The Protegé, produced from 1998 to 2003, represents the third generation (BJ) of a popular compact car. Known for its sporty handling, reliable engines, and practical interior, the Protegé offered a compelling value proposition against competitors like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. Engine options included the 1.6L ZM-DE, 1.8L BP-Z3, and the more potent 2.0L FS-DE, with available variants such as the Mazdaspeed model enhancing performance. The vehicle was recognized for its engineering quality, with the LX model even earning a spot on Car and Driver's 10Best list in 1999, and achieving good ratings in frontal offset crash tests for certain configurations.
This Workshop Service Repair Manual provides comprehensive coverage for all mechanical, electrical, and body systems of the Protegé from 1998 through 2003. With over 2000 pages of detailed information in English, it serves as an essential resource for owners, mechanics, and technicians. The manual includes in-depth maintenance procedures, diagnostic troubleshooting guides for various issues, technical specifications for all major components including engines (1.6L, 1.8L, 2.0L), transmissions (manual and automatic), suspension, and braking systems. It also covers electrical system diagrams, HVAC repair, bodywork, and component overhaul procedures, empowering users to maintain and repair their vehicle efficiently and accurately.
Years Covered:
1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
Platform Code:
BJ (Third Generation)
Vehicle Segment:
Compact Car
Target Demographic:
Young drivers, budget-conscious buyers, families
Key Rivals:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra
Distinguishing Features:
Sporty handling (especially Mazdaspeed), reliable engines, practical interior, good value for money
Target Audience Benefit:
Empowers DIY mechanics and professional technicians with the detailed information needed for efficient and accurate repairs.
Description:
Comprehensive coverage for all mechanical, electrical, and body systems.
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Engine:
1.6L ZM-DE I4, 1.8L BP-Z3 I4, 2.0L FS-DE I4 (including MP3 and Mazdaspeed variants)
Transmission:
5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, Rear multi-link beam axle (FWD), independent rear suspension (AWD)
Brakes:
Front disc, Rear disc (standard), ABS system
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, power accessories, starting and charging, diagnostics
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation system repair and diagnostics
Body:
Exterior and interior body panel removal and installation, structural repair, glass replacement
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt adjustments
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon problems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Repair:
Engine component removal and installation, transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuild, suspension component replacement
Component Overhaul:
Detailed instructions for rebuilding major components like engines and transmissions
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics)
Searchability:
Fully searchable text content
Resolution:
High-resolution scans, suitable for printing
Binding Method:
N/A (Digital PDF download)
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital PDF download)
Engine 1 Displacement:
1.6 Liters
Engine 1 Type:
ZM-DE DOHC I4
Engine 1 Power:
Approx. 105 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 105 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 2 Displacement:
1.8 Liters
Engine 2 Type:
BP-Z3 DOHC I4
Engine 2 Power:
Approx. 120 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 125 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 3 Displacement:
2.0 Liters
Engine 3 Type:
FS-DE DOHC I4
Engine 3 Power:
Approx. 127-130 hp @ 6000 rpm (standard), 170 hp @ 6600 rpm (Mazdaspeed)
Engine 3 Torque:
Approx. 135 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (standard), 145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (Mazdaspeed)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Timing Drive:
Timing belt (ZM-DE, BP-Z3), Timing chain (FS-DE)
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent (Check specific year/model for exact specification)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 (Check specific year/model for exact specification)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 102.7 inches (2606 mm)
Length:
Approx. 171.5 inches (4356 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.7 inches (1415 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 90 cubic feet
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 11-13 cubic feet (sedan)
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 2600 lbs (1180 kg)
Curb Weight Max:
Approx. 2800 lbs (1270 kg)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4x100 mm
Tire Size Standard:
185/65R14, 195/55R15 (depending on trim and year)
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
4/5 stars (for applicable models)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
4/5 stars (for applicable models)
ABS:
Available on higher trims and as an option
Traction Control:
Rarely available on this generation
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seatbelts
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player with optional premium sound system
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control systems
Cruise Control:
Available on most higher trims
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard, aftermarket options usually required
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using quality oil)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs, 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum (check manual)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years for ZM-DE and BP-Z3 engines
Engine Oil Type:
API SG, SH, or SJ certified SAE 5W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity and API rating)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors (Mazda Genuine Long Life Coolant or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Engine Mounts:
Premature wear on engine and transmission mounts can cause vibrations
Power Steering Pump:
Leaking power steering pumps and lines are a common concern
Rear Wheel Bearings:
Can wear out and produce humming or grinding noises
Rust:
Susceptible to rust, especially in areas with harsh winters, on rocker panels, rear wheel arches, and frame components
Manufacturer:
Mazda Motor Corporation
Generation:
Third Generation (BJ)
Previous Generation:
Mazda Protegé (BG) 1990-1994
Successor Generation:
Mazda3 (BK) 2003-2008
Production Years:
1998-2003
Assembly Locations:
Japan, Mexico, Thailand (varies by market)
Car And Driver 10Best:
Protegé LX named to Car and Driver's 10Best list for 1999
Ieda Crash Test:
Good rating in frontal offset crash tests by IIHS for some configurations
