Two problems related to transmission not go into gear have been reported for the 1997 Mazda Protege. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
When driving on highway, the overdrive light started to flash and tachometer went to 5000 rpms, vehicle did not accelerate and did not change gear. The second time, driver lost control and hit a curb while driving on slippery road.
Transmission would not shift into gear, causing accident.