New owner - Couple Questions

[RABID_MP5]

I'm trying to understand - are there 2 issues? You said the connector was corroded - might try some WD-40 on it and work the connector in and out a few times. But make sure you then dry it off and ensure the bulb remains completely clean & dry. If this fails, you might be able to solder it - I thought the bulb plugs into an intermediate piece that then plugs into the connector.

If you broke or lost the wire that swings and snaps the bulb in place, that may be kinda bad. I thought I read elsewhere on here that you can't buy just the wire? (unbelievable, eh?) If so, search for a junkyard one. In a real pinch only, you could put a little silicone on it and hold it in place while it cures. This is especially lame on a P5 tho 'cause the bulbs tend to blow kinda often.

 

[youngster2004]

What an awesome thread. I'm not trying to highjack this one, but I didn't see any sense in starting a new one, so if I can interject for a moment and offer some of my own findings so far.

I recently bought a 2003 Mazda Protege 5 (5 weeks ago). I will start off by saying I know very little about the mechanical side of cars. This forum is the best thing I've ever stumbled upon and thank everyone for the great information.

I bought mine at a reliable private dealer who is my first cousin's father in-law. Yesterday I had the ABS and Brake lights come on and after checking the manual I decided to contact the Mazda dealership. After reading some info on these forums I realized that it wasn't an immediate emergency, but I don't like to let things go too long so I went to the dealer for my appointment and guess what? 2 rear ABS sensors needed to be replaced. I then called the dealer I bought the car from and told them the estimate ($636.00 + 13% tax). My dealer said to not let them touch it and bring it to him. He fixed the problem with no new parts and in less time than the Mazda dealership took to run a diagnostic.

My advice, stay away from the dealer service department whenever possible or get a second opinion. I know they have to make money and do buisness, but that's pretty bad especially when the car's in fantastic shape with low mileage (72,000 KM). Naturally the sensors can go anytime, but given the time of year with the road conditions and the fact that another mechanic didn't need any parts to complete the fix sets off alarm bells. They also recommended a tranny flush and fuel line flush which would have put the bill up to $1100+. It was a huge run-around and they lost a customer for life. I will drive, tow or drag the car to another city before I go back to them.

2 weeks after I bought it I had to replace a headlamp. No big deal, but a PITA to change.


Also, the car came with just one remote and thanks to the advice on this thread I just bought one off e-bay for $21.00 including shipping. The Mazda dealership wanted $165.00 + $41.00 (1/2 hr labour) +13% tax. Brutal.

But I do love driving this car!!!
Zoom-Zoom

 

[dirtyz]

I'm trying to understand - are there 2 issues? You said the connector was corroded - might try some WD-40 on it and work the connector in and out a few times. But make sure you then dry it off and ensure the bulb remains completely clean & dry. If this fails, you might be able to solder it - I thought the bulb plugs into an intermediate piece that then plugs into the connector.

If you broke or lost the wire that swings and snaps the bulb in place, that may be kinda bad. I thought I read elsewhere on here that you can't buy just the wire? (unbelievable, eh?) If so, search for a junkyard one. In a real pinch only, you could put a little silicone on it and hold it in place while it cures. This is especially lame on a P5 tho 'cause the bulbs tend to blow kinda often.

The main issue is that the headlight won't turn on. I believe it's because the wire bracket is not working because there is some corrosion in there. I have tried WD40 and I've also tried to clean it. Still no avail.

My plan is to take it in tomorrow and have the dealer look at it, as well as the list of other problems - just to get an estimate of how much it will cost and to find out exactly what is wrong.

I attached some pictures of what I think is the problem

 

[dirtyz]

Also, some other pictures just for kicks.... Including the Brake and ABS light, and the busted fog light, and some of just the car!

 

[LindsaysTrachea]

Hey everyone - First time posting.
2 - the parking brake light is on, even though its not pulled up. Is it something I should worry about? Recommendations for how to fix it?

You may need new brakes. Mine did the same when I needed new pads.

 

[mx-p5]

Car looks good. My little sister wants the yellow now with the auto after riding in both of ours. Foglights are an easy fix. You can get set of new Catz fogs for $65 shipped to replace the busted.

I hope this car doesn't drive you to drink from the previous owner not taking care of it. I know I'm going crazy with mine. I bought a car that lived in the snow for 2 years and I regret that decscion. I can't break anything loose without an impact wrench. My wife's car on the other hand is a breeze to remove almost anything.

Anyways, I hope you get everything sorted out and get to just enjoy the car!!!

Tylor

 

[dirtyz]

Thanks for the kind words.

So here is where some embarrassment sets in (hand)

I took it into the Mazda dealer here in Grand Rapids. I had to get the front headlight working so I can drive at night.

Turns out the reason the passenger side headlight wasn't working was because there was no fuse. I didn't realize there was a separate fuse box (under the glove compartment??). So as soon as we popped that in, the lights started working.

I had him check out the other problems as well. Evidently he had a foglight in the back room that has a crack in it, but he just gave it to me. So he installed it for me, and replaced the burnt out bulb in the other fog for 25 bucks.

The rear window wiper didn't work because there was no fuse there either. (hand)

The brake light is on because the ABS sensor in the rear driver side is bad. I didn't have that replaced, as I am hoping a friend of mine can do that.

The wiper fluid is not working because there is a bad pump motor in both the front and back. They quoted me around 200 bucks to replace both pumps.

They also did a fluid test and recommended a power steering flush and a transmission flush, both of which I know i can get done cheaper elsewhere.

In all, I walked out spending 93 dollars today. In return, all my headlights work, I got a foglight replaced (granted with a used one), and I know exactly the work I need to do.

 

[ZOOMit]

Car looks good. My little sister wants the yellow now with the auto after riding in both of ours.

Hey, tell her to buy mine! lol

 

[mx-p5]

Good to hear Dirtyz! Yeah, don't take the car to the dealer to get the work done. If you don't have one, ask around for a good, honost mechanic and stick with em.

That is strange about the fuses. At least it wasn't the wiper motor that went bad. That saved ya some money!!

Tylor

 

[dirtyz]

A couple of more questions
I have a phone number for a friend of a friend who is willing to work on my car. My idea is that I can buy the parts for cheaper online to give to him. So in saying that, I need some help finding
- A washer pump for the front and rear windshields
- Left rear wheel speed sensor

Also, I am getting ready to call the dealer I bought the car from and complain about this whole ordeal. In the listing for the car, the dealer says its "fully serviced". What are your interpretations on what it means to have a vehicle "fully serviced"?

 

[mx-p5]

Depends on the dealers inpt. of FUlly serviced. To them, it probably means oil change and check'd air pressure in the tires.

The vendors on here have good prices for thier parts. Also, if you do'nt mind buying used, keeping an eye on the full part-out threads in the "For Sale" section is the way to go. I've purchased used parts off of many members on here!! And you can get the items cheap. Just a thought!

Hope all works well!!

Tylor