Positioning:
The Mazda Protege (2002) was positioned as a compact, affordable, and practical car, often competing with models like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Focus.
Strengths:
Praised for its engaging handling, stylish (for its class) design, and reliable performance, especially with the sportier 's' or 'ES' trims.
Design:
Third generation (BJ chassis) Protege, known for its clean lines and aerodynamic profile.
Variants:
Available as a sedan and a 5-door hatchback (Protege5 in North America).
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, diagnosis, and repair procedures for all gasoline engine variants.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission service, diagnosis, repair, and fluid specifications.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system service, ABS diagnosis and repair, component replacement, and bleeding procedures.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, starter, alternator, ignition system, lighting, power accessories, and ECU diagnosis.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension component diagnosis, replacement, alignment specifications, and shock absorber/strut service.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis, repair, fluid types, and steering component replacement.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system service, refrigerant types, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, and heater core repair.
Body:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass replacement, and bodywork repair techniques.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, and coolant flushes.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common symptom analysis, and step-by-step troubleshooting guides for various systems.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major components, including torque specifications and special tool requirements.
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) systems, DTC code interpretation, and scan tool usage for diagnosis.
Component Replacement:
Procedures for replacing common wear items like brake pads, rotors, belts, hoses, and batteries.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Code:
FS-DE (2.0L DOHC Inline-4)
Displacement:
1991 cc (2.0 Liters)
Horsepower:
122-130 hp @ 6000 rpm (depending on market and trim)
Torque:
137-140 lb-ft @ 4000-4500 rpm
Bore X Stroke:
83.1 mm x 92.0 mm
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Port Injection
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
5W-30 API SG or higher
Optional Engine 2.0L:
FS-ZE (170 hp, 1.8L - not common in all markets for 2002)
Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (FS5A-EL)
Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (GF4A-EL)
Automatic Shift Lock:
Yes
Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil
Fluid:
Mazda ATF J (or equivalent DEXRON III/MERCON)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (2002 model year)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
ABS:
Available on most trims
Traction Control:
Optional on some trims
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard; optional side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
Pretensioner and load-limiter front seatbelts.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player with optional premium sound system.
Display:
Basic digital or analog climate controls and radio display.
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels.
Connectivity:
No Bluetooth or integrated smartphone connectivity as standard; auxiliary inputs were rare.
Oil Change:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for iridium spark plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Every 90,000 miles (145,000 km) or 6 years
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II or III
Coolant:
Mazda Long Life Coolant (or equivalent HOAT, 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Engine Mounts:
Can degrade over time, leading to increased vibration.
Catalytic Converter:
Can become clogged, affecting performance and emissions.
Rear Wheel Bearings:
Can develop a humming noise and require replacement.
Rust On Wheel Arches:
Common in areas with road salt, especially on older models.
Mazda Philosophy:
Mazda's focus on Jinba Ittai ('horse and rider as one') emphasizes driver engagement and a connection to the road.
Protege Lineage:
The Protege nameplate was used by Mazda for various compact cars globally, evolving from the 323 series in many markets.
Generation:
Third generation (BJ) of the Protege, produced from 1998 to 2003.
Platform:
Shared its platform with the Ford Focus (first generation) in some global markets due to Mazda's alliance with Ford at the time.
