🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Protege

Year:

2003

Chassis Codes:

BJ Series

Vin Code:

JMBBJ

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Car

Target Audience:

Budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable and sporty transportation

Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra

Sportiness:

Known for its engaging driving dynamics, responsive steering, and available sport trims (MP3, Mazdaspeed).

Reliability:

Generally considered reliable with proper maintenance.

Value Proposition:

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

📋 Manual Details

Vehicle Generations Covered:

Third Generation (BJ Series) Protege

Body Styles Covered:

Sedan, Hatchback (MP3, Mazdaspeed Protege)

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 1500-2000+

Type:

Full Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical (1.6L Z5-DE, 2.0L FS-DE, 2.0L DOHC FS-DET - Mazdaspeed), fuel delivery, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emissions, engine management (ECU, sensors, actuators), turbocharger system (Mazdaspeed)

Transmission Systems:

Manual transmission (G5M-P), Automatic transmission (FN4A-EL), clutch system, driveline components (axles, CV joints)

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension (struts, control arms, bushings), power steering system, steering column, wheel alignment

Brake Systems:

Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes (or drum depending on trim), ABS system, brake fluid, hydraulic lines, parking brake

Electrical Systems:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, power locks, wipers, horn, fuse box diagrams, wiring diagrams, ECU diagnostics

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), body hardware

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides for common issues, engine performance diagnostics, electrical system faults, HVAC problems

Repair Procedures:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component repair, electrical component repair, body panel repair

Special Procedures:

Timing belt replacement, clutch replacement, turbocharger installation/rebuild (Mazdaspeed), ECU reprogramming, ABS bleeding

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed diagnostics and repair procedures for all major systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

High-resolution, searchable PDF with clear diagrams and text.

Printability:

Printable pages for workshop use.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

1.6 Liters

Engine 1 Code:

Z5-DE

Engine 1 Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves

Engine 1 Horsepower:

Approx. 105 hp @ 6000 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

Approx. 107 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 2 Displacement:

2.0 Liters

Engine 2 Code:

FS-DE

Engine 2 Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves

Engine 2 Horsepower:

Approx. 130 hp @ 6000 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

Approx. 135 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Mazdaspeed Engine Displacement:

2.0 Liters (Turbocharged)

Mazdaspeed Engine Code:

FS-DET

Mazdaspeed Engine Horsepower:

Approx. 170 hp @ 5500 rpm

Mazdaspeed Engine Torque:

Approx. 174 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, 91+ for Mazdaspeed)

Ignition System:

Electronic ignition, Distributor-less Ignition System (DIS) or Coil-on-Plug (COP) depending on engine variant.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-Speed Manual

Optional Transmission:

4-Speed Automatic

Clutch Type:

Dry, Single Plate (Manual)

Automatic Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled, Lock-up torque converter

Manual Transmission Code:

G5M-P

Automatic Transmission Code:

FN4A-EL

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 102.7 inches (2606 mm)

Length:

Approx. 173.4 inches (4404 mm) Sedan / 165.7 inches (4209 mm) Hatchback

Width:

Approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm)

Height:

Approx. 55.7 inches (1415 mm) Sedan / 55.3 inches (1405 mm) Hatchback

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2700-2900 lbs (1225-1315 kg) depending on trim and engine

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by model, typically around 3800-4000 lbs.

Trunk Capacity:

Approx. 12.9 cu ft (Sedan)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Front Impact:

4 Stars (2003 model year)

NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:

4 Stars (2003 model year)

IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:

Good (for comparable models)

ABS:

Standard on most trims, optional on base models.

Traction Control:

Available on higher trims, particularly with automatic transmission.

Airbags:

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

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners and load limiters for front seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, with optional premium audio and subwoofer on higher trims.

Climate Control:

Manual HVAC controls, optional automatic climate control on select trims.

Cruise Control:

Available on most models, standard on higher trims.

Auxiliary Input:

Not standard. Aftermarket solutions are common for adding AUX or USB connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

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

Engine Oil Filter Replacement:

With every oil change.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually (if equipped).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs, or 60,000-100,000 miles for iridium plugs (if applicable).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years. Crucial for Z5-DE and FS-DE engines.

Engine Oil Type:

API SN or SP, SAE 5W-30 (check owner's manual for exact specification and temperature range).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 3.7-4.2 US quarts (3.5-4.0 Liters) depending on engine and filter.

Coolant Type:

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

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mazda ATF-III or equivalent Dexron III compatible fluid.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron II or III.

Engine Mounts:

Premature wear and failure of engine mounts, leading to vibration and clunking sounds.

Coil Packs:

Failure of ignition coil packs, causing misfires and rough running.

Rear Wheel Bearings:

Premature wear of rear wheel bearings, leading to humming or grinding noises.

Clutch Wear:

Clutch wear can be accelerated with spirited driving; clutch replacement is a common repair.

Catalytic Converter:

Early models may experience catalytic converter failure due to oil consumption or other engine issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Reputation:

Mazda has a long history of producing engaging and fun-to-drive vehicles.

Third Generation Bj:

The BJ series Protege, introduced in 1998 for the 1999 model year, was a significant redesign featuring Mazda's 'Skyactiv' design philosophy elements before the term was coined, emphasizing light weight and responsive handling. This generation saw the introduction of the sportier Mazdaspeed variant.

Production Years:

1998-2003

Assembly Locations:

Hofu, Yamaguchi, Japan; Flat Rock, Michigan, USA (for North American market)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The Mazda Protege lineup, particularly the Mazdaspeed variant, received accolades for its driving dynamics and performance in its class.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Varied over the years, generally average to above average for the segment, with specific model years and powertrains performing better.