1996 Mazda Protege LX from North America - Comments

Weird problems with belts. they always squeak in the winter. The shop says you need a new belt and I put one one.

4th belt in 10k miles. If it is cold it squeaks.

Belt can last all sumer long if it is new.

Cracked the exhaust manifold. great design. Everyone has a new one listed for 80 bucks since it was a design problem.

Belts again. always the alternator belt. This time the motor got real hot. Hope it didn't die on me or I am stuck with payments on a dead car.

Car is small in the viewing area. The side doors dent real easy. Paint is easy to scratch.

My Mazda Protege LX 1996 has the same alternator belt squeaking problem. When I initially didn't address the problem I burnt out the alternator. Now I'm on my 3rd belt and it needs to be adjusted with every oil change. As we speak it is squeaking up a storm and you can see that it is draining the power because while squeaking the interior lights dim. Now at every red light in the cold and the dark I must shut my lights while I idle. Did anyone solve this problem? Was it a defect?

I have the same problem with my Mazda belt. Have you found out how to correct it. I am on my third belt in 3 weeks.

I have had worst problems with my belt! Since May of last year I have replaced 6 belts. Mechanic that does the work on my car says pulleys are lined up and pulleys are not freezing up. He doesn't understand why I keep throwing belts. I'm afraid to drive anywhere because when it squeaks, IT'S COMING OFF. If anyone knows why, please let me know.

I've had similar problems with my Festiva, which, as many of you already know is designed by Mazda.

The problem, according to a number of Mazda owners is that the belt simply isn't tight enough. They recommend buying one from a dealer (as opposed to a place like Advance which, frankly, sells garbage) and crank it about as tight as you can get it. Drive it a week or so, then tighten it again.

Also, make sure the pullys are completely clean. clean them before putting the belt on, even if they look clean.

I have a 1997 Mazda Protege and I am also having trouble with my belts. I have just been noticing it the past couple of months, meaning it is a winter/cold weather problem. I took it in the mechanic and he actually thinks it may be a problem with my air compressor seizing up. Also mentioned that you may want to replace the belts with different belts with a notched "grip" on the back of them... I have also heard rumors that you can buy a spray that will make the belts more tacky and thus not slip so much.

Hi - 1997 Mazda Protege. Finally got my belt squeaking to stop - but replaced the alternator and battery. Isolate the belt that is squeaking and go from there - even though my alternator was spinning freely when we took it out, replacing it seems to have made some sort of change.

96 Mazda prodege. 1.8l Same belt problem, but I've gone through 4 belts and 3 alternators. THe alternator instantly overheats and the belt burns up within miles. WHY?

Hi, without even thinking much about it... from the descriptions to me it sounds like fault's in the alternator and perhaps in the battery... in either case driving against a "less than short' circuit... otherwise things would cook in the alternator wiring.

I might suggest you check a later model, same style motor and see if the problem exists, if not maybe change to that system.

For example, those garbage Fords around the '90's were an absolute dud with battery problems, and several thieving conscienceless taxi drivers around Woy Woy never paid me when getting me up at midnight to change batteries bought elsewhere.. because I was bit of a softie, but also to co-operate with the conspiring oppositions who were losing business to me whatever they did. Ali baba would be counting his fingers every five minutes with those guys.!! That's why I can't be bothered thinking too hard LOL!...

Drive without air conditioning if same belt and eliminate or include. This idea of tightening belts to violin tension only does in the bearings and the pulley and the belt eventually. It's not a long distance between stator and armature either, where a different kind of short can occur.

I agree with the chaps who talk about the serrated belt and the spray, but... if it wasn't slipping, that would not be a problem... the build up would not be on the pulley.

I am presuming that the belt angle and path is OK. Are you using genuine belts?

The other thing is that Mazda would know of the problem, and a Mazda service advisor would be on top of it. I realise I am 11 years too late, but.. there are still plenty on the road. Maybe I'll think about this one... Cheers.