🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Protege

Alternative Model Name:

Familia

Applicable Model Years:

1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003

Generation Code:

BJ

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact car

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, and Mazda Protege owners seeking in-depth maintenance and repair knowledge.

Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Mitsubishi Lancer during its production years.

Value Proposition:

Provides the same authoritative repair information as Mazda dealerships, enabling professional-level servicing at a fraction of the cost.

Coverage Advantage:

Extensive year and model coverage for a specific generation, ensuring relevance for a wide range of Protege owners from the late 90s and early 2000s.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Factory Service and Repair

Market Origin:

North America (implied by dealer technician reference)

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (typical factory service manuals range from 1500-3000+ pages)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF inferred from 'FREE DOWNLOAD!!!')

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete diagnosis, repair, and overhaul for all gasoline engine variants including timing belt replacement, emissions control, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, and engine mechanical components.

Transmission:

Detailed procedures for both manual (M/T) and automatic (A/T) transmissions, including clutch service, gear train overhaul, hydraulic control systems, and torque converter diagnosis.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) axle, driveshaft, and CV joint service, as well as differential and transaxle maintenance and repair.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components including struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, bushings, steering knuckle, and wheel bearing replacement. Wheel alignment specifications and procedures.

Steering:

Power steering system diagnosis and repair, including steering rack, pump, hoses, and fluid maintenance. Manual steering components as applicable.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brake systems, including caliper service, rotor replacement, brake pad renewal, brake fluid bleeding, ABS system diagnosis and repair, parking brake adjustment.

Electrical System:

Complete wiring diagrams, fuse and relay locations, battery service, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, horn, wipers, washers, and power accessories.

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal and installation, door and window mechanisms, interior trim, seat adjustment and removal, dashboard components, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), and exterior trim.

Chassis:

Frame inspection, rust repair guidelines, and underbody component servicing.

Emissions Control:

Detailed information on the Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) system, Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system, and catalytic converter operation and diagnosis.

Preventative Maintenance:

Comprehensive scheduled maintenance procedures, fluid level checks, filter replacements, and component inspections as per Mazda's recommendations.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures and flowcharts for identifying and resolving common and complex faults across all vehicle systems.

Repair:

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

Diagnostics:

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) information, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage, and sensor testing procedures.

Specifications And Tolerances:

Detailed torque specifications, clearance measurements, fluid capacities, and performance benchmarks for all major components and systems.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive and detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle circuits, including component location and wire colors.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes and inspections to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and body repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable (if properly OCR'd), allowing quick access to specific information.

Quality:

Digital quality suitable for on-screen viewing and printing of individual pages or sections.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Common:

Z5-DE (1.5L), BP-Z3 (1.8L), FS-DE (2.0L DOHC)

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) variants

Displacement Variants:

1.5L (1498 cc), 1.8L (1839 cc), 2.0L (1998 cc)

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 90 hp (1.5L) to 125 hp (2.0L DOHC)

Torque Range:

Approximately 90 lb-ft (1.5L) to 125 lb-ft (2.0L DOHC)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Recommended Fuel:

Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating as per owner's manual, typically 87 minimum)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission (M/T)

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (A/T)

Transmission Fluid Spec At:

Dexron III or equivalent ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) - specific part numbers will be in the manual.

Manual Clutch Type:

Dry, single-plate clutch, hydraulically actuated.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

4-door Sedan, 5-door Hatchback/Wagon (Mazda Protege5)

Wheelbase Range:

Approx. 102.7 inches (2606 mm)

Length Range:

Approx. 171.5 - 176.0 inches (4356 - 4470 mm)

Width Range:

Approx. 67.5 inches (1715 mm)

Height Range:

Approx. 55.0 - 57.0 inches (1397 - 1448 mm)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 2500 - 2800 lbs (1134 - 1270 kg), depending on body style and equipment.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:

Consult manual for specific GVWR by model and configuration.

Towing Capacity:

Not typically designed for significant towing; consult manual for limitations.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Good (for driver and passenger in frontal offset crash tests, specific model year dependent)

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable to Good (depending on side airbags availability and specific model year)

Anti Lock Brakes ABS:

Available on select trims and models.

Traction Control:

Not commonly available on this generation.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags available on higher trims/later models.

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for front occupants.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system available on later models.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/Cassette or CD player. Higher trims may have upgraded speaker systems. Manual covers basic diagnostics and replacement of head units and speakers.

Climate Control:

Manual or automatic climate control systems. Manual details HVAC component testing, refrigerant handling (with caution), blower motor, evaporator, and heater core replacement.

Cruise Control:

Available on select trims. Manual covers diagnosis and repair of cruise control system components.

Remote Keyless Entry:

Available on higher trims. Manual may cover programming of key fobs and diagnosing receiver issues.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for exact interval based on driving conditions.

Engine Oil Filter Replacement:

Recommended at every oil change. Common part numbers include Mazda OEM BP4M-14-302 or aftermarket equivalents like Fram PH7317, Wix 51515.

Air Filter Replacement:

Check every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Typical OEM part number BP4S-13-215.

Cabin Air Filter:

If equipped, typically recommended for replacement every 12,000-15,000 miles (19,000-24,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km), depending on spark plug type (conventional, platinum, iridium). Consult manual for specific recommendations and gap settings.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Critical interval, typically every 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-145,000 km) or 5-7 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage. OEM part numbers for kits vary by engine.

Engine Oil Type Viscosity:

Typically 5W-30 or 5W-20 for most engines. Refer to manual for exact specification and API service classification (e.g., API SN or newer).

Coolant Type:

Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with specific color indicators (e.g., blue or green). Consult manual for correct type and capacity.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (refer to reservoir cap or manual for specific requirement).

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Dexron III ATF or a specific power steering fluid recommended by Mazda. Consult manual for specification.

Engine Mounts:

Wear and tear leading to vibration, especially at idle. Replacement is common.

Exhaust Manifold:

Cracking can occur on some engine variants, leading to exhaust leaks and ticking noises.

Rear Wheel Bearings:

Can develop noise (humming/grinding) and require replacement.

Automatic Transmission Sluggishness:

Some transmissions may exhibit delayed shifts or a lack of responsiveness, often related to fluid condition or internal wear.

Interior Rattles:

Common in older vehicles, particularly around dashboard and door panels. Manual covers interior trim removal for access.

Rust And Corrosion:

Vulnerable areas like wheel arches, rocker panels, and subframes can be prone to rust, especially in regions with road salt. Manual provides guidance on body repair.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Mazda is known for its sporty driving dynamics, innovative technology, and reliable engineering, often punching above its weight in performance and handling.

Generation Bj:

The BJ generation Protege (Familia in Japan) was introduced in 1998 and ran until 2003. It featured more refined styling, improved aerodynamics, and a wider range of engine options. The 'Protege5' wagon variant was introduced for 2002, offering practicality and sporty styling.

Key Variants Bj:

DX, LX, ES, ES Wagon, Protege5.

Production Years Generation:

1998-2003 (North American Market)

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily manufactured in Japan and also in Mexico for North American markets.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The Protege ES Sedan was named to Car and Driver magazine's 10Best list for 2000, recognized for its value, driving dynamics, and feature set.

Consumer Reports:

Consistently ranked well for reliability and owner satisfaction within its class during its early years, though later models saw some variability.