This service repair workshop manual covers the Mazda Protege, generation BG, produced for the model years 1989 through 1994. Known for its affordability, practical design, and dependable mechanicals, the Protege offered value-conscious consumers a competent compact car that often rivaled competitors like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. The BG chassis, identified by codes such as BG8S and BG5P, was available in 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, and 5-door wagon body styles, with performance variants like the GT and GTX offering enhanced driving dynamics. Mazda's philosophy of Jinba Ittai, or "horse and rider as one," is reflected in the Protege's agile handling and responsive steering, making it a popular choice for both everyday transportation and enthusiastic drivers.
This comprehensive manual provides detailed guidance for owners, mechanics, and technicians to maintain and repair the Mazda Protege. It encompasses essential information on powertrain systems including the engine, fuel, ignition, and transmission, as well as chassis components like suspension, steering, and brakes. Electrical systems, bodywork, and troubleshooting procedures are also covered in depth. The manual details scheduled maintenance, fluid specifications, and critical procedures such as timing belt replacement, highlighting potential issues like rust and known component wear. With extensive coverage of diagnostic procedures, technical specifications, and repair instructions, this manual serves as an invaluable resource for preserving the performance and longevity of your vehicle.
Model Years Covered:
1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994
Chassis Codes:
BG8S, BG8Z, BGFP, BG5S, BG5P
Vehicle Segment:
Compact Car
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, enthusiasts seeking affordable and reliable transportation.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier
Value Proposition:
Affordability, good fuel economy, practical design, dependable mechanicals.
Manual Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Estimated Page Count:
~1000+
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Manual & Automatic)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System, Drivetrain (FWD)
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Wiring Diagrams, HVAC Control, Audio System
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, Bumpers, Glass
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks, Tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Procedures, Symptom-based Troubleshooting Guides, Fault Code Interpretation
Repair:
Component Removal and Installation, Overhaul Procedures, Adjustments, Replacements
Technical Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Clearances, Tolerances, Diagnostic Data
Scope:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable (dependent on original scan quality)
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Engine Code 1:
BP-ZE (DOHC)
Engine Displacement 1:
1.8 Liters (1839 cc)
Engine Configuration 1:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Horsepower 1:
125-130 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque 1:
115-120 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Engine Displacement 2:
1.6 Liters (1598 cc)
Engine Configuration 2:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC, 16-valve
Horsepower 2:
98-105 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque 2:
95-100 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Engine Management:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Manual Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual
Automatic Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic Actuated
Wheelbase:
approx. 100.4 inches (2550 mm)
Length:
approx. 167.9 inches (4265 mm)
Width:
approx. 66.7 inches (1694 mm)
Height:
approx. 54.1 inches (1374 mm)
Curb Weight:
approx. 2400-2600 lbs (1089-1179 kg) depending on trim and engine
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Not Rated (NHTSA ratings were less standardized in this era)
IIHS Crash Test Ratings:
Not Rated (IIHS ratings were less common/comprehensive)
Brakes:
Front Disc, Rear Drum (ABS optional on higher trims/later models)
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard on most models from ~1992 onwards. Passenger airbag optional or unavailable.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts, 2-point rear lap belts (later models may have 3-point rear belts)
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM Radio with Cassette Player, often with 4 speakers. Optional CD player on higher trims/later models.
Climate Control:
Manual air conditioning and heater controls. Automatic climate control was not a common feature.
Cruise Control:
Optional on many models, especially sedans and higher trim levels.
Connectivity Options:
None (No Bluetooth, USB, or auxiliary inputs from the factory).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs, or 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum plugs.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial! Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years for BP-ZE/B6 engines (interference engine).
Engine Oil Type 1:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific recommendations based on climate).
Engine Oil Capacity 1:
Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II/III or equivalent.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.
Timing Belt:
Failure to replace on time due to it being an interference engine leads to catastrophic engine damage.
Rust:
Common in areas with road salt, especially on wheel arches, rocker panels, and rear quarter panels.
Idler Pulley Bearing:
On some BP-ZE engines, the idler pulley bearing can fail, causing noise and potential belt issues.
Oxygen Sensor:
Can become fouled over time, affecting fuel economy and emissions.
Exhaust System:
Rust and corrosion can lead to leaks or component failure.
Mazda Philosophy:
Focus on Jinba Ittai ('horse and rider as one') driving dynamics, reliable and affordable vehicles.
Generation 1 Introduction:
Introduced globally in 1989 for the 1990 model year, replacing the Mazda 323/Familia in many markets.
Body Styles:
3-door Hatchback, 4-door Sedan, 5-door Wagon (availability varied by market and year).
Performance Variants:
GT and GTX trims offered sportier suspension, aerodynamic kits, and the more powerful BP-ZE engine (GTX featured AWD).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan (Hiroshima).
Production Period:
1989-1994 (for this generation)
Car And Driver 10Best:
Protege models, particularly the GT and GTX, often received accolades from automotive publications for their value and driving dynamics.
Automotive Journalism Acclaim:
Praised for its competent handling and sharp steering, often outperforming larger or more expensive rivals in its class.
Emission Standards:
Meets EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission standards for its respective model years.
