21st Jun 2004, 16:49

I work on Mazdas in Ohio & this is the 1st time I've heard of rims bending & tires faulty. I've seen tires bulge on the sidewalls due to broken belts (usually from speed bump ramping or pot holes). But no rims bend.

11th Oct 2004, 19:02

I have an 03 P5 with 25,000 on the original tires and rims. With rotation every 7,000 miles and running on nasty Michigan roads, I have plenty of tread left. Maintenance and watching what you are driving over is the key...

16th Mar 2011, 13:06

I own a Protege 2002 LX. I have complied with all maintenance service required to keep the car running in good condition.

For the last 3 years I have had problems with the engine light, subsequently lots of money spent. The last part that it's need to have replaced is the computer with the cost of $1000.00.

Please let me know if anybody somewhere had the same problem, and replacing the computer it might be a solution to the overall Protege problems. For the person with tire rims, I did change the rims and it worked.

I love my car but it is becoming overwhelming for a retired 65 year lady.

23rd Mar 2011, 15:51

Dear Lady: I suspect that you take your car to a Mazda dealer.

Dealers like to remove and replace parts, the more the better for their bottom line.

I suggest you look for a good independent mechanic who is willing to do the necessary jobs at reasonable prices. If your car is running, take the car back and do it now.

The check engine light (CEL) does not mean that the engine is about to conk out, it only means that the emissions are a little high. The computer detected an error and switched to a default program.

You can also take it to a car parts store and ask the clerk to get the diagnostic codes for you. Once you have them written down, let him clear the codes, which turns off the CEL. Many stores (Auto Zone, O'Reilley's, Advance Auto) do that for free, and it only takes 10 minutes. You drive until the light comes on again, and then you get the codes once more. Now you know for sure something is wrong, and you can google for the codes to see what others have done in that situation. It is often an incredibly minor thing, like new rubber vacuum hoses or cleaning a sensor. Armed with that knowledge, you can talk to your independent mechanic.

If it is truly the computer, you won't have to spent a grand. You can get them online (Ebay, or US Auto Parts) from a junk yard for a fraction of the quoted price, and they are easy to replace by any decent mechanic.