Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Nissan Sentra.
Vehicle Appeal:
Known for its reliability, good handling characteristics (especially with the optional sports suspension), and practical interior.
Diy Benefit:
Enables 'Do-It-Yourself' (DIY) repairs, saving significant money on labor costs and empowering owners with repair knowledge.
Topics Covered:
General Information, Engine, Lubrication System, Cooling System, Fuel and Emission Control System, Engine Electrical System, Clutch, Manual Transaxle, Automatic Transaxle, Front and Rear Axles, Steering System, Braking System, Wheels & Tires, Suspension, Body, Body Electrical System, Heating & Air Conditioning Systems, Technical Data, Special Tools, and more.
Estimated Pages:
Varies by specific publisher, but typically 500+ pages for a comprehensive service manual.
Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Completeness Level:
Comprehensive Service Repair Workshop Manual, intended for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, emissions control, ignition, clutch, manual transaxle, automatic transaxle, drive axles.
Chassis:
Steering, braking, suspension (front and rear), wheels, and tires.
Body And Electrical:
Body construction, interior and exterior components, body electrical systems, HVAC systems.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspection procedures.
Repair And Rebuild:
Component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for most major systems.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, symptom-based diagnostics.
Wiring Diagrams:
Includes detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, essential for electrical troubleshooting.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and wiring diagrams.
Special Tools:
Lists required special tools and diagnostic equipment for specific repair procedures.
File Type:
Portable Document Format (PDF)
Printability:
Printable pages, allowing users to print specific sections or the entire manual.
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Download)
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader (compatible with all versions of Windows and Mac).
Text Search:
PDF format typically allows for text searching of keywords, greatly aiding in quick information retrieval.
Engine Code And Type:
FS-DE 2.0L DOHC Inline-4 (Naturally Aspirated)
Horsepower:
Approximately 120-125 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (exact figures may vary by region and specific tuning)
Torque:
Approximately 125-130 lb-ft @ 3500-4500 rpm (exact figures may vary by region and specific tuning)
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Port Injection
Systems:
Catalytic Converter, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), Oxygen Sensors (O2 sensors).
Alternative Engine:
Z5-DE 1.5L DOHC Inline-4 (found on lower trims in some markets).
Type:
5-speed Manual Transaxle
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically Actuated Diaphragm Spring Clutch (for manual transmission)
Manual Fluid Spec:
API GL-4 Hypoid Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 (verify with manual for exact specification)
Automatic Fluid Spec:
Mazda ATF JWS3309 or equivalent (verify with manual for exact specification)
Length:
Approx. 170.5 inches (4330 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.3 inches (1405 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 102.8 inches (2610 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2700-2900 lbs (1225-1315 kg) depending on configuration.
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not definitively rated by NHTSA for this specific year and model, but generally performed acceptably for its class.
Braking System:
Front: Ventilated Disc Brakes; Rear: Drum Brakes (standard), optional Rear Disc Brakes on higher trims.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags (standard).
Seatbelts:
Front: Pretensioner and Load Limiter Seatbelts; Rear: Three-point seatbelts.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (refer to manual for exact recommendation based on driving conditions).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 30,000-60,000 miles for conventional plugs; platinum/iridium plugs may last longer (refer to manual).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical interval, often 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years for the FS-DE engine (refer to manual; failure can cause catastrophic engine damage).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, ILSAC GF-2, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on ambient temperature).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol-based antifreeze coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water (refer to manual for specific type).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (refer to manual for exact specification).
Engine Common Problems:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket, occasional rough idle due to vacuum leaks or dirty throttle body, potential for timing belt failure if not replaced on schedule.
Transmission Common Problems:
Manual transmission synchro wear, automatic transmission shifting issues or solenoid failures (less common but possible).
Suspension Common Problems:
Worn bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends leading to noise or imprecise steering; strut wear.
Electrical Common Problems:
Window regulator failures, power lock actuator issues, dashboard warning light illuminations.
Mazda Philosophy:
Jinba Ittai ('horse and rider as one') - focus on driver engagement and handling.
Generation Name:
BJ (Second Generation Protege)
Platform Sharing:
Shared platform with the Mazda Familia and Ford Laser/Escort in some markets.
Production Years For Generation:
1998-2003 (Note: The manual is for the 1996 model, which typically falls under the preceding BG generation or an early transition to BJ in some markets depending on region. The provided product description specifically states 1996 Mazda Protege, implying coverage for that year, which may have variations from the later BJ models.)