Segment:
Compact Car / Economy Sedan and Hatchback
Target Audience:
Young drivers, families, budget-conscious consumers.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier.
Value Proposition:
Reliability, affordable maintenance, sporty driving dynamics for its class.
Design:
Clean, straightforward styling, available in sedan and hatchback body styles.
Performance Focus:
Sportier handling and responsive engines were often emphasized in marketing, particularly with higher trims.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures for all Protege engines offered in 2003, including timing belt replacement, valve adjustments, and component assembly.
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection system diagnostics and repair, ignition system troubleshooting, emissions control systems (catalytic converter, EGR), turbocharger (if applicable).
Transmission Manual:
Disassembly, inspection, and repair of manual transmissions (FS5W71E/G), clutch system service, shifter linkage adjustment.
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission (FN4A-EL) diagnostics, fluid service, torque converter replacement, electronic control unit (ECU) integration.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive axle shaft inspection and replacement, differential service, all-wheel drive (AWD) system (if applicable) maintenance and repair.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension component identification, replacement (shocks, struts, control arms, bushings), alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnostics, pump and rack replacement, steering column repair, alignment procedures.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system service (pads, rotors, calipers), hydraulic system bleeding, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and component replacement.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams for all systems, fuse box locations, relay functions, starter and alternator service, battery maintenance.
Lighting System:
Headlamp, taillamp, interior lighting, and accessory lighting troubleshooting and bulb replacement procedures.
HVAC System:
Air conditioning (A/C) system service, refrigerant handling, heater core replacement, blower motor diagnostics, climate control unit repair.
Body Interior:
Door panel removal, seat adjustment and replacement, dashboard disassembly, trim component repair.
Body Exterior:
Panel alignment, bumper replacement, door and hood adjustment, glass replacement (windshield, side windows).
Restraints System:
Airbag system diagnostics, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) component replacement and safety precautions.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed service intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, timing belt service.
Troubleshooting:
Extensive diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair across all major vehicle systems.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) code interpretation, sensor testing, actuator testing, and electronic control unit (ECU) diagnostics.
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, diagnostic data, alignment angles, and electrical resistance values.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced electrical diagnostics.
Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (with overdrive)
Drive Layout:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
AWD Availability:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) was available on select trims (e.g., Protege DX AWD).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil (Mazda specifies specific part numbers, consult manual for accuracy)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III/Mercon compatible ATF (Mazda recommended ATF-J)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4 stars (for models equipped with side airbags)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4 stars
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models with side airbags)
ABS:
Available on higher trims or as an option.
Traction Control:
Rarely standard, may have been available on specific performance variants.
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags standard; optional side airbags available.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts; driver's pretensioner.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic or high-quality conventional oil).
Engine Oil Filter:
Replace with every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Platinum-tipped plugs typically last 60,000 - 100,000 miles. Consult manual for specific plug type and interval.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial: Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years for FS-DE engines, as it is an interference engine. Failure will cause severe engine damage.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (check owner's manual for precise recommendation).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.2 US quarts (4.0 liters) with filter change for 2.0L engine.
Coolant Type:
Mazda Genuine Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent) - typically a silicate-free, long-life ethylene glycol antifreeze.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 5.7 US quarts (5.4 liters) for 2.0L engine.
Engine Mounts:
Can degrade over time, leading to increased vibration and noise.
Rear Main Seal Leak:
Some reports of crankshaft rear main seal leaks.
Ignition Coils:
Can fail prematurely, causing misfires.
Suspension Bushings:
Rubber bushings can wear out, leading to clunks and poor handling.
Evaporative Emissions Control System:
Issues with EVAP canister or purge valve can trigger Check Engine Light.
