🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Protege

Year:

2000

Platform:

BJ

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Car

Target Audience:

DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, Mazda owners seeking in-depth repair knowledge.

Competitors:

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

Vehicle Attributes:

Known for its sporty handling, reliable engines (especially the BP-ZE and FS-DE), and practical design. The 'SR-20' and 'MP3' variants offered enhanced performance.

Manual Advantage:

Officially licensed content provides authoritative and accurate repair information, crucial for complex diagnostics and precise procedures, superior to generic third-party manuals.

📋 Manual Details

Engines Covered:

1.6L Z5-DE, 1.8L BP-ZE, 2.0L FS-DE (including FS-DE 'SR-20'/'MP3' variant)

Transmissions Covered:

5-speed Manual, 4-speed Automatic

Body Styles Covered:

Sedan, Hatchback (5-door)

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (Software)

Language:

English

Format:

Software (likely executable or PDF-based with search functionality)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine control (ECU/PCM), transmission (manual & automatic), driveline (CV joints, drive axles).

Chassis:

Suspension (front & rear), steering system, brake system (front disc, rear drum/disc), wheels, tires.

Body & Electrical:

Body structure, exterior trim, interior trim, HVAC system, lighting, power accessories (windows, locks), infotainment system, instrument cluster, diagnostic connectors (OBD-II), wiring diagrams, fuses, relays.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.

Diagnosis & Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, component testing, wiring continuity checks, performance diagnostics.

Repair & Overhaul:

Engine internal component replacement (pistons, rings, bearings, valves), cylinder head service, transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack overhaul.

Specifications & Data:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, diagnostic data, resistance values, component identification.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Software Features:

Likely includes interactive diagrams, searchable text, printable sections, and VIN-specific information access.

Output Options:

Printable high-resolution pages

Format Type:

Digital Software

Media Type:

N/A (digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Name:

Z5-DE

Engine 1 Displacement:

1.598 liters (1.6L)

Engine 1 Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve

Engine 1 Horsepower:

105 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)

Engine 1 Torque:

100 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)

Engine 2 Name:

BP-ZE

Engine 2 Displacement:

1.839 liters (1.8L)

Engine 2 Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, Variable Intake System (VIS)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

122 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)

Engine 2 Torque:

116 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)

Engine 3 Name:

FS-DE ('SR-20'/'MP3')

Engine 3 Displacement:

1.995 liters (2.0L)

Engine 3 Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, Variable Intake System (VIS)

Engine 3 Horsepower:

130 hp @ 6000 rpm (SR-20), 140 hp @ 6000 rpm (MP3)

Engine 3 Torque:

135 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (SR-20), 135 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (MP3)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Recommended Octane:

87 Octane (minimum), 89 Octane recommended for optimal performance on FS-DE engines.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual Transmission (Type: Mazda M5AF2/MZR)

Optional Transmission:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (Type: Mazda F4A-EL)

Manual Transmission Features:

Hydraulic clutch actuation, dual-mass flywheel (on some models).

Automatic Transmission Features:

Electronic control, torque converter lock-up.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (or equivalent)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mazda ATF-III or equivalent MERCON/Dexron III

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

102.8 inches (2610 mm)

Length:

170.1 inches (4320 mm) - Sedan, 166.7 inches (4235 mm) - Hatchback

Width:

67.7 inches (1720 mm)

Height:

55.7 inches (1415 mm) - Sedan, 55.1 inches (1400 mm) - Hatchback

Curb Weight:

2600 - 2800 lbs (1180 - 1270 kg) - Varies by trim and drivetrain

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 3700 lbs (1680 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Rating:

4/5 stars (for driver and passenger)

IIHS Offset Front Crash Rating:

Good

ABS:

Optional on most trims, Standard on higher trims (e.g., GT, Mazdaspeed)

Traction Control:

Optional on some higher trims

Airbags:

Dual front airbags standard, optional side airbags on some trims.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player with 4-6 speakers. Optional premium audio systems were available on higher trims.

Display:

Basic LCD display for radio information and clock. No integrated navigation or touchscreens.

Cruise Control:

Available on LX, ES, and GT trims.

Connectivity Options:

Limited by the era; typically an auxiliary input for aftermarket head units or cassette adapters was the extent of external connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions.

Coolant Change Interval:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years (using specified coolant).

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Approximately 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) for iridium or platinum plugs, depending on type.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-144,000 km) for all engine variants (critical maintenance item).

Engine Oil Specification:

API SJ or higher, ILSAC GF-2 or higher. Viscosity: 5W-30 recommended for most operating temperatures.

Engine Oil Capacity:

3.7 - 4.3 quarts (3.5 - 4.1 liters) depending on engine variant (with filter).

Coolant Specification:

Mazda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (FL22) or equivalent silicate-free, OAT coolant (50/50 mix).

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Common Problems:

Timing belt tensioner failure (if not replaced at recommended intervals), EGR valve clogging, rear brake caliper seizing (especially on disc-equipped models), minor oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket, intake manifold gasket leaks, front control arm bushings wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Philosophy:

Zoom-Zoom driving dynamics, focus on driver engagement and sporty feel in mainstream vehicles.

Protege Generations:

The 2000 model year represents the second generation of the Protege (BJ platform), introduced in 1998. This generation saw significant upgrades in chassis stiffness, suspension design, and engine technology.

Protege Variants:

Included DX, LX, ES, ES-Xtra, and the performance-oriented GT (with 1.8L BP-ZE) and later the MP3 (with 2.0L FS-DE and enhanced exhaust/intake) models. The wagon body style was also available in earlier generations but not typically for 2000.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary assembly in Japan and Mexico.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Awards:

The Protege platform was generally well-regarded for its value and driving dynamics, often appearing on 'best buy' lists and praised for its sportier feel compared to some competitors in its class.