🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Protege

Year:

1992

Chassis Code:

BG

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 1992 Mazda Protege was positioned as a compact, practical, and value-oriented vehicle, competing against models like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Escort. It offered a blend of reliability, decent fuel economy, and surprisingly engaging driving dynamics for its class.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed directly with established leaders in the compact segment, often praised for its sharper handling and driver involvement compared to some rivals. Trim levels offered varying degrees of features and performance.

Key Features:

Reliable powertrain, good fuel efficiency, comfortable interior for its class, available performance variants (like the LX or GT trim, depending on region), and Mazda's characteristic sporty feel.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Summary:

All models and all repairs A-Z specific to the 1992 Mazda Protege

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 1000+

Manual Type:

Complete Workshop Manual / Service Manual / Repair Manual

Manual Type Detail:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, though physical format would be common for this era)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control, engine management system (ECU)

Transmission:

Manual and automatic transmissions, clutch, driveshafts, differentials

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, disc brakes (front/rear), drum brakes (rear, if applicable), parking brake, ABS (if equipped)

Suspension Steering:

Front suspension (MacPherson strut), rear suspension (independent), steering system (rack and pinion), power steering

Electrical:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting, instrumentation, wiper/washer system, horn, power windows/locks, audio system, wiring diagrams

Body Chassis:

Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, bumpers, chassis components, exhaust system, fuel tank, seats

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks/changes, belt inspections/replacement, spark plug replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for engine performance, electrical issues, transmission problems, brake malfunctions, and other common concerns; symptom-based troubleshooting charts

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for major component overhaul and repair, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, and bodywork

Installation Replacement:

Instructions for replacing commonly serviced parts and larger components such as alternators, starters, radiators, water pumps, clutch assemblies, brake calipers, struts, and shock absorbers

Diagnostics:

Includes detailed diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for all major systems.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic preventative maintenance to complex engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed specifications, torque values, and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Digital PDF (assumed for modern sales), often optimized for searchability and printing.

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory manuals, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.

Binding Type:

N/A (for digital format); Original likely perfect bound or spiral bound.

Paper Type:

N/A (for digital format); Original likely high-quality paper suitable for workshop environments.

Manual Completeness:

Comprehensive; designed for dealership technicians, covering all systems, diagnostics, repairs, and maintenance.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

BP-ZE (1.8L DOHC), also B6 (1.6L SOHC) variants were common

Engine Type:

Inline-4 Cylinder, DOHC 16-valve (for BP-ZE)

Horsepower:

Approx. 125-130 hp for 1.8L BP-ZE, ~90-100 hp for 1.6L B6

Torque:

Approx. 115-120 lb-ft for 1.8L BP-ZE, ~95-100 lb-ft for 1.6L B6

Fuel Induction:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Bore X Stroke:

BP-ZE: 83.0 mm x 85.0 mm (approx.)

Compression Ratio:

BP-ZE: 9.2:1 (approx.)

Valvetrain:

DOHC 16-valve (BP-ZE), SOHC 8-valve (B6)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

5-speed Manual

Transmission Type Opt:

4-speed Automatic

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch

Differential Type:

Open differential

Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios vary by transmission type and model year, detailed within the manual.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 165.3 inches (4200 mm)

Width:

Approx. 66.7 inches (1695 mm)

Height:

Approx. 54.1 inches (1375 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 98.6 inches (2505 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2400-2600 lbs (1090-1180 kg), depending on trim and equipment

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 3500-3700 lbs (1590-1680 kg)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

4x114.3 mm

Standard Tire Size:

Typically 175/70R14 or 185/60R14, depending on trim.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Not readily available for this specific model year in detail, typical for the era. Focus on passive safety features.

ABS:

Optional on some higher trims

Airbags:

Driver airbag (standard on most trims), passenger airbag generally not available

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seat belts, driver's side pretensioner

Structural Reinforcement:

Side impact door beams

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional CD player on higher trims.

Speakers:

Typically 4-6 speakers depending on trim level.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by era. Primarily ABS (optional) and basic driver feedback through instrumentation.

Connectivity Options:

None (no Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone integration).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (check manual for specific recommendation).

Engine Coolant Change:

Every 30,000 miles (50,000 km) or 2 years.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Critical for BP-ZE engine. Typically every 60,000 miles (100,000 km) or 5 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG/SH or higher. Viscosity: 5W-30 or 10W-30 depending on climate (refer to manual).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.0-4.5 quarts (3.8-4.3 liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mazda specific coolant is recommended.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 Gear Oil. Viscosity: 75W-90 or 80W-90.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron-II or equivalent ATF.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron-II or equivalent.

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 6.0-6.5 quarts (5.7-6.2 liters).

Known Issues Common:

Timing belt failure (critical maintenance item), rust/corrosion (especially in certain climates), minor electrical gremlins, worn suspension components (bushings, ball joints), clutch wear, occasional ECU issues.

Engine Performance:

Idle control valve issues, MAF sensor issues (on some variants), oxygen sensor degradation.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mazda, a Japanese automaker with a long history, is known for its focus on driving dynamics ('Zoom-Zoom' philosophy), innovative rotary engine technology (though not featured in the Protege), and reliable vehicles.

Generation:

This 1992 model belongs to the second generation (BG) of the Mazda Protege, which ran from 1990 to 1994. This generation saw a significant redesign with more rounded styling and improved aerodynamics.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Japan. Some models may have been assembled in other locations globally.

Production Years Generation:

1990-1994

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Competitor Awards:

While the Protege itself may not have garnered numerous specific awards in 1992, its competitors like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla were frequently lauded for reliability and value, establishing the benchmark for the segment.

Fuel Economy Ratings:

Good for its class, typically in the high 20s to low 30s MPG combined, depending on engine and transmission.