What Size Bulbs Does a 2003 Mazda Protege5 Use?
Correct headlight, fog light, and tail light bulb sizes. Sourced from OEM catalog data.
Installation Difficulty
Easy (Plug and Play)
Est. Replacement Cost
$15 - $40 (Halogen) / $30+ (LED)
What Lighting System Does the 2003 Mazda Protege5 Have?
The 2003 Mazda Protege5 features an extensive lighting system with 12 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with H7 LED low beams and 9005 LED high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The Protege5 has been available from 2002 to 2003, and the 2003 model falls in the late-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2003 Mazda Protege5?
To upgrade the 2003 Mazda Protege5 headlights to LED, you will need a H7 LED LED kit for the low beams and a 9005 LED LED kit for the high beams. Start with the low beams since they are used most often and have the biggest impact on nighttime visibility. For the fog lights, a H3 LED LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2003 Mazda Protege5
The H7 bulb uses a spring clip or wire retainer that holds the bulb in the socket. To remove the old bulb, disconnect the wiring harness first, then twist the bulb counter-clockwise and pull it out. Older model years like the 2003 Protege5 typically offer easy access to the headlight bulbs from behind the headlight assembly under the hood. Most owners can complete the swap in under 10 minutes per side. When installing the new bulb, avoid touching the glass with bare fingers. Skin oils create hot spots that shorten bulb life. Wear clean gloves or handle the bulb by its plastic base only. The fog lights are accessed from underneath the front bumper. You may need to remove a few plastic clips or screws from the fender liner to reach the H3 LED fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 12 Positions at Once
2003 Mazda Protege5 Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | H7 LED | Buy H7 LED |
High Beam | 9005 LED | Buy 9005 LED |
Fog Light | H3 LED | Buy H3 LED |
Brake Light | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Side Marker | 168 LED | Buy 168 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 1157NA LED | Buy 1157NA LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 7440NA LED | Buy 7440NA LED |
Reverse Light | 921 | Buy 921 |
Dome Light | DE3175 | Buy DE3175 |
License Plate | 3652 | Buy 3652 |
Parking Light | 1157NA | Buy 1157NA |
Trunk Light | DE3022 | Buy DE3022 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2003 Mazda Protege5How Long Do 2003 Mazda Protege5 Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 2003 Mazda Protege5 have an expected lifespan of 500 to 1,000 hours, which works out to roughly 2 to 3 years of normal use. Signs of a failing halogen bulb include noticeably dimmer output, a yellowish tint compared to the other headlight, or intermittent flickering. At 23 years old, the original bulbs on your Protege5 are likely overdue for replacement. Even if they still illuminate, reduced brightness significantly impacts nighttime safety. When one headlight burns out, replace both sides at the same time. Bulbs from the same batch age at similar rates, and mismatched brightness is distracting to oncoming drivers.
What Bulbs Are Compatible with the 2003 Mazda Protege5?
The H7 low beam bulb on the 2003 Mazda Protege5 is a specific fitment. There are no widely recognized cross-compatible alternatives, so make sure to purchase the exact H7 size. For the high beams, the 9005 is interchangeable with HB3. Using the wrong bulb size can cause improper beam patterns that reduce your visibility and blind other drivers. It can also cause overheating inside the headlight housing, potentially warping the plastic lens or reflector. Always verify the bulb number before purchasing.
2003 Mazda Protege5 Headlight FAQ
Did Mazda Protege5 Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
The Mazda Protege5 has maintained consistent bulb sizes across all model years from 2002 to 2003. The low beam has used a H7 LED bulb throughout, which means replacement parts and LED upgrade kits are widely available and well-tested for this model. If you find a deal on bulbs for any Protege5 year in this range, they will fit your 2003 model.
Other Protege5 Years
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Other Vehicles That Use H7 LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a H7 LED low beam bulb: