Positioning:
The Mazda Protegé (BJ) was a popular compact car positioned as an affordable, reliable, and sporty option in its segment.
Competitors:
Competed directly with vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, and Nissan Sentra.
Highlights:
Known for its sharp handling, attractive styling (especially the sedan and hatchback variants), and responsive engines. The Mazdaspeed Protegé variant offered turbocharged performance.
Utility:
Empowers owners and technicians to perform diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs efficiently and accurately.
Vehicle Years:
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
Trim Levels:
DX, LX, ES, MP3, Mazdaspeed Protegé (certain aspects may vary)
Type:
Factory Service and Repair Manual
Format:
PDF (Digital Download)
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing belt/chain, lubrication system, cooling system.
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection system (MPI), ignition system, emission control systems (EGR, EVAP), turbocharger (Mazdaspeed).
Transmission:
Manual transmission (M/T), Automatic transmission (A/T), clutch system, drive axles, differentials.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), parking brake, brake fluid specifications.
Steering Suspension:
Power steering system, steering gear, suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings), wheel alignment specifications.
Electrical Electronic:
12V battery system, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, body control modules (BCM), power windows, locks, mirrors, audio system, HVAC controls, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System/Airbags).
Body Chassis:
Frame structure, body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, glass, seals, rust prevention, exterior/interior maintenance.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system (refrigerant type, charging), heating system, ventilation, blower motor, climate control.
Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid change, timing belt replacement intervals.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common fault diagnosis.
Repair:
Component removal and installation, engine overhauls, transmission rebuilds, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical connector repair, body panel repair.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) codes and interpretation, sensor testing, actuator testing, wiring diagrams for electrical troubleshooting.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to major overhaul and repair procedures.
Engine 1:
1.6L DOHC Inline-4 (Z5-DE)
Engine 1 Hp:
105 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
107 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 2:
1.8L DOHC Inline-4 (BP-ZE, BP-VE)
Engine 2 Hp:
120-125 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
118-122 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Engine 3:
2.0L DOHC Inline-4 (FS-DE)
Engine 3 Hp:
130 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
135 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Engine 4:
2.0L DOHC Turbocharged Inline-4 (FS-DET) - Mazdaspeed Protegé
Engine 4 Hp:
170 hp @ 5500 rpm
Engine 4 Torque:
170 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 16 valves
Injection:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Engine Notes:
Timing belt replacement is critical for interference engines (BP, FS, FS-DET). Z5-DE is non-interference.
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
4-star (1999-2000 models)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
4-star (1999-2000 models)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (models with side airbags, check specific year/trim)
ABS:
Available on most trims, standard on higher trims.
Airbags:
Frontal airbags standard. Side airbags available on some trims.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioning front seatbelts.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or at 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard plugs, 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum/iridium plugs (if applicable).
Timing Belt:
Replace every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for BP and FS engines. Critical for engine longevity.
Coolant Flush:
Every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 5 years.
Engine Oil:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for exact recommendation based on climate).
Transmission Fluid Mt:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid At:
Dexron III/Mercon automatic transmission fluid (ATF).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Engine Mounts:
Premature wear or cracking of engine mounts leading to vibration.
Alternator:
Early failure of the alternator can occur on some models.
Ignition Coils:
Failure of ignition coils can cause misfires and rough running.
Catalytic Converter:
Clogging or failure of the catalytic converter.
Power Steering Pump:
Leaking or noisy power steering pumps.
ABS Sensors:
ABS wheel speed sensor failure can trigger ABS warning light.
Exhaust Manifold:
Cracking of the exhaust manifold (especially on 1.8L BP engine).
Brand Focus:
Mazda has a long history of producing reliable and driver-focused vehicles, often with sporty characteristics.
Generation Codes:
BJ Series, replacing the BG generation Protegé.
Design Philosophy:
The BJ generation adopted Mazda's 'Zoom-Zoom' design philosophy, emphasizing driving dynamics and responsive handling.
Production Years:
1998-2003
Assembly Locations:
Japan, North America (USA, Mexico)
