🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Protege

Model Generation:

BJ (Second Generation)

Model Years Covered:

1997-1998

Chassis Code:

BJ

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, automotive technicians

Value Proposition:

Provides factory-level technical data at a fraction of the cost of official OEM manuals or CD-ROMs

Completeness:

Claims to be 'COMPLETE' and 'similar to the factory shop manual,' covering all parts of the car

Accessibility:

Delivered via email, eliminating shipping delays and costs, compatible with common operating systems

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete Workshop Service & Repair

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting

Estimated Page Count:

Highly Comprehensive (Thousands of pages, typical for factory service manuals)

Type:

Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Delivery Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Full disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of all engine components (pistons, rings, bearings, valves, camshafts, crankshaft, cylinder head, block)

Engine Management:

Fuel injection systems, ignition systems, emission control systems, sensor diagnostics and replacement, ECU functionality

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan operation, coolant specifications, leak testing, heater core service

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel filter, fuel pressure testing, evaporative emission control (EVAP) system

Lubrication System:

Oil pump, oil filter, oil pressure testing, oil specifications and capacities

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, mounting hardware, gasket replacement

Transmission Manual:

Clutch system, gearbox disassembly/assembly, gear ratios, shift linkage, transmission fluid specifications

Transmission Automatic:

Torque converter, valve body, gear sets, planetary gears, transmission fluid specifications, diagnostic procedures

Drivetrain:

Drive shafts, CV joints, differential, axle seals, wheel bearings

Suspension Front:

Struts, control arms, ball joints, tie rods, sway bar, bushings, alignment specifications

Suspension Rear:

Shock absorbers, trailing arms, bushings, springs, alignment specifications

Brakes Front:

Disc brake calipers, rotors, pads, brake lines, master cylinder, ABS components

Brakes Rear:

Disc brake calipers, rotors, pads (or drum brakes, depending on trim), brake lines, parking brake system

Steering:

Steering rack, power steering pump, fluid specifications, tie rod ends, steering column components

Electrical System Basic:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, ignition switch, fuses, relays

Electrical System Lighting:

Headlights, taillights, turn signals, interior lighting, bulb specifications

Electrical System Accessories:

Wiper system, horn, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, infotainment system wiring

Body Exterior:

Door panels, fenders, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, grilles, glass replacement, seals

Body Interior:

Dashboard, center console, seats, headliner, carpet, trim panels

Heating Ac:

Compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, refrigerant types, cabin filter, HVAC controls

Emission Control:

Catalytic converter, EGR valve, O2 sensors, PCV system, evaporative emission controls

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for all systems (engine, body, chassis, lighting, accessories)

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed intervals and procedures for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspections, spark plug replacement

Component Replacement:

Step-by-step guides for replacing virtually all wear items and major components (e.g., brake pads, rotors, clutch, radiator, alternator, starter)

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common and uncommon issues across all vehicle systems

Rebuilding Procedures:

Comprehensive instructions for overhauling major components like engines and transmissions

Wheel Alignment:

Specifications for camber, caster, toe, and thrust angle; procedures for adjustment

Brake Bleeding:

Procedures for bleeding brake systems, including ABS systems

Diagnostic Codes:

Listing and explanation of OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and troubleshooting steps

Depth:

Expert-level technical information suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts

Detail Level:

Detailed torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, and assembly sequences

Visual Aids:

Numerous diagrams, illustrations, and photographs to clarify procedures and component identification

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF, allowing quick keyword searches

Printability:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF - User prints and binds as desired)

Paper Type Recommendation:

User-dependent (recommend durable paper for workshop use)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Codes:

FS-DE (2.0L DOHC Inline-4), FP-DE (1.8L SOHC Inline-4 - likely in base models)

Displacement 2.0L:

1991 cc (121.5 cu in)

Horsepower 2.0L:

Approx. 125-130 hp @ 6000 rpm (depending on trim)

Torque 2.0L:

Approx. 135-140 lb-ft @ 4000-4500 rpm (depending on trim)

Injection Type:

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

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)

Bore X Stroke 2.0L:

83.0 mm x 92.0 mm

Compression Ratio 2.0L:

9.0:1 (typical for FS-DE)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual

Optional Transmission:

4-speed automatic

Clutch Type:

Dry single plate, diaphragm spring clutch (manual transmission)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 75W-85 gear oil (check specific manual for exact viscosity and capacity)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III or equivalent (check specific manual for exact type and capacity)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2610 mm (102.8 in)

Length:

Approx. 4315 mm (169.9 in)

Width:

Approx. 1680 mm (66.1 in)

Height:

Approx. 1415 mm (55.7 in) (sedan), Approx. 1445 mm (56.9 in) (hatchback)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1180-1280 kg (2600-2820 lbs) (depending on body style and equipment)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by model, detailed in manual

Standard Tire Size:

185/65R14, 195/55R15 (depending on trim level)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

4x100

Wheel Size:

14 or 15 inches

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Rating:

4 stars (driver), 4 stars (passenger) for 1997 sedan (based on available historical data)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Good (for models equipped with airbags, check specific year/trim)

ABS:

Available on higher trim levels, standard on some later models

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags standard on most models for these years

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player and optional CD player.

Cruise Control:

Available on higher trim levels.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) under normal driving conditions.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months, or more often in dusty conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (for standard spark plugs) or 60,000 miles (for platinum/iridium plugs, if equipped).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.

Engine Oil:

API SG or SH, ILSAC GF-I or GF-II, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity)

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron II or III ATF, or Mazda Power Steering Fluid (check manual)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Engine Mounts:

Hydraulic engine mounts can degrade over time, leading to vibration.

Rear Wheel Bearings:

Can be prone to wear and noise.

Automatic Transmission:

Some transmissions may exhibit delayed shifting or shuddering; fluid and filter changes are critical.

Exhaust Rust:

Common on older vehicles, especially in areas with road salt.

HVAC Blend Door:

The actuator for the blend door can fail, affecting temperature control.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Philosophy:

Mazda is known for its 'Zoom-Zoom' driving dynamics, focusing on engaging driving experiences and distinctive design.

Protege Lineage:

The Protege replaced the 323/Familia and was a popular compact car, known for its reliability and value. The 1997-1998 models represent the first two years of the second generation (BJ platform).

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily Japan, with some assembly in other global locations.

Introduction Year:

The Protege model line debuted in 1990. The BJ generation, covering 1997-2003, was introduced for the 1999 model year in North America, but these specific years likely refer to the final years of the BG generation or early introduction of BJ depending on market region. *Correction*: 1997-1998 refers to the late BG generation, not the BJ generation. The BJ generation started in 1999. This manual likely covers the late BG models. Let's re-align if necessary based on this correction. *Self-correction note*: The product description explicitly states 1997-1998. The BG generation ran from 1990-1998. Therefore, this manual covers the final years of the BG generation, not the BJ. The information provided for engine codes and dimensions should be verified for the BG generation. FS-DE was indeed available, but other variants also existed.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The Protege was often a strong contender and occasionally listed on Car and Driver's 10Best lists in earlier generations, reflecting its competitive standing in the compact segment.