Vehicle Segment:
Compact/Small Family Car, known for its sporty handling and reliability within its class.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra.
Vehicle Strengths:
Responsive handling, available sporty trims (e.g., Mazdaspeed Protege), practical interior, fuel efficiency.
Completeness Claim:
Advertised as a complete manual with no missing pages, offering a comprehensive resource for repair and maintenance professionals.
Superiority Claim:
Positioned as the 'Best Manual Available,' aiming to differentiate from lower-quality or incomplete alternatives.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, engine control systems (ECM/ECU).
Transmission:
Manual transmission (M5, M5A), Automatic transmission (FS5A-EL, JATCO JF403E), clutch system, driveline components (axles, CV joints).
Chassis:
Suspension (front McPherson strut, rear multi-link), steering system (power steering, rack and pinion), braking system (ABS, disc/drum configurations), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses and relays, wiring diagrams, power distribution.
Body:
Body structure, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, interior trim, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system, seat mechanisms.
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting guides, diagnostic procedures for various systems.
General Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid level checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, air filter service, belt inspections and replacement.
Engine Repair:
Engine assembly/disassembly, cylinder head service, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft service, camshaft timing, engine component replacement.
Transmission Service:
Transmission fluid changes, clutch replacement, torque converter service, internal transmission component repair, shift linkage adjustment.
Brake System Repair:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake caliper service, brake bleeding procedures, ABS component testing and replacement, parking brake adjustment.
Suspension And Steering:
Strut and shock absorber replacement, control arm service, ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement, power steering pump and rack replacement, wheel alignment procedures.
Electrical System Repair:
Alternator and starter motor testing and replacement, battery diagnostics, lighting circuit troubleshooting, power window and lock actuator repair, fuse and relay identification and testing.
HVAC System:
Refrigerant charging, A/C compressor replacement, heater core service, blower motor replacement, climate control system troubleshooting.
Depth:
Comprehensive rebuild procedures, detailed diagnostic flowcharts, torque specifications, electrical schematics, exploded views, special tool requirements.
Engine Codes Common:
FS-DE (2.0L DOHC I4), YF-DE (1.8L DOHC I4), ZM-DE (1.6L DOHC I4 - less common in some markets)
2.0L Fs-De Horsepower:
Approximately 120-130 hp (varies slightly by market and specific tune)
2.0L Fs-De Torque:
Approximately 125-135 lb-ft (varies)
Mazdaspeed Protege Engine:
FS-DET (2.0L DOHC Turbocharged I4)
Mazdaspeed Protege Horsepower:
Approximately 170 hp
Mazdaspeed Protege Torque:
Approximately 170 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Cooling System Type:
Pressurized liquid cooling system with thermostat and fan.
Transmission Type Common:
5-speed manual transmission (M5/M5A)
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed automatic transmission (FS5A-EL, JATCO JF403E)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, diaphragm spring clutch (manual)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled, overdrive capabilities, possible sport mode on some trims.
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Generally good ratings for its era, with many models achieving 4 stars or 'Good' in frontal impacts (check specific model year test data).
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Typically rated 'Good' or 'Acceptable' in IIHS frontal offset crash tests.
ABS Availability:
Available on higher trims, often standard on sportier models or as an option.
Traction Control Availability:
Less common, but may have been available on select higher-performance or later models.
Airbags Standard:
Driver and front passenger airbags were standard across most trims.
Side Impact Airbags:
Optional on many trims, often part of an upgrade package.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Approximately every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on visual inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) for platinum or iridium plugs (check specific plug type).
Timing Belt Replacement:
If applicable (FS-DE is often a timing chain, but verify for specific engines), typically around 90,000-100,000 miles (145,000-160,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
API SN/SP or ILSAC GF-5/GF-6, SAE 5W-30 recommended for most conditions (check manual for exact spec).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.7-4.0 US quarts (3.5-3.8 liters) with filter change for 2.0L.
Coolant Type:
Mazda Genuine Long Life Coolant or equivalent (typically a blue or green ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant).
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Mazda ATF J-M III or equivalent (Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluids may be acceptable but refer to manual).
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 75W-85 gear oil.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Engine Oil Consumption:
Some FS-DE engines may exhibit oil consumption; regular checks are advised.
Power Steering Leaks:
Hoses and pump seals can degrade over time, leading to leaks.
Suspension Components:
Worn bushings, ball joints, and struts are common wear items due to age and mileage.
Exhaust System:
Corrosion and rust can affect exhaust pipes, mufflers, and catalytic converters.
Window Regulators:
Power window regulators can be a common point of failure.
Mazda Philosophy:
Mazda's commitment to Jinba-Ittai (horse and rider as one) driving dynamics, even in a compact car.
Third Generation Bj Platform:
This generation (BJ, 1998-2003, with '2002 Onward' indicating coverage into the facelifted models or end-of-life cycle) saw significant refinements in styling, chassis, and interior comfort.
Global Production Plants:
Primarily manufactured in Japan and Mexico.
Mazdaspeed Protege:
High-performance variant with a turbocharged engine, sport-tuned suspension, and unique styling cues, introduced later in the BJ generation.