Hi !! I seem to have a problem with my mazada protege 1998 1.5.
when im on the first gear i can seem to have enough power to go forward and when theres enough a change to the 2 gear well it all starts again until a go to 3 gear then it goes with no problems or almost none. now i have changed the manyfold cause it was cracked and changed the gas filter cause thats what I thought was the problem but everthing all pluged back together it still does the same thing pls help I need my car and can't afford a new one.Oh and when it gets going there a strange backfire that comes out of the air intake pls help
ty

 

If I understand your worries right you have a really rough running engine. It is so rough that there should be the check engine light on. If so, go to the auto parts store and let them read the codes for you. Then you google for the codes and see what others have done to fix them.
Meanwhile you can remove and check a number of things with little or no cost: Get the haynes manual on loan from you local library and do the tune up things listed there: spark plugs and wires, air filter, clean the MAF sensor, check all vacuum lines for leaks and obstructions. Use mid-grade fuel. If your air intake tube is cracked wrap it tightly with duct tape.
Take your time with every step and test drive the car after every change you have done so you know what effect your work has on the engine.

 

One other thought: since you have a back fire out of the air intake I think it is possible that the timing belt has jumped a tooth or one of the intake valves is bad. On these engines the valve lash needs to be adjusted once in a while.

 

ty for the help Ive done all the changes that were sugested the manifold, the air filter the gas filter and finally the oxygen sensor 1 to finally go the the garage and get en estimat of whats left to do and he pointed ou that the pressure on the gas was not right and it was a little piece near the engin that had a default oh and by the way they say its a piece that rarely breaks.since Ive changed that piece the car runs like new so if any one has trouble with there mazda maybe change that piece and the reste will be fine. ty for all the help.

 

I believe you are talking about the "fuel pressure regulator".

 

yeah the gas pressure regulator the mazda seem to have trouble with that part ty for the help ans info.