🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Protege

Year:

1999

Generation Designation:

BJ (Third Generation)

Platform Code:

BJ

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, and Mazda Protege owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs.

Value Proposition:

Provides dealership-level technical information at a fraction of the cost of proprietary software or physical manuals.

Ease Of Use:

Described as 'very simple to use' with step-by-step diagrams.

Comprehensiveness:

Covers 'every part of your car', intended to fulfill 'every request'.

Authenticity:

Same manual available in official dealers' workshops.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

General Information, Engine, Lubrication System, Cooling System, Fuel and Emission Control System, Engine Electrical System, Clutch, Manual Transaxle, Automatic Transaxle, Front and Rear Axles, Steering System, Braking System, Suspension, Body, Body Electrical System, Heater and Air Conditioner, Technical Data, Special Tools

Estimated Page Count:

Detailed page count not specified, but described as 'COMPLETE' and 'packed with all the information you need'.

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, emission control, ignition system, starting system, charging system.

Drivetrain Systems:

Clutch operation and service, manual transaxle (gearbox) overhaul and repair, automatic transaxle operation and service, front and rear axle components (differentials, CV joints).

Chassis Systems:

Steering system (power steering pump, rack and pinion, tie rods), braking system (hydraulic circuits, ABS if applicable, disc and drum brake service), suspension (front struts, rear shocks, control arms, bushings, alignment).

Body And Electrical:

Body panel repair and replacement, door mechanisms, interior trim, body electrical systems (lighting, power windows, door locks, wipers), wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, audio system.

Comfort And Climate:

Heater core, A/C compressor, refrigerant systems, blower motor, climate control operation.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement, brake fluid service, transmission fluid changes, tire rotation.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for engine and ABS systems (if applicable), component testing procedures.

Repair Procedures:

Engine overhaul (timing belt, head gasket, piston rings), transmission rebuilds, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair.

Technical Data And Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities (engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid), engine specifications (bore, stroke, compression ratio), wheel alignment specifications, electrical specifications (resistance, voltage).

Special Tools And Equipment:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs or adjustments (e.g., timing belt tensioner tool, spring compressor).

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Portability:

Cross-platform compatible (Windows and Mac).

Interactivity:

Zoom in/out functionality for detailed viewing.

Archiving:

Requires WinZip or similar for extraction.

Readability:

High, as it replicates official dealer workshop manuals.

Binding:

Digital (PDF), not a physical binding.

Paper Type:

Not applicable for digital format.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Example:

FS-DE (common for 1.8L models), Z5-DE (common for 1.5L models)

Engine Type Typical:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve

Displacement Typical:

1.5L (1498cc) or 1.8L (1839cc)

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 90-122 hp depending on engine and market.

Torque Range:

Approximately 90-115 lb-ft depending on engine and market.

Fuel Delivery Method:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual Transaxle

Optional Transmission:

4-speed Automatic Transaxle

Manual Transaxle Type:

Front-wheel drive, transverse-mounted

Automatic Transaxle Type:

Electronic control, FWD, transverse-mounted

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Sedan (4-door), Hatchback (3-door and 5-door)

Wheelbase Typical:

Approx. 102.7 inches (2609 mm)

Length Typical:

Approx. 172.4 - 175.6 inches (4379 - 4460 mm) depending on body style

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 2400 - 2700 lbs (1089 - 1225 kg) depending on configuration

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings Typical:

Moderate to good for its era, varying by specific test and year. Frontal crash ratings generally acceptable.

ABS:

Available on higher trims or as an option.

Traction Control:

Rarely available on this generation.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags standard on most models.

Seatbelts:

Front seatbelt pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD or Cassette player, often with basic speaker systems. Aftermarket upgrades common.

Dashboard Display:

Standard analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and temperature. Warning lights for various systems.

Cruise Control:

Available on higher trim levels.

Connectivity Features:

Limited to analog systems; no Bluetooth or USB as standard. Aftermarket solutions available.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change Interval:

Typically 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Timing Belt Replacement Interval:

Critical: Typically 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 144,000 km) or 5-7 years, depending on engine and driving conditions. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Varies by plug type (copper, platinum, iridium); typically 30,000 - 100,000 miles.

Engine Oil Viscosity Typical:

5W-30 or 10W-30 API SJ or higher (refer to manual for exact specs).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based, typically requiring a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Check manual for specific Mazda coolant type.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mazda ATF-M III or equivalent.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil.

Engine Issues:

Oil consumption in higher mileage engines, timing belt tensioner failure, exhaust manifold cracks.

Suspension Issues:

Worn front struts, rear shock absorber leaks, premature wear of control arm bushings.

Electrical Issues:

Alternator failure, power window regulator issues, HVAC blower motor resistor failure.

Body Issues:

Rust formation in common areas (wheel arches, rocker panels, subframes) especially in northern climates.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Philosophy At Time:

Focus on 'Zoom-Zoom' driving dynamics and value for money.

Generation Introduction:

The BJ generation Protege was introduced for the 1999 model year, replacing the previous BG platform.

Platform Sharing:

Shared platform with vehicles like the Mazda Familia, Ford Laser, and Kia Mentor.

Production Plants:

Primarily Hofu, Japan, and also assembly in other locations depending on market (e.g., Mexico).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automobile Magazines:

Often praised for its value, handling, and sporty feel within its compact car segment during its production run.

Consumer Reports Typical:

Mixed to average reliability ratings depending on specific components and model year, with some years performing better than others.