hey everyone just wanted to come back and say I got this problem fixed today at Mazda. It was time to change the belt. And now the car is running like a babyyyyyyyyyy lol

 

I hope the stealership didn't rob you too badly.

 

haha, actually I'm surprised they didn't even charge me that much. They also had to fix my front windshield wipers (motor died) plus did an oil change for FREE which was like wow, thanks, AND to top it all off, they even washed my car. I guess being cute helps!? hahahah I don't know but regardless, everything's fine nowwwww

 

Good to hear that there are still some honest shops around - out of curiosity, is the car purchased from that dealership recently?

I had a problem with faulty tires, and a blown sensor within about 2 months of having mine, and the dealer didn't charge me a dime for either. If I go there now, they charge me regular price.

Of course, being cute might help as well, haha.

 

Hi, I'm new. (2003 Silver Mazda Protege ES)
My car does the same thing. I took it to Pep-Boys (MISTAKE!) and they found it. It was my alternator belt. They've changed it many times now (like 4!) and they don't know why it keeps falling off. I don't think they put it in right, but since I don't know how to put it in myself, I'm not gonna tell them that. Anywho, when it's cold it squeaks like it's dying. I just got a brand new battery and everythings fine...just that damn belt!

All that to say...yeah, I feel your pain girl. (i'm a girl too!! i think most of everyone is guys.)

 

I got some belt dressing (lubricant) from Pep Boys for 99¢ per packet and applied it to the belts and now they only squeal when it's below zero outside.

 

J-Protege - the car was purchased last year in September.

hottergirl01 - most likely you will have to change your belt at Mazda. Don't trust the other shops. Mazda can detect the problem faster and I find that they are more loyal since you are a Mazda owner.

 

I wouldn't know. Even me mum says i am ugleee.

I am glad you got it resolved!

 

If the alternator belt keeps coming off, the idler pulley may be bad, or one of the other pulleys may be mis-aligned. The belt should never come off, even when it's worn completely out.

 

What IDLER PULLEY?

It must be a different set up than on my Protoge5...
I have the Alt/Water Pump/Crank pulley belt, and the other is Power Steering/A/C/ Crank pulley belt....

One is squealing, or the alternator is squealing since I changed both of them at a timing belyt/water pump change out...

Today I hope to determine the cause and fix it.

Target,
NOT a cute girl, but a guy with some tools and a few skills!

 

I ended up being the alternator belt slipping under load (I THINK!)
I took off the other belt, and the noise was still there.
I took the alt/WP belt off, noise gone.

I re-installed the Alt belt, and the noise came back. I tightened the belt, noise gone.
Installed the other belt, noise still gone. I'm surprised how much resistance the alternator produces when putting out the power to the headlights and such.


Target