Positioning:
A reliable and affordable compact car, often favored for its sporty handling and value proposition in the early 1990s.
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Nissan Sentra
Vehicle Attributes:
Front-wheel drive, efficient engines, agile chassis, practical interior.
Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and independent mechanics with factory-level information to perform all maintenance and repairs, saving significant costs over dealership services.
Engine:
Detailed diagnosis, overhaul, tuning, cooling, lubrication, fuel, ignition systems
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission disassembly, assembly, diagnosis, repair, fluid specifications
Brakes:
Disc and Drum brake systems, ABS (if equipped), hydraulic systems, brake pad/rotor replacement, bleeding procedures
Suspension Steering:
Front and Rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, steering gear, power steering system
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, lighting, starting, charging systems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Body Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, chassis lubrication, corrosion prevention
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, belt adjustments, fluid checks and top-offs
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, symptom-based troubleshooting charts
Repair:
Component removal, installation, adjustment, and rebuilding for all major systems
Engine Rebuild:
Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, inspection, component replacement, and reassembly
Timing Belt:
Precise procedures for timing belt replacement, including tensioner and pulley specifications
Wheel Alignment:
Specifications for camber, caster, toe, and thrust angle
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics.
Engine Code Common:
BP (1.8L DOHC)
Engine Displacement Common:
1839 cc (1.8 Liters)
Engine Configuration:
Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC
Horsepower Common:
Approx. 125-130 HP @ 6000 RPM (depending on market/tune)
Torque Common:
Approx. 105-110 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM (depending on market/tune)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane Rating dependent on region, typically 87-91)
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Typically 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
Spark Plug Type:
NGK PFR6A-11 or equivalent (example, refer to manual for exact spec)
Engine Oil Capacity W Filter:
Approx. 4.2 US quarts (4.0 Liters)
Engine Oil Viscosity:
10W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to owner's manual/manual for ambient temperature variations)
Transmission Type Common:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic, Single Dry Plate
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (example, verify in manual)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Mazda ATF-III or DEXRON-III compatible (example, verify in manual)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 103.2 inches (2621 mm)
Length:
Approx. 170.9 inches (4341 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.1 inches (1704 mm)
Height:
Approx. 54.7 inches (1390 mm)
Curb Weight Typical:
Approx. 2500-2700 lbs (1134-1225 kg) depending on trim and options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Varies by model, consult specific vehicle plate or manual
Towing Capacity:
Not typically specified or recommended for this class of vehicle
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
Data for this specific model year may be limited; early 90s vehicles generally had less stringent testing.
IIHS Crash Test Data:
Data for this specific model year may be limited.
ABS:
Optional on some trims
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard on most models for 1992; passenger airbag not common.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system not standard; typically used manual seatbelts for installation.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, often with optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim.
Climate Control:
Manual HVAC controls with fan speed, temperature, and recirculation settings.
Cruise Control:
Optional on some higher trims.
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard; aftermarket solutions required for modern device connectivity.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, Mazda/Ford specification (e.g., Mazda FL22 or equivalent silicate-free coolant recommended, verify in manual)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mazda genuine power steering fluid or Dexron-II/III compatible (verify in manual)
Engine Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal can be prone to leaks with age.
Cooling System:
Radiator hoses, thermostat, and water pump can fail over time; overheating issues.
Suspension Wear:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings can wear, leading to clunking noises and alignment issues.
Electrical Connectors:
Corrosion in connectors, especially for grounds and lights, can cause intermittent issues.
Exhaust System:
Corrosion and rust on exhaust pipes, mufflers, and catalytic converters are common in certain climates.
Mazda Philosophy:
Known for creating driver-focused, engaging vehicles with a good reputation for reliability and innovation in compact car segments.
Protege Lineage:
The Protege was Mazda's entry in the subcompact/compact segment, evolving through several generations known for value and sporty characteristics.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Japan (e.g., Hofu Plant), also some production in other global facilities depending on market.
Model Generation:
This 1992 model falls into the second generation (BG chassis, 1990-1994).
