Target Audience:
Value-conscious consumers seeking reliable transportation with sporty handling characteristics.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier.
Handling:
Mazda's reputation for 'Zoom-Zoom' driving dynamics, even in its more mainstream models.
Reliability:
Generally good reliability ratings for this generation of Protege.
Styling:
Clean and somewhat sporty styling, especially for the sedan and hatchback variants.
Value:
Provides factory-accurate information essential for proper maintenance and repair, saving costly dealership service fees and ensuring correct procedures are followed.
Primary Coverage:
North America (USA, Canada)
Regional Variations:
Likely covers common specifications across North American models, but specific regional differences not explicitly stated.
Estimated Page Count:
Estimated 1500+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Workshop Repair Manual
Manual Content Type:
Diagnostic, repair, maintenance, wiring diagrams, specifications
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system
Drivetrain:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch system, drive shafts, differentials, axles
Chassis:
Brake system (disc and drum), steering system, suspension system (front and rear), wheels and tires
Body And Interior:
Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, seats, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors)
Electrical And Electronics:
Wiring diagrams, lighting systems, charging system, starting system, audio system, instrument cluster, various sensors and control modules (ECU, TCU)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, component testing, circuit analysis
Repair Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, body panel repair
Disassembly Reassembly:
Detailed steps for component removal, installation, and torquing specifications
Alignment Calibration:
Wheel alignment procedures, steering wheel centering
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics.
Detail Level:
Includes torque specifications, clearance measurements, diagnostic flowcharts, and wiring schematics.
Engine Code Common:
FS-DE (2.0L DOHC)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement:
1991 cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
83.0 mm x 92.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.4:1 (Typical)
Horsepower Peak:
Approx. 122-130 hp @ 6000 rpm (depending on specific market and tune)
Torque Peak:
Approx. 130-135 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (depending on specific market and tune)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Minimum Recommended)
Engine Code Secondary:
FP-DE (1.8L DOHC)
Displacement Secondary:
1839 cc (1.8 Liters)
Horsepower Secondary:
Approx. 118 hp @ 6000 rpm
Transmission Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., 75W-90)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mazda ATF J (or equivalent)
Clutch Type:
Dry single plate, hydraulically actuated
Length:
Approx. 172.4 inches (Sedan), 167.5 inches (Hatchback)
Width:
Approx. 67.3 inches
Height:
Approx. 55.1 inches (Sedan), 54.9 inches (Hatchback)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 102.7 inches
Front Track:
Approx. 58.5 inches
Rear Track:
Approx. 58.1 inches
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2500 - 2700 lbs (depending on trim and transmission)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not specified, but typically around 3700-3900 lbs.
Towing Capacity:
Not officially specified or recommended for towing.
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
4 stars (Driver), 4 stars (Passenger) for models equipped with airbags.
IIHS Frontal Offset Rating:
Good (for models tested during its production run)
ABS:
Available on higher trims, optional on others.
Traction Control:
Rarely available, not a common feature for this model year range.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard on most later models, optional or absent on earlier base trims.
Seat Belts:
3-point front seat belts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seat belts.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system not standard; child seats typically secured with seat belts.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (with conventional oil).
Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months, inspect more frequently.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (conventional), 60,000 miles (platinum tipped if applicable).
Coolant Replacement:
First at 75,000 miles or 5 years, then every 45,000 miles or 3 years thereafter.
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, change as needed (often considered 'lifetime' but good practice to change periodically, e.g., 60,000-100,000 miles).
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Every 45,000 miles or 3 years.
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-20 (check owner's manual for specific temperature range recommendations).
Coolant Type:
Mazda Genuine Long Life Antifreeze (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron II/III ATF.
Engine Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal can leak with age.
Cooling System:
Radiator leaks, thermostat sticking, cooling fan switch failure.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends are common on higher mileage vehicles.
Exhaust System:
Corrosion and failure of mufflers and catalytic converters due to age and environmental conditions.
Electrical System:
Alternator failures, starter motor issues, and degraded wiring insulation can occur.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch wear is normal; potential issues with synchros in high-mileage transmissions.
Transmission Automatic:
Potential for rough shifting or transmission slipping if fluid is not maintained.
Mazda Philosophy:
Mazda's long-standing commitment to sporty driving dynamics and innovative engineering.
Generation Code:
BJ (Second Generation Protege)
Launch Year North America:
1990 (First Gen), 1998 (Second Gen - which this manual covers the latter half of)
Major Redesign Year:
1998 (Introduction of the second generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan and Mexico (for North American market)
Production End Year:
2003 (for this generation in North America)
Car And Driver 10Best:
While specific Protege models from this year range may not have made the '10 Best' list annually, Mazda generally received acclaim for its automotive engineering during this period.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Generally rated as average to above average for its class during its production run.
Emisiones Compliance:
Designed to meet EPA and California emissions standards for the respective model years.