🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Protege

Year:

1998

Chassis Code:

BJ

Engine Codes:

FS-DE (2.0L DOHC), ZM-DE (1.5L DOHC), FP-DE (1.8L DOHC)

Transmission Codes:

FS5A-EL (4-Speed Automatic), G25M-R (5-Speed Manual)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact sedan/hatchback.

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus.

Vehicle Value Proposition:

Reliability, sporty handling (especially certain trims), practical interior, good fuel economy, affordable ownership costs.

Manual Purpose:

Empower owners and independent repair shops with dealer-level repair information for maintaining and repairing the 1998 Mazda Protege.

Unique Selling Proposition:

Provides identical information to official dealer workshops, including detailed diagrams and step-by-step instructions for all procedures.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

General Information, Engine, Lubrication System, Cooling System, Fuel and Emission Control System, Engine Electrical System, Clutch, Manual Transaxle, Automatic Transaxle, Front and Rear Axles, Steering System, Braking System, Suspension, Body, Body Electrical System, Heater and Air Conditioner, Technical Data, Special Tools

Estimated Page Count:

1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of engine components (cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing belt/chain), diagnostics, torque specifications, component clearances.

Engine Electrical:

Complete wiring diagrams, ignition system, fuel injection system (EFI), sensor testing, starter, alternator, battery, power distribution.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch assembly, removal/installation, manual transaxle disassembly, inspection, repair, lubrication, shift linkage adjustments.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transaxle removal/installation, internal component inspection, hydraulic control system, valve body, torque converter, fluid type and capacity, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension component inspection, replacement (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings), wheel alignment procedures, specifications, torque values.

Braking System:

Disc brake system, pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, hydraulic system bleeding, parking brake adjustment, ABS system (if equipped) diagnostics and component testing.

Steering System:

Power steering system, pump, rack and pinion, hoses, fluid type and capacity, steering column, alignment specifications.

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim removal, seat adjustments, body repair guidelines.

HVAC System:

Heater core, evaporator, A/C system refrigerant handling (cautionary notes), blower motor, control panel diagnostics, system charging procedures.

Body Electrical:

Lighting systems, wipers, horn, power windows, power locks, audio system, instrument cluster, fuses, relays, diagnostic procedures.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil and filter changes, coolant flushes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, power steering fluid replacement, transmission fluid changes.

Repair Procedures:

Engine rebuilds, transmission rebuilds, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul, exhaust system repair, fuel pump replacement, starter/alternator replacement.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, DTC reading and interpretation, component testing using multimeters and oscilloscopes.

Technical Data And Specifications:

Torque specifications for all major fasteners, fluid capacities, component measurements and tolerances, electrical system specifications, wheel alignment angles.

Special Tools And Techniques:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures (e.g., bearing pullers, compression testers, fuel pressure gauges).

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, ranging from basic preventive maintenance to in-depth component overhaul and advanced electrical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Readability:

High resolution, zoomable for detailed diagrams and text.

Searchability:

Likely searchable text within the PDF for quick information retrieval.

Accessibility:

Compatible with Adobe PDF Reader and can be unzipped using WinZip or similar utilities.

Compatibility:

All versions of Windows and macOS.

Print Quality:

Printable, allowing users to create physical copies of sections or the entire manual.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

Available with 1.5L (ZM-DE), 1.8L (FP-DE), and 2.0L (FS-DE) DOHC inline-4 engines.

Engine Power And Torque:

Varies by engine. For example, the 2.0L FS-DE typically produced around 122-130 horsepower and 130-135 lb-ft of torque.

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI).

Timing Mechanism:

Timing belt driven (for most variants, verify specific engine code).

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor type, depending on engine variant.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

Typically a 5-speed manual transaxle (G25M-R).

Optional Transmission:

Typically a 4-speed automatic transaxle (FS5A-EL).

Automatic Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled, likely with overdrive.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mazda ATF-III or equivalent Dexron III specification.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

4-door Sedan, 5-door Hatchback.

Wheelbase:

Approximately 102.7 inches (2609 mm).

Curb Weight:

Varies by model and trim, generally between 2500-2800 lbs (1134-1270 kg).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Typically around 3600-3800 lbs (1633-1724 kg).

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

4x100 mm.

Typical Tire Sizes:

185/65R14, 195/55R15 (varies by trim).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings:

Varies by model year and specific tests; generally rated average for its class in this era. Consult NHTSA archives for precise data.

Active Safety Features:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on some trims. Power-assisted front disc/rear drum or all disc brakes.

Passive Safety Features:

Driver and front passenger airbags, crumple zones, side-impact door beams.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory radio with AM/FM, cassette player, and optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim level.

ABS Availability:

Optional ABS on certain trims, providing enhanced braking control.

Connectivity Features:

Minimal by modern standards. Typically only basic radio connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (check manual for exact recommendation based on driving conditions).

Timing Belt Replacement Interval:

Crucial: Typically every 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years for the timing belt, depending on engine. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type (copper, platinum, iridium).

Engine Oil Specification:

API SJ, SAE 5W-30 is common, though 5W-20 or 10W-30 may be specified depending on climate and engine variant. Verify with manual.

Coolant Specification:

Mazda Genuine Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent (ethylene glycol based, pre-mixed 50/50).

Common Issues:

Timing belt failure (if not replaced on schedule), CV joint wear, occasional electrical gremlins, rust in colder climates, worn suspension bushings.

Engine Oil Consumption:

Some engines can develop oil consumption issues with higher mileage, check seals and piston rings.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Heritage:

Mazda is a Japanese automaker with a long history, known for innovative engineering and a focus on driving enjoyment (Jinba Ittai).

Protege Generation:

The 1998 model year represents the introduction of the third generation (BJ) Protege, replacing the BG generation.

Key Changes For Bj Generation:

New chassis, updated styling, improved interior, introduction of the 2.0L FS-DE engine, introduction of the sporty Protege ES (often with 2.0L and 4-wheel disc brakes).

Production Plants:

Primary production in Japan and Mexico.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Journalism Awards:

While specific awards for the 1998 model may be harder to pinpoint, the Protege line generally received positive reviews for its value, handling, and reliability during this era from various automotive publications.