Market Segment:
Compact car, economy sedan/hatchback.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra.
Vehicle Reputation:
Known for reliability, fuel efficiency, affordability, and surprisingly engaging driving dynamics, especially in sportier trims.
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential tool for DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics to maintain and repair the Mazda Protege, offering factory-level diagnostic and repair procedures.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly, inspection, and reassembly procedures for all Protege engines. Includes piston rings, bearings, crankshaft, cylinder heads, valve trains, timing belts/chains, and more.
Engine Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnosis of ignition, fuel injection, starting and charging systems, sensors (crankshaft position, camshaft position, O2, MAF, MAP), ECUs, and emissions control.
Transmission Manual:
Service and overhaul for manual gearboxes, including clutch, gears, synchronizers, bearings, seals, and shift linkage.
Transmission Automatic:
Diagnosis, repair, and overhaul for automatic transmissions, including valve body, torque converter, planetary gears, and electronic controls.
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension component replacement (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, bushings), power steering system repair, steering rack/gearbox service, wheel alignment procedures.
Brakes:
Disc brake and drum brake service, hydraulic system repair, ABS system diagnosis and repair, brake fluid specifications and bleeding procedures, parking brake adjustments.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump replacement, fuel injectors service and testing, fuel pressure regulator diagnosis, fuel filter replacement, evaporative emissions (EVAP) system.
Cooling System:
Radiator service, water pump replacement, thermostat operation, coolant specifications and flush procedures, heater core replacement.
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter replacement, muffler and pipe service, exhaust manifold repair, oxygen sensor replacement.
Electrical Body:
Lighting systems, power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, interior and exterior lighting wiring diagrams and component testing.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement (compressor, evaporator, condenser), heater controls, blower motor service.
Body And Frame:
Door panel removal, exterior trim replacement, hood and trunk adjustments, chassis specifications.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnosis and precautions, seat belt mechanisms.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed service intervals and procedures for oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks and changes, timing belt replacement, and brake inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common drivability, electrical, and mechanical issues.
Repair And Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and installation, including engine overhaul, transmission rebuilds, suspension component replacement, and body panel repair.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) code interpretation, sensor data analysis, and diagnostic connector locations.
Torque Specifications:
Accurate torque values for all critical fasteners throughout the vehicle.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive and detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Depth Of Coverage:
Factory-level detail covering everything from basic fluid changes and adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including diagnostic procedures for complex electronic systems.
Engine Options 1 Displacement:
1.5L (1498cc)
Engine Options 1 Code:
Z5-DE (DOHC Inline-4)
Engine Options 1 Horsepower:
90-95 HP @ 5500-6000 RPM
Engine Options 1 Torque:
91-94 lb-ft @ 4000-4500 RPM
Engine Options 2 Displacement:
1.8L (1839cc)
Engine Options 2 Code:
FP-DE (DOHC Inline-4)
Engine Options 2 Horsepower:
120-125 HP @ 5500-6000 RPM
Engine Options 2 Torque:
117-120 lb-ft @ 4000-4500 RPM
Engine Options 3 Displacement:
2.0L (1998cc)
Engine Options 3 Code:
FS-DE (DOHC Inline-4, Mazdaspeed) / FS-ZE (DOHC Inline-4, JDM)
Engine Options 3 Horsepower:
145-170 HP @ 6000-6800 RPM (depending on variant)
Engine Options 3 Torque:
135-137 lb-ft @ 4500-5000 RPM
Engine Management:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection
Fuel Pump Type:
In-tank electric
Engine Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first, depending on oil type and driving conditions.
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
At every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km), or as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) for platinum or iridium plugs, shorter for copper plugs.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-144,000 km) or 6-8 years. Crucial due to interference engine design.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH/SJ certified, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 recommended. Consult manual for specific viscosity based on temperature.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.7-4.2 quarts (3.5-4.0 liters) with filter, depending on engine.
Coolant Type:
Mazda Genuine Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically green).
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 5.0-5.7 quarts (4.7-5.4 liters), depending on engine and radiator.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 75W-85 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mazda ATF MV (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon spec fluid). Capacity approx. 3.2 quarts (3.0 liters) for change, 6.7 quarts (6.3 liters) for overhaul.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II or III specification.
Engine Idle Control Valve:
Can become dirty/clogged, leading to rough idle or stalling.
Automatic Transmission Harsh Shifting:
Can occur with age and wear, often related to fluid condition or valve body issues.
Radiator Plastic Tanks:
Plastic end tanks can crack over time, leading to coolant leaks.
Rear Axle Bushings:
Can wear out, causing a clunking noise over bumps or handling issues.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Some engines may be prone to cracking exhaust manifolds, causing exhaust leaks and ticking noises.
Power Window Motors:
Can fail over time.
