Segment Description:
The Mazda Protegé competed in the highly competitive compact car segment, known for its value, reliability, and engaging driving dynamics.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier.
Vehicle Highlights:
Often praised for its sporty handling and well-appointed interior for its class. The 1996 model represented a significant update in the Protegé's lineage.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of all engine components.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control systems, sensor data, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Transmission Manual:
Service and repair procedures for the manual gearbox, clutch system.
Transmission Automatic:
Service and repair procedures for the automatic transmission, including hydraulic control and electronic management.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, shock absorbers, springs.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS operation, hydraulic components, bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, wiring diagrams, component testing.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system operation, component diagnosis, refrigerant handling.
Body Exterior:
Body panel removal and installation, glass replacement, trim, exterior lighting.
Body Interior:
Interior trim, seats, dashboard, safety restraint systems (SRS).
Maintenance Routine:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, coolant flushes, belt checks, brake pad replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common and complex issues across all systems.
Repair Rebuild:
Complete step-by-step instructions for engine, transmission, and component overhauls.
Diagnosis:
Detailed procedures for diagnosing electrical faults, engine performance issues, and mechanical problems.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive and clear electrical system wiring schematics.
Depth:
Full factory-level repair and diagnostic procedures, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.
Engine Code:
Z5-DE (commonly found in base models)
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder, DOHC
Displacement:
1.5 Liters (1489 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
78.0 mm x 78.4 mm
Horsepower Estimated:
90 hp @ 5,500 RPM
Torque Estimated:
95 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM
Engine Code Optional:
FP-DE (commonly found in ES models)
Engine Type Optional:
Inline-4 Cylinder, DOHC
Displacement Optional:
1.8 Liters (1839 cc)
Horsepower Optional Estimated:
122 hp @ 5,500 RPM
Torque Optional Estimated:
127 lb-ft @ 4,500 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Wheelbase:
Approximately 102.7 inches (2606 mm)
Length:
Approximately 170.1 inches (4320 mm)
Width:
Approximately 66.7 inches (1694 mm)
Height:
Approximately 55.1 inches (1400 mm)
Curb Weight:
Varies by trim and options, generally 2400-2700 lbs (1090-1225 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, consult specific vehicle placard
NHTSA Front Driver Side Impact:
Generally rated well for its era; consult specific NHTSA reports for 1996 model.
NHTSA Front Passenger Side Impact:
Generally rated well for its era; consult specific NHTSA reports for 1996 model.
ABS:
Available on higher trims (e.g., ES model).
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seat belts.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player; optional CD player available on some trims.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog gauges including speedometer, tachometer (on higher trims), fuel level, engine temperature, and warning lights.
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels.
Connectivity Options:
Limited by era; primarily focused on basic vehicle functions.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact recommendation based on driving conditions).
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km) or 2-3 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) for platinum or iridium plugs, or as specified for standard plugs.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical: 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage. The manual will specify the exact interval and procedure.
Engine Oil Type:
API Service SG, SH, or SJ rated, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual or manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.7 US quarts (3.5 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Mazda long-life coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with demineralized water).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mazda ATF-MV or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Problems Engine:
Minor oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket. Some models may experience ignition coil issues.
Common Problems Suspension Steering:
Wear in control arm bushings, tie rod ends, and sway bar links leading to knocking noises or vague steering. Strut mounts can also wear.
Common Problems Electrical:
Window regulator motors failing, minor electrical gremlins due to age.
Common Problems HVAC:
Blend door actuator failure, refrigerant leaks, blower motor issues.
Brand Focus:
Mazda is known for its focus on driving dynamics ('Zoom-Zoom' philosophy) and innovative engineering.
Generation:
This 1996 model is part of the second generation of the Mazda Protegé (BJ platform, introduced for the 1995/1996 model year).
Production Years:
The BJ platform Protegé was produced from 1995 (as a 1995/1996 model) through 2003.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary manufacturing locations included Japan and sometimes North American facilities.