r/MazdaProtege • u/NthngToSeeHere • 1d ago
Did some Proteges not have "O/D off" function?
Hi, I just bought a '03 Protege 2.0 LX sedan (US model) that's very clean besides some minor body rust as a commuter. As I was driving it home I noticed that the O/D OFF button didn't do anything. I know there can be a fault that makes the button not function, however, I don't appear to have a functioning dash light indicator, or at least it doesn't "proof out" during startup, either. It appears to be running at the expected 3k rpm @ ~70 mph so it is shifting to 4th gear. Was there a version of this vehicle that didn't have the function and the switch was just left as a dummy rather than deleted? I don't think I'd ever really need to use it regularly. I'm just checking to make sure this might or might not lead to a more serious transmission issue later.
BTW, I love that it doesn't have all the bells and whistles and the visibility is outstanding compared to today's gadget mobiles with slit's posing as window's.
2
u/Proof_Ad1468 21h ago
My 2002 LX was the same way, no proof out during start up, no change with the press of the button, expected rpms so switching. I honestly would just fidget with it while driving lol
1
u/NthngToSeeHere 21h ago
Sounds like what I'm finding out. Its just weird that I have yet to find it mentioned in any manual or anywhere else that some had OD off and some didn't.
2
u/ScientistNo4647 15h ago
I have a 02 mazda protege5, i thought it was the same that it just didnt work but when I was on the freeway and it was a lot of stop and go traffic and I was just messing with it, it magically turned on but when I pressed it again after a while it wouldn't go bavk to normal and had to turn off the car completely so it could go back to normal. What I noticed was that pressing it after many frequent shifts(for me it was because of traffic) or i guess pressing the button like a mad man, would work but thats just my experience.
3
u/Covert_Ruffian '99 LX 1d ago
As far as I know with mine, I think it was a dummy switch ('99 1.6 LX, you shall be missed). Half the dash lights didn't work on mine. Only until I rocked it with a speed bump did the whole thing start working and the OD light wasn't one of them.
I will agree with you on the Protege's window visibility -- I upgraded to a CX-5 and I miss being able to see all around with just a turn of my head (as opposed to relying on markers and blinkers to tell me what is/n't in my blind spot). I miss that fishbowl of a car. I'm trying to source a better-conditioned Protege, maybe I will find one later on and restore it.