11th Sep 2004, 06:33

Repaint at 7 miles??? What was that guy smoking... Anyway I have a 1996 Protege LX. Only problem I have had is the Check Engine light, I need a EGR Boost Sensor (MAP sensor) which costs about 250, I've decided not to bother fixing it. Also I had to replace the brake pads after about 10k miles, but come on brake pads cost what $20, no big deal. Car runs GREAT, I'm very happy, good engine, starts every time, gets me where I need to go.

5th Jan 2005, 15:43

I have a 1999 mazda Protege lx 1.6. I just started having trouble with mine at 112,000 miles. It had a main rear oil seal leak, which I had it fixed and then the timing belt broke. I had it fixed and then the Oil dip stick broke off in the motor, I had it fixed. they found it in the oil pan. Before I took it to the shop it was skipping and idling very rough. ANd now I have it back after getting all those things fixed and it still skips when I put in reverse or stop at a light. The Mechanic could not find out what it is... So anyone out here have a clue? thank you.

31st Dec 2005, 17:56

I bought my '96 in the summer of 1999, and have had to replace a few major things, but overall, I love my Mazda! It's now at 140,000 miles, but is nearing the end of its time with me.

I have replaced 3 EGR valves, and all the O2 sensors ($$$$$). The brakes and muffler have been replaced too. The CarX guy suggested cutting off the heat shield when it started rattling too much. I did, and haven't regretted it. I just had the alternator belt replaced-it was the factory original!

Issues: 1. poorly designed cup holder spills latte into tape player.

2. Driver side rear window sticks, but only my dog rides back there, and she doesn't mind.

3. Major damage from hitting a deer at 80 mph. It (the deer) took off my driver side mirror, and left a huge dent in front quarter panel, but the brakes worked!

4. Window washing fluid pump doesn't spray anymore.

5. Volume knob is bi-polar. If you turn it up, it shoots WAY up, and can't be turned down. If you turn it down, it goes up. I have learned to just leave it alone.

6. Slow acceleration, but it's old.

While I love my little car, we can't afford to dump any more money into it when the EGR valve breaks again.

It has gotten me from Missouri to Pennsylvania many times, has helped me move twice, and only once failed to start (dead battery). I'll miss you, little blue guy!

23rd Apr 2006, 14:13

An update to the prior comment---my honey now has a cracked water pump, which is $600 to fix : (

To quote The Doors, "This is the end..."

20th May 2006, 22:10

My car has 200.000 km, still work fine, and I have change the brakes only once, I never had problems with the belt...

My only problem is that I have a sound, when I'm driving about 50 miles/h, (80 km/h), that sounds like a "clap", it's very noisy and disturbing, but, it fixes when I'm driving at 60 or more cause the sound of the motor is higher than the other... anyway, I have change a lot of things... but still works fine, now, it's more noisy...

By the way, I have a mazda 3 by now, I prefer to drive the older one.

26th May 2006, 14:49

I have a 1999 Protege 1.6L with 93,000 miles. I have read several comments about Check Engine/EGR valve problems. When my light came on, I got the EGR code read out at Advance Auto ($0). I googled 'Mazda EGR' and found this is frequently due to carbon buildup in the throttle body. It seems the carbon restricts the flow from the EGR, which then calls for a more open valve, and the error code is "excessive flow". Go figure.

Very easy to disassemble throttle body (just check to see where the EGR line is attached to the intake air path, just prior to injector assembly). Sure enough, a clump of carbon around the EGR port in the throttle body. Cleaned it up with a paper cip, Q-tip, and carburetor cleaner. Total cost < $3.

Cleared to code.

15th Dec 2006, 13:41

I have a 96 protege, standard. Bought it back in 2002 with 76k miles. It runs fine. I put at least 350 miles on it every week. I had the exhaust problem as some people had described, but instead of having it replaced, bought some epoxy mass and fix it (a new one would had cost at least $250).

Now it is making a really annoying noise coming from the left front tire and when I hit the brakes at low speed, it rattles every time that it completes a cycle.

Any idea what it might be?

30th Mar 2007, 15:23

I have the exact same problem, but with my 2.0L LX. I've been through 2 alternators and the belt keeps going. It's also making an annoying humming sound. Anybody???

little_buddy85@hotmail.com

8th Jul 2007, 12:18

My 99 Protege stops running after 40 or so minutes and will not re-start until it cools down. Otherwise it runs great. Also, after normal switch off the car will not re-start until cooled down.

I have replaced O2 sensors, catalytic converter, plugs and fuel pump. Also have cleaned EGR valve.

Stop Engine Light is on, but code does not indicate fuel, ignition or emission problem.

Car has 140,000 miles and is 5 speed 1.6L.

14th Aug 2007, 19:45

I have a 1996 Protege. I've found the spare tire and a wrench easily enough, but I'm not sure what the jack should look like. There's something that looks convincing over the right wheel well, but I can't get it out. I don't want to pull out something important and have my wheel fall off!

Any ideas?

17th Aug 2007, 13:34

96 Protege has cracked exhaust manifold & the check engine light is on. How much to fix? Will trade for a 280Z -- thanks -

21st Aug 2007, 16:31

2001 Mazda Protege. Needed motor mounts at 82,000 miles. Is this unusual? Never had to have MM replaced on any vehicle that I have owned. Otherwise I love my Mazda and my Mazda service dept is fantastic. (actually, I do not even know what a motor mount is. I just assume all autos have (had) them).