Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, DIY mechanics.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra.
Vehicle Appeal:
Reliability, fuel efficiency, affordability, sporty handling (especially GT models).
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to perform a wide range of maintenance and repairs, saving money and ensuring quality.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system, timing components.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, fuel injection system (EFI), starting system, charging system, ECU diagnostics, sensors, actuators.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch system, gearbox (gear ratios, internal components), shift mechanism, maintenance, repair.
Transmission Automatic:
Transmission operation, fluid type and capacity, torque converter, valve body, electronic controls, maintenance, diagnosis.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, axles, CV joints, differential.
Suspension:
Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints, sway bar), rear suspension (torsion beam, shocks), wheel alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system (pump, rack and pinion, fluid), steering column, tie rod ends.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or disc depending on trim), hydraulic system, ABS operation (if equipped), brake fluid specifications, service.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.
Body And Frame:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, doors, windows, locks, glass replacement, corrosion prevention.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, refrigerant types, components, service, diagnosis.
Restraints:
Seat belts, airbag system (components, diagnostic codes, replacement).
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake service intervals.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common symptoms (e.g., starting issues, poor performance, no heat), specific component testing procedures.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair for all major vehicle systems.
Diagnostic Codes:
OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), their meanings, and troubleshooting steps.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for critical fasteners (e.g., engine components, suspension bolts, wheel nuts).
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring schematics for various vehicle systems.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics).
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
Good (for models tested, check specific year/trim)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
Good (for models tested, check specific year/trim)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Acceptable or Good (varies by test year and specific Protege generation)
ABS:
Available on select trims/options
Traction Control:
Not commonly equipped on this model year
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seat belts
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system (may vary by market/production date)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (for standard spark plugs, platinum or iridium may differ).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Check fluid level regularly; change as needed or every 50,000-60,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Every 30,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 API SG or higher
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (with filter)
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF DEXRON III or equivalent (check manual)
Common Issue 1:
Ignition coil failure (leading to misfires).
Common Issue 2:
Catalytic converter failure (often due to engine issues).
Common Issue 3:
Suspension wear (bushings, ball joints, struts) leading to clunks or poor handling.
Common Issue 4:
Check Engine Light due to O2 sensor or EVAP system issues.
Common Issue 5:
Automatic transmission shifting issues (fluid level/condition, solenoid problems).
