pump -- which I had done on my first Protege before I sold it. i.e. The cost of replacing the belt is mostly in the labour -- not the part.
At 168,3000 kms, the shop inspected it, and in view of the mileage and the other work being done, the shop said "It's time". Just for the record, the shop is owned and operated by my friend's brother who I trust implicitly. He was the one who explained to me why they replaced the timing belt on the old car at the same as they did the water pump.
On the Protege, your engine will die and that's all that will happen. On many Hondas and other makes of cars, the piston heads will contact the valves when the timing belt breaks, ruining the pistons and the valves. In most cases that totals your car.
Just one other good (and little-known) reason to own a Protege instead of a Civic!
Meade
If anyone here is from the Western New York area, Towne Mazda in Orchard Park, New York has been outstanding...rental cars without me asking, discounted parts and occasionally, free parts (I pay for labor) even though my car is out of warranty...being a faithful customer has its rewards!
I looked up http://protege5.ugly.net/ . There was lot of useful info.
However, I did not find instructions on changing brakes.
I am looking for instructions on changing the brake pads. Today I opened my protege wheels/ brakes and could not install the pads. There was a wire like thin clip which I do not where to put back.
Can anyone give me some instructions on changing the brake pads? Pictures will be ideal.
Please help!
Thanks.
SOS!
However, I did not find instructions on changing brakes.
Did you check chapter 04-11 Conventional Brake system in the manual?
PS,
If anyone knows a site I could look at to find out what the ministry would check if I were to report the faulty safety. The car has a body kit and everything and my dad is unsure if it would be more good to bring it to the ministry.
Well, you didn't mention what year and model Protege you have, but most Proteges have non-interference engines.
Meade
Meade
***********************************
OK, then this conversation belongs in the Protege5: Problems & Solutions discussion, where I see you are co-posting this information. Not here as well.
Meade
I'd call a local Mazda dealership or a trusted garage and ask what they would charge for: a) an inspection, b) new brake pads and c) new rotors. That will give you an idea of your options. The closer we get to winter the trickier the driving especially on our Canadian ice rinks, sorry roads. Take care!