🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

323 Protege

Model Code:

BG

Year:

1990

Chassis Code:

BG

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact car / economy car

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, enthusiasts

Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Nissan Sentra

Design Philosophy:

Focus on reliable, practical, and affordable transportation

Value Proposition:

Provides the critical information needed to maintain and repair the vehicle to factory standards, saving significant costs.

Ease Of Use:

Organized logically, with clear language and detailed illustrations.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Repair and maintenance of Mazda 323 Protege BG (1990)

Engine Coverage:

All engine types offered in 1990 BG models

Transmission Coverage:

Manual and Automatic transmissions

Body Coverage:

Exterior and interior bodywork, panels, trim

Electrical Coverage:

Wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnostics

Chassis Coverage:

Suspension, steering, brakes, exhaust

Special Tools:

Details on required special tools and equipment

Total Pages:

Estimate of 1000+ pages based on typical factory manuals

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Purpose:

Comprehensive repair, maintenance, and diagnostics

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

Searchability:

Searchable text content

Printability:

Printable pages

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine teardown, assembly, specifications, torque values, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, cooling system

Transmission Manual:

Clutch operation, transmission removal/installation, gear ratios, internal components

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission operation, hydraulic control, torque converter, service procedures

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive system, CV joints, axles, differential

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, shock absorbers, springs

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, tie rods, steering column

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, brake pads/shoes, rotors/drums, ABS (if equipped), parking brake

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, fuses, relays

Body And Trim:

Door mechanisms, glass, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system

Restraint Systems:

Seat belts, airbags (if equipped)

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed maintenance schedules and service intervals

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

Systematic troubleshooting guides for common problems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)

Component Removal Installation:

Step-by-step instructions for removing and installing major components

Engine Rebuild:

Detailed procedures for engine overhauls and internal repairs

Brake Service:

Brake pad replacement, rotor resurfacing/replacement, caliper service

Suspension Alignment:

Alignment procedures and specifications

Electrical Component Testing:

Testing procedures for sensors, actuators, and electrical modules

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive vehicle wiring schematics

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls

Detail Level:

Factory-level detail with specific torque specifications, clearances, and tolerances

Diagnostic Level:

Advanced diagnostic procedures and symptom-based troubleshooting

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Image Resolution:

High-resolution for clear diagrams and text

Diagram Clarity:

Clear and legible diagrams, illustrations, and charts

Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type 1:

1.6L SOHC Inline-4 (BP-ZE)

Displacement 1:

1597 cc

Bore X Stroke 1:

78.0 mm x 83.6 mm

Compression Ratio 1:

9.4:1

Horsepower 1:

98 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)

Torque 1:

93 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)

Engine Type 2:

1.8L DOHC Inline-4 (BP-ZE)

Displacement 2:

1839 cc

Bore X Stroke 2:

83.0 mm x 85.0 mm

Compression Ratio 2:

9.0:1

Horsepower 2:

125 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)

Torque 2:

119 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)

ECU:

Engine Control Unit (ECU) with diagnostic capabilities

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated dry single plate clutch

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mazda ATF-Type T-II or equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4300 mm (169.3 in)

Width:

Approx. 1690 mm (66.5 in)

Height:

Approx. 1375 mm (54.1 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2565 mm (101.0 in)

Track Width Front:

Approx. 1455 mm (57.3 in)

Track Width Rear:

Approx. 1435 mm (56.5 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1050-1150 kg (2315-2535 lbs), varies by trim and engine

Gross Vehicle Weight:

Varies by model configuration

Towing Capacity:

Not specified for this model segment

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating 1990:

Not readily available for this model year, generally comparable to segment standards of the era.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (ABS optional on some higher trims)

Steering System:

Power-assisted rack and pinion steering

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard on many models, passenger airbag optional/unavailable

Seat Belts:

Three-point front seat belts, two-point rear seat belts (three-point rear optional/available on some)

Chassis Design:

Unibody construction with crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player on higher trims.

Speaker Configuration:

Typically 2 or 4 speakers

Cruise Control:

Optional on some models

Anti Lock Brakes:

Optional on certain trim levels

Connectivity Features:

Limited to auxiliary inputs if added aftermarket

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 24,000 miles or 24 months

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 (viscosity may vary based on ambient temperature)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 3.5-4.0 liters (3.7-4.2 quarts) with filter change

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Power Steering Fluid:

Mazda Power Steering Fluid or Dexron II equivalent

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Issues Engine:

Minor oil leaks from valve cover gasket, occasional rough idle due to vacuum leaks or aged sensors.

Common Issues Transmission:

Wear in manual clutch components, potential automatic transmission solenoid issues.

Common Issues Suspension:

Worn control arm bushings, worn ball joints, and aging shock absorbers.

Common Issues Electrical:

Corrosion on electrical connectors, failing alternator or starter motor.

Common Issues Body:

Rust formation in wheel wells, rocker panels, and underbody, especially in areas with road salt.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda History:

Mazda, a Japanese automaker founded in 1920, is known for its innovative rotary engines and driver-focused vehicles. The company has a strong reputation for quality and reliability.

Mazda 323 History:

The Mazda 323, also known as the Familia in Japan, was a long-running compact car produced by Mazda. The BG generation (1989-1994) replaced the BF generation and introduced a more modern design and improved driving dynamics.

Protege Introduction:

The 'Protege' nameplate was used in North America for the 323 lineup, emphasizing its role as a protege of the larger Mazda 626.

Production Years Bg:

1989-1994

Manufacturing Locations:

Japan (primarily Hofu Plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Iconic Status:

The Mazda 323 Protege BG is recognized as a reliable and economical compact car that offered good value for its era.