🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Protégé

Year:

2002

Generation:

Third Generation (BJ Series)

Vin Prefix:

JM1BJ

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2002 Mazda Protégé was a key player in the compact sedan and hatchback segment, competing directly with popular models like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Focus. Mazda positioned the Protégé as a sporty, reliable, and value-oriented option with a focus on driving dynamics.

Competitive Analysis:

The BJ generation Protégé, especially in its later years, offered a good balance of performance, fuel efficiency, and interior refinement. It often earned praise for its handling characteristics compared to some rivals, particularly in its sportier trims like the ES.

Key Features:

Available as a 4-door sedan or 5-door hatchback, fuel-efficient engines, agile handling, attractive interior design for its class, optional sport suspension on higher trims.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

This manual covers the 2002 Mazda Protégé, including all trim levels and engine options available for that model year in North America. Specific coverage extends to operation, safety, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting for all major vehicle systems.

Page Count:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this era's owner's manuals)

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Booklet

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Instrument Panel and Controls, Gauges and Indicators, Driving and Operating, Climate Control System, Audio System, Safety Features (Airbags, Seatbelts), Interior and Exterior Lights, Doors, Windows, and Locks, Seating and Storage, Wheels and Tires, Starting and Driving the Vehicle, In-Case-of-Emergency (Jacking, Tire Changing), Maintenance and Care, Recommended Fluids and Lubricants, Engine Compartment Overview, Tire Pressure Monitoring (if applicable), Warning Lights and Messages, Fuel Information, Break-in Procedures.

Procedures Included:

Adjusting seats and mirrors, operating climate control, using the audio system, checking fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), changing wiper blades, filling the fuel tank, jacking the vehicle, changing a flat tire, jump starting the battery, using the spare tire, basic cleaning and care, understanding dashboard warning lights.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive user-focused information for daily operation, basic maintenance checks, and emergency procedures. Does not include in-depth diagnostic or repair procedures typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

N/A (Physical product)

Print Quality:

Standard OEM print quality, black and white text with some color illustrations.

Binding Type:

Stapled or glued paperback binding.

Paper Type:

Standard pulp paper, durable for regular handling.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

1.6L DOHC I4 (Z5-DE) and 2.0L DOHC I4 (FS-DE)

Horsepower 1.6L:

105 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 1.6L:

107 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Horsepower 2.0L:

122 hp @ 6000 rpm (standard ES)

Torque 2.0L:

132 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (standard ES)

Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)

Emission Control:

California Emissions (PZEV) available on some models.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual transmission

Optional Transmission:

4-speed automatic transmission

Transmission Features:

Both manual and automatic transmissions were designed for efficiency and responsiveness. The manual provided a more engaging driving experience, while the automatic offered convenience.

📐 Dimensions

Length Sedan:

Approx. 173.8 inches

Width Sedan:

Approx. 67.3 inches

Height Sedan:

Approx. 55.7 inches

Length Hatchback:

Approx. 164.8 inches

Width Hatchback:

Approx. 67.3 inches

Height Hatchback:

Approx. 56.5 inches

Wheelbase:

Approx. 102.8 inches

Cargo Volume Sedan:

Approx. 12.0 cu ft

Cargo Volume Hatchback:

Approx. 19.2 cu ft (with rear seats up)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2600-2800 lbs (depending on trim and body style)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4 stars (2002)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4 stars (2002)

IIHS Side Impact Driver:

Acceptable (2002)

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - standard on ES, optional on others. Front-wheel drive (FWD).

Passive Safety Features:

Dual front airbags, side-impact door beams, front and rear crumple zones, pretensioner seatbelts.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with CD player or cassette tape. Optional premium audio systems may have more speakers. Basic climate controls, typically manual adjustment.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited driver assistance technologies by modern standards. Features like cruise control were available on higher trims.

Connectivity Options:

No integrated Bluetooth or USB connectivity. Older models may have had auxiliary input for audio devices.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (with synthetic oil); 5,000 miles or 6 months (with conventional oil). Refer to manual for specific viscosity.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or as needed.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-30 recommended. API SG, SH, or SJ certified. Consult manual for precise specifications and capacities (approx. 4.0-4.5 quarts).

Coolant Specification:

Mazda Genuine Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) or equivalent. 50/50 mixture with distilled water. Capacity approx. 6.0-6.5 quarts.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mazda ATF Type T-IV or equivalent. Consult manual for procedure and capacity (approx. 3.5-4.0 quarts for change).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil. Capacity approx. 2.0-2.5 quarts.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Known Issues Engine:

Occasional issues with ignition coil failure, sticky throttle body, and potential for oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil pan seals. Catalytic converter failures have also been reported.

Known Issues Suspension:

Front sway bar links and bushings can wear out, leading to clunking noises. Rear trailing arm bushings are also a common wear item.

Known Issues Electrical:

Alternator failures, power window motor issues, and HVAC blower motor failures are sometimes reported.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Replace timing belt, tensioner, and idler pulley every 60,000-90,000 miles or 6 years. Critical maintenance item to prevent catastrophic engine damage.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mazda, a Japanese automaker, has a long history dating back to 1920. Known for its sporty driving dynamics and innovative engineering, Mazda has produced iconic vehicles across various segments.

Model Evolution:

The Protégé (also known as Familia in some markets) was introduced in the early 1970s. The third generation (BJ) ran from 1998 to 2003, with the 2002 model representing a late-stage refinement of this platform.

Production Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Japan, with some assembly potentially occurring in other Mazda facilities depending on market.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions General:

While specific awards for the 2002 model might be scarce, the Protégé line often received positive reviews for its value, handling, and reliability in the compact car segment during its production run.

Ratings Reliability:

Generally considered to have average to good reliability for its class. Owners often report satisfaction with longevity when properly maintained.

Certifications:

Not applicable for an owner's manual.