2003 Mazda Protege Exterior lighting Problems

“The low beam halogen bulb (headlight) on the passenger side of my Mazda recently burned out. > first complaint--because of a cramped engine compartment, the bulb is difficult to replace. I have smallish hands for a man. There was barely room to access the bulb socket (holder) on the outside corner of the headlight pod . > second complaint--the bulb holder was complex. …”

“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 predominantly 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. …”

“- 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.”