🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Protegé

Platform Code:

BJ (third generation)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact car

Target Demographic:

Young drivers, small families, budget-conscious buyers

Key Competitors:

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

Vehicle Strengths:

Reliability, fuel efficiency, sporty handling (especially with optional sport suspension), value for money

Manual Value Proposition:

Empowers owners and independent mechanics with professional-level diagnostic and repair information, reducing reliance on costly dealership services.

📋 Manual Details

Model Years Covered:

2002 Onwards (implies 2002, 2003, and potentially later models based on platform updates)

Trim Levels Covered:

All Models

Estimated Page Count:

Likely 1500+ pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control, engine management (ECU diagnostics)

Transmission:

Manual transmission, Automatic transmission (service, repair, overhaul, fluid service, diagnostics)

Drivetrain:

Clutch system, drive shafts, CV joints, differentials (if applicable to models covered)

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS, disc brakes (front and rear), drum brakes (rear), parking brake, component replacement, bleeding procedures

Suspension:

Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings), Rear suspension (shock absorbers, springs, trailing arms, bushings), wheel alignment specifications

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, alignment

Electrical:

12V battery system, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting, instrumentation, infotainment, power accessories, wiring diagrams, fuse and relay locations, component testing

HVAC:

Air conditioning system (refrigerant, compressor, condenser, evaporator, diagnosis), heating system, ventilation

Body:

Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, hood, trunk lid, glass, mirrors, body sealing, collision repair basics

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS) diagnosis and component replacement, seat belts

Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake inspection, tune-up procedures

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting for common and uncommon issues

Repair:

Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures for major assemblies (engine, transmission, brakes, suspension)

Diagnostics:

OBD-II system diagnosis, specific sensor testing, actuator testing, component electrical testing

Special Tools:

Identification of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds

Diagnostic Capability:

Advanced diagnostic procedures, including testing of electronic control units (ECUs) and sensors

Schematics:

Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Searchable text (assuming OCR processing of original document)

Printability:

Printable on standard home or office printers

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Digital Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Common:

FS-DE (2.0L DOHC)

Engine Displacement Liters:

2.0

Engine Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve

Horsepower Ps Approx:

130-135 PS (96-100 kW) @ 6000 rpm (depending on market and specific tune)

Torque Nm Approx:

175-180 Nm (129-133 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Port Injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating typically 87 or higher)

ECU Type:

Mazda Electronic Control Unit (ECU) - Specific model number varies

Smaller Engine Option:

ZY-VE (1.8L DOHC, ~120-125 PS, found in some markets/trims)

Performance Engine Option:

Mazdaspeed Protegé (BP-R 1.8L Turbocharged DOHC, ~170 PS)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual

Optional Transmission:

4-speed automatic

Automatic Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled, with torque converter lock-up

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (Check specific manual for exact Mazda specification)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III or equivalent (Check specific manual for exact Mazda specification, e.g., Mazda ATF JWS3317 for later models)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Mm:

2610

Length Mm:

4355 (Sedan), 4300 (Hatchback)

Width Mm:

1705

Height Mm:

1410 (Sedan), 1435 (Hatchback)

Curb Weight Kg:

1150-1250 kg (approx, depending on trim and body style)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg:

Approx. 1600 kg (vehicle dependent)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4-star (for 2002 model year, check specific reports)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4-star (for 2002 model year, check specific reports)

IIHS Side Impact Rating:

Acceptable (for models with side airbags, check specific reports)

ABS:

Standard on most trims, optional on base models

Traction Control:

Available on some higher trims or as an option

Airbags Front:

Dual front airbags standard

Airbags Side:

Optional front side-impact airbags on some trims

Seatbelts:

Front pretensioners and load limiters, rear 3-point seatbelts

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM/CD player with optional premium audio system (e.g., Bose speakers on higher trims)

Display:

Digital clock, basic radio display; no advanced touchscreen available for this generation

Cruise Control:

Available on LX, SE, and ES trims

Auxiliary Input:

Not standard; aftermarket solutions typically required for audio input

Usb Port:

Not available on factory-fitted systems

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions; severe conditions may require more frequent changes)

Engine Oil Filter Replacement:

Replace with every oil change

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or as needed based on inspection

Spark Plug Replacement:

Platinum-tipped: 60,000 miles (96,000 km). Iridium-tipped: 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (refer to manual for exact type)

Coolant Replacement:

Initial: 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 5 years. Subsequent: Every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 2.5 years

Automatic Transmission Fluid Service:

Every 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or as per manual recommendations (often considered 'lifetime' by some but periodic service is advised)

Timing Belt Replacement:

Timing belt (FS-DE and ZY-VE engines) requires replacement at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years due to non-interference engine design with potential for catastrophic failure if it breaks. **CRITICAL NOTE: Verify this specific interval and whether the engine is interference or non-interference as per the manual.**

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH, ILSAC GF-2, SAE 5W-30 (check manual for specific Mazda grade, e.g., Mazda Dexelia Ultra 5W-30)

Coolant Type:

Mazda Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with demineralized water)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Common Issue Engine Mounts:

Degradation and failure of engine and transmission mounts leading to vibration and clunking noises

Common Issue Suspension Bushings:

Wear in front and rear suspension bushings, leading to clunks, poor handling, and premature tire wear

Common Issue ABS Sensors:

Failure of ABS wheel speed sensors, triggering ABS warning lights and disabling ABS function

Common Issue Power Steering Leaks:

Leaks from power steering hoses or pump seals

Common Issue Evaporative Emissions Control:

Faults in the EVAP system, often due to a faulty purge valve or gas cap, triggering Check Engine Lights (CEL)

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Reputation:

Known for engaging driving dynamics ('Zoom-Zoom' era), reliability, and sporty design

Generation Designation:

Third Generation (BJ platform)

Previous Generation:

Second Generation (BG platform, 1989-1997)

Successor Model:

Mazda3 (introduced for 2004 model year, replacing the Protegé)

Production Years Bj Platform:

1998-2003 (globally, specific market variations exist)

Manufacturing Locations:

Japan (Hiroshima), United States (Flat Rock, Michigan - for North American market)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Jd Power Reliability:

Consistently ranked well for reliability in its class during its production years (check specific JD Power reports for 2002-2003)

Car And Driver 10Best:

Protegé LX was a Car and Driver 10Best truck for 1991 (previous generation), indicating a lineage of critical acclaim for handling.

Fuel Economy Epa Est Mpg:

Approx. 25 MPG city / 33 MPG highway (for 2.0L with manual transmission, check specific EPA ratings)