Positioning:
The Mazda Protege was positioned as a compact car offering sporty handling, good value, and a reliable alternative to segment leaders.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra.
Highlights:
Agile handling, spirited engine options, practical interior, and sporty styling (especially in 'ES' and 'MazdaSpeed' trims).
Years Covered:
1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Type:
Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual
Engine:
Comprehensive coverage for all engine variants, including diagnosis, repair, and overhaul.
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission service, repair, and rebuilding procedures.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) systems, including CV joints, axles, and differentials.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system, alignment procedures, and wheel bearing replacement.
Brakes:
Disc and drum brake systems, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnosis and repair, brake fluid replacement.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system diagrams, component testing, troubleshooting for starting, charging, lighting, and accessories.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system service, refrigerant handling, and component replacement.
Body Chassis:
Body panel repair, glass replacement, interior trim, door mechanisms, and chassis component diagnostics.
Emissions Control:
Emissions control systems, catalytic converters, EGR, and EVAP system troubleshooting.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, and belt adjustments.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for common and uncommon issues.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components.
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) system analysis, fault code interpretation, and sensor testing.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Engine 1 Code:
FS-DE (1.8L DOHC Inline-4)
Engine 1 Displacement:
1839 cc (1.8 Liters)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
125 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)
Engine 1 Torque:
115 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Code:
FP-DE (1.6L SOHC Inline-4) - Primarily for earlier years and specific markets
Engine 2 Displacement:
1598 cc (1.6 Liters)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
105 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Torque:
103 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Engine 3 Code:
YF-DE (2.0L DOHC Inline-4 - for Protege ES and MazdaSpeed)
Engine 3 Displacement:
1991 cc (2.0 Liters)
Engine 3 Horsepower:
130 hp @ 5500 rpm (Protege ES) / 170 hp @ 5500 rpm (MazdaSpeed Protege)
Engine 3 Torque:
135 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (Protege ES) / 145 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (MazdaSpeed Protege)
Fuel Injection:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Multi-point
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended, higher for performance models)
Emission Standards:
Meets EPA emission standards for its model years; manual covers relevant systems.
Transmission 1 Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission 2 Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
Mazda ATF JWS3314 or equivalent (check manual for exact specification and capacity)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or equivalent (check manual for exact specification and capacity)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:
Good (for models with structural improvements)
ABS:
Available ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) on select trims.
Airbags:
Front airbags standard; optional front side-impact airbags available on certain trims.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners.
Audio System:
Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with CD player and cassette player (depending on trim and year). Amplifier options available.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control systems, depending on trim level.
Cruise Control:
Available cruise control on most models.
Connectivity Options:
Limited by era; typically no integrated Bluetooth or advanced smartphone connectivity from the factory. Aftermarket solutions are common.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions. Consult manual for specific intervals.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended every 60,000 to 90,000 miles for FS-DE and FP-DE engines (refer to manual for exact interval and part numbers).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on plug type (standard copper vs. platinum/iridium).
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-20 (API Certified). Check manual for exact viscosity and API service classification.
Coolant Spec:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze (Green) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with silicate inhibitors. 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Issue 1:
Ignition coil failure leading to misfires.
Common Issue 2:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket.
Common Issue 3:
Catalytic converter failure due to age or engine issues.
Common Issue 4:
Worn suspension bushings and control arms leading to clunking noises and poor handling.
Common Issue 5:
Power window motor failures.
Heritage:
Mazda has a history of producing driver-focused vehicles with a reputation for reliability and sporty handling.
Generation Bj:
The BJ platform (1997-2003, later extended) introduced more refined styling, improved safety features, and enhanced powertrain options.
Facelift:
A significant facelift occurred for the 2001 model year, featuring updated exterior styling and interior refinements.
Mazdaspeed:
The high-performance MazdaSpeed Protege (2003-2003.5) offered a turbocharged 2.0L engine and sport-tuned suspension.
Production Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan and North America.
