🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Protege

Year:

2006

Chassis Code:

BJ Series

Vin Code:

JMBBJ...

Generation Name:

Third Generation (BJ)

Generation Years:

1998-2003 (facelift 2001-2003), global variations continued into 2006 in some markets.

👋 Introduction

Original Market Segment:

Compact car segment, known for sporty handling and value for money.

Key Competitors 2006:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra.

Model Strengths:

Reliability, engaging driving dynamics, good fuel economy, practical interior.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides dealership-level repair information for DIY mechanics and enthusiasts, saving on labor costs.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive mechanical, electrical, and bodywork for the 2006 Mazda Protege.

Estimated Page Count:

Likely over 2000 pages (typical for factory service manuals covering all aspects).

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel & emission control, engine electrical system.

Drivetrain Systems:

Clutch, manual transaxle, automatic transaxle, front and rear axles.

Chassis Systems:

Steering, braking, suspension (front and rear).

Body And Comfort Systems:

Body (structure, exterior/interior panels), body electrical system, heater and air conditioner.

Technical Data:

All technical data, including torque specifications and fluid capacities.

Special Tools:

Listing and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and refills, belt adjustments.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides for various systems, symptom-based diagnostics.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, overhaul, and installation (e.g., engine rebuild, brake caliper replacement).

Electrical Procedures:

Wiring diagrams, component testing, troubleshooting electrical faults.

Depth Of Information:

From basic adjustments to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed specifications and procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Details:

PDF (Portable Document Format) - allows for zoom in/out functionality.

Print Quality Implication:

Digital PDF format allows for clear reproduction of diagrams and text when printed.

Binding Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Format)

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (for unzipping the archive).

Operating System Compatibility:

All versions of Windows and Mac OS.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Common:

FS-DE (2.0L DOHC)

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve

Displacement:

1991 cc (2.0 Liters)

Horsepower Approx:

130-140 HP @ 6000 RPM (depending on market and specific variant, e.g., MP3, Mazdaspeed Protege had different tunes).

Torque Approx:

135-140 lb-ft @ 4000-4500 RPM

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)

Oil Capacity Approx:

4.2 US Quarts (4.0 Liters) with filter change

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

SAE 5W-30 (API SG/SH/SJ/SL or ILSAC GF-2/GF-3)

Coolant Capacity Approx:

7.0 US Quarts (6.6 Liters)

Recommended Coolant:

Mazda Genuine Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with proper corrosion inhibitors, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water).

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual Transaxle

Optional Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transaxle

Manual Transaxle Fluid Capacity Approx:

2.2 US Quarts (2.1 Liters) of GL-4 75W-90 gear oil.

Automatic Transaxle Fluid Capacity Approx:

7.3 US Quarts (6.9 Liters) of ATF Type-III (or equivalent).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

102.7 inches (2606 mm)

Length:

173.8 inches (4415 mm) for Sedan; 169.4 inches (4303 mm) for Hatchback.

Width:

67.7 inches (1720 mm)

Height:

55.3 inches (1405 mm) for Sedan; 56.7 inches (1440 mm) for Hatchback.

Curb Weight Approx:

2700 - 2900 lbs (1225 - 1315 kg), varies by body style and transmission.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approx:

3600 - 3800 lbs (1630 - 1725 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Driver 2006:

Four Stars (for models equipped with side airbags).

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Passenger 2006:

Four Stars (for models equipped with side airbags).

IIHS Front Crash Rating 2006:

Good (for models with side airbags).

Anti Lock Braking System:

Standard on most trims, optional on some lower trims.

Traction Control:

Optional on select higher trims.

Airbags:

Front airbags standard. Optional side-impact airbags and side-curtain airbags on select trims.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with CD player, typically 4 or 6 speakers. Cassette player optional on some base models.

Climate Control:

Manual HVAC controls standard. Automatic climate control optional on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most higher trim levels, optional on some mid-range trims.

Auxiliary Input:

Rarely found on OEM systems of this era; aftermarket solutions are common.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum-tipped plugs.

Coolant Flush And Replace:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Dexron III ATF or Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid.

Common Mechanical Issues:

Minor oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan, potential for catalytic converter failure (emissions related), worn suspension components (bushings, ball joints) due to age.

Common Electrical Issues:

Power window motor failures, HVAC blower motor resistor issues, dashboard warning light illumination due to sensor faults.

Common Body Issues:

Rust formation in wheel wells, rocker panels, and around rear hatch/trunk lid on vehicles from rust-prone regions.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Heritage:

Mazda Motor Corporation is a Japanese automaker founded in 1920, known for its innovative engineering and driver-focused vehicles.

Protege Lineage:

The Protege (also known as 323 or Familia in some markets) was Mazda's long-standing compact car, evolving through several generations. The 2006 model year falls into the final iteration of the BJ generation, which was eventually succeeded by the Mazda3.

Production Years Bj Generation:

1998-2003 (with facelifts in 2001). Some markets continued production of variants beyond 2003.

Assembly Locations:

Primarily Hofu, Yamaguchi, Japan, and various other Mazda assembly plants globally.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Previous Generation Awards:

The Protege line historically received positive reviews for its driving dynamics and value, often cited in "best buy" lists from automotive publications.

Consumer Reports Reliability Trend:

Generally considered average to above-average for its class during its production run.

Emissions Certification:

Meets EPA and CARB emissions standards for its model year.