Market Segment:
Compact car, economy sedan and hatchback.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra.
Vehicle Strengths:
Reliability, good fuel economy, sporty handling (especially 'ES' trims), affordable pricing.
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, Mazda Protege owners seeking to perform maintenance and repairs.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel system (EFI), ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, emission control systems, engine management (ECM/PCM).
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission (MT), automatic transmission (AT), clutch system, drive axles, transfer case (if applicable to specific models).
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS included), wheels and tires.
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, charging system, starting system, instrument cluster, body electrical (doors, windows, seats, locks), HVAC controls, audio system, power accessories.
Body And Frame:
Body construction, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, frame/unibody structure.
Maintenance Procedures:
Recommended service intervals, fluid level checks, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush.
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair and replacement.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical system diagnosis flowcharts, engine performance diagnostics.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to complete component overhaul and complex diagnostics. Includes detailed torque specifications, clearances, and assembly procedures.
Engine Code Common:
FS-DE (2.0L DOHC)
Displacement:
1991 cc (2.0 Liters)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves.
Horsepower Approx:
130 hp @ 6000 rpm (FS-DE)
Torque Approx:
135 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (FS-DE)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher recommended)
Alternative Engine:
FP-DE (1.8L DOHC, primarily for earlier Protege models, some crossover into early 2000s depending on market).
ECU Type:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (AT)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil (check manual for specific Mazda recommendations).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF M-III or equivalent (Dexron III/Mercon compatible where approved).
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
Generally rated well (e.g., 4-star driver, 5-star passenger for specific years/configurations, refer to NHTSA archives for precise details).
IIHS Crash Test Performance:
Good performance in frontal offset tests for its era.
ABS Availability:
Available on most trims, standard on higher trims.
Airbags:
Frontal airbags standard. Side airbags available on some higher trims.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners for front belts.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil may allow extended intervals as per manual).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on plug type, check manual for specifics).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG/SH/SJ, ILSAC GF-2, SAE 5W-30 is common. Check owner's manual for exact grade.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.2 US quarts (4.0 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Mazda Long Life Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol based, Green color) or equivalent. Mixture 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Problems Engine:
Oil consumption (especially on higher mileage FS-DE engines), occasional ignition coil failures, potential for intake manifold runner issues.
Common Problems Transmission:
Automatic transmission solenoid issues, clutch wear on manual transmissions.
Common Problems Suspension Steering:
Worn sway bar end links, front control arm bushings, and rear trailing arm bushings can lead to clunking noises and poor handling.
Common Problems Electrical:
Window regulator failures, door lock actuator issues, HVAC blower motor resistor failures.
Common Problems Body:
Rust issues on wheel arches, rocker panels, and subframes, especially in rust-belt regions.
Mazda Brand Focus:
Known for 'Zoom-Zoom' driving dynamics, reliable engineering, and sporty styling.
Protege Generation Bj:
This generation (1998-2003 globally, 2000-2004 North America) represented a significant redesign with improved chassis dynamics and styling. Replaced by the Mazda3.
Assembly Locations:
Primarily Hofu, Japan, and Mexico (for North American market).
