🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Protegé

Production Years:

1999-2003

Chassis Code:

BJ

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Car

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, and Mazda owners seeking detailed repair information.

Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Mitsubishi Lancer.

Vehicle Strengths:

Reliability, sporty handling, practicality, good fuel economy (depending on engine), affordable maintenance.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides comprehensive, manufacturer-level diagnostic and repair procedures essential for maintaining the vehicle's performance and longevity.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Engine, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, HVAC, Electrical System, Bodywork, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Interior Components, Exterior Components, Diagnostic Procedures, Troubleshooting

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Official Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical (including disassembly/assembly), Engine control systems (ECU, sensors, actuators), Ignition system, Fuel injection system, Emissions control, Lubrication system, Cooling system, Air intake system

Transmission Drivetrain:

Manual transmission (MT) overhaul and repair, Automatic transmission (AT) overhaul and repair, Clutch system, Drive shafts, CV joints, Differential, Front-wheel drive components

Chassis Suspension Steering:

Front suspension (MacPherson struts), Rear suspension (multi-link), Steering system (power steering), Wheel alignment specifications

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, Rear drum brakes (typical), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) if equipped, Brake system maintenance and repair

Electrical Electronics:

Battery, Charging system (alternator), Starting system (starter motor), Lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), Fuses and relays, Wiring diagrams, Power windows, Power locks, Gauges and indicators, Audio system, Immobilizer system

Comfort Convenience:

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system, Power mirrors, Cruise control, Seats, Interior trim removal/installation

Body Exterior Interior:

Body panel removal/installation, Doors, Hood, Trunk lid, Bumpers, Exterior trim, Interior trim, Upholstery, Glass replacement

Maintenance:

Oil changes, Filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), Spark plug replacement, Coolant flush, Brake fluid flush, Transmission fluid change, Belt inspection/replacement, Tire rotation, Battery maintenance

Repair Overhaul:

Engine rebuilding, Transmission overhaul, Suspension component replacement, Brake caliper rebuild, Starter/alternator replacement, Radiator replacement, Fuel pump replacement, Electrical component diagnosis and replacement

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

Symptom-based troubleshooting guides, Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), Electrical circuit testing, Sensor testing, Fuel system pressure testing

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, Lubricant and fluid types and capacities, Engine timing procedures, Valve clearance specifications, Compression test procedures, Emission control system diagnostics

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance and fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, detailed diagnostics, and electrical system troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchable:

Yes (typically OCR'd for text search)

Printable:

Yes

Quality:

High-resolution scans/digital creation, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Codes Displacement:

FS-DE (2.0L DOHC I4), Z5-DE (1.5L SOHC I4 - less common in North America, check market specifics)

2.0L Fs De Horsepower:

Approx. 125-130 hp @ 6000 rpm (varies slightly by year/market)

2.0L Fs De Torque:

Approx. 130-135 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (varies slightly by year/market)

1.5L Z5 De Horsepower:

Approx. 90-105 hp @ 6000 rpm

1.5L Z5 De Torque:

Approx. 95-105 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Injection Type:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder

Valvetrain:

DOHC (Double Overhead Camshafts) for FS-DE, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) for Z5-DE

Bore X Stroke:

FS-DE: 83.1 mm x 92.0 mm; Z5-DE: 78.0 mm x 78.4 mm

Compression Ratio:

FS-DE: 9.1:1; Z5-DE: 9.4:1

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

Drivetrain:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

Clutch Type:

Dry single plate (Manual Transmission)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 171.9 inches (4365 mm)

Width:

Approx. 67.5 inches (1715 mm)

Height:

Approx. 55.7 inches (1415 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 102.8 inches (2610 mm)

Front Track:

Approx. 58.7 inches (1490 mm)

Rear Track:

Approx. 58.3 inches (1480 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2600-2800 lbs (1180-1270 kg), varies by trim and transmission

Cargo Volume:

Sedan: Approx. 12.0 cu ft; Hatchback: Approx. 22.7 cu ft (rear seats up)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Front Impact:

Good (for most model years)

NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:

Good (for most model years)

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable (for models with side airbags, if equipped)

ABS:

Optional on some trims, standard on higher trims later in the generation.

Traction Control:

Rarely available on this generation.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags optional on select models/trims.

Seatbelts:

Three-point front and rear seatbelts, driver pretensioner.

Child Safety:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system likely not present in this generation; relies on seatbelt mounting.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD or Cassette player, typically with 4-6 speakers. Aftermarket upgrades common.

Navigation:

Not available from factory on this generation.

Cruise Control:

Available on most higher trims.

Bluetooth:

Not available from factory.

Usb:

Not available from factory.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

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

Air Filter Replacement:

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

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs, or 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum-tipped plugs.

Coolant Flush Interval:

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

Transmission Fluid Change Mt:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months.

Transmission Fluid Change At:

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

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 API SG or SH

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) with filter for 2.0L FS-DE

Coolant Type:

Mazda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol based with corrosion inhibitors)

Transmission Fluid Mt:

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

Transmission Fluid At:

Mazda ATF MV (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Problems Engine:

Oil leaks from valve cover gasket, intake manifold gasket issues, potential for oil burning with higher mileage, timing belt replacement is critical (every 60k miles/5 years).

Common Problems Transmission:

Manual clutch wear, automatic transmission solenoids/transmission control module issues (less common), crunchy shifting in manual transmissions.

Common Problems Suspension Steering:

Worn front control arm bushings, worn sway bar end links, power steering pump whine or leaks.

Common Problems Electrical:

Faulty power window regulators, odometer gear failure, dashboard indicator light issues.

Common Problems HVAC:

Blend door actuator failure, blower motor resistor failure, refrigerant leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Philosophy:

Zoom-Zoom driving dynamics, affordability, and reliable engineering.

Generation Details:

This product covers the second generation of the Mazda Protegé (chassis code BJ), introduced for the 1999 model year, replacing the BG generation. It offered both sedan and hatchback body styles.

Key Updates During Generation:

Minor styling refreshes, potential powertrain tweaks, and added safety features as regulations evolved over the production run.

Manufacturing Locations:

Japan (primarily), North America (potentially some later models assembled in Mexico).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

The Protegé was often praised for its value and handling, frequently appearing on or near '10 Best' lists for its segment during its production run.

Consumer Reports:

Generally rated as average to above average for reliability during its early years, with some specific model years showing higher reliability than others. This manual helps address potential issues.