🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Protege

Year:

2004

Chassis Code:

BJ Series

Generation:

Third Generation (BJ)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Car

Target Audience:

Budget-conscious consumers, enthusiasts, DIY mechanics

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra

Value Proposition:

Affordability, reliability, sporty handling (especially Mazdaspeed variant), practicality

Manual Benefit:

Empowers owners and technicians with the knowledge to maintain and repair their Mazda Protege effectively, saving costs and extending vehicle life.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Coverage:

1.6L Z6, 2.0L FS-DE (Naturally Aspirated & Turbocharged for Mazdaspeed Protege)

Transmission Coverage:

5-Speed Manual, 4-Speed Automatic

Body Styles:

Sedan, Hatchback (MP3, Mazdaspeed)

Estimated Pages:

~1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF), potentially Print

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, Engine control (ECU), Fuel system, Ignition system, Exhaust system, Transmission (manual and automatic), Drivetrain (CV joints, axles, differentials)

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), Steering system, Brakes (hydraulic, ABS), Wheels and tires

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, Battery, Charging system, Starting system, Lighting, Instruments and gauges, Power windows, Locks, Mirrors, Climate control, Audio system, Body control modules (BCM)

Body:

Body construction, Exterior trim, Doors, Hood, Trunk lid, Glass, Interior trim, Seats, HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, Oil and filter changes, Fluid checks and top-offs, Spark plug replacement, Air filter replacement, Cabin air filter replacement

Repair:

Engine overhaul, Transmission overhaul, Brake component replacement (pads, rotors, calipers), Suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, bushings), Steering rack repair, Electrical component diagnosis and replacement, A/C system servicing

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) system usage, Wiring diagram analysis for electrical faults

Depth:

Comprehensive (covers basic to advanced repairs, rebuild procedures, detailed diagnostic flowcharts)

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF for efficient information retrieval

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans suitable for clear printing, includes diagrams and illustrations

Binding Type:

N/A (for digital) / Professional binding (for printed versions)

Paper Type:

N/A (for digital) / High-quality paper for durability (for printed versions)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

Z6

Displacement 1:

1.6 Liters (1598 cc)

Configuration 1:

Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC, 16 Valves

Horsepower 1:

~100 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 1:

~105 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code 2:

FS-DE

Displacement 2:

2.0 Liters (1991 cc)

Configuration 2:

Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC, 16 Valves

Horsepower 2 Na:

~130 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 2 Na:

~135 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code 3:

FS-DET (Mazdaspeed Protege)

Displacement 3:

2.0 Liters (1991 cc)

Configuration 3:

Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC, 16 Valves, Turbocharged

Horsepower 3 Turbo:

~170 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque 3 Turbo:

~177 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Octane Rating:

87 Octane Minimum (91 Octane Recommended for Mazdaspeed)

🔧 Transmission

Type Standard:

5-Speed Manual

Type Optional:

4-Speed Automatic

Clutch Type:

Hydraulic Clutch System

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Manual Transmission Fluid

Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:

Mazda ATF-Type T-IV or equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Length:

~167.9 inches (Sedan)

Width:

~67.1 inches

Height:

~55.5 inches (Sedan)

Wheelbase:

~102.8 inches

Trunk Volume Sedan:

~11.8 cu ft

Curb Weight Min:

~2550 lbs (1.6L, manual)

Curb Weight Max:

~2850 lbs (Mazdaspeed)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver Rating 2004:

4 Stars

NHTSA Frontal Passenger Rating 2004:

4 Stars

IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:

Good

ABS:

Standard on most trims, optional on base models

Traction Control:

Optional on some higher trims

Airbags Front:

Driver and Front Passenger Airbags (Standard)

Airbags Side:

Optional front side-impact airbags on some trims

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters (front)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional premium sound system

Speaker Configuration:

Typically 4-6 speakers depending on trim level

Cruise Control:

Optional on lower trims, standard on higher trims

Auxiliary Input:

Not standard, aftermarket solutions available

HVAC Type:

Manual air conditioning and heating, optional automatic climate control on select trims

🔧 Maintenance

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 Z6:

Every 60,000 miles (NGK Iridium recommended)

Spark Plug Replacement Fs:

Every 60,000 miles (NGK Iridium recommended)

Engine Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months

Engine Oil Spec:

API SN/SP or ILSAC GF-5/GF-6, SAE 5W-20 (check manual for specific viscosity for climate)

Engine Oil Capacity Z6:

~3.7 US quarts (with filter)

Engine Oil Capacity Fs:

~4.0 US quarts (with filter)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, silicate-free (e.g., Mazda FL22)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Common Issue 1:

Oil leaks from valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, or front crankshaft seal.

Common Issue 2:

Catalytic converter failure (especially on higher mileage vehicles).

Common Issue 3:

Wear of suspension components (bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends) leading to knocking noises or poor alignment.

Common Issue 4:

EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system clogging causing rough idle or performance issues.

Common Issue 5:

Automatic transmission shift solenoid failure (leading to harsh shifting or no engagement).

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Philosophy:

Zoom-Zoom driving dynamics, Jinba Ittai (horse and rider as one)

Protege Lineage:

Successor to the 323, preceded by the Mazda3

Third Gen Bj Introduction:

Introduced in 1998 for the 1999 model year, facelifted for 2001

Global Production Base:

Japan (various plants), North America (AutoAlliance International, USA)

Mazdaspeed Protege Specialty:

Performance variant based on the Familia/Protege platform, featuring a turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Previous Generation Recognition:

Edmunds 'Best Value' in its class (previous generations)

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Generally average to above average reliability for its class and era, though specific model years may vary. Manual emphasizes proactive maintenance.

Emissions Certification:

Meets EPA and CARB emissions standards for 2004 model year.