🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Protegé

Production Years Covered:

2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Sedan/Hatchback (Subcompact in some markets).

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra.

Vehicle Strengths:

Affordability, reliability, sporty handling (especially certain trims), good fuel economy, practical interior.

Target User:

DIY mechanics, professional technicians, vehicle owners seeking in-depth knowledge.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Variants Covered:

All engines for the specified production years

Trim Levels Covered:

All trim levels for the specified production years

Estimated Pages:

Extensive (Official Factory Service Manual, typically 1500+ pages)

Type:

Complete Official Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine removal/installation, internal components (pistons, rings, bearings, crankshaft, camshafts), cylinder head, valve train, timing components, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system, emissions control systems.

Engine Performance:

Engine specifications, diagnostics, troubleshooting, performance tuning basics.

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission removal/installation, internal components, clutch system, shift linkage, maintenance, diagnostics.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission removal/installation, torque converter, internal components, transmission control system, maintenance, diagnostics, fluid specifications.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive system, CV joints, drive axles, differential components, wheel bearings, hub assemblies.

Suspension:

Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints, sway bar), rear suspension (shock absorbers, springs, trailing arms, bushings), wheel alignment specifications, troubleshooting.

Steering:

Steering rack, power steering pump, steering column, tie rods, troubleshooting.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (discs, calipers, pads, rotors), parking brake, ABS system (if equipped), brake fluid specifications, troubleshooting, bleeding procedures.

Electrical System:

Battery, starting system, charging system (alternator), ignition system, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), horn, wipers, power windows, power locks.

Engine Control Module ECM:

ECM diagnostics, sensor inputs/outputs, wiring diagrams, troubleshooting strategies for engine performance issues.

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, seats, dashboard, weatherstripping, body repair basics.

Heating Ventilation And Air Conditioning HVAC:

HVAC system components (compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor), refrigerant specifications, troubleshooting, component testing.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS) components, diagnostics, disabling/enabling procedures, seatbelt systems.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake inspection.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution.

Repair Procedures:

Detailed instructions for component removal, replacement, and reassembly for all major systems.

Overhaul Procedures:

Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures, including disassembly, inspection, and reassembly with specifications.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical system wiring diagrams for all circuits, including component locations.

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners and components.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage instructions for any specialized tools required for specific procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic scheduled maintenance and fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and body repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution PDF, typically searchable and printable.

Printability:

Designed for printing specific sections or the entire manual, often with booklet printing options.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Common:

FS-DE (2.0L Inline-4 DOHC)

Displacement Common:

1991 cc (2.0 Liters)

Horsepower 2003 2003 Fs-De:

130 hp @ 5400 rpm

Torque 2003 2003 Fs-De:

135 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code Mp3 Mazdaspeed:

FS-DET (2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 DOHC)

Horsepower Mp3 Mazdaspeed:

170 hp @ 5500 rpm (MP3), 170 hp @ 5500 rpm (Mazdaspeed)

Torque Mp3 Mazdaspeed:

170 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (MP3), 170 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (Mazdaspeed)

Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane recommended for naturally aspirated)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

Automatic Features:

Electronically controlled, Lock-up torque converter.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Approx:

102.8 inches (2611 mm)

Length Approx:

172.0 - 174.0 inches (4369 - 4420 mm)

Width Approx:

67.5 - 68.3 inches (1715 - 1735 mm)

Height Approx:

55.1 - 56.3 inches (1400 - 1430 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

2600 - 2900 lbs (1180 - 1315 kg), varies by trim and transmission

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Good (for comparable models of the era)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Good (for comparable models of the era)

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable/Good (depending on specific year and equipment)

ABS:

Available on higher trims, standard on some later models.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags standard. Side airbags optional on some trims.

Seatbelts:

3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with CD player and cassette (early models), premium sound system optional on some trims.

Climate Control:

Manual or automatic climate control systems depending on trim level.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional on most models.

Power Features:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors available on most trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for exact recommendation based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) depending on spark plug type (copper vs. platinum/iridium).

Transmission Fluid Change Auto:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km), or more frequently under severe use. Crucial for longevity.

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Inspect and change as needed, typically around 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) for longevity.

Engine Oil Type:

API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 is common. Always check manual for specific viscosity and certification.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.0 - 4.5 US quarts (3.8 - 4.3 Liters) with filter. Check manual for exact capacity.

Coolant Type:

Mazda Genuine Super Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, ethylene glycol-based coolant.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron III ATF or equivalent is often specified, but check manual for precise specification.

Ignition Coils:

Premature failure of ignition coils can lead to misfires and poor performance.

Oxygen Sensors:

Can fail over time, impacting fuel economy and emissions.

Automatic Transmission Issues:

Can sometimes develop harsh shifting or slipping if not properly maintained.

Wheel Bearing Wear:

Front wheel bearings can wear out, causing humming or grinding noises.

Cv Joint Boots:

Torn CV joint boots can lead to premature failure of the joints due to loss of lubrication and ingress of dirt.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Philosophy:

Focus on driving dynamics ('Jinba Ittai' - horse and rider as one), affordability, and innovative design.

Generation Details:

This refers to the second generation (BJ chassis) of the Mazda Protegé, a significant redesign from the previous model.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary manufacturing in Hofu, Yamaguchi, Japan; some assembly may have occurred in other locations globally.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Consumer Reports:

Generally rated as average to above-average for reliability during its production years, with some years excelling.

Jdp Power Initial Quality:

Often performed well in J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality studies for its segment.