🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Protege

Model Year:

1996

Chassis Code:

BJ

Generation:

Third Generation (BJ)

Production Code:

Not specified in product info

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Car

Target Audience:

Budget-conscious consumers seeking reliable transportation, often targeting younger drivers or small families

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier

Value Proposition:

Offered a good balance of features, reliability, and fuel economy for its price point

Design Philosophy:

Practical, functional design with a focus on efficient packaging and user-friendliness

Engine Options:

Typically offered economical 4-cylinder engines

Trim Levels:

Varied trim levels offering different feature sets and interior appointments

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service/Repair/Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

Page Count:

Not specified in product info

Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive maintenance, service, diagnosis, and repair procedures

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul, disassembly, inspection, assembly, timing belt, pistons, rings, bearings, cylinder head, valves, seals, gaskets

Engine Management:

Fuel injection system (EFI), ignition system, emission control systems, sensors, actuators, ECU diagnosis, wiring diagrams

Transmission Manual:

Clutch operation, gear shifting mechanisms, overhaul, internal components, fluid specifications

Transmission Automatic:

Torque converter, valve body, planetary gear sets, overhaul, diagnostic procedures, fluid specifications

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive system, CV joints, drive shafts, differential, axle components

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, springs, alignment specifications

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, column, pump, fluid specifications, troubleshooting

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS (if equipped), hydraulic system, calipers, rotors, pads, lines, troubleshooting

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, accessories, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heating system, ventilation, blower motor, refrigerant types, troubleshooting

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass, upholstery, trim components, sound deadening

Chassis And Frame:

Frame inspection, structural components, rust repair considerations

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, coolant flushes, belt inspections/replacement, tire rotations

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides for common problems, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation (OBD-I or OBD-II depending on market/engine)

Repair Procedures:

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

Adjustments:

Carburetor adjustments (if applicable), idle speed, ignition timing, parking brake adjustment

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, and performance data

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, including component location and wire routing

Diagnostic Tools:

Reference to required special tools and diagnostic equipment

Rebuild Instructions:

Comprehensive instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds

Tolerances:

Precise engineering tolerances for critical engine and mechanical components

Troubleshooting Trees:

Systematic diagnostic flowcharts for various malfunctions

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF (standard for digital service manuals)

Printability:

Printable pages

Resolution:

Typically high resolution for clear diagrams and text

Illustration Quality:

Detailed diagrams, schematics, and photographs

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

FS-DE (likely for 1.8L, common in this generation)

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve

Displacement:

1.8 Liters (1839 cc)

Horsepower:

Approximately 122 hp @ 6000 rpm (for FS-DE)

Torque:

Approximately 114 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (for FS-DE)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Emission Control:

Catalytic converter, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Manual Fluid Type:

GL-4 Manual Transmission Fluid (refer to manual for specific viscosity)

Automatic Fluid Type:

Dexron III or equivalent Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

Clutch Type:

Dry, single-plate, diaphragm spring

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 170.7 in (4335 mm)

Width:

Approx. 67.7 in (1720 mm)

Height:

Approx. 55.3 in (1405 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 102.8 in (2610 mm)

Front Track:

Approx. 58.7 in (1490 mm)

Rear Track:

Approx. 58.1 in (1475 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2600-2750 lbs (1180-1250 kg) depending on configuration

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not specified in product info

Trunk Volume:

Not specified in product info, but typical for its class

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not specified in product info for 1996, but generally considered safe for its era

IIHS Crash Test:

Not specified in product info for 1996

ABS:

Optional on some trims

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags standard

Seatbelts:

Three-point front and rear seatbelts

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH system not standard on 1996 models

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player

Display:

Basic dashboard instrumentation, analog gauges

Cruise Control:

Optional on some trims

Bluetooth:

N/A (not available on this model)

Usb Ports:

N/A (not available on this model)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (typical for synthetic, check manual for specific recommendation)

Engine Oil Filter Interval:

Replace with every oil change

Air Filter Interval:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months (typical, inspect more frequently)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (depending on plug type, refer to manual)

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles or 4 years (CRITICAL for interference engine, consult manual for exact interval and interference status)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.2 US quarts (4.0 liters) with filter (for 1.8L FS-DE)

Engine Oil Viscosity:

API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for temperature ranges)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron II or equivalent ATF (check manual)

Common Protege Issues:

Timing belt failure (if not replaced on schedule), minor electrical gremlins, catalytic converter issues, suspension wear (bushings, struts)

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Philosophy:

Known for sporty driving dynamics ('Zoom-Zoom' precursor), innovative design, and good value

Protege Lineage:

Part of Mazda's compact car lineup, evolving through several generations of design and technology

Third Generation Bj:

Introduced for the 1999 model year in North America, but this manual covers the *end* of the second generation, as the third generation debuted for 1999. The product info likely refers to the *last year* of the previous generation, or is slightly misaligned with the typical model year transition. Assuming the manual is indeed for the 1996 model year of the *second generation* (BG chassis).

Manufacturing Location:

Japan (typically)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Journal Awards:

Consistently praised by automotive publications for its value, reliability, and engaging driving experience in its class.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Generally rated as average to above average for its time, depending on specific model year and engine.