One problem related to overdrive light on has been reported for the 2002 Mazda Protege. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Mazda Protege based on all problems reported for the 2002 Protege.
Automatic transmission:there are two serious problems with the transmission which are potentially very dangerous. 1) when shifted into drive the transmission frequently fails to engage. Depressing the accelerator from a stop results in a racing engine and almost no forward movement. This is extremely dangerous when pulling onto a high-speed interstate highway with other cars behind and around you. Dealer mechanics offer explanations such as not really a problem, drive it like it is. This dealer had the car for over a week. Another dealer (suggested by Mazda after contacting them) says we need to replace the transmission at our expense. This problem is worsening. 2) overdrive warning light on dash blinks on with no apparent reason. While this situation exists, the transmission seems locked in high gear. Accelerating from a stop is once again a difficult and dangerous experience.