🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Protege

Year:

2000-2004

Chassis Codes:

BJ (for all Protege models 1998-2003, often including early 2004 models depending on production run)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact car

Competitive Landscape:

Competed against vehicles like Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, and Hyundai Elantra.

Design Philosophy:

Mazda's 'Zoom-Zoom' driving dynamics focused on spirited performance and handling.

Body Styles Offered:

Sedan (4-door), Hatchback (3-door and 5-door - including Mazdaspeed Protege).

Trim Levels Common:

DX, LX, ES, SE, Sport, Mazdaspeed Protege (performance variant).

📋 Manual Details

Manual Scope:

Comprehensive service and repair for Mazda Protege models

Estimated Page Count:

1000-2000+ pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals)

Manual Classification:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system, timing components, seals and gaskets.

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, turbocharging (if applicable), engine tuning, diagnostic procedures.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch system, gearbox components, overhaul, shift linkage, maintenance.

Transmission Automatic:

Torque converter, planetary gear sets, valve body, transmission control module (TCM), hydraulic system, overhaul, maintenance.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) layout, CV axles, differentials, driveshafts, wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link suspension, coil springs, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system (hydraulic), steering rack, tie rods, steering column, wheel alignment.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum or disc brakes, anti-lock braking system (ABS), master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, pads, rotors, bleeding procedures.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, body control module (BCM).

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, chassis components, rust prevention, collision repair basics.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant handling, compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, climate control panel.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, belt inspections and replacement, tire rotations.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting flowcharts.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul of all major vehicle systems.

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) codes interpretation, sensor testing, actuator testing, electronic control unit (ECU) diagnostics.

Diagnostic Capability:

Advanced diagnostics, including electrical testing, component resistance/voltage checks, and scan tool data interpretation.

Repair Complexity:

Covers everything from basic adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

Documentation Quality:

Detailed diagrams, exploded views, torque specifications, and procedural steps.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Features:

Searchable text, bookmarked sections, printable pages.

Digital Resolution:

High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Base:

FS-DE (2.0L DOHC I4)

Engine Displacement:

1991 cc (2.0 Liters)

Engine Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves

Horsepower Range:

Approx. 110-130 hp (for standard FS-DE, higher for Mazdaspeed)

Torque Range:

Approx. 120-135 lb-ft (for standard FS-DE, higher for Mazdaspeed)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Alternative Engine Codes:

FP-DE (1.8L SOHC I4 - earlier models, may overlap), Z5-DE (1.5L SOHC I4 - some base models/export markets), FS-ZE (2.0L DOHC MFI - Mazdaspeed Protege)

Mazdaspeed Engine:

FS-ZE (2.0L Turbocharged DOHC I4 with Variable Valve Timing - VVT), approx. 170 hp, 160 lb-ft torque.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Base:

5-speed Manual

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic

Automatic Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled with overdrive.

Manual Transmission Features:

Sport-oriented gearing (especially in Mazdaspeed).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Range:

Approx. 102.7 inches (2606 mm)

Length Range:

Approx. 170-175 inches (4318-4445 mm) depending on body style

Width Range:

Approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm)

Height Range:

Approx. 55.5-57.5 inches (1410-1460 mm) depending on body style

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 2600-2900 lbs (1180-1315 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Typically around 3700-3900 lbs (1680-1770 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

Good (for driver and passenger in most tests for this generation, though testing varies by year and specific model configuration).

IIHS Side Impact Test:

Acceptable or Marginal (depending on year and specific configurations, especially for earlier models).

Traction Control:

Optional on some higher trims, standard on Mazdaspeed Protege.

Anti Lock Brakes:

Optional on many trims, standard on ES and Mazdaspeed models.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Optional side-impact airbags on select trims.

Seatbelts:

Front 3-point ELR with pretensioners, rear 3-point seatbelts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed AM/FM/CD player with optional cassette. Standard 4-speaker system, optional 6-speaker system.

Climate Control:

Manual climate control standard. Optional automatic climate control on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Available on most trims, standard on higher trims like ES.

Keyless Entry:

Optional on select trims.

Power Windows Locks:

Standard on most trims, manual windows/locks on base DX models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions: 3,000 miles (5,000 km).

Engine Oil Filter Replacement:

At every oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

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

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approx. 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard iridium plugs, consult manual for specific type.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 (preferred for most conditions), or SAE 10W-30. Check manual for climate-specific recommendations.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.0 US quarts (3.8 Liters) with filter change for 2.0L FS-DE.

Coolant Type:

Mazda Genuine Long Life Antifreeze (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

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

Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:

Mazda ATF-MV (or Dexron III/Mercon compatible, check manual for exact spec).

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron II/III ATF or Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Engine Idling:

Potential for rough idling or stalling due to dirty throttle body, idle air control valve (IACV), or faulty Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor. EGR valve clogging can also be an issue.

Cooling System:

Leaking radiator, cracked plastic end tanks on radiator, or failed thermostat. Overheating can occur if not addressed.

Suspension Wear:

Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and sway bar links can lead to clunking noises and poor handling. Strut mounts can also fail.

Electrical Faults:

Intermittent electrical issues, particularly related to window regulators, power locks, and instrument cluster illumination.

Transmission Shifting Automatic:

Harsh shifting or delayed engagement in automatic transmissions can sometimes be related to low fluid levels, worn clutches, or TCM issues. Torque converter shudder is also noted.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Legacy:

Mazda's history of producing reliable and sporty compact cars, often with a focus on driving engagement.

Bj Generation Timeline:

This generation of Protege (BJ) was produced globally from 1998 through 2003, with North American models largely covering 2000-2003, and some early 2004 models carrying over specifications.

Mazdaspeed Protege Introduction:

Introduced for the 2003 model year, offering a turbocharged engine, sport-tuned suspension, and aerodynamic enhancements.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Japan (Hofu Plant) and also assembled in other locations globally, including the US for some markets.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Jdpowe Initial Quality:

Mazda Protege models in this era often received good to excellent ratings in J.D. Power and Associates initial quality studies, particularly for their reliability and build quality compared to competitors.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Generally rated well for reliability and owner satisfaction by Consumer Reports, especially for the mechanical components.