Market Segment:
Compact Sedan/Hatchback
Historical Reputation:
Known for reliability, sporty handling, and value for money. Competed effectively in its segment.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus
Value Proposition:
Offers comprehensive factory-level repair information, surpassing incomplete or generic guides. Enables in-depth maintenance and repair, saving on labor costs.
Completeness Assurance:
Emphasizes 'COMPLETE' coverage, suggesting no missing sections or critical procedures, unlike potentially cheaper alternatives.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical (including cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft), lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, emission controls, engine management systems (ECU diagnostics), turbocharger (if applicable)
Transmission Systems:
Manual and Automatic transmission overhaul, clutch system, drive axles, differential, transmission control modules (TCM diagnostics)
Braking Systems:
Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) diagnosis and repair, parking brake
Suspension Steering Systems:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, bushings), steering system (rack and pinion, power steering), wheel alignment specifications
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting systems, instrument cluster, power windows, door locks, mirrors, wiper/washer systems, audio systems, fuses and relays, wiring diagrams
HVAC Systems:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement
Body Chassis Systems:
Body exterior panels, interior trim, doors, hood, trunk, glass, chassis components, corrosion protection, frame specifications
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance tasks (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, belt inspections), tune-up procedures, lubrication points
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, fault finding for all major systems
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, overhaul, and adjustment for all major systems
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of special tools required for specific repair and diagnostic tasks
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive from basic fluid checks and adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system troubleshooting and component replacement.
Engine Code Common:
FS-DE (2.0L DOHC I4)
Engine Displacement:
1998 cc (2.0 Liters)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 Valves
Horsepower Typical:
Approx. 122-130 hp (depending on trim and market)
Torque Typical:
Approx. 130-135 lb-ft (depending on trim and market)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Engine Control Unit:
Engine Control Module (ECM) with OBD-II diagnostics
Wheelbase:
Approx. 102.8 inches (2611 mm)
Length:
Approx. 172.8 inches (4389 mm) for Sedan, 165.7 inches (4209 mm) for Hatchback
Width:
Approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.1 inches (1400 mm) for Sedan, 55.7 inches (1415 mm) for Hatchback
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2600-2800 lbs (1180-1270 kg), varies by trim and body style
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4x100mm
Wheel Size:
Typically 14-inch or 15-inch, with optional 16-inch on performance trims
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for specific configurations; can vary by year)
IIHS Side Crash Test:
Good (for specific configurations; can vary by year)
Active Safety Features:
Front disc brakes, Rear drum brakes (often with optional rear discs), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on higher trims
Passive Safety Features:
Dual front airbags, crumple zones, side-impact door beams, front seatbelt pretensioners
Infotainment Systems:
Basic AM/FM radio with CD player or cassette player, optional premium audio systems on higher trims.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited by modern standards. Primarily focused on ABS availability. Cruise control standard on many models.
Connectivity Features:
No integrated Bluetooth or USB connectivity in this era. May have provisions for aftermarket stereos.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions.
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
Replace with every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km), or as needed based on driving environment.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) for platinum or iridium plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km) or 2-3 years.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
5W-30 API SN or higher
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.2 US quarts (4.0 Liters) with filter change
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II or III compatible fluid
Common Engine Issues:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, oil leaks (valve cover, oil pan), occasional ignition coil failure.
Common Transmission Issues:
Automatic transmission clutch wear, manual transmission clutch wear, synchro issues in manual transmissions.
Common Suspension Steering Issues:
Worn bushings (control arm, sway bar), worn ball joints, tie rod end wear, power steering pump whine.
Common Electrical Issues:
Window regulator failures, door lock actuator issues, radiator fan motor failure, alternator issues.
Common Body Issues:
Rust (particularly on rocker panels, wheel wells, and rear quarter panels in rust-prone climates), door lock actuator failure.
Mazda Philosophy:
Known for its 'Zoom-Zoom' driving philosophy, emphasizing responsive handling and driver engagement.
First Generation:
Introduced in 1990 as a compact car, evolving through several generations.
Third Generation Period:
The 1998-2003 models represent the third generation of the Protegé, often referred to as the BJ platform.
Trim Levels Evolution:
Included DX, LX, ES, and the sporty MP3 (in later years) and Mazdaspeed Protegé trims, offering varying levels of equipment and performance.
Production Location:
Primarily assembled in Hofu, Yamaguchi, Japan and also in Mexico.
