Production Years Covered:
1988-1994
Platform Code:
BF (for 1988-1989), BG (for 1990-1994)
Chassis Codes:
FA4, FA5, BF5, BG5, BG6, BG7, BG8
Segment:
Compact car, economy car
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, Mazda owners
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Escort, Hyundai Elantra
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables owners and technicians to perform a wide range of maintenance and repairs, reducing labor costs and extending vehicle lifespan.
Vehicle Strengths At Time Of Release:
Reliability, fuel efficiency, sporty handling for its class, practical interior
Coverage Scope:
All Models & All Repairs A-Z
Engine Coverage:
All engines included
Model Coverage:
All models, including sedan, hatchback, wagon variants
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Type:
Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, searchable)
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Transmission (Manual & Automatic)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Braking System, Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Ignition & Starting System, Charging System, ECUs
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC System, Interior Trim, Body Sealing
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Repair And Rebuild:
Component disassembly, overhaul, reassembly, and replacement procedures
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical circuit testing
Adjustments:
Engine timing, idle speed, clutch adjustment, brake adjustments
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic upkeep to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Detail Level:
Step-by-step instructions with torque specifications, diagrams, and technical notes
Searchability:
Full text search capability
Print Quality:
High resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or sections
Binding:
Not applicable (digital format)
Paper Quality:
Not applicable (digital format)
Engine Codes And Types:
1.5L SOHC I4 (B5), 1.6L DOHC I4 (Z5, BP-ZE), 1.8L DOHC I4 (BP-Z3, BP-ZE)
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 70-130 hp, depending on engine and market
Torque Range:
Approximately 80-115 lb-ft, depending on engine and market
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) standard on most models
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Mazda FL22 or equivalent)
Engine Oil Type And Viscosity:
API SG or higher; SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended (refer to manual for climate-specific grades)
Ignition System:
Distributor-based ignition system (DIS or conventional)
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual
Optional Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (FWD), 4-speed Automatic (4WD)
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF Dexron-II or equivalent for automatic; Manual transmission fluid (API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90)
Gear Ratios:
Detailed ratios for each transmission variant are provided in the manual.
Wheelbase:
Approximately 98.2 inches (2494 mm) for BG platform
Overall Length:
Varies by body style (e.g., ~165 inches for hatchback, ~174 inches for sedan)
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 2200 - 2700 lbs (1000 - 1225 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Varies by model and configuration, typically around 3400 - 3800 lbs
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings:
Ratings vary by model year and specific test; documentation typically includes available data.
Active Safety Features:
Front disc brakes, Rear drum brakes (or discs on some trims/years), Power-assisted brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - optional on some models
Passive Safety Features:
Seat belts (3-point front, 2-point or 3-point rear), Reinforced body structure, Driver-side airbag (optional or standard on later models)
Recall Information Access:
The manual provides diagnostic and repair procedures that may be relevant to recalls, but specific recall details are not its primary focus.
Audio System:
Factory fitted AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player on higher trims. Basic speaker systems.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog gauges for speed, RPM, fuel, temperature. Warning lights for various systems.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited by era; ABS was optional. No modern ADAS features.
Connectivity Options:
None; primarily analog systems.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 3,750 - 7,500 miles (6,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used (refer to manual for exact schedule).
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed (typically 30,000 miles or 48,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km), depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial: 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 144,000 km) for B-series and BP engines (non-interference check recommended for earlier models, interference for later models, consult manual).
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 5.5 - 7.0 quarts (5.2 - 6.6 liters), depending on engine and radiator size.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Wear Items:
Exhaust systems, suspension bushings, CV joints, clutch wear (manual transmission), minor electrical issues (e.g., power window regulators, interior lights).
Engine Specific Considerations:
BP engine (GT models) can be prone to oil consumption if not maintained; timing belt replacement is critical to prevent catastrophic engine damage on interference engines.
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel wells, rocker panels, rear quarter panels, chassis rails, especially in areas with road salt.
Mazda Philosophy During Era:
Focus on engineering, driving enjoyment ('Jinba Ittai' - horse and rider as one), and value for money.
Generation 1 Bf 88-89:
Marked the transition to the Protegé name in North America. Offered in sedan and hatchback body styles. Introduced various engine options including the 1.5L and 1.6L.
Generation 2 Bg 90-94:
Introduced a more aerodynamic styling. Expanded model range including a wagon and sporty GT models. Offered 1.6L and 1.8L engines, including the potent BP-ZE DOHC engine.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan (Hofu Plant), and potentially other Mazda assembly plants globally.
Popular Mechanics Automotive Engineer Of The Year:
Mazda's engineering and design, particularly the development of the BP engine (used in the Protegé GT), were recognized for innovation and performance during this era.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Generally considered reliable for its class, with specific model years and engines performing better than others. Manual provides insights to maintain and improve this reliability.
Emissions Standards Compliance:
The manual details specifications and procedures for maintaining compliance with relevant emissions standards of the era.
