What have you done to your P5 today?

[BenjiHoggi]

At 215k miles, developed an idle misfire that eventually got bad enough that you could see it on the tach and it threw a code for #3 misfire.

Replaced wires and plugs and checked spark plug on #3 and it was noticably worse than other plugs.

Did a dry compression test and it came back 180 180 130 180. Figured my engine was done. Put a new spark plug in, added some seafoam and did an oil change. No change.

Gave it the old Italian tuneup as a last hooraw (it wasn't down on power and ran fine at normal speeds). Came back the next day and did another dry compression test. Came back 180 on all with no idle misfire. Car resurrected itself, go figure.

I suspect maybe some carbon build up preventing good valve seal or clogging rings badly. Runs great again, going to keep watching it.

Transmission and throwout bearing are also making noises and shifting is clunky.

This car has been good and just keeps going, but its getting closer to the end of its life.

 

[TX_SilverP5]

Got the old P0106 code the other day. Decided to grab:

• EGR Valve Control Solenoid (DORMAN 911707 - It's on sale right now)
• MAP Sensor (Walker 2251121)

But I also used ForScan to clear the code and it hasn't returned. I figure it's a good idea to just replace these anyway for the age.

 

[mazdamaiden]

Finally got in a spare alternator mounting bracket (all the way from ontario, ca!), now i can get the mechanic back out to fix my lady! who would have thought that the part would be discontinued.

 

[TX_SilverP5]

Finally got in a spare alternator mounting bracket (all the way from ontario, ca!), now i can get the mechanic back out to fix my lady! who would have thought that the part would be discontinued.

Is this it? Mazda Protege Alternator mount bracket | Mazda OEM Part Number FS01-18-371A

 

[mazdamaiden]

Is this it? Mazda Protege Alternator mount bracket | Mazda OEM Part Number FS01-18-371A

Indeed! we tried to order the part from an online shop like this but they cancelled it because they couldn't source it anywhere. ended up buying one taken out of an old mp5 on ebay!

 

[BenjiHoggi]

I am now the owner of two Mazda Proteges.

2003 Sunlight Silver Protege5 5mt with 216k - my 6-year daily-driver
2003 Beige Protege ES Sedan tiptronic auto with 228k - from a family member

I've driven the automatic before but holy cow that 4spd automatic is absolute TRASH. Brings the whole car down. I would bet the acceleration for the auto is several seconds slower. It does not downshift unless you absolutely floor it, but I do find it somewhat usable in "manual mode". Nothing compared to a manual though. I really stand by the statement that a manual transmission makes a car more timeless.

Anyways, the auto sedan needs a lot of work; mainly it's at 150k+ on an OEM timing belt. But it runs and drives fairly well and is in decent cosmetic condition. It will serve as the daily driver while I replace the transmission and timing belt on my P5.

 

[SpazdaMadaz]

No road trip is complete without the obligatory roadside photo ops
View attachment 328177View attachment 328178
That's the same mountain but from different sides

@LankyKiwi Nice, what part of NZ man?

 

[mazdamaiden]

Indeed! we tried to order the part from an online shop like this but they cancelled it because they couldn't source it anywhere. ended up buying one taken out of an old mp5 on ebay!

wanted to come back and report that my ol girl is fixed and running like new!! we were able to get the alternator replaced (the mech did anyway, ha), then i bought and installed a new air intake hose. for my first car repair job, wasn't too bad! then bought new spark plugs, the rubber tube attachments were crumbling so i bought new ignition coils + wires. retired neighbor came in clutch with all the specific tools in the world, popped out the old plugs and put the new ones in.

so now she's got a new air intake, new spark plugs + ignition coils + new alternator. i don't think it's ever driven this well.

i took her to get a well-needed oil change and now we're good, for a while. she's 100% drivable and i'm beyond thrilled, now also super interested in maintenance and possible upgrades... 4 new tires and a balance + rotation, along with a new driver's side mirror (someone hit it forever ago and the electric still works, the mirror just dangles off the side by the wiring so it's currently duct-tapped. badly.) so i can take her through a carwash. yes i'll also just clean by hand but anyway

 

[Breeegz]

oh, wow! this thread is still going

I thought about replacing my tail-lights that have recently fillled up with water

 

[TX_SilverP5]

oh, wow! this thread is still going

I thought about replacing my tail-lights that have recently fillled up with water

Looks like carparts gives you two options: regular or blacked out

 

[CTt3P5]

oh, wow! this thread is still going

I thought about replacing my tail-lights that have recently fillled up with water

Whoa! Been awhile since I've seen you post on here. Great to see that you still have the P5 on the road!! I never had issues with my OEM taillights but did have to drill holes in my alteezas after they started puddling and forming condensation. No where near filling though, yikes!

Looks like carparts gives you two options: regular or blacked out

Those black alteezas do look good on the classic red. Mine from back in the day with some Blue Batmobile smoked vinyl overlays to cover the turn signal and reverse lights.

I eventually upgraded to a set of JDMs. They were the best looking taillight IMO for the P5.

 

[TX_SilverP5]

Just finished the cabin air filter modification and installation. It is so awkward the angles one must achieve for the job! Also, I added some cup inserts to make those shallow cup holders useful.

 

[TheMAN]

Just finished the cabin air filter modification and installation. It is so awkward the angles one must achieve for the job! Also, I added some cup inserts to make those shallow cup holders useful.

I can't believe it's been almost 20 years since I did that lol

you ought to find yourself a 02.5-03 center console and upgrade to that for the deeper cup holders.... don't waste your time with the stupid flip lid cup holders

 

[TX_SilverP5]

I can't believe it's been almost 20 years since I did that lol

you ought to find yourself a 02.5-03 center console and upgrade to that for the deeper cup holders.... don't waste your time with the stupid flip lid cup holders

yeah, I think I'll do that... Thanks!

 

[TX_SilverP5]

Took off the roof rack and put on a shark fin. There's a crack in the driver side rack molding so I'm on the lookout for that part.

 

[BoOsTiN]

Just picked up a P5 3 days ago. Needs some work. Replaced the pass motor mount today. Starter this weekend coming up. Gave it a good cleaning today as well

 

[BenjiHoggi]

Just picked up a P5 3 days ago. Needs some work. Replaced the pass motor mount today. Starter this weekend coming up. Gave it a good cleaning today as well View attachment 344245

Sunlight silver gang
Very clean, I like it. Stick or auto?

 

[BoOsTiN]

Sunlight silver gang
Very clean, I like it. Stick or auto?

Stick! It's the only way for me and Mazda lol it's been a good 15 years since the last time I drove a stick. It's just as fun as I remembered!

 

[CTt3P5]

Congrats @BoOsTiN! Looks clean and in better shape than the few I still see on the roads here in NE PA. I still miss my P5, loved that car!

 

[BoOsTiN]

Congrats @BoOsTiN! Looks clean and in better shape than the few I still see on the roads here in NE PA. I still miss my P5, loved that car!

Hey thanks! Yeah, I'm surprised it's in as good a shape as it is. I'm in Texas and don't see very many around here. Such a fun car!