🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Protege

Year:

1995

Chassis Code:

BJ (Third Generation)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 1995 Mazda Protege was a popular compact car known for its balance of practicality, affordability, and a surprisingly engaging driving experience, often competing with the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Escort.

Competitive Analysis:

This manual provides factory-level detail, which is crucial for maintaining the Protege's reliable performance and addressing the specific engineering nuances that differentiated it from competitors, particularly in its chassis tuning and powertrain integration.

Key Features:

This software manual offers instant access to comprehensive repair information, eliminating the need for bulky printed volumes and providing powerful search capabilities for quick problem diagnosis and resolution. It represents the definitive resource for maintaining this specific generation of the Protege.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

All major mechanical and electrical systems, body and chassis components, including engine, transmission, drivetrain, suspension, steering, brakes, HVAC, fuel, emissions, electrical diagnostics, and body repairs.

Page Count:

Estimated 1500-2500+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)

Manual Type:

Official Factory Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Software (likely CD-ROM or downloadable, searchable format)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanical and electronic controls, Fuel Injection (EFI), Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Clutch, Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Steering System, Front Brakes, Rear Brakes, Parking Brake, ABS (if equipped), Body Electrical System, Lighting, Instruments and Gauges, HVAC System, Power Windows/Locks/Mirrors, Wiper/Washer System, Audio System, Safety Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts), Emissions Control System.

Body And Chassis:

Includes body panel removal/installation, door adjustments, hood/trunk operation, glass replacement, structural repair guidelines, and underbody corrosion protection.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, scheduled service intervals, component removal and installation, diagnostic troubleshooting procedures, wiring diagrams, component testing, specifications and tolerances, torque specifications, fluid capacities and types, repair and overhaul procedures, body panel alignment, collision repair guidelines, emissions control adjustments.

Diagnostic Charts:

Includes detailed diagnostic trouble tree charts and flowcharts for electrical and mechanical systems.

Wiring Diagrams:

Extensive, detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical circuits, including component locations and connector pinouts.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic fluid changes and inspections to in-depth engine, transmission, and electrical system diagnostics and overhaul. Includes detailed component breakdowns and step-by-step repair instructions suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Proprietary digital format optimized for searchability and navigation; potentially PDF within an application.

Print Quality:

N/A (Digital - High clarity for diagrams and text)

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Software)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Software)

Completeness:

Comprehensive, covering all aspects of vehicle maintenance, diagnosis, and repair as specified by the manufacturer.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

1.5L (1489cc) DOHC 16-valve Inline-4 (BP-ZE - typically found in higher trims, but 1.5L was common for '95 base)

Engine Codes:

Z5-DE (1.5L), BP (1.8L - common in later models, but may be present in some '95 variants)

Horsepower 1.5L:

Approx. 90-100 hp

Torque 1.5L:

Approx. 90-100 lb-ft

Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor-based ignition, depending on specific engine variant.

Engine Main Bearing Cap Torque:

Specific torque values provided in manual (e.g., 30-33 Nm for M8 bolts)

Engine Layout:

Inline 4-cylinder, front-mounted

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Optional Transmission:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF Dexron III (for automatic transmissions); Manual transmission fluid meeting API GL-4 specifications (e.g., SAE 75W-90)

Gear Ratios Manual:

Manual transmission gear ratios vary by model/trim, but typically: 1st: ~3.40, 2nd: ~1.90, 3rd: ~1.30, 4th: ~1.00, 5th: ~0.80, Final Drive: ~4.10 (refer to manual for exact ratios).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 98.4 inches (2500 mm)

Length:

Approx. 170.1 inches (4320 mm)

Width:

Approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm)

Height:

Approx. 54.5 inches (1385 mm)

Length Mm:

4320

Width Mm:

1720

Height Mm:

1385

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2300-2600 lbs (1043-1179 kg), varies by trim and options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Typically around 3600-3800 lbs (1633-1724 kg)

Curb Weight Kg:

1043

Wheelbase Mm:

2500

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Front Impact:

Not rated for 1995 (NHTSA ratings were less standardized)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Good (for 1995, based on available data for similar Protege generations)

Active Safety Features:

Four-wheel disc brakes (optional/higher trims), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) (optional)

Passive Safety Features:

Driver and passenger front airbags, Crumple zones, Side-impact door beams, Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners.

Seatbelt Type:

3-point lap and shoulder belts with height adjustment and pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Analog controls for climate and audio.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited; ABS was optional. No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control or lane keeping assist were available.

Connectivity Features:

No integrated Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone connectivity. Aftermarket solutions could be installed.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. (Refer to specific manual for exact interval based on driving conditions).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years (critical due to interference engine design).

Engine Oil Viscosity:

0W-20, 5W-20, or 5W-30, depending on climate and manufacturer recommendation. API SG or higher.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (e.g., Mazda FL22 Long Life Coolant or equivalent) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Engine Oil Capacity Liters:

Approx. 3.4 - 3.9 Liters (with filter change, depending on engine variant)

Coolant Capacity Liters:

Approx. 5.0 - 5.5 Liters

Common Issues:

Timing belt failure (if not replaced), AC compressor clutch failure, Idle air control (IAC) valve issues causing rough idle, Power steering pump leaks, EGR valve clogging, Rear wheel bearing wear, Radiator hose degradation.

Common Issues Electrical:

Faulty door lock actuators, intermittent interior light failures, dashboard warning light issues, corroded ground points.

Timing Belt Kit Example:

Part number examples: Gates TBK227, Dayco TBK227 (engine specific)

Oil Filter Example:

Part number examples: Mazda B6Y1-14-302, Fram PH4967, Wix 51515

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mazda has a long history of producing reliable and often driver-focused vehicles, known for innovative engineering and a commitment to performance and handling.

Model Evolution:

The 1995 Protege is part of the third generation (BG chassis, though often referred to as the BJ for this specific model year update in many regions), which saw significant design and engineering improvements over its predecessor, focusing on increased refinement and safety.

Chassis Designation:

While often associated with the BG chassis, specific updates for 1995 may fall under internal Mazda designations related to the 'BJ' platform for this generation's facelift.

Production Years:

Third Generation: 1991-1998 (with model year updates)

Manufacturing Locations:

Japan, Mexico, and other global assembly plants.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The Protege model line generally received positive reviews for its value and driving dynamics, often appearing on 'best value' lists from automotive publications of the era.

Ratings:

Consistently rated well in terms of reliability and cost of ownership by consumer reports and automotive reviewers for its class.