🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Protege

Year:

2000

Chassis Code:

BJ (Third Generation)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Car

Positioning:

Practical, reliable, and often affordable transportation, known for sporty handling in certain trims.

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier.

Design Philosophy:

Mazda's 'Zoom-Zoom' ethos began to influence design, aiming for a more engaging driving experience than many competitors.

Variations:

Available as sedan and hatchback (MP3, ES, LS trims). The Protege 5 (hatchback wagon) was also part of this generation.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

2000 Mazda Protege

Secondary Coverage Note:

Product description incorrectly mentions '2000 Mazda 6' which is a different model and generation. Manual exclusively covers the 2000 Mazda Protege.

Estimated Page Count:

~1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)

Type:

Factory Service and Repair Manual

Scope:

Repair, maintenance, diagnostics, overhaul, and rebuilding.

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital Format (PDF inferred)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Full engine repair, overhaul, diagnostics, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel delivery, ignition system, emissions control.

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic transmission overhaul, service, diagnostics, clutch, driveline, axles.

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), disc brakes, drum brakes, parking brake, bleeding procedures.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, struts, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, tie rods, steering column, alignment.

Electrical:

Full electrical system diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, ECUs (Engine Control Units), sensors.

Body:

Body and chassis repair, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, windows, glass, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning).

Emissions:

Emissions control systems, evaporative emission control (EVAP), catalytic converter, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) troubleshooting.

Chassis And Body:

Frame specifications, body panel torque values, door mechanisms, mirror adjustments, and glass replacement procedures.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Repair:

Step-by-step repair procedures for all major vehicle systems, including component removal, installation, and adjustments.

Rebuild:

Detailed instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications, clearances, and assembly sequences.

Diagnostics:

Engine management system diagnostics, ABS diagnostics, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) diagnostics, power steering diagnostics.

Bodywork Repair:

Includes procedures for panel removal/installation, dent repair, rust prevention, and welding specifications where applicable.

Depth:

Comprehensive, factory-level technical detail suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

Special Tools:

Identification of required special tools and equipment for specific repair procedures.

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.

Diagnostic Charts:

Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-to-cause charts for efficient troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Readability:

High-resolution scans ensuring clear text and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

Manual Completeness:

Comprehensive factory service manual, covering all aspects from routine maintenance to complete vehicle overhauls.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

FS-DE (2.0L)

Engine Type:

Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve

Displacement:

1991 cc (2.0 Liters)

Horsepower:

~122-130 hp @ 6000 rpm (depending on trim and market)

Torque:

~135-138 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (depending on trim and market)

Injection:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane recommended)

Optional Engine 1:

FP-DE (1.8L Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve) - approximately 120 hp.

Performance Variant Engine:

FS-ZE (2.0L DOHC, 16-valve, Variable Valve Timing - VVT) found in higher trims like the ES and MP3, producing approx. 140 hp.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

Automatic Control:

Electronically controlled for optimal shift points.

Manual Fluid Type:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (Mazda specifies specific grades, consult manual for exact Mazda part number)

Automatic Fluid Type:

Mazda ATF JWS 3314 or equivalent (consult manual for exact Mazda part number)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

~102.8 inches (2611 mm)

Length:

~170.1 inches (4320 mm) (Sedan)

Width:

~67.3 inches (1709 mm)

Height:

~55.7 inches (1415 mm) (Sedan)

Curb Weight:

~2600-2800 lbs (1179-1270 kg) (depending on trim and options)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash:

4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for 2000 model year, US specifications)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

'Good' or 'Acceptable' rating (depending on specific test and year, generally considered good for its class and era)

ABS:

Available on higher trims (LS, ES) and optional on some models.

Traction Control:

Rarely available for this model year Protege.

Airbags:

Dual front airbags standard. Optional side airbags on some trims.

Seatbelts:

Front pretensioners and load limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player with optional premium audio systems on higher trims.

Display:

Basic digital or analog climate controls and radio display. No advanced touchscreens.

Cruise Control:

Available on most trims.

Auxiliary Input:

Not typically equipped with factory auxiliary audio inputs; aftermarket solutions often required.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard spark plugs, or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for iridium/platinum plugs (if equipped).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years for the 1.8L engine (FP-DE). The 2.0L engine (FS-DE/FS-ZE) uses a timing chain, which typically does not require replacement unless issues arise.

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.2 US quarts (4.0 Liters) with filter change for 2.0L engine.

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 5.7 US quarts (5.4 Liters) for 2.0L engine with heater.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

5W-30 (recommended for most conditions). Check manual for specific temperature range recommendations.

Common Issue 1:

Engine mount degradation leading to vibration.

Common Issue 2:

Ignition coil failure leading to misfires.

Common Issue 3:

Worn suspension components (bushings, ball joints) causing noise and poor handling.

Common Issue 4:

Power steering pump leaks or failure.

Common Issue 5:

EVAP system issues (e.g., purge valve, vent solenoid) causing Check Engine Lights.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda History:

Mazda, a Japanese automaker, has a long history of producing reliable and often fun-to-drive vehicles, particularly known for its rotary engines and successful compact cars.

Protege Generations:

The 2000 model belongs to the third generation (BJ, 1998-2003) of the Mazda Protege, which replaced the BG generation and offered a more modern platform and improved driving dynamics.

Assembly Location:

Hofuf, Saudi Arabia (for Middle Eastern markets); Hiroshima, Japan (for North American and other markets).

Production Period:

1998-2003 for the BJ generation.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Journalist Awards:

While specific awards for the 2000 model year Protege are not prominently documented, the third-generation Protege was generally well-received for its driving dynamics and value, often appearing on 'best of' lists for its segment.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Consumer Reports reliability ratings varied by year and specific components, with some model years showing average to above-average reliability, while others had specific reported issues.