Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers seeking reliable transportation, DIY enthusiasts, and independent repair shops.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus.
Vehicle Appeal:
Sporty styling (GT models), good handling, fuel efficiency, affordability.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, actionable information to maintain and repair the Mazda Protege, saving owners significant costs compared to dealership service.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly, inspection, assembly, and torque specifications for all engine components (pistons, rings, crankshaft, camshaft, valves, timing belt/chain).
Engine Management:
Fuel injection systems, ignition systems, emission control systems, sensors, actuators, ECU diagnostics and repair, OBD-II troubleshooting.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch system, gear engagement, internal component inspection, repair procedures, fluid specifications.
Transmission Automatic:
Torque converter, valve body, planetary gears, hydraulic controls, electronic control unit (ECU) interface, diagnostic procedures, fluid specifications.
Brake System:
Disc brake systems (front and rear), caliper overhaul, brake pad replacement, rotor inspection and replacement, ABS system diagnostics and repair, bleeding procedures.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, ball joints), steering rack, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component location, starter, alternator, battery, lighting system, power windows, door locks, instrument cluster, fuses and relays, diagnostic connector pinouts.
HVAC System:
Air conditioning system operation, refrigerant charging, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator), heater core, blower motor, climate control system.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel pressure testing, evaporative emission control (EVAP) system.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust pipes, oxygen sensors, emissions control related components.
Body And Interior:
Door panel removal, seat removal, dashboard disassembly, exterior trim, bumper repair, glass replacement, rust repair guidance.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspection and replacement, brake inspection.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and component failures.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement, overhaul, and adjustment for all major vehicle systems.
Installation:
Guidance on installing aftermarket parts (if applicable) or replacing major sub-assemblies.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostics Level:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including reading diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor data interpretation, and component testing.
Engine Code:
FS-DE (2.0L DOHC I4)
Bore X Stroke:
83.0 mm x 92.0 mm
Horsepower:
118-130 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (depending on year and trim)
Torque:
121-127 lb-ft @ 4000-4500 rpm (depending on year and trim)
Engine Design:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI).
Engine Controls:
ECU controlled ignition and fuel injection.
0-60 Mph:
Approx. 9-10 seconds (varies with transmission and trim).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection
Fuel Pump Pressure:
Approx. 38-44 psi
Fuel Filter Location:
In-line, usually near the fuel tank or fuel rail.
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4/5 Stars (2000-2002 models)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4/5 Stars (2000-2002 models)
IIHS Front Offset:
Acceptable (for some model years)
ABS:
Available on higher trims, standard on some later models.
Airbags Front:
Driver and passenger airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seatbelts.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (standard plugs) or 100,000 miles (platinum/iridium plugs).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first. (Crucial due to interference engine design).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.2 US quarts (3.97 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 or equivalent, pre-mixed, ethylene glycol-based (green).
Engine Sludge:
Risk of oil sludge buildup due to short-trip driving and infrequent oil changes, particularly on earlier models with the FS-DE engine. Regular maintenance is key.
Catalytic Converter:
Can fail prematurely if engine misfires or oil consumption is high.
Cv Joints:
Front CV joints can wear out, leading to clicking noises during turns.
Rear Wheel Bearings:
Can become noisy (humming or grinding) with age.
Radiator Leaks:
Plastic end tanks on the radiator can develop leaks.
