🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Protege

Year:

2004

Chassis Code:

BJ Series

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact car, known for its sporty handling and reliability.

Key Competitors:

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

Handling:

Renowned for its well-tuned suspension and engaging driving dynamics.

Reliability:

Generally considered a reliable vehicle with a good reputation for longevity.

Value Proposition:

Offered a good balance of performance, features, and affordability.

📋 Manual Details

Language:

English

Manual Type:

Repair Service Manual

Availability:

Instant PDF Download

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by specific edition, typically 1500-2500+ pages for a complete factory service manual

File Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system, timing system.

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection, ignition system, emission control systems, turbocharging (if applicable).

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, transmission assembly, gears, bearings, seals, shift mechanism, service and overhaul procedures.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission assembly, hydraulic control, torque converter, gear sets, service and overhaul procedures, electronic control unit (ECU) interface.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive, half-shafts, CV joints, differential.

Suspension:

Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints, sway bar), rear suspension (independent or semi-independent, depending on model), wheel alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum configurations), ABS system, hydraulic components, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, fluid specifications.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.

Body And Chassis:

Body construction, panels, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, exterior trim, frame components.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, condenser, climate control diagnostics.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, safety restraint system diagnostics.

Diagnostics:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool procedures, troubleshooting flowcharts.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.

Component Repair:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, steering system repair.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for various systems, identifying causes of common problems.

Electrical Repair:

Wiring repair, component testing, diagnosing electrical faults using wiring diagrams.

Bodywork Repair:

Panel replacement, dent repair, rust repair, glass replacement, interior trim removal/installation.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

Searchable Text:

Yes, typically indexed and searchable PDF for quick access to information.

Printable:

Yes, designed to be printable for workshop use.

Clarity:

High resolution, ensuring clarity of diagrams, illustrations, and text.

Digital:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Digital:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve

Displacement:

1.8L (1839 cc) - Common for many US models

Engine Code:

FS-DE (US market)

Horsepower:

Approximately 125-130 hp @ 6000 rpm (depending on market and specific trim)

Torque:

Approximately 115-120 lb-ft @ 4000-4500 rpm (depending on market and specific trim)

Induction:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

ECU:

Engine Control Unit (ECU) manages fuel, ignition, and emissions.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic

Clutch:

Hydraulically actuated diaphragm clutch (manual transmission).

Automatic Transmission Control:

Electronically controlled with lock-up torque converter.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 170-174 inches (varies slightly by body style - sedan/hatchback)

Width:

Approximately 67.5 inches

Height:

Approximately 55.5-56.5 inches (varies slightly by body style)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 102.7 inches

Curb Weight:

Approximately 2600-2800 lbs (depending on trim and transmission)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Good (Top safety rating)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Good (Top safety pick)

ABS:

Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on select trims.

Traction Control:

Limited availability, generally not a standard feature.

Airbags:

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

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player. Premium sound systems may have been optional on higher trims.

Display:

Basic analog gauges for speed, RPM, fuel, and temperature. Digital odometer.

Cruise Control:

Available as an option or standard on higher trims.

Auxiliary Input:

Rarely present on factory head units; aftermarket solutions are common.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to specific manual for exact recommendation).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately 60,000 miles (depending on spark plug type: standard or platinum).

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 recommended for most conditions.

Coolant Type:

Mazda Genuine Long Life Coolant (Green) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with silicate inhibitors. A 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil (refer to manual for specific capacity).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mazda Genuine ATF JWS3314 or equivalent Dexron III compatible fluid (refer to manual for specific capacity).

Engine Mounts:

Premature wear and failure of engine mounts leading to vibration.

Exhaust Manifold:

Cracking of the exhaust manifold, leading to exhaust leaks and ticking noises.

Automatic Transmission:

Occasional issues with shifting, particularly in earlier models of the generation.

Power Steering Pump:

Potential for noisy or failing power steering pumps.

Window Regulators:

Failure of power window regulators.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Philosophy:

Focus on 'Zoom-Zoom' driving dynamics, engaging handling, and reliable engineering.

Generation:

Third Generation Protege (BJ Series, 1998-2003, with facelift for 2001-2003 models). The 2004 model falls within this generation's later years, potentially a carryover or slight update before discontinuation in many markets.

Production Period:

The Protege line was produced from 1977 to 2003. The 2004 model year might be a transition year or represent specific market availability before the Mazda3 replaced it.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Awarded for excellent performance in frontal offset crash tests.

Consumer Reports:

Consistently rated as a reliable vehicle by automotive consumer organizations.