1990 Mazda Protege

Introduction:

The 1990 Mazda Protege was a compact sedan or hatchback available with a 1.6L or 1.8L engine. The 1.6L engine produced 103 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque, while the 1.8L engine produced 130 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque. The Protege was known for its reliability, affordability, and fuel efficiency. However, it also had several issues that affected different components of the vehicle.

Engine

1.6L Engine

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, reduced engine performance
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
• Head Gasket Failure:
  • Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, white smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+

1.8L Engine

• Timing Belt Failure:
  • Symptoms: Engine noise, loss of power, engine damage (if belt breaks)
  • Solution: Replace timing belt
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
• Oil Consumption:
  • Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, oil leaks
  • Solution: Repair or replace piston rings, valve guides, or oil pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+

Transmission

5-Speed Manual Transmission

• Grinding Noises:
  • Symptoms: Grinding noise when shifting gears
  • Solution: Repair or replace synchronizers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Slipping Gears:
  • Symptoms: Transmission does not engage properly, loss of power
  • Solution: Repair or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+

Suspension

• Strut Failure:
  • Symptoms: Leaking struts, reduced suspension performance
  • Solution: Replace struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

Electrical

• Alternator Failure:
  • Symptoms: Dimming headlights, difficulty starting engine
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+

Exterior

• Sunroof Leaks:
  • Symptoms: Water leaking into cabin through sunroof
  • Solution: Repair or replace sunroof seals
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200

Interior

• Climate Control Failure:
  • Symptoms: AC or heater not working
  • Solution: Repair or replace climate control module
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+

Summary:

Overall, the 1990 Mazda Protege had a range of issues that could impact the engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, and interior. The severity of these issues varied from minor inconveniences to major repairs that could cost thousands of dollars. While the Protege was a generally reliable vehicle, owners should be aware of the potential problems they may encounter.