🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Protege

Year:

1996

Chassis Code Prefix:

BJ

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Car

Target Audience:

Budget-conscious buyers, young drivers, individuals seeking reliable and economical transportation.

Competitors:

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

Strengths:

Often offered competitive pricing, decent fuel economy, and Mazda's characteristic sporty handling for its class.

Design Philosophy:

Practical, economical, and driver-focused compact vehicle.

Powertrain Options:

Reliable inline-four engines, available in various displacements, paired with manual or automatic transmissions.

Body Styles:

Offered in sedan, 3-door hatchback, and 5-door wagon configurations, providing versatility.

📋 Manual Details

Vehicle Coverage:

All 1996 Mazda Protege models including sedan, hatchback, and wagon variants.

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Comprehensive Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital Format (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed overhaul, diagnosis, and repair for all 1996 Protege engine variants (e.g., 1.5L, 1.8L).

Engine Performance:

Engine tuning, emissions control, fuel injection systems, ignition systems, cooling systems.

Transmission Manual:

Repair, overhaul, and troubleshooting for manual transmissions.

Transmission Automatic:

Diagnosis, maintenance, and repair procedures for automatic transmissions.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive system, axles, CV joints, driveshafts.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering rack, tie rods, steering column.

Brakes:

Front disc and rear drum brake systems (or optional rear discs), ABS (if equipped), hydraulic system, parking brake.

Electrical System:

Complete wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories, fuses, relays.

Body And Frame:

Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, glass, seals, corrosion repair.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components, diagnosis, and repair.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (if equipped) diagnosis and handling precautions, seat belts.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for common and uncommon issues across all major systems.

Component Overhaul:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for complete engine, transmission, and differential rebuilds.

Component Replacement:

Instructions for replacing wear items like brake pads, rotors, clutches, alternators, starters, water pumps, etc.

Diagnostics:

Testing procedures for sensors, actuators, ignition and fuel systems, and electrical components.

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, fluid capacities, and electrical values.

Depth:

From basic preventative maintenance to advanced engine and transmission diagnostics and repair.

Diagnostic Tools:

Information on using common diagnostic tools and interpreting readings where applicable.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive, often color-coded, wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Likely PDF, optimized for digital viewing and printing.

Readability:

High resolution images and text for clear reproduction if printed.

Binding:

N/A (Digital download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

1.5L (1498cc)

Engine 1 Code:

Z5-DE

Engine 1 Configuration:

Inline-4, SOHC, 16-valve

Engine 1 Horsepower:

Approx. 90 hp @ 5500 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

Approx. 93 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Engine 2 Displacement:

1.8L (1839cc)

Engine 2 Code:

BP-ZE (Sport/GT trim), B8-DE (Base)

Engine 2 Configuration:

Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve (BP-ZE), SOHC, 16-valve (B8-DE)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

Approx. 120-125 hp @ 6000 rpm (BP-ZE), Approx. 105 hp (B8-DE)

Engine 2 Torque:

Approx. 112 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (BP-ZE), Approx. 110 lb-ft (B8-DE)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane or higher recommended)

Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Emissions Control:

Catalytic Converter, Oxygen Sensors, EGR system (depending on market)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

Clutch Type:

Dry, single-plate, diaphragm spring clutch (manual)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III / MERCON ATF

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 102.4 inches (2600 mm)

Length:

Approx. 171.7 - 174.8 inches (4360 - 4440 mm), varies by body style

Width:

Approx. 66.7 inches (1695 mm)

Height:

Approx. 54.3 - 55.5 inches (1380 - 1410 mm), varies by body style

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

4x100mm

Tire Size Standard:

185/65R14

Tire Size Optional:

195/55R15 (Sport/GT trims)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2400 - 2700 lbs (1090 - 1225 kg), varies by trim and options

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Likely 3-star or 4-star (based on contemporary vehicle testing, specific data may vary by test year and configuration)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Likely 3-star or 4-star (based on contemporary vehicle testing)

ABS:

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

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard, passenger-side airbag optional or standard on higher trims.

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seat belts, front pretensioners with load limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player on higher trims or as an aftermarket addition.

Driver Assistance Features:

Basic features; no advanced electronic driver-assistance systems (ADAS) were standard or commonly available.

Connectivity Features:

Limited to basic automotive connectivity of the era (e.g., power outlets for accessories).

🔧 Maintenance

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:

Approximately every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years (crucial for interference engines).

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to owner's manual for climate suitability).

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant (typically 50/50 mix with distilled water).

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3

Common Issues:

Head gasket failures (especially on the 1.8L BP engine), EGR valve clogging, minor electrical gremlins, rust on body panels (depending on climate), worn suspension bushings.

Common Issues Electrical:

Faulty power window motors, dashboard warning light malfunctions.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda History:

Mazda, a Japanese automaker known for its innovative spirit and focus on driving dynamics ('Zoom-Zoom').

Protege Lineage:

The Protege nameplate has a long history with Mazda, evolving through several generations. The 1996 model is part of the third generation (BG chassis from 1989-1994, followed by the BJ chassis from 1998-2003, with the 1996-1997 models being transitional or late BG/early BJ variations depending on market and specific data).

Production Location:

Primarily manufactured in Japan and various global assembly plants.

Production Years For Generation:

Approximately 1989-1997 for this specific body style generation and its variants.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

While specific major awards for the 1996 model might be scarce, Mazda's compact vehicles often received praise for value and driving dynamics in their class from automotive publications of the era.