Hi everybody,

I just bought my 2003 Protege and I was too impatient to wait for them to install the spoiler and fog lights, so I took it back for that. They left the third brake light in the rear window and I do not like that look, I think there are too many lights. Does anyone know if there is some sort of cap to go where the third brake light would be if I took it out? I know on the ES there is no light. I need to fix that quickly!!

Thanks everybody

Chris

2003 Mazda Protege LX
Pic Coming Soon

 

Just removed the bulb and it will stop it from turning on. If you want to removed the light physically, you will have o get a ES rear deck cause its all one piece.

 

Thanks for the info! I am guessing that is going to be crazy expensive. Do you have any idea where I would get one of those?

Thanks again!!

 

Try some junkyards - especially if the ES from the past few years had the same rear deck (no light).

Or check with the dealer - you never know - might not be as expensive as you think. If you get a quote, post it - I'm curious to see if it's another "rape 'em" price from the Mazda parts dept.

~HH

 

Thanks! Will do. Now I am having trouble with the gas, it is eating it up like crazy. I have a feeling it is supposed to be getting a higher octane rating. Have any clues?

Talk to you soon

 

Higher octane - no no no.

Waste of money - if anything, your gas mileage will probably go down with higher octane gas. Stick with the 87, and don't listen to anyone who tells you to go higher - all you will do is spend more for gas that will leave carbon deposits.

How many miles on your car? If you're at or near the 30,000 mark, swap spark plugs (again - stock plugs are fine - don't listen to "more spark" arguments, and don't waste money on "super" plugs or wires). Check your air filter, too - depending on driving conditions, I find that the filter gets dirty fairly quickly. A K&N filter is a good investment, but not necessary.

If possible, do a mpg check before and after any changes - all you need to do is fill the tank completely, reset the trip odo to "0". Next time you fill up, note how much gas you put in, and divide the miles by the gallons, and you get your fuel economy. The more times you do this, the more accurate your average will be. Then, do the same thing after any maintenance to see if it makes a difference.

It seems that anywhere between 24 - 29 MPG is average, depending on driving conditions. I'm getting about 26-27 on very mixed (highway/city/stop & go) driving. And try to note HOW you drive - do you like to rev it out? Do a lot of quick accelerations? Obviously, this will drastically lower your fuel economy.

If your fuel economy is much worse than average, a trip to the dealer for a check-up might be in order.

~HH