Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing belt/chain, lubrication system, cooling system
Fuel System:
Fuel injection, fuel pump, fuel filter, injectors, throttle body, fuel tank
Ignition System:
Ignition coils, spark plugs, ECU control, sensors
Exhaust System:
Manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, sensors (O2)
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox internals, shift mechanisms, torque specifications
Transmission Automatic:
Gearbox overhaul, valve body, torque converter, fluid control, hydraulic systems
Drivetrain:
CV joints, drive axles, differential, prop shaft (if AWD)
Suspension:
Front and rear struts/shocks, springs, control arms, bushings, sway bars
Steering:
Power steering pump, rack and pinion, tie rods, steering column
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, rotors, pads, ABS (if equipped), parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, controls, refrigerant system
Body And Frame:
Body panels, doors, latches, glass, interior trim, chassis alignment
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Error codes, symptom analysis, diagnostic procedures
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt inspection
Engine Repair:
Cylinder head removal/installation, piston ring replacement, bearing service, timing adjustments
Transmission Service:
Fluid changes, clutch replacement, automatic transmission overhaul
Brake Repair:
Pad and rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, brake bleeding, ABS component testing
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Wiring harness repair, component testing, fuse/relay diagnostics
Suspension Alignment:
Adjustment procedures for camber, caster, toe
HVAC Repair:
Component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator), system evacuation and recharge
Body Repair:
Panel replacement, door adjustment, glass installation
Diagnostics:
OBD-II scanning, sensor testing, module troubleshooting
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance and fluid changes to complete engine, transmission, and chassis overhauls. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Engine 1.5L:
ZY-DE, 1.5L Inline-4, SOHC, 16-valve, ~90-92 hp
Engine 1.6L:
B6, 1.6L Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, ~100-110 hp (standard)
Engine 1.8L Na:
BP-VE, 1.8L Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, ~120-125 hp (common on LX/ES trims)
Engine 1.8L Gt:
BP-ZE, 1.8L Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, VICS (Variable Inertia Charging System), ~130 hp (Protege GT)
Engine 2.0L Fs:
FS-DE, 2.0L Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, ~125-130 hp (later models/specific markets)
Hp Range:
90-130 hp depending on engine and trim
Torque Range:
95-135 lb-ft depending on engine and trim
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 to 90,000 miles or 5-7 years, depending on engine and driving conditions. CRITICAL to follow this for interference engines.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (depending on plug type and engine).
Engine Oil:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific temperature ranges).
Coolant:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Coolant or equivalent silicate-free, ethylene glycol-based coolant (typically green).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF-SP II M or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron II/III ATF.
Engine Sludge:
Certain engines, particularly early BP engines, can be prone to oil sludge buildup if maintenance is neglected. Regular oil changes are crucial.
Cv Joint Wear:
Front CV joints can wear out, leading to clicking noises during turns.
Rust:
As with many cars of this era, rust can be a concern, particularly in areas with road salt. Check wheel wells, rocker panels, and subframes.
Oxygen Sensor Failure:
O2 sensors can fail over time, impacting fuel economy and emissions.
Catalytic Converter Clogging:
Can occur due to engine issues or age, leading to poor performance.