What do you think? 2002 Mazda Protege 5

[ckydustin]

What's up all!?!? I finally got a mazda protege 5 from the dealership. Used 2002 mazda protege 5 5 speed manual. 91k and runs great well, kinda ...I brought my step dad along to make sure I was doin the right thing since he is somewhat a mechanic. I bought it as is. The only thing I found that was wrong was when I start to apply the break in low gears mainly 2nd and first to a stop, something sounds really really choppy..maybe the bearings?..I don't know, but I know other people can really hear it. The next thing is that the heater doesn't work, thank goodness the AC does..it's boiling outside. When I turn the knob to heat cool air sitll comes out...any ideas?...Next and last..well, a few days ago the CEL came on and I took it to Autozone first (thanks for the info on here!) and they gave me a p0301 and p0303 misfire codes. I let him reset it and decided I might need a tune up. Well, I guess I really didn't notice, but right after I shifted the engine would hesitate than start to go every gear too!...So, first I did the seafoam thing, but! I didn't have anyone to help..so I just poured it into the break booster line slowyl then turned on the engine and rev'ed for a few times..then I put a 3rd into the gast tank..and a third into the crankcase..hopefully it still works the way I did....next, I decided to take her out and see if it worked, well no not really...Ok, so I changed the plugs!..well, here is where I am now...I changed them to the NGK Vpower splugs, and as of right now only about 13 miles driven after change nothing has been hesitating..so, hopefully this did the trick...let me know what else you think I should do..Sorry for the long post

 

[i12drivemyMP5]

Misfire cel = plugs or wires or coils. You've eliminated the plugs. If it comes back just do both of the others so all are good. The heater thing sounds like maybe one of the control cables isn't clipped in properly to the climate control board. Has the radio been changed out or is it still oem double DIN unit? That's usually how that gets disturbed. Check the heat/cool temp knob cable to make sure no slack & is clipped in properly. Not sure what "sounds choppy" means as far as the brakes go. Welcome, once you get it sorted out it'll be OK. Sounds like the previous owner may not have stayed on top of maintenance. Somewhere after 100k you'll need to start thinkin about timing belt, tensioner spring & water pump while you're there. Check/change your tranny fluid when you get a chance, bet that has been ignored from the sounds of things. Here's a link to the service manual..............http://www.floptical.net/mazda/

 

[16902]

Welcome local buddy. Don't forget some pics. Elaborate some more on "choppy." Could be brakes or anything at this point.

 

[kpacker51]

When I bought my P5, it had a heat problem also. The temperature knob was VERY hard to turn when we test drove it, and it ended up being a cable that went to the "blend door". SO, if it's really hard to turn (the temp knob), it could be that. It can be rehooked, but I had mine replaced, and that worked much better.

 

[ckydustin]

reply

Thanks for the replies!...well, I think I may have Midas check out the brakes..sound like a good idea?..Also, the car is still running great after the plug change, no hesitations!...the heater knob is definately hard to turn! I noticed it first thing i was like" man this thing is really hard to turn" also, the guy did have an aftermarket cd player in there...and the dealership replaced it with a cheap cd player, so I can almost bet that's where the problem lies. Other than that...oh yea the dumb dealership had the price tag taped on the inside of the rear drivers side window and as they removed it, they ripped a small piece of tint off the window..any fixes for that or is it a total redo on the window?

 

[Rusty]

You're going to love it. For all its raw edges, it is a great car for shooting around town. Keep those RPMs up and you'll have great punch when you need to get around traffic quickly. And no matter what they all say, and no matter how tempting it is, keep the original air box.

Read this post to see how I turned my factory box into a cold semi-ram air intake:http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3844576&postcount=58

Here are pictures to go along with the description:

This how I cut out the plastic blocking the intake from cold air. Without this, it breathes hot under-hood air.



There are 11 holes to let more air up into the cut out area



I swear, this sounds better and outruns all the guys that use SRI and CAI.