Table 1 shows two common exterior lighting related problems of the 2003 Mazda Protege.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| High/low Beam Switch problems | |
| Headlights problems |
- the contact stated that while driving on 12/27/06 at 35 mph, had high beam head lights on ,and he tried to toggle the high beam to low beam and all the lights turned off. The contact stated that he played with the toggle switch and the lights came back on seconds later. The contact took the vehicle to dealership on 12/29/06. The mechanic looked at vehicle, and told the contact they found nothing wrong with the vehicle. The contact hasn't had this problem since, but did find a recall #06e038000. Updated 03/07/07.
Mazda headlight harness - the lights are constantly going out (during the past 4 years). I went to replace the bulb years ago and it came back on as I wiggled the harness to pull the bulb out. Over 80 times since then I've had to smack the headlight to get it to come back on. This happens predominently when the temperature is below 0 celsius (freezing). This has occurred on my 2001 Mazda mpv (which I got rid of this year) and my 2003 Mazda Protege which I still have. Once it happened on my Protege I knew it wasnt an mpv situation, it must be a Mazda problem and likely relates to the supplier that makes the harness for the headlights. Many times my wife and I have been 'flashed' by other drivers for not having lights on.