🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Protege

Generation:

Third Generation (BJ)

Model Years Covered:

1996, 1997, 1998

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact Car Segment

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, fleet maintenance, automotive enthusiasts, and professional repair shops.

Key Competitors:

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

Value Proposition:

Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving significant costs compared to dealership or independent shop labor.

Accessibility:

Compatible with PC, Mac, Tablets, and Smartphones, ensuring widespread accessibility.

Ease Of Use:

Designed to make complex repair jobs manageable for individuals with varying levels of mechanical experience.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Variants Covered:

All gasoline engine variants for the specified years

Body Styles Covered:

Sedan, Hatchback (3-door & 5-door), Station Wagon (if applicable for these years)

Trim Levels Covered:

All trim levels including DX, LX, ES, and sportier variants like the LX-Sport or equivalent.

Estimated Page Count:

Over 2000 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)

Manual Type:

Complete Workshop Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete disassembly, inspection, assembly, and overhaul procedures for engine components (pistons, rings, bearings, crankshaft, camshafts, valves, timing belt/chain, etc.)

Engine Management And Emissions:

Fuel injection system, ignition system, sensors, actuators, ECU diagnostics, EVAP system, EGR system, catalytic converter information.

Cooling System:

Radiator, thermostat, water pump, hoses, fan operation, coolant specifications.

Lubrication System:

Oil pump, oil filter, oil passages, oil specifications and capacities.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel lines, fuel tank, pressure regulator, fuel pump relay.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch system (operation, adjustment, replacement), manual transmission overhaul, gear shifting mechanisms, transmission fluid specifications.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission internal components, torque converter, hydraulic control system, valve body, seals, transmission fluid specifications, shift solenoid operation.

Drivetrain:

Front axle, CV joints, drive shafts, differential, rear axle (if applicable).

Suspension System:

Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, bushings, sway bars), alignment specifications.

Steering System:

Power steering pump, steering rack/gearbox, tie rod ends, steering column, power steering fluid specifications.

Brake System:

Front and rear disc brakes, brake pads, rotors, calipers, brake lines, master cylinder, brake booster, ABS system diagnostics and components, brake fluid specifications.

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams for all circuits, fuses, relays, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), instrument panel.

Body And Interior:

Door mechanisms, window regulators, seat adjustments, dashboard removal, trim panels, exterior body panel repair, rust prevention.

HVAC System:

Air conditioning compressor, refrigerant, heater core, blower motor, climate control panel, cabin air filter.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system components and diagnostics, seat belt mechanisms.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, code reading and interpretation (OBD-II where applicable).

Component Replacement:

Step-by-step instructions for replacing virtually all major and minor components.

Major Repairs:

Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension overhauls, brake system overhauls.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring diagrams for fault finding, testing sensors and actuators, ECU diagnosis.

Body Repair:

Minor dent repair, panel replacement, trim removal and installation.

Adjustments:

Clutch adjustment, parking brake adjustment, headlight aiming.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, ranging from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes diagnostic procedures and specifications.

Diagnostic Information:

Detailed explanations of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and procedures for identifying and rectifying faults.

Torque Specifications:

All critical torque specifications for fasteners throughout the vehicle.

Wiring Diagrams:

Full color, system-specific wiring diagrams for electrical troubleshooting.

Illustrations And Diagrams:

Abundant with detailed illustrations, exploded views, and diagrams to aid understanding of procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, optimized for digital viewing and printing. Searchable text for quick access to information.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Common:

FS-DE (2.0L DOHC)

Engine Type:

Inline-4 Cylinder, DOHC, 16 Valves

Displacement:

1991 cc (2.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

83.0 mm x 92.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.4:1 (typical for FS-DE)

Horsepower Peak:

Approximately 125-130 hp @ 6000 rpm (depending on specific market and tune)

Torque Peak:

Approximately 130-135 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (depending on specific market and tune)

Fuel Delivery:

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

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended, 91+ for optimal performance)

Fuel Pump Pressure:

Approximately 40-50 psi (check manual for exact specification)

Alternate Engine Options:

May include a 1.5L (Z5-DE) or 1.8L (BP-ZE/BP-VE) engine in certain markets or earlier variants of the generation, though 2.0L is most common for 96-98 BJ generation.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual transmission

Optional Transmission:

4-speed automatic transmission

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III/Mercon (for automatic), GL-4 or GL-5 (for manual, check manual for specific viscosity)

Clutch Type:

Dry, single plate, diaphragm spring clutch (for manual)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 102.7 inches (2606 mm)

Overall Length:

Approx. 171.5 - 176.5 inches (4356 - 4483 mm) depending on body style

Overall Width:

Approx. 67.3 - 67.9 inches (1709 - 1725 mm)

Overall Height:

Approx. 55.3 - 57.5 inches (1405 - 1460 mm) depending on body style

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2600 - 2900 lbs (1180 - 1315 kg) depending on configuration

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Check vehicle's VIN plate or manual (typically around 3800-4000 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:

Good (for driver and passenger, 1996-1998 models typically received good ratings in frontal impacts)

IIHS Frontal Offset Rating:

Acceptable to Good (specific ratings vary by year, but generally performed well)

ABS:

Available on higher trim levels, standard on some configurations.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags standard on most models by 1998.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts in all seating positions, pre-tensioners often standard for front seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/Cassette or CD player, with optional premium sound systems. Basic digital display for clock and radio.

Cruise Control:

Available on higher trim levels.

Keyless Entry:

Available on some higher trim levels.

OBD Ii Support:

Yes, the 1996-1998 models are OBD-II compliant, allowing for electronic diagnostics.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact recommendation based on driving conditions).

Engine Oil Filter Replacement:

At every oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 30,000 - 60,000 miles for conventional plugs, or 100,000 miles for platinum/iridium plugs (confirm plug type in manual).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Critical: Consult manual. Typically around 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 is common for most climates. Check manual for specific viscosity recommendations.

Coolant Type:

Mazda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with silicate inhibitors, typically green)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Common Protege Issues Bj:

Timing belt tensioner issues (especially on earlier FS-DE engines), alternator failures, some power steering leaks, potential for rust on older models, catalytic converter issues, automatic transmission solenoid failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Philosophy:

Known for 'Zoom-Zoom' driving dynamics, reliability, and good value in its segments.

Third Generation Bj:

Introduced in 1998 for the 1999 model year, this generation represents a significant update over the preceding GE platform. The manual covers the transition period or early models of this new platform.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Japan, with potential assembly in other international locations depending on market.

Production Span:

The Mazda Protege (and its variants like the 323/Familia) was produced for many years, with the BJ generation (covered here) replacing the previous GE generation.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Journal Awards:

While specific major awards for this model year range are less documented than later generations, the Protege consistently received praise for its value, handling, and fuel economy within its class.