🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Protege

Year:

1996

Chassis Code:

BJ Series

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Car

Target Audience:

Value-conscious consumers seeking reliable and affordable transportation.

Key Competitors:

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

Vehicle Appeal:

Known for its sporty handling, reliable engines, and practical interior for its class.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides DIY mechanics and owners with the authoritative, factory-level knowledge needed for maintenance and repair, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete Factory Service Repair

Trim Levels Covered:

All trims including DX, LX, ES (and potentially others specific to the 1996 model year)

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 1000-1500 pages (typical for comprehensive factory manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Digital)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical (disassembly, assembly, overhaul), engine control systems (ECU diagnostics, sensors, actuators), emissions control, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, starting system, charging system.

Transmission:

Manual Transmission (MT) service, automatic transmission (AT) service (including hydraulic control, torque converter, valve body), clutch system (MT), driveline components (axles, CV joints).

Suspension Steering:

Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system (rack and pinion), wheel alignment specifications, steering column, power steering system.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or disc depending on trim), parking brake system, hydraulic system (master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, wheel cylinders), ABS system (if equipped).

Electrical:

Complete electrical system diagrams (wiring harnesses, connectors), lighting system, instrumentation, audio system, power windows, power locks, mirrors, HVAC controls, fuse box locations and identification, relay functions, starter motor, alternator, battery.

Body Chassis:

Body structural repairs, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, roof, bumpers, underbody coatings, frame specifications.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, timing belt inspection/replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, electrical faults, starting problems, cooling system issues, brake malfunctions, guided fault finding charts.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul of all major vehicle systems, including engine rebuild procedures, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement.

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-I for this era), trouble code interpretation, sensor testing procedures, actuator testing, wiring continuity checks.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid level checks to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text (OCR processed)

Diagram Quality:

High-quality diagrams and illustrations

Text Readability:

Easy-to-read text sections

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

FS-DE

Engine Type:

2.0L DOHC 16-Valve Inline-4

Displacement:

1998 cc (2.0 Liters)

Horsepower:

Approx. 122-125 hp @ 6000 rpm (varies slightly by market/tune)

Torque:

Approx. 127-130 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (varies slightly by market/tune)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or distributor-based ignition depending on market/variant.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission (FS5W50A or similar)

Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., F4A-EL)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulic clutch actuation (Manual Transmission)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (check specific manual for exact spec/brand)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III (or equivalent) ATF (check specific manual for exact spec/brand)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 170.1 inches (4320 mm)

Width:

Approx. 67.1 inches (1705 mm)

Height:

Approx. 55.5 inches (1410 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 102.4 inches (2600 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2600-2800 lbs (1180-1270 kg) depending on trim and transmission

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Side Impact:

4 Stars (1996 model year testing context)

NHTSA Passenger Side Impact:

4 Stars (1996 model year testing context)

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some trims (e.g., ES)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Seatbelts:

Front pre-tensioning seatbelts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim level.

Climate Control:

Manual climate control (A/C, heater, fan speed) with recirculate function. Automatic climate control not typically available.

Cruise Control:

Available on higher trim levels (LX, ES).

Traction Control:

Not typically available on this model year.

Usb Bluetooth:

Not available from the factory; aftermarket solutions required.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) - standard recommendation, consult manual for specific driving conditions.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Typically around 60,000 - 70,000 miles (critical inspection/replacement due to interference engine design).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter (check manual for exact spec).

Engine Oil Viscosity:

5W-30 or 10W-30 API SG/SH or SJ rated (check manual for specific recommendation).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based, Mazda long-life coolant or equivalent (typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific requirement).

Engine Reliability:

Generally reliable, but some models may experience oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or rear main seals over time. Timing belt replacement is crucial to prevent catastrophic engine damage.

Transmission Durability:

Manual transmissions are generally robust; automatic transmissions can be prone to wear if not properly maintained, especially fluid changes.

Suspension Wear:

Wear on ball joints, bushings, and tie rod ends can occur with high mileage, leading to steering looseness or uneven tire wear.

Electrical Issues:

Corrosion in connectors or grounding points can lead to intermittent electrical issues; power window regulators can fail.

Body Corrosion:

Depending on climate, rust can affect wheel wells, rocker panels, and door bottoms.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Philosophy:

Mazda is known for its 'Zoom-Zoom' philosophy emphasizing driving enjoyment and innovative engineering.

Generation:

BJ Generation (1998-2003, though 1996 is often considered late GF generation or early transition to BJ platform, this manual covers the specific 1996 model year specifics).

Previous Generation:

GF Generation Protege (1990-1994).

Manufacturing Plant:

Mazda's Hofu Plant in Japan, and potentially other global assembly sites.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The Protege series often appeared on or was a strong contender for 'Car and Driver' 10Best lists in its early years, highlighting its value and driving dynamics for the class.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Generally received average to good reliability ratings during its production run; specific year ratings should be verified for consumer reports archives.