🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

323 Protege

Model Code:

BG

Year:

1994

Region:

Global (primarily North America, Europe, Australia, Asia)

Chassis Code:

BG

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Car / Economy Sedan and Hatchback

Target Audience:

DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, Mazda owners seeking detailed repair and maintenance information.

Competitors 1994:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Escort, Mitsubishi Lancer.

Key Selling Points:

Reliability, fuel efficiency, sporty handling (especially with the Protege name), affordability.

Manual Value:

Provides factory-level detail essential for accurate and efficient repairs, saving significant costs compared to dealership service.

Manual Accuracy:

Directly sourced from Mazda's official service documentation, ensuring high accuracy and completeness.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Mechanical, Electrical, Bodywork, Maintenance

Specific Systems:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Electrical System, HVAC, Body & Frame, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair procedures for all engine components, including cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshafts, valve train.

Engine Management:

Engine Control Module (ECM) operation, sensor diagnostics, fuel injection system, ignition system, emission control systems, troubleshooting of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Transmission Manual:

Service and repair for manual transmissions, including clutch system, gear selection, disassembly and reassembly.

Transmission Automatic:

Service and repair for automatic transmissions, including hydraulic control, torque converter, valve body, disassembly and reassembly.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) axle shafts, CV joints, differential, driveshaft (if applicable), wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Front strut assembly, rear shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, bushings, sway bars, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, alignment procedures.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum), brake calipers, rotors, pads, drums, wheel cylinders, brake lines, master cylinder, parking brake system, ABS (if equipped) troubleshooting.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, evaporative emission control (EVAP) system.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, hangers, oxygen sensors.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fans, hoses, coolant specifications.

Lubrication System:

Oil pan, oil pump, oil filter, oil specifications, oil change intervals.

Electrical System Basic:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights).

Electrical System Complex:

Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations and functions, relay assignments, power distribution, grounding points, instrument cluster, gauges, warning lights.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant charge, cabin air filter replacement.

Body And Frame:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, locks, chassis component repair, corrosion prevention.

Interior Trim:

Dashboard removal, seat removal and installation, door panel removal, headliner, carpet.

Exterior Trim:

Bumpers, grille, fenders, hood, trunk lid, mirrors, glass replacement.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, brake fluid flushes, coolant changes, spark plug replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and complex problems, using symptom-based guides and diagnostic codes.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation.

Installation:

Guidance on installing new or replacement parts and accessories.

Adjustments:

Procedures for adjusting brakes, clutch, parking brake, idle speed, ignition timing (if applicable).

Specifications Torque:

Detailed torque specifications for all fasteners and critical components.

Specifications Alignment:

Wheel alignment specifications (camber, caster, toe).

Diagnostics Electrical:

Using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and diagnostic scan tools to diagnose electrical faults and circuit issues.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, and advanced electrical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Fully searchable text content

Resolution:

High-resolution, suitable for printing

Print Usability:

Optimized for printing individual pages or sections

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Common:

B3 (1.3L SOHC), BP (1.8L DOHC), BP-ZE (1.8L DOHC - performance variant), YS (1.5L SOHC - less common in some markets)

Displacement Bp Engine:

1839 cc

Configuration Bp Engine:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves

Horsepower Bp Engine:

Approx. 120-125 hp @ 6000 rpm (varies by market and specific tune)

Torque Bp Engine:

Approx. 115-120 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (varies by market and specific tune)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Ignition System:

Distributor-based electronic ignition (or distributorless ignition systems on some later models)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Common:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Clutch Type Manual:

Hydraulic, single dry plate

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mazda ATF M-III or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity)

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

3-door Hatchback, 5-door Hatchback, 4-door Sedan

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2565 mm (100.9 inches)

Length:

Approx. 4250-4360 mm (167.3-171.7 inches) depending on body style

Width:

Approx. 1680-1695 mm (66.1-66.7 inches)

Height:

Approx. 1360-1410 mm (53.5-55.5 inches) depending on body style

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1050-1200 kg (2315-2646 lbs) depending on trim and configuration

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by model, consult vehicle VIN plate

Towing Capacity:

Not typically recommended or specified for this vehicle class.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings 1994:

Varies by year and specific testing protocols; generally considered average for its era. Frontal impact data available from NHTSA for similar Mazda models of the period.

ABS:

Optional on some trims, standard on higher performance variants or specific markets.

Traction Control:

Rarely available on this generation.

Airbags:

Driver airbag standard on most North American models from 1994 onwards. Passenger airbag typically optional or not available.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts in the front and rear (outboard), lap belt in the center rear.

Body Structure:

Designed with crumple zones and a reinforced safety cage.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional CD player on some higher trims. Basic speaker configuration.

Navigation:

Not available.

Cruise Control:

Optional on some models.

Power Windows Locks:

Available on higher trim levels, manual operation on base models.

Bluetooth:

Not available.

Usb Ports:

Not available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months (refer to manual for specific engine and oil type recommendation).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on spark plug type - standard vs. platinum/iridium).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial for BP engines (interference engine). Recommended every 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2-3 years or as specified by condition.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-5 years or 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on coolant type.

Engine Oil Spec:

API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended (check manual for precise viscosity based on temperature range).

Engine Oil Capacity Bp:

Approx. 4.3 liters (4.5 US quarts) with filter change.

Coolant Spec:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mazda Long Life Coolant or equivalent.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron II or III (refer to manual for specific type).

Engine Mounts:

Wear and tear leading to vibration, especially under acceleration.

Timing Belt Tensioner:

Potential for noise or failure if not replaced with belt.

Alternator Failure:

Common wear item on many vehicles of this era.

Rear Wheel Bearings:

Can develop noise and wear over time.

Cv Joint Boots:

Tearing can lead to lubrication loss and premature joint failure.

Radiator Corrosion:

Aging can lead to leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Focus:

Mazda's reputation for 'Zoom-Zoom' driving dynamics and innovative rotary engines, though the 323/Protege featured conventional piston engines.

Generation Bg:

The BG generation of the Mazda 323 (also known as Protege in North America and other markets) was produced from 1994 to 1998. It represented a significant styling and engineering update from the preceding BF generation.

Key Updates Bg:

Aerodynamic styling, improved chassis dynamics, introduction of more powerful engine options (like the BP-ZE), and enhanced safety features.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Japan (Mazda's Hofu Plant) and sometimes assembled in other regions depending on market.

Production Years:

1994-1998 for the BG generation.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

While the Protege nameplate achieved 10Best recognition in later years, the 1994 BG generation was known for its competent handling and value rather than specific major awards in its debut year.

Consumer Reports:

Generally rated as average to good for reliability in its class for the era, with common wear items needing attention as the vehicle ages.

Epa Fuel Economy:

Varies by engine and transmission, but typically in the range of 22-28 MPG city / 30-36 MPG highway for the 1.8L engine.