Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, economy-focused drivers
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Nissan Sentra, Mitsubishi Lancer
Design Philosophy:
Sporty styling, driver-focused ergonomics, reliable and economical operation
Engine Options:
Range of efficient 4-cylinder engines
Handling:
Renowned for good handling characteristics, often praised for a sporty feel
Engine:
All engine variants, diagnosis, repair, overhaul
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission systems, diagnosis, repair
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) systems, differential, CV joints
Suspension:
Front (MacPherson strut), Rear (Multi-link beam axle), diagnosis, alignment, component replacement
Brakes:
Front disc, Rear drum/disc, ABS system (if equipped), diagnosis, repair, fluid specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, diagnosis, components, fluid types
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant specifications, flush and fill procedures
Fuel System:
Fuel injection, fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter replacement, pressure testing
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, gasket replacement
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, ignition system, lighting, fuses, relays
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, glass, trim, seats, interior components, adjustments, replacement
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system, diagnosis, refrigerant, component service
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
System-by-system troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems
Disassembly Reassembly:
Complete instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, and reassembly
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on required diagnostic tools and equipment
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all systems
Component Identification:
Identification and location of all major components
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of any specialized tools required for specific repairs
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC
Displacement:
1.5 Liters (1489 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
78.0 mm x 78.4 mm
Horsepower:
90 hp @ 5500 rpm (approximate, depending on specific market tune)
Torque:
94 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approximate)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Induction:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Pump Pressure:
Specify pressure range from manual
Engine Code Alternative:
FS-DE
Engine Type Alternative:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement Alternative:
2.0 Liters (1991 cc)
Horsepower Alternative:
125 hp @ 6000 rpm (approximate)
Torque Alternative:
135 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approximate)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not specifically rated by NHTSA for this generation in a way that directly translates to a simple score.
IIHS Front Offset:
Not specifically rated by IIHS for this generation.
ABS:
Available on select trims/options
Traction Control:
Not commonly available on this generation
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger airbags standard on most models
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts
Crumple Zones:
Designed with front and rear crumple zones
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years, whichever comes first (crucial for interference engines)
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH or SJ, SAE 5W-30 (viscosity may vary based on climate, consult manual for specifics)
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.7 US quarts (3.5 Liters) with filter change
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant (e.g., Mazda FL22 or equivalent, consult manual for correct type and mixture)
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or equivalent
Engine Mounts:
Can degrade and cause vibration/noise over time
Suspension Components:
Wear on bushings, ball joints, and tie rods due to age and mileage
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Some models may experience cracking on exhaust manifolds
Automatic Transmission Issues:
Can develop shifting problems or overheating if not properly maintained
Oil Filter Part Number:
Examples: Mazda B6Y1-14-302 or equivalent aftermarket (e.g., Wix 51348, Fram PH7317)
Air Filter Part Number:
Examples: Mazda BP5W-13-215 or equivalent aftermarket
Spark Plug Part Number:
Examples: NGK BKR5E-11 or equivalent
Mazda Philosophy:
Zoom-Zoom, Jinba-Ittai (Horse and Rider as One)
Previous Generation:
BG (1989-1994)
Next Generation:
Focuses on the BJ platform which spanned from 1998 to 2003 (though this manual is for the early BJ year).
Production Years:
1994-1997 (for the NA market, part of the BA generation, which was replaced by the BJ platform for 1998. The product name suggests it's for a BA generation Protege if it's specifically 1996, as the BJ generation began with the 1998 model year. *Clarification needed if manual covers early BJ or late BA.* Assuming for 1996, it's BA generation.)
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan, Mexico, and other global locations
Notable Variants:
Protege DX, LX, ES, LX-E, Protege5 (wagon, later generation)
