Long term Protege5 owner

[kennyt123]

Hi, I've owned my 2002 Mazda Protege5 since I bought it brand-new in 2001. I've got 157,000 happy miles on it.
Lately I've been getting the "check engine" light on my dash. I've seen threads that show this as a frequent problem in the higher mileage cars. The car passed emmisions with flying colors after I had the EGR valve replaced. Recently on my second brake job I had the air intake bellows (it cracked) and spark plugs replaced. The check engine light came on again a week later, but I don't think it is serious enough to keep it off the road. I'm chalking it up to a bad oxygen sensor and I was wanting to get the serpentine belt and PCV Valve changed anyway which the local Jiffy Lube can do quickly. If it goes away, that's cool, if not I'll keep you posted. Love the car, man ZOOM ZOOM

 

[flash75]

You should get the code. It could be something that needs immediate attention.
Many chain car parts stores will check OBDII codes free.

Clifton

 

[HKPRO5]

Yup Easiest thing would be to get the code(s) checked. That will give you a better idea on what you need to do.

 

[bazooka joe]

ya, get the code read so you know what it is, second piece of advice, don't go to jiffy lube...please!

 

[Stickman]

The codes on my car have shown EGR related, seriously expensive issues, in the past when my engine light has come on.

I've been lucky so far.
It has either been a loose/cracked (replaced) air intake, as you have pointed out
or
many times just retightening the fuel cap has solved the problem.
Good luck.