Applicable Years:
1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
Third Generation Code:
BJ
Chassis Codes:
BJ3P, BJ5P, BJ8W, BJE3, BJE4, BJFW
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers, DIY mechanics, fleet owners
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier, Nissan Sentra
Vehicle Strengths:
Reliability, Fuel efficiency, Affordability, Practicality, Sporty handling (especially certain trims)
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and independent shops with factory-level repair and maintenance knowledge, saving significant costs compared to dealership servicing.
Continents:
North America, Europe, Asia (specific market variations may apply)
Body Styles:
Sedan, Hatchback (3-door and 5-door), Wagon
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, Engine control systems (ECU), Fuel system, Ignition system, Exhaust system, Transmission (manual and automatic), Drivetrain (CVT on some models)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), Steering system, Brakes (hydraulic, ABS), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Battery, Charging system, Starting system, Lighting, Instrumentation, Body electrical (power windows, locks, mirrors), HVAC controls, Audio system wiring, SRS (Airbag) system
Body:
Body construction, Exterior panels, Interior trim, Doors, Hood, Trunk/Tailgate, Glass, Bumpers, Fuses and Relays
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups), Lubrication procedures, Belt and hose inspection/replacement
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) interpretation, Symptom-based troubleshooting guides, Wiring diagrams, Component testing procedures
Repair Overhaul:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, Transmission overhaul, Brake caliper rebuilding, Suspension component replacement, Body panel repair and replacement
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, Engine clearances and tolerances, Fluid capacities and types, Electrical system specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid checks and tire rotations to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics and bodywork repair.
File Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Searchable text content for quick information retrieval
Printability:
Printable pages for physical reference in a workshop environment
Binding:
N/A (Digital format - typically accessed on computer, tablet, or phone)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital format)
Engine Code 1:
Z5-DE (1.5L DOHC)
Engine Displacement 1:
1498 cc
Horsepower 1:
90-95 hp (approx.)
Torque 1:
90-95 lb-ft (approx.)
Engine Code 2:
FS-DE / FS-ZE (2.0L DOHC)
Engine Displacement 2:
1991 cc
Horsepower 2:
110-120 hp (FS-DE), 170 hp (FS-ZE for Mazdaspeed Protegé)
Torque 2:
120-130 lb-ft (FS-DE), 145 lb-ft (FS-ZE)
Compression Ratio 1:
9.5:1 (Z5-DE)
Compression Ratio 2:
9.1:1 (FS-DE), 10.0:1 (FS-ZE)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher for FS-ZE)
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze (or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant)
Type 2:
4-Speed Automatic
Type 3:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) - early models (e.g., 1999-2000 BJ chassis)
Clutch Type:
Dry single plate (manual)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil (check manual for specific Mazda specs)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF JWS 3317 (or Dexron III/Mercon equivalent)
Length Sedan:
approx. 4420 mm (174.0 in)
Width Sedan:
approx. 1715 mm (67.5 in)
Height Sedan:
approx. 1410 mm (55.5 in)
Wheelbase:
approx. 2610 mm (102.8 in)
Trunk Volume Sedan:
approx. 385 L (13.6 cu ft)
Curb Weight Base Sedan:
approx. 1150-1200 kg (2535-2645 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Varies by model and configuration, consult manual
Standard Wheel Size:
15 inch steel or alloy
Standard Tire Size:
195/55R15
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4-star (early models, specific test varies)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4-star (early models, specific test varies)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable to Good (depending on year and side airbags presence)
ABS:
Standard on higher trims or optional on most models
Traction Control:
Optional on select higher trims
Airbags Front:
Driver and Passenger airbags standard
Airbags Side:
Optional on select higher trims
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners on front seats
Audio System:
AM/FM/Cassette or CD player, basic speaker systems (upgrades available)
Climate Control:
Manual HVAC controls, optional automatic climate control on higher trims
Cruise Control:
Optional on most models
Aux Input:
N/A (requires aftermarket adapter for modern devices)
Dashboard Layout:
Analog gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temperature), warning lights
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions)
Engine Oil Filter Interval:
Replace with oil change
Engine Air Filter Interval:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Cabin Air Filter Interval:
N/A for most models in this generation; check specific trims
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs; up to 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for iridium plugs (check manual)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial: Every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) or 5-7 years (engine interference, refer to manual for exact interval and replacement of tensioner/water pump)
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ or higher, ILSAC GF-3 or higher, SAE 5W-30 recommended (check manual for temperature ranges)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.8 L (4.0 US qt) with filter for 1.5L; 4.3 L (4.5 US qt) with filter for 2.0L
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid (or Dexron II/III ATF)
Engine Mounts:
Premature wear leading to vibration and harshness
Automatic Transmission:
Slipping or harsh shifting, especially on higher mileage vehicles (CVT issues on early BJ models)
Radiator:
Leaking, especially at the plastic end tanks
Catalytic Converter:
Clogging or failure, often related to misfires or oil consumption
Power Window Motors:
Failure, often due to worn regulators
Suspension Components:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and sway bar links leading to clunks and poor handling
Oil Filter Example:
Mazda B6S5-14-302 (or equivalent like Wix 51500, Fram PH7317)
Air Filter Example:
Mazda BP4L-13-215 (or equivalent like Wix 49074)
Mazda Philosophy:
Jinba Ittai ('Horse and Rider as One') emphasizing driving feel and connection
First Generation Debut:
1990 (NA market)
Second Generation Debut:
1995 (NA market)
Third Generation Debut:
1998 (BJ chassis, 1999 model year in North America)
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan (primarily), Mexico (for certain North American market vehicles)
Production End North America:
2003 model year
