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Mazda Protege Accessories and Modifications
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Comments
Has anyone out there done this? If not, anyone know of a source for the service manual for the stereo? Thanks.
FM Modulator That Actually Works
I have a recommendation for those who, for any reason, might want to play a MP3 player, CD player, USB flash drive, or other audio output device through their car radio.
I tried out eight different FM modulators of the type that transmits an FM signal through the air to be received by your car radio. I was very disappointed with the results. Not a one of them was in any way usable at all. The signal went up and down, the background noise was unacceptable. They were all a disaster, and some cost up to $80 (luckily I bought them all with a return privilege). All were of the "wireless transmission" type. I believe this is the important distinction as compared to the device I will now mention.
About a year ago I came across an FM modulator that plugs into your cigarette lighter and into which you attach a MP3 player (CD player or other audio output unit) via an audio cable (supplied). Or, as an option, you can also insert a USB flash drive directly into a USB port on the modulator. This product is called the "VR3 MP3 FM Modulator", it is made by Virtual Reality Sound Labs and can be seen at:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=3579125
I have been very satisfied with both voice and music played through this device via the audio cable. Music played from USB flash drives however seems to lack a little bass. No batteries are needed, power is supplied by the cigarette outlet. This device does stick out somewhat from the dash so you must make sure it will not interfere with your dash controls.
I bought this modulator at Costco for $26, including sales tax. If you don't find it at Costco I believe Fry's, BestBuys and others now carry it.
I found a Honda parts site that has every clip, bold, panel, etc., that makes the car a whole piece.
Can you share the web site's name?
thanks.
If your P5 came with a roof rack, it also should have come with some plastic pieces that plug the "holes" that are left when you remove the cross bars. It's much easier to just snap these into place than remove all the hardware.
Thanks,
Chintan Talati
Corporate Communications
Edmunds.com
i also have another question: i tried to remove the stereo myself with the din tools, since it seemed easy and i wanted to see if i could plug in a digital line to the back of it, but the din tools didn't work. i talked to a car audio guy, who told me the clips or whatever were probably bent, which is why the din tools didn't work, and that he'd have to "get creative". i think what he really meant was "get creative with the labor costs to see what you messed up". has anyone ever encountered this issue, and is there another way to get the stereo out? ugh.
now another question: how do i get the silver mazda badge off the grill? i either want to replace it with a black one, or replace it with a black one.
i cant get the stereo out..what are the "din" tools. where can i get them? how much should they cost?
and, when i get them, will i be able to run an audio out line from my ipod somewhere into a stereo input jack?
Look for ones that are compatible with Ford/Mazda factory stereos.
On each side of the faceplate, there's a small plastic cover you have to pry off to expose the holes into which you stick the removal tools. Push each tool in until you feel clicks. You can then simply pull out the factory stereo, but pull it out slowly, as the cables attached to the rear don't have much extra length to them.
For use with the factory stereo, you patch into the connector for the optional CD changer or cassette player. I don't know which pins they are - hopefully someone else here can provide the pin configuration?
As for myself, I just put in an aftermarket head unit with a front AUX input jack. I connect my iPod with a stereo patch cable.
Some aftermarket head units offer an accessory that lets you control the iPod from the head unit. This accessory usually plugs into the CD changer connector on the head unit.
Anyway, avoid the multi-tip plugs (like Splitfire). They caused premature ignition and knocking in my '89 323LX. I went back the the 99 cent Champions and things went back to normal. I'd skip the other fancy types of plugs too.
I had the same problem, I went to local shop and we tried for about 30 minutes. I had to tear my cab apart to access from the back and the left side was indeed belt. This seems to be an awfully big coincidence. That's DIRTY!!
Im from Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada, and I own a 2001 Protege LX 2.0
Im looking to turbocharge my mazda and was wondering if anyone has done the same to there baby? Was it worth it? How much fun was it to do?
Does anyone know what kind of tolerences a stock 2.0L has when concidering turbo? Or maybe there is a place online where i could find stuff like that out?
Love the forum. TTYL
Alternatively, Mazda may eventually bring over one of their Mazda diesels which are reputed to have great torque.