🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Protegé

Model Generation:

Third Generation (BJ)

Model Years Covered:

2002-2003

Chassis Code Prefix:

BJ

Vin Code Year 2002:

2

Vin Code Year 2003:

3

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Car / Small Family Car

Target Audience For Manual:

DIY Mechanics, Independent Repair Shops, Enthusiasts

Key Competitors Vehicle:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Chevrolet Cavalier

Manual Advantage Statement:

Enables significant cost savings on repairs and maintenance compared to dealership service.

Manual Scope:

Covers all aspects of vehicle repair and maintenance, providing in-depth technical guidance.

📋 Manual Details

Global Regions:

North America (USA, Canada), Europe, Australia, Asia

Estimated Pages:

~2000+

Type:

Workshop Repair Manual / Service Manual

Primary Language:

English

Delivery Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine control system (ECU)

Transmission:

Manual Transmission (MT), Automatic Transmission (AT) - overhaul, diagnostics, fluid service

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD), axles, CV joints, differential

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension, struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, springs, wheel alignment specifications

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), parking brake, brake fluid specifications, caliper and rotor replacement

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, tie rod ends

Electrical:

Battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting system, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, instrument cluster, power windows, locks, mirrors

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, climate control, refrigerant handling

Body:

Body panels, doors, bumpers, glass, interior trim, chassis structure

Diagnostics:

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) troubleshooting, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor diagnostics

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tune-ups

Troubleshooting:

System-specific diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common fault identification

Repair:

Component removal and installation, disassembly and reassembly of major systems, engine overhaul, transmission rebuilds

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, measurements, fluid capacities, diagnostic parameters

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds)

Detail Level:

Professional-grade, step-by-step instructions with illustrations and diagrams

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Searchability:

Yes, fully searchable text content

Printability:

High resolution, suitable for printing individual sections or the entire manual

Digital Format Advantage:

Instant access, easily searchable, accessible on multiple devices

Digital Content Type:

PDF optimized for digital viewing and printing

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Usdm Dx Lx:

FS-DE (2.0L DOHC)

Engine Displacement Usdm:

1991 cc (2.0 Liters)

Engine Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve

Bore X Stroke Usdm:

83.0 mm x 92.0 mm

Compression Ratio Usdm:

9.1:1

Horsepower Usdm Dx Lx:

130 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque Usdm Dx Lx:

135 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm

Performance Engine Msp Gt:

FS-ZE (2.0L DOHC MIVEC - not common in 02-03 USDM Protege, but covered in some manuals)

Redline Rpm:

~6500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Port Injection

Fuel Type Required:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (minimum)

Engine Management:

ECU (Engine Control Unit) with OBD-II diagnostics

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Base Models:

5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (AT) with Lock-up Torque Converter

Automatic Transmission Control:

Electronically controlled shift points

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (verify specific fill capacity in manual)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mazda ATF-J2 or equivalent (verify specific fill capacity in manual)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

~102.7 inches (2608 mm)

Overall Length:

~174.2 inches (4425 mm)

Overall Width:

~67.7 inches (1720 mm)

Overall Height:

~55.7 inches (1415 mm)

Curb Weight Approximate:

~2600-2800 lbs (1180-1270 kg) depending on trim and transmission

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Typically around 3800-4000 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Rating Driver:

4-star (for some configurations)

NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Rating Passenger:

4-star (for some configurations)

IIHS Frontal Offset Test Rating:

Good (for some configurations)

ABS Availability:

Optional on most trims, standard on higher trims

Traction Control:

Optional on some trims

Airbags Driver Passenger:

Standard dual front airbags

Side Airbags:

Optional side-impact airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium audio system with amplifier and subwoofer

Display:

Digital clock, temperature display; optional LCD screen for climate control

Cruise Control:

Available on higher trims

Auxiliary Input:

Not standard, aftermarket solutions common

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil recommended for longer intervals).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km) for iridium or platinum plugs.

Coolant Replacement:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) or 2-4 years.

Transmission Fluid Change At:

Manual: Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or as recommended. Automatic: Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km).

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-30 API Service SM or SN (check owner's manual for exact API rating for the specified year)

Engine Oil Capacity Usdm:

~4.3 US Quarts (4.1 Liters) with filter change

Coolant Specification:

Mazda Genuine Super Long Life Coolant (FL22) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Common Issue Ignition:

Spark plug blow-out (threaded inserts often recommended for repair)

Common Issue Suspension:

Front control arm bushings wear, strut mount issues

Common Issue Exhaust:

Exhaust manifold cracks (especially on earlier 2.0L engines)

Common Issue Brakes:

Premature front brake pad and rotor wear on some models

Common Issue Electrical:

Power window motor failure, A/C blower motor failure

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Philosophy:

Known for 'Zoom-Zoom' driving dynamics and sporty handling within its class.

Third Generation Launch:

Introduced for the 2002 model year, representing a significant redesign.

Platform Sharing:

Based on Mazda's BJ platform, shared with some European market Ford models (e.g., Ford Focus mk1 underpinnings).

Manufacturing Plant Usdm:

Fought Automotive, Hofu, Yamaguchi, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

Mazda Protegé (various trims and years, including potentially the BJ generation) often featured on Car and Driver's 10Best lists for its class, highlighting value and driving dynamics.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Varied by year and specific components; manual would detail common reliability concerns and fixes.