Search results

  1. I

    Issue with head light plug

    Was trying to change a low beam headlight this past weekend and noticed that the plug (connector wires) used to deliver power to the lamp no longer fits snugly when plugged in. The result is that it comes loose and doesn't make sufficient contact to turn the light on. I have checked the rubber...
  2. I

    Stiff wiper arm issue

    My Protoge5 driver wiper arm starts to stiffen up lately. The spring mechanism on the passenger side does what its suppsed to: As the blade moves over the shield, the arm bends back slightly, and springs back as the arm moves downward. The driver side does not spring back. I manually move the...
  3. I

    Engine Shampoo?

    Was wondering if anyone had any ideas of the ideal way to shampoo a Protege 5 engine? What products are the best and what is the best method to do it?
  4. I

    The Ultimate Maintenance Schedule

    Between the user manual for my Protege5 and the dealership, there seems to be a conflict of interest regarding what needs to be done to the car at particular intervals. I'm trying to find a definitive guide for maintenance. Does anyone have this? Or know where I could find one? Is the manual...
  5. I

    Timing belt..again???

    I don't get it. I replaced the timing belt on my 03 Peotege5 last April. Got an oil change at a 2nd dealership this month and now they say we need another timing belt. Say what???? This isn't possible? Do all dealerships lie like this? WTF!
  6. I

    Regular Maintenance Schedule

    Does anyone know where to find a good maintenance schedule for a 2003 Protege5?
  7. I

    Active Green & Ross - Beware

    This is the worst chain of mechanics in the business. They service men are shady and they rarely provide quotes on the phone. We made my last visit with my wife's car last Friday. After agreeing on a set of tires costing over $700, they proceeded to insist that the struts of the car were...
  8. I

    Protoge Struts

    How long should OEM struts last on a 2003 Protege5? Is there any kind of maintenance that can be done to prolong their life? Other than driving on smooth-as-glass roads which don't exist.
  9. I

    A/S Tires

    Looking for new A/S tires that excel in winter. Any suggestions? I'm giving up the Dunlops. Not going back to them. They are great for summer, but scary in winter. I'm not interested in snow tires.
  10. I

    Stalling

    Every 3 or 4 months or so, I find that my car will stall when I'm idling at a red light. It happens without warning. Just revs down and stops. Only 3-4 times did this happen last year, but it has me miffed. It's not like you can show the mechanic what happens. They'll take it out, won't...
  11. I

    New Tires?

    Does anyone have any reccomendations for a top all-season set for a 2003 Protege5? I'm saying good by to the stock dunlops. I want something less sporty and more practicle for crappy weather. My initial research led me to the Michelin Pilot Exalto's, but there are NO WHERE to be found. Active...
Back