Diagnosing and Resolving Issues with My 2002 Mazda Protege

As a proud owner of a 2002 Mazda Protege, I've had my fair share of experiences with the vehicle's performance issues. Recently, I encountered a series of problems that led me on a wild goose chase to diagnose and resolve them.

The trouble started when I returned to the same Mazda Dealership where I purchased the car. They informed me that I needed to replace my pre-cat system, which would cost around $1300 (CDN). I was taken aback by this sudden expense, so I told them I couldn't afford it and asked for alternative solutions. They recommended a nearby shop, but unfortunately, the problem persisted.

The symptoms continued to worsen, with the P0300 and P0421 codes returning and the car randomly misfiring at different speeds. I took my Protege to another Mazda Dealership, where they replaced the EGR kit and valve. This seemed to alleviate some of the issues, but I still noticed occasional problems.

To address these issues further, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I ran two bottles of fuel injector cleaner through the car and personally replaced the spark plugs, spark plug wires, and coil packs. As someone who has had bad experiences with multiple Mazda Dealerships in the past, I preferred to DIY to save time and money.

Although this initial fix seemed to work temporarily, the P0300 and P0421 codes eventually returned. This time, I decided to replace the 02 sensors at a Mazda Dealership. Unfortunately, the problem persisted even after this repair.

The final straw came when I began experiencing intermittent misfires while driving on the highway at around 60 km per hour. The car would lose power, dim its lights, and stall momentarily before returning to normal operation. This issue was extremely frustrating, as it occurred every couple of months and left me worried about the reliability of my vehicle.

In conclusion, diagnosing and resolving issues with my 2002 Mazda Protege required a combination of professional repairs and DIY fixes. While the process was time-consuming and occasionally frustrating, I'm relieved that I was able to identify and address the problems. With regular maintenance and occasional troubleshooting, I hope to continue enjoying my reliable ride for years to come.

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