Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, budget-conscious owners.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra.
Protege Advantage:
Often praised for sporty handling, engaging driving dynamics, and value for money, especially in performance-oriented trims like the Mazdaspeed Protege.
Vehicle Strengths:
Reliability, responsive handling, comfortable ride, efficient engines, practical interior.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to perform comprehensive maintenance and repairs, saving money and ensuring quality workmanship.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, diagnosis, repair of engine assemblies, cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing systems, lubrication, cooling.
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection systems (EFI), ignition systems, emission control systems, turbocharging (if applicable), engine management diagnostics.
Transmission Manual:
Repair, overhaul, clutch system, gear selection, drive axles, differentials.
Transmission Automatic:
Repair, overhaul, torque converter, valve body, planetary gear sets, transmission control module (TCM) diagnostics.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), calipers, rotors, pads, brake lines, parking brake.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, alignment procedures.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, springs, control arms, bushings, wheel bearing replacement, alignment.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting, fuses, relays, power windows, door locks.
Body And Frame:
Exterior panel repair, interior trim removal/installation, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass replacement, chassis straightening.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system diagnosis, repair, refrigerant handling, compressor, condenser, evaporator.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS) diagnosis and repair, seatbelt mechanisms.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake inspection.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting for all major systems.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing major components like engines, transmissions, alternators, starters, radiators, etc.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Detailed diagnostic trees and procedures for electrical and mechanical issues.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
Torque Specifications:
Comprehensive list of torque specifications for all critical fasteners.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Detailed wiring diagrams, component location charts, and diagnostic procedures for electrical faults.
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds).
Diagnostics Level:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including use of scan tools and interpreting sensor data.
Electrical Complexity:
Detailed explanations of electrical circuits, component functions, and troubleshooting for complex systems.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC, 16-Valve
Displacement:
1.5 Liters (1498 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
78.0 mm x 78.4 mm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Horsepower Peak:
95 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Peak:
91 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine Type 2:
Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC, 16-Valve
Displacement 2:
2.0 Liters (1991 cc)
Compression Ratio 2:
9.4:1
Horsepower Peak 2:
118 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque Peak 2:
124 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine Code 3:
FS-DE (GT/Mazdaspeed)
Engine Type 3:
Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC, 16-Valve
Displacement 3:
2.0 Liters (1991 cc) - DOHC
Compression Ratio 3:
9.1:1
Horsepower Peak 3:
130 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Peak 3:
135 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Octane Rating:
87 Octane (Minimum)
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Coolant (Green)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 5.5 Liters (5.8 US Quarts)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4/5 Stars (2003 Model Year)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4/5 Stars (2003 Model Year)
IIHS Offset Crash Test:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
ABS:
Standard on most trims
Traction Control:
Optional on some trims
Airbags Front:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags (Standard)
Airbags Side:
Optional Front Side-Impact Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front seats.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using conventional oil). Consult manual for synthetic oil recommendations.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Replace every 60,000 miles (for standard spark plugs). Check manual for specific plug type.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years, whichever comes first.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Every 60,000 miles. Automatic: Every 30,000-45,000 miles or under severe driving conditions.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial: Replace every 60,000 miles or 5 years (interference engine). Failure can cause severe engine damage.
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 recommended (check manual for specific conditions)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.5 Liters (3.7 US Quarts) with filter change
Power Steering Fluid:
Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid or DEXRON-III ATF
Common Issue 1:
Ignition coil failure leading to misfires.
Common Issue 2:
Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor issues causing rough idle or stalling.
Common Issue 3:
Rust on rear wheel wells and rocker panels, especially in northern climates.
Common Issue 4:
Clutch wear and hydraulic system issues (master/slave cylinders).
Common Issue 5:
CV joint wear leading to clicking noises during turns.
Common Issue 6:
Power steering pump leaks or noise.
Common Issue 7:
Catalytic converter failure (less common but reported).
Mazda Legacy:
Mazda has a long history of producing reliable and engaging vehicles, known for 'Zoom-Zoom' driving dynamics.
Protege Lineage:
The Protege (also known as Familia in Japan) was Mazda's entry in the compact segment for several generations, evolving from a basic economical car to a more refined and sporty option.
Third Generation Bj:
The 2003 model year falls within the third generation (BJ) of the Protege, produced from 1998 to 2003, known for its improved styling, chassis, and features over its predecessor.
Facelift 2000:
The BJ generation received a significant facelift for the 2001 model year, introducing updated styling, revised suspension tuning, and new features, making the 2003 model a refined iteration.
Production Location:
Japan (primarily)
Production Years:
1998-2003 (BJ generation)