Generation:
Third Generation (BJ Series)
Chassis Codes:
BJ3P, BJ5P, BJ8W, BJEP, BJEW, BJFP, BJE3, BJGF, BJG3, BJG5
Market Segment:
Compact Car / Small Family Car
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Chevrolet Cavalier
Strengths:
Reliability, sporty handling (GT models), practicality, value for money
Body Styles:
Sedan, Hatchback (3-door and 5-door)
Performance Variants:
Protege ES, Protege DX, Protege LX, Protege MP3 (limited), Protege GT/Mazdaspeed Protege (later models)
Covered Years:
1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
Regional Coverage:
Global (North America, Europe, Asia, Australia - specific models may vary)
Estimated Page Count:
Over 1500 pages (typical for a comprehensive workshop manual)
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
PDF (Downloadable)
Powertrain:
Engine (all variants), Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Lubrication System
Drivetrain:
Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Driveshift, Axles, Differentials
Suspension Steering:
Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Steering System, Wheel Alignment
Brakes:
Brake System (Front & Rear), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Electrical:
Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Body Electrical, Power Accessories, ECU Diagnostics
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning System
Body Chassis:
Body Construction, Exterior Trim, Interior Trim, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Chassis Components
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups
Repair:
Component removal, installation, adjustment, and overhaul for all major systems
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom analysis, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, pressure readings
Technical Data:
Component identification, part numbers, specifications, diagrams, exploded views
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical troubleshooting.
Engine Code Common:
FS-DE (2.0L DOHC)
Engine Code Alternative:
FP-DE (1.8L DOHC), Z5-DE (1.5L SOHC)
2.0L Fs-De Horsepower:
Approx. 125-130 hp (depending on year and market)
2.0L Fs-De Torque:
Approx. 125-130 lb-ft (depending on year and market)
1.8L Fp-De Horsepower:
Approx. 120 hp
1.8L Fp-De Torque:
Approx. 115 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential port injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
ECU Type:
ECU (Engine Control Unit) with OBD-II diagnostics (from 1996 onwards)
Emission Systems:
Catalytic Converter, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), Secondary Air Injection (on some models)
Manual Transmission:
5-speed manual (FS5A-EL, G5M-P)
Automatic Transmission:
4-speed automatic (GF4A-EL, Jatco JF403E)
Clutch Type:
Dry single plate (manual transmission)
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90
Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
Dexron III/Mercon (or equivalent)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2610 mm (102.8 inches)
Length:
Approx. 4385 mm (172.6 inches) for sedan
Width:
Approx. 1705 mm (67.1 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1405 mm (55.3 inches) for sedan
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1200-1350 kg (depending on trim and drivetrain)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Varies by model, typically around 1700-1850 kg
Trunk Capacity Sedan:
Approx. 0.37 cubic meters (13.0 cubic feet)
NHTSA Crash Test Results:
Mixed ratings, some models received 4 stars for frontal impact. Refer to specific model year NHTSA data.
ABS:
Available on higher trim levels and as an option.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard on most models from 1996 onwards.
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Body Structure:
Reinforced impact zones, crumple zones
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD or Cassette player, with optional premium sound systems.
Controls:
Manual climate controls, basic radio controls.
Cruise Control:
Available on most higher trim levels.
Aux Input:
Typically not standard; aftermarket solutions required for modern device connectivity.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months (whichever comes first), depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type - standard vs. platinum/iridium).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (for FS-DE and FP-DE engines, critical maintenance item).
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to owner's manual for climate-specific recommendations).
Coolant Spec:
Mazda long-life coolant (ethylene glycol-based) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine Mounts:
Wear and tear leading to vibration or clunking noises.
Power Steering Pump:
Leaking or noisy pump, especially at full lock.
Automatic Transmission:
Slipping or delayed engagement in some higher mileage units.
Rear Wheel Bearings:
Can become noisy or fail over time, especially on earlier models.
Rust:
Prone to rust in certain climates, especially around wheel wells, rocker panels, and rear quarters.
Mazda Brand Focus:
Known for sporty driving dynamics, innovative design, and reliability.
Protege Introduction:
Originally launched in the 1970s, the Protege nameplate evolved through several generations, with the BJ series being the third generation.
Bj Series Debut:
Introduced for the 1999 model year in North America, replacing the BG generation. This manual covers the transition period and the entirety of the BJ generation.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan, also Mexico and other global locations.
Production End Date:
The Protege nameplate was phased out globally by 2003/2004 in most markets, replaced by the Mazda3. However, some markets and specific derivatives (like the Mazdaspeed Protege) continued until 2006. This manual's coverage reflects this extended period.
