🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Protege

Year:

2002, 2003

Generation Code:

BJ (Second Generation)

Chassis Codes:

BJ3P, BJ5P, BJ8W

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Car (C-segment)

Target Audience:

Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, small families

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra

Competitive Advantage:

Often praised for its sporty handling (especially in Mazdaspeed variants), attractive styling, and good value for money.

Styling:

Sporty and contemporary design for its era.

Handling:

Generally good handling characteristics, often cited as a strong point.

Reliability:

Generally considered reliable, though specific common issues exist.

Performance Variants:

Includes information relevant to performance-oriented models like the Protege ES and potential Mazdaspeed variants.

📋 Manual Details

Vehicle Coverage:

All trims and engine variants of the 2002-2003 Mazda Protege

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed overhaul and repair procedures for all available engines (FS-DE 2.0L, ZM-DE 1.5L)

Engine Management:

Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, ECU diagnosis, sensor data

Transmission:

Manual (FS5A-EL) and Automatic (GF4A-EL) transmission service, overhaul, and diagnosis

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive system, CV axles, differential service

Suspension:

Front (MacPherson strut) and rear (multi-link) suspension overhaul, alignment specifications

Brakes:

Front disc, rear drum/disc brake systems, ABS diagnosis and repair, hydraulic components

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack and column service

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, component testing, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, glass replacement, structural repair

Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:

HVAC system diagnosis, refrigerant service, component replacement

Safety Systems:

Airbag system diagnosis and repair, seatbelt mechanisms

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting flowcharts for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and system failures

Component Replacement:

Step-by-step guides for replacing major components like alternators, starters, water pumps, radiators, etc.

Overhaul Procedures:

Complete engine and transmission rebuild instructions with torque specifications and tolerances

Wheel Alignment:

Detailed alignment specifications for front and rear suspension

Brake Service:

Pad and rotor replacement, caliper and wheel cylinder service, bleeding procedures

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Testing circuits, diagnosing open/short faults, fuse and relay identification

Emissions Control Repair:

Diagnosis and repair of EGR, O2 sensors, catalytic converters, and EVAP systems

Diagnostic Tools:

Specifies use of OBD-II scanners and specialized Mazda diagnostic tools (e.g., GDS)

Diagnostic Codes:

Provides P-codes and manufacturer-specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with troubleshooting steps

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive, detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems

Torque Specifications:

Exact torque values for all critical fasteners, including engine, transmission, suspension, and body components

Tolerances And Clearances:

Specific measurements for engine component clearances, bearing tolerances, and other critical dimensions

Special Tools:

Lists and describes any specialized tools required for specific repair procedures

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Text-searchable PDF for quick access to information

Printability:

Printable pages for hands-on use in a workshop environment

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images, diagrams, and illustrations

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

FS-DE

Engine Type 1:

2.0L DOHC 16-valve Inline-4

Displacement 1:

1991 cc (121.5 cu in)

Bore X Stroke 1:

83.1 mm x 92.0 mm (3.27 in x 3.62 in)

Compression Ratio 1:

9.1:1

Horsepower 1:

130 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)

Torque 1:

135 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)

Engine Code 2:

ZM-DE

Engine Type 2:

1.5L DOHC 16-valve Inline-4

Displacement 2:

1498 cc (91.4 cu in)

Horsepower 2:

103 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)

Torque 2:

100 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with multi-point injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Tank Capacity:

50 Liters (13.2 Gallons)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (GF4A-EL)

Manual Transmission Details:

Close-ratio gearbox for sporty feel.

Automatic Transmission Details:

Electronically controlled with lock-up torque converter.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (Refer to manual for specific Mazda fluid)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mazda ATF-Type T-IV or equivalent (Refer to manual for specific Mazda fluid)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4425 mm (174.2 in)

Width:

Approx. 1705 mm (67.1 in)

Height:

Approx. 1410 mm (55.5 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2610 mm (102.8 in)

Front Track:

Approx. 1480 mm (58.3 in)

Rear Track:

Approx. 1465 mm (57.7 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1180 kg (2601 lbs) (Varies by trim and equipment)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 1615 kg (3561 lbs)

Payload Capacity:

Approx. 435 kg (959 lbs)

Towing Capacity:

Not Recommended/Specified

Tongue Weight:

Not Applicable

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Front Impact:

4-Star (2002 model, depending on configuration)

NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:

4-Star (2002 model, depending on configuration)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Acceptable (2002 model)

ABS:

Available on most trims, standard on some higher trims.

Traction Control:

Optional on some models.

Airbags:

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

Seatbelts:

Front 3-point pretensioner seatbelts, rear 3-point seatbelts.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio with subwoofer.

Navigation:

No factory navigation system available for these model years.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Keyless Entry:

Optional on higher trims.

Auxiliary Input:

No factory auxiliary input, requires aftermarket adapter.

Bluetooth:

No factory Bluetooth connectivity, requires aftermarket adapter.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. (Severe duty may require more frequent changes)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months (if equipped).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (Platinum or Iridium plugs recommended).

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years (Critical for FS-DE and ZM-DE engines as they are interference engines).

Engine Oil Specification:

API SM/SL/SJ, ILSAC GF-4/GF-3/GF-2, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (Consult manual for precise viscosity based on climate).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.3 US Quarts (4.1 Liters) with filter for 2.0L, 3.7 US Quarts (3.5 Liters) for 1.5L.

Coolant Specification:

Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent HOAT coolant, pre-mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron III or equivalent ATF (Consult manual)

Engine Mounts:

Can degrade over time, leading to vibration and harshness.

Suspension Components:

Control arm bushings, tie rod ends, and ball joints can wear, causing clunking noises and alignment issues.

Catalytic Converter:

Can become clogged or fail, especially on higher mileage vehicles.

Alternator Failure:

Alternators can be a point of failure.

Automatic Transmission:

Some automatic transmissions can experience shifting issues or premature wear.

Idle Control Valve:

Can become dirty or fail, causing rough idling or stalling.

Corrosion:

Rear wheel arches and rocker panels are common areas for rust.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Legacy:

Mazda has a long history of producing reliable and often engaging-driving vehicles.

Protege Lineage:

The Protege was a key model in Mazda's lineup, evolving from a basic economy car to a more refined and sporty compact. The BJ generation (1999-2003) represented a significant step forward in design and performance.

Design Philosophy:

This generation emphasized 'Zoom-Zoom' driving dynamics and a more youthful, attractive design compared to its predecessors.

Production Years Bj Gen:

1998-2003

Manufacturing Locations:

Japan, Mexico

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

Protege ES was recognized on Car and Driver's 10Best lists in previous generations, setting a precedent for the model's positive reception.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Consumer Reports ratings vary by model year and specific vehicle condition, but the Protege line generally received average to good marks for reliability and performance for its class.