Target Audience:
Professional mechanics, DIY enthusiasts, car owners
Value Proposition:
Cost savings through self-maintenance and informed repair decisions
Alternatives:
Expensive OEM paper manuals, generic online repair guides
Completeness:
Comprehensive coverage across all major systems and model variants
Flexibility:
Ability to print only necessary pages
Detail Level:
High level of technical detail for in-depth repairs
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emissions control
Transmission Systems:
Manual and Automatic Transmission (including clutch, gear selection, hydraulic control)
Drivetrain Systems:
Front-wheel drive, CV joints, drive axles, differential
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension, steering rack, power steering system
Brake Systems:
Front and rear brakes (disc/drum), hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped)
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, body electrical, powertrain control module (PCM) diagnostics
HVAC Systems:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) operation and service
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, collision repair basics
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common symptoms, fault code interpretation (OBD-I for this era)
Installation:
Component replacement and installation procedures
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIYers
Diagnostic Tools:
Information relevant for using OBD-I diagnostic tools and interpreting sensor data
Schematics Availability:
Included (over 70 separate PDF sections suggest detailed schematics)
NHTSA Ratings 1996:
Likely performed well for its class, refer to specific IIHS/NHTSA archives for exact figures (e.g., frontal impact ratings if available)
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on higher trims or as an option
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags (driver and passenger), three-point seatbelts
Infotainment System:
Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Limited speaker configurations.
Driver Assistance Features:
Minimal; primarily focused on basic safety features. No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control or lane keeping assist.
Connectivity Options:
No integrated Bluetooth or USB ports. Connectivity limited to auxiliary input if available on the stereo head unit.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months (refer to manual for exact specification)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended every 30,000 - 60,000 miles depending on plug type (refer to manual for specific recommendation and type)
Engine Oil Type 1:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for precise viscosity based on climate)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil (refer to manual)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron II or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Protege Issues:
Rust on body panels (especially in northern climates), occasional transmission issues in automatics, wear on suspension components, EGR valve clogging.
Mazda Focus:
Known for engaging driving dynamics and value in its segment
Protege Legacy:
The Protegé was Mazda's entry-level compact car, competing with models like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.
Production Period Bj Gen:
1998-2003 (This manual covers the 1996 model, indicating it's for the preceding third generation, BG, or an early production of the fourth generation BJ which started in late 1998 for the 1999 model year. Given the product name specifies '96', it's highly likely to be the BG generation or a very early BJ.)
Assembly Locations:
Japan, Mexico, Thailand
