Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, Mazda owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs.
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus (later years).
Value Proposition:
Enables significant cost savings on repairs and maintenance by providing factory-level technical information.
Platform Significance:
This generation (BJ) saw the Protege mature into a reliable and well-regarded compact, competing strongly in its segment.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, ignition system, emission controls, exhaust system, engine control systems (ECU/ECM), automatic transmission, manual transmission, driveline, axles, differentials.
Chassis:
Brakes (hydraulic, ABS), steering, suspension (front and rear), wheels, tires, chassis lubrication.
Electrical:
Power supply, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, interior and exterior electrical components, body control modules, wiring diagrams, diagnostic connectors (OBD-I/OBD-II as applicable).
Body:
Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), safety systems (airbags, seatbelts).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements), lubrication, tire rotation, brake inspection.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation, diagnostic connector usage, specific component testing procedures.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical, electrical, and body components. Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake system repair, suspension replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair.
Special Procedures:
Torque specifications, special tool requirements, alignment procedures, diagnostic procedures for ABS and engine management systems, airbag system safety precautions.
Depth:
Professional-grade, covering everything from basic maintenance and fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and structural repairs.
Engine Displacement 1:
2.0 Liters (1998cc)
Engine Configuration 1:
DOHC Inline 4-Cylinder
Horsepower 1:
Approx. 120-125 hp @ 6000 rpm (varies slightly by market/spec)
Torque 1:
Approx. 125-130 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (varies slightly by market/spec)
Engine Code 2:
FP-DE (earlier models/specific trims)
Engine Displacement 2:
1.8 Liters (1839cc)
Engine Configuration 2:
DOHC Inline 4-Cylinder
Horsepower 2:
Approx. 118 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 2:
Approx. 117 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 102.7 inches (2609 mm)
Length:
Approx. 171.5 - 173.0 inches (4356 - 4394 mm) (sedan/hatchback)
Width:
Approx. 67.0 - 67.7 inches (1702 - 1720 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.1 - 55.7 inches (1400 - 1415 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2600 - 2800 lbs (1179 - 1270 kg) (depending on trim and transmission)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 stars (1997-1998 models, specific tests apply)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4 stars (1997-1998 models, specific tests apply)
ABS:
Available on higher trims, standard on some later models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard on most models from 1994/1995 onwards.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners for front occupants.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (check owner's manual for specific recommendation).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) depending on spark plug type.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km), especially for automatic transmissions. Manual transmission fluid can be extended but should be checked.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
5W-30 or 10W-30 API SG or higher (check manual for exact spec).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 - 4.5 Quarts (3.8 - 4.3 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Mazda Genuine Long Life Coolant or equivalent (ethylene glycol based, typically blue or green).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF-MV or equivalent Dexron-III compatible fluid.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil.
Common Problems 1:
Ignition coil failure (leading to misfires), exhaust manifold cracks (on some engines), potential for minor oil leaks from valve cover or oil pan gasket over time.
Common Problems 2:
CV joint wear (especially with performance driving or altered suspension), potential ABS sensor issues (leading to ABS warning light), worn suspension bushings leading to clunks or poor handling.
Common Problems 3:
HVAC blower motor resistor failure (leading to blower only working on high speed), interior trim piece fitment issues or rattles.
Mazda Philosophy:
Mazda's reputation for building engaging and reliable vehicles.
Generation Introduction:
The BJ generation Protege replaced the BG generation and introduced more refined styling, improved safety, and updated powertrains. It was also sold as the Mazda 323 in some markets.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Hofu, Yamaguchi, Japan and AutoAlliance International (AAI) in Flat Rock, Michigan, USA (for North American market).
