Vehicle Segment:
Compact Car
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers, young drivers, small families seeking reliable and economical transportation.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier, Nissan Sentra.
Vehicle Strengths:
Affordability, decent fuel economy, reliable powertrains, sporty handling (especially 's' models), practical interior space for its class.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and independent repair shops with the factory-level knowledge to perform comprehensive maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs, saving time and money.
Engine:
Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul procedures for all engine variants, including lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions, and timing systems.
Transmission:
Comprehensive coverage of manual and automatic transmissions, including removal, installation, overhaul, and hydraulic/electronic controls.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive systems, including axles, CV joints, differentials, and related components.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, including struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, and alignment procedures.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum where applicable), including ABS, hydraulic components, caliper and master cylinder overhaul, and brake bleeding.
Steering:
Power steering system, including pump, rack and pinion, hoses, and related components; also manual steering systems.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting, ignition, and power distribution.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, HVAC system components, and chassis lubrication points.
Diagnostics:
Extensive diagnostic procedures, including symptom-based troubleshooting, fault codes (OBD-II), and diagnostic connector locations.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, belt inspection/replacement.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components.
Rebuild:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including torque specifications, clearances, and assembly instructions.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic approaches to diagnosing and resolving common and uncommon problems.
Installation:
Instructions for installing various components and accessories.
Adjustment:
Procedures for adjusting brakes, clutch, parking brake, and other relevant systems.
Depth Level:
Factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers from basic maintenance to complete component overhaul and diagnostics.
Engine Code Common:
FS-DE (2.0L DOHC)
Engine Displacement Primary:
2.0 Liters (1991 cc)
Engine Configuration Primary:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Horsepower Primary:
Approx. 130-135 hp @ 6000 rpm (standard models)
Torque Primary:
Approx. 135-137 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (standard models)
Engine Code Sport:
FS-ZE (2.0L DOHC MZR - found in 's' models)
Horsepower Sport:
Approx. 170 hp @ 6600 rpm ('s' models)
Torque Sport:
Approx. 174 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm ('s' models)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type Recommended:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline (89 or higher for 's' models if specified)
Emissions Control:
Catalytic converter, EGR system, evaporative emission control (EVAP).
Transmission Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic (with OD)
Automatic Transmission Control:
Electronic control for shift points and torque converter lock-up.
Manual Transmission Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated diaphragm clutch.
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4 Stars (for 2003 Protege models)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (for 2003 Protege models)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:
Acceptable (for 2003 Protege models)
ABS:
Available on select trims, standard on higher trims.
Traction Control:
Available on select models.
Airbags Front:
Standard dual front airbags.
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags on some trims.
Seatbelts:
Front 3-point height-adjustable seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters. Rear 3-point seat belts.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using conventional oil); 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months with synthetic oil.
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Typically every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard spark plugs. Consult manual for specific type.
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Crucial! Refer to manual. Typically around 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-145,000 km) for the FS-DE/ZE engines. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.3 US quarts (4.1 L) with filter change (check manual for exact spec).
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 is commonly recommended. Synthetic blends or full synthetics offer better protection. Always consult the owner's manual for precise recommendation.
Coolant Type:
Mazda/Ford Super Coolant or equivalent (ethylene glycol-based, typically orange or pink).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil (check manual for specific fluid and capacity).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mazda ATF-MV or equivalent Mercon V / Mercon LV compatible fluid (check manual for specific fluid and capacity, typically around 3.5 US quarts for drain and fill).
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF (Dexron II/III compatible).
Engine Issues:
Occasional oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket. Some reports of minor oil consumption in higher mileage engines. Check for proper maintenance of timing belt.
Transmission Issues:
Automatic transmission shift quality can degrade over time; regular fluid changes are important. Manual transmissions are generally robust.
Suspension Issues:
Worn front struts and rear shocks are common wear items. Bushings can also wear out, leading to clunks or poor handling.
Electrical Issues:
Corrosion on battery terminals and grounds. Power window motors can fail over time. Heater core issues can lead to coolant leaks into the cabin.
Body Issues:
Rust can be an issue in areas with road salt, particularly on rocker panels, wheel wells, and subframes. Door seals can degrade.
Mazda Heritage:
Mazda, a Japanese automaker, has a long history dating back to 1920, known for its innovative rotary engines and engaging driving dynamics, often referred to as 'Zoom-Zoom'.
Protege Generations:
The 2003 model is part of the third generation (BJ, 1998-2003), which saw significant improvements in styling, chassis, and refinement over its predecessors.
Production Location:
Primarily manufactured in Japan and Mexico.
Model Discontinuation In North America:
The Protege nameplate was replaced by the Mazda3 for the 2004 model year in North America.