🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Protege

Year:

1996

Chassis Code:

BJ Series (specific to 1996 models, though this generation often referred to as BG for earlier years)

Engine Codes:

B6 (1.6L DOHC), BP (1.8L DOHC)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Car

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, and Mazda Protege owners seeking in-depth repair and maintenance information.

Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Nissan Sentra, Mitsubishi Lancer.

Value Proposition:

Provides the necessary technical documentation to maintain, diagnose, and repair the 1996 Mazda Protege efficiently and effectively.

Documentation Type:

Comprehensive service and repair manual, often mirroring factory service manual content.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Full Service Repair Manual

Page Count:

Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory-style service manuals)

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed overhaul procedures, diagnostics, timing belt replacement, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control.

Transmission:

Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, fluid service, clutch replacement, driveshaft and CV joint service.

Brakes:

Hydraulic system diagnostics, disc and drum brake service, parking brake adjustment, ABS system (if equipped).

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension component replacement, alignment procedures, shock absorber and strut service, wheel bearing replacement.

Steering:

Power steering system service, steering rack and linkage repair, steering column components.

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, starter system, charging system (alternator, battery), lighting system, instrument panel, power windows, locks, wipers, horn, fuses, relays.

Body:

Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, doors, hoods, trunk, glass, bumper service, rust repair.

Climate Control:

HVAC system diagnosis, refrigerant service, blower motor, heater core, A/C compressor, cabin filter.

Maintenance:

Regular scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts for common driveability issues, electrical system faults, and mechanical problems.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation.

Rebuild:

Comprehensive engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including torque specifications and clearances.

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-I) troubleshooting, sensor testing, fault code interpretation.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls.

Detail Level:

Detailed diagrams, exploded views, torque specifications, special tool requirements, and OEM procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely searchable text within the PDF.

Print Quality:

Designed for clear printing of text and diagrams.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

1.6 Liters (1598 cc)

Engine 1 Type:

B6-ME / B6D DOHC Inline-4

Engine 1 Power:

Approx. 103 hp @ 6000 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

Approx. 100 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 2 Displacement:

1.8 Liters (1839 cc)

Engine 2 Type:

BP-ZE DOHC Inline-4 (often found in ES trim)

Engine 2 Power:

Approx. 120-122 hp @ 6000 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

Approx. 110-114 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Ignition System:

Distributor-based electronic ignition with coil-on-plug or coil packs depending on specific engine variant.

Compression Ratio:

Typically 9.4:1 (1.6L) and 9.0:1 or 9.6:1 (1.8L BP-ZE).

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual transmission

Optional Transmission:

4-speed automatic transmission

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch

Transmission Fluid:

Manual: GL-4 gear oil. Automatic: ATF Dexron III or equivalent.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 164.0 - 167.5 inches (depending on body style)

Width:

Approx. 66.7 inches

Height:

Approx. 53.3 - 54.1 inches (depending on body style)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 98.2 inches

Track Width Front:

Approx. 57.5 inches

Track Width Rear:

Approx. 57.3 inches

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2300 - 2600 lbs (depending on engine and trim)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Typically around 3500 - 3700 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Frontal Impact:

4-star rating (for comparable models of the era)

NHTSA Passenger Frontal Impact:

4-star rating (for comparable models of the era)

ABS:

Available on some higher trims, often as an option.

Traction Control:

Generally not available on this model year.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags standard.

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seatbelts, with pretensioners for front occupants.

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced roof structure.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional CD player available on higher trims.

Speakers:

Typically 4 or 6 speaker systems.

Cruise Control:

Available on most LX and ES models.

Auxiliary Input:

Not standard; aftermarket solutions would be required.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

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 (copper plugs) or 60,000 miles (iridium plugs).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years, critical for B6 and BP engines.

Engine Oil:

API Service SG, SH or SJ category. Viscosity: SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on ambient temperature).

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Mazda FL22 coolant or equivalent is recommended for modern replacements.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.

Engine Mounts:

Wear and tear on engine mounts can lead to vibrations felt in the cabin.

Alternator:

Alternator failure can occur with age, leading to battery discharge.

Power Steering Pump:

Leaking or failing power steering pumps can cause noise and loss of assist.

Rear Wheel Bearings:

Can develop noise (humming/grinding) and require replacement.

Radiator:

Plastic end tanks can crack over time, leading to coolant leaks.

Cv Axles:

Torn CV boots can lead to premature failure of the Constant Velocity joints.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Philosophy:

Mazda's reputation for building sporty and engaging vehicles, even in their more economy-focused models.

Generation:

This represents the second generation of the Mazda Protege (BG chassis for earlier years, leading into the BJ chassis development for later models in this generation). 1995-1998 model years were part of a significant redesign.

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

Body Styles:

Sedan, Hatchback (often referred to as Protege DX, LX, ES trims).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Consumer Reports:

The Protege generally received moderate to good reliability ratings from consumer organizations for its era.

Reliability Perception:

Considered a solid and dependable compact car, particularly the 1.8L models.

Emissions Compliance:

Meets applicable EPA and California emissions standards for 1996.