Segment:
Compact Car / Economy Car
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers, young drivers, practical commuters
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Chevrolet Cavalier
Value Proposition:
Affordable pricing, reliable transportation, good fuel economy, practical design
Trim Levels Overview:
DX, LX, ES, MP3 (performance variant)
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, engine diagnostics, turbocharging (if applicable)
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutches, driveshafts, axles, differentials, AWD systems (if applicable)
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering gear, power steering, wheel alignment
Brakes:
Front brakes, rear brakes, hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), parking brake
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body electrical, engine control module (ECM), powertrain control module (PCM), body control module (BCM), entertainment systems, wiring diagrams
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system diagnostics and repair
Body Chassis:
Body construction, interior trim, exterior panels, doors, windows, sunroof, bumpers, chassis components
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) fault codes, diagnostic procedures, scan tool usage
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, tire rotation
Repair Procedures:
Engine component overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension strut replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, HVAC system repair
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common and complex issues
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, pressures, electrical parameters, wiring schematics
Recalibration Procedures:
Engine control module (ECM) relearn procedures, throttle body relearn
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive: from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic (with Lock-up Torque Converter)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Sport mode, manual shift mode (on some later models)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (recommended, check manual for exact spec)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III / Mercon equivalent (check manual for exact spec)
Length:
Approx. 169.1 - 170.3 inches (varies by model year/body style)
Width:
Approx. 67.1 - 67.3 inches
Height:
Approx. 55.1 - 56.7 inches
Wheelbase:
Approx. 102.4 inches
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2600 - 2800 lbs (varies by model/options)
Cargo Volume Sedan:
Approx. 11.2 - 12.4 cu ft
Cargo Volume Hatchback:
Approx. 17.1 cu ft (seats up)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4 Stars (typical for the era, check specific year reports)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4 Stars (typical for the era, check specific year reports)
ABS:
Available (standard on higher trims, optional on others)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags (standard)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player or cassette player, optional premium audio systems
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically standard; aftermarket solutions available
Power Windows Locks:
Available on LX and ES trims
Keyless Entry:
Available on higher trims
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on plug type - copper vs. iridium)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (for engines with timing belts - verify engine type)
Engine Oil Spec:
API SN/SM/SL/SG, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-20 (check owner's manual for exact viscosity and specification)
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene glycol based, green, 50/50 mix with distilled water (Mazda FL22 coolant recommended for later models, verify for specific year)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check owner's manual)
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II/III or specific Mazda power steering fluid
Common Issue 1:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket and rear main seal
Common Issue 2:
EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve clogging leading to rough idle or stalling
Common Issue 3:
Catalytic converter failure (often due to oil consumption or misfires)
Common Issue 4:
Front suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends) wear
Common Issue 5:
Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor contamination affecting engine performance
Oil Filter Example:
Mazda OEM B6Y1-14-302, Wix 51358, Purolator L14610 (verify for specific engine)
Cabin Air Filter Example:
Wix WP9345, Fram CF7530 (if equipped)
Mazda Philosophy:
Jinba Ittai ('horse and rider as one') - focus on driving dynamics and connection
Generation Overview:
This manual covers the third generation (BJ series) Protegé, introduced for the 1999 model year, succeeding the BG platform. Significant improvements in chassis rigidity, safety, and refinement.
Facelift Notes:
Mid-cycle refresh for the 2001 model year, featuring updated styling, improved interior materials, and powertrain enhancements.
Production Locations:
Various Mazda plants globally, including Japan and North America.
Production End Year:
2003 (North American market for Protegé nameplate), succeeded by Mazda3. However, this manual covers up to 2006 for specific derivatives or regional variations if applicable. The BJ platform itself continued in some markets.
