Target Audience:
Young professionals, students, small families seeking an economical and reliable vehicle.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra
Vehicle Attributes:
Known for its sporty handling, reliable performance, practical interior, and attractive styling for its class.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive guidance for maintaining and repairing the vehicle, empowering owners to reduce repair costs and extend vehicle lifespan.
Documentation Scope:
Full service, repair, maintenance, rebuild, refurbishment, restoration
Estimated Pages:
Over 1500 (typical for comprehensive service manuals)
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (FP-DE, FS-DE), engine management, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, transmission (manual & automatic)
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) system, axle shafts, differential
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering system, brakes (front & rear), wheels & tires
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, HVAC system
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, fuses & relays, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), ECU/ECM, Body Control Module (BCM)
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission service, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, steering rack repair, exhaust system repair, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, specific component testing procedures
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts; includes detailed diagrams, specifications, and step-by-step instructions for major repairs and overhauls.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Includes diagnostic procedures for OBD-II systems, sensor testing, actuator testing, and fault code interpretation.
Engine 1 Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder, DOHC, 16-Valve
Engine 1 Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1839 cc) - FP-DE
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 120-125 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 118-122 lb-ft @ 3000-4000 rpm
Engine 2 Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder, DOHC, 16-Valve, Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
Engine 2 Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1991 cc) - FS-DE
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 130-140 hp @ 6000-6500 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 133-135 lb-ft @ 4000-4500 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Emission Control:
Catalytic Converter, Oxygen Sensors
Transmission Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (with Lock-up Torque Converter)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III or equivalent (for automatic); GL-4 gear oil (for manual)
Clutch Type:
Dry single plate (manual transmission)
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
4-star driver, 5-star passenger (for 2006 model year, specific testing may vary)
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (Standard on most trims)
Traction Control:
Available on some higher trims or as part of an option package.
Airbags:
Front airbags, optional side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional cassette player, 4-6 speaker system.
Navigation:
Not available from factory on most trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard, may be an aftermarket addition.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (using synthetic oil); 5,000 miles or 6 months (using conventional oil)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type, e.g., iridium)
Timing Belt Replacement:
If applicable (some variants used timing chains), typically around 90,000 miles or 7 years.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.9-4.2 US quarts (with filter) for 1.8L; 4.2-4.5 US quarts (with filter) for 2.0L
Engine Oil Viscosity:
5W-30 recommended (check owner's manual for climate specific recommendations)
Coolant Type:
Mazda Genuine Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Problems:
Catalytic converter failure, EGR valve clogging, rear wheel bearing noise, transmission synchro issues (manual), oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket.
Mazda Philosophy:
Known for producing driver-focused vehicles with engaging handling ('Zoom-Zoom' philosophy).
Protege Generations:
The 2006 model is part of the third generation (BJ platform, 1998-2003, with a facelift in 2001) or the start of the fourth generation if considering global markets where the Protege name persisted. In North America, the successor to the Protege was the Mazda3.
Production Period:
Globally produced from 1998 to 2003 for the BJ generation. Specific market availability of the '2006' model may refer to late BJ production or markets where the nameplate continued.
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan (various Mazda plants), Mexico (potentially for North American market)
Automotive Journal Awards:
While specific awards for the 2006 model year might be sparse as it was near the end of the Protege's lifecycle in many markets, the Protege lineage was often praised for its driving dynamics and value. The Mazda3, its successor, consistently received positive reviews and awards.
