Model Years Covered:
1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
Generation:
Third Generation (BJ)
Chassis Codes:
BJ3P (Sedan), BJ5W (Wagon), BJ8W (MPV/MPV AWD - some models overlap), BK3P (Mazda3 chassis predecessor, some platform similarities)
Segment:
Compact Car / Small Family Car
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers, young drivers, small families, enthusiasts seeking reliable and affordable transportation.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Volkswagen Jetta.
Vehicle Strengths:
Reliability, fuel efficiency, sporty handling (especially with FS-ZE engine), affordability, good value for money.
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables DIY maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs and empowering owners to understand and maintain their vehicle's performance and longevity.
Primary Coverage:
Complete vehicle service and repair for all systems.
Specific Models Covered:
All body styles including Sedan, Hatchback (some markets), and Wagon. Includes variations for different engine and trim levels within the specified years.
Estimated Page Count:
2500+ pages (typical for a comprehensive WSM)
Type:
Factory Service Manual (WSM) / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (Z5, ZM, FS-DE, FS-ZE), fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system. Transmission (manual and automatic), driveline, axles, driveshafts.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front disc, rear drum/disc), wheel bearings, hubs.
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, seats, doors, windows, glass, HVAC system, body electrical, lighting, mirrors, bumpers.
Electrical And Electronics:
Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, relay functions, starter system, charging system, battery, lighting, power windows, power locks, instrument cluster, audio system, diagnostic connectors (OBD-II).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, belt inspections and replacement.
Diagnosis And Troubleshooting:
Symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical system diagnostics, engine performance issues, transmission problems.
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine overhaul procedures, transmission rebuilds, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement, body panel repair, interior component repair.
Specifications And Data:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, component clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, diagnostic data, test procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting.
Common Engines:
1.5L Z5-DE (I4), 1.8L ZM-DE (I4), 2.0L FS-DE (I4), 2.0L FS-ZE (DOHC I4 - Mazdaspeed Protege)
1.5L Z5-De:
Approx. 90-105 hp @ 6000 rpm, 90-95 lb-ft torque @ 4000 rpm
1.8L Zm-De:
Approx. 120-125 hp @ 6000 rpm, 115-120 lb-ft torque @ 4000 rpm
2.0L Fs-De:
Approx. 125-130 hp @ 6000 rpm, 135-140 lb-ft torque @ 4000 rpm
2.0L Fs-Ze (Mazdaspeed):
Approx. 170 hp @ 6000 rpm, 165 lb-ft torque @ 4500 rpm
Induction:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for most variants. Turbocharged (FS-ZE).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane typical, higher for FS-ZE).
Manual Transmission:
5-speed manual (FS5A-EL, G5M-R, etc. depending on engine/model)
Automatic Transmission:
4-speed automatic (F4A-EL, J4A-EL, etc.)
Clutch:
Hydraulically operated single-plate dry clutch for manual transmissions.
AWD Option:
Available on some Wagon and MPV models (BJ chassis).
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 stars (for driver/passenger respectively in earlier models, may vary by year/test)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable/Good for many models, but can vary. Specific year testing advised.
ABS:
Available on higher trims, standard on some later models.
Traction Control:
Limited availability, primarily on performance variants or later models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard from early production. Side airbags available on select later trims.
Seat Belts:
Front 3-point with pretensioners and load limiters, rear 3-point and lap belts.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD or Cassette players. Aftermarket head units are common upgrades.
Speakers:
Standard 4-speaker or optional 6-speaker systems.
Cruise Control:
Available on most higher trim levels.
OBD Ii Port:
Standard OBD-II diagnostic port available from 1996 onwards, facilitating emissions and engine diagnostics.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (or per owner's manual recommendation).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (visual inspection recommended more frequently).
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 miles for iridium/platinum plugs (check specific type), 30,000 miles for copper.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended every 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years for FS engines (non-interference, but recommended to prevent catastrophic failure if it breaks). Z5 and ZM engines are often chain-driven.
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 recommended for most conditions. Check specific manual for details.
Coolant:
Mazda Genuine Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) or equivalent HOAT coolant. 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil recommended for manual transmissions.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mazda Genuine ATF J TYPE or equivalent ATF Dexron III/Mercon.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Engine Mounts:
Wear and tear leading to vibration, especially on older models. Replacement often needed.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Common on some FS-DE engines due to heat cycling; can cause exhaust leaks and ticking noises.
Power Steering Pump:
Can develop leaks or noisy operation. Check fluid levels and condition.
Body Rust:
Can occur in rust-prone climates, particularly on rocker panels, wheel arches, and rear quarter panels.
Automatic Transmission Failure:
Some units can be prone to internal wear or solenoid issues if not properly maintained. Regular fluid changes are crucial.
Mazda Philosophy:
Jinba Ittai - 'horse and rider as one', emphasizing driver engagement and responsive handling.
Bj Generation Introduction:
The BJ generation (1998-2003 for most markets, extended to 2006 for some regions) replaced the BG generation, featuring a more modern platform and improved safety and comfort.
Facelifts And Updates:
Minor styling updates and feature enhancements occurred throughout the generation. The Mazdaspeed Protege (2003-2003.5) was a significant performance variant introduced mid-generation.
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan (primary), also assembled in other Mazda plants globally.
Production Period:
1998 - 2003 (core BJ), extended to 2006 in some markets.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Generally rated as average to above average for reliability and owner satisfaction during its production run, particularly for the sedan models.
Car And Driver 10Best:
While the Protege itself was not consistently on the 10Best list, its predecessor (BG) and successor (Mazda3) were, indicating Mazda's focus on sporty driving dynamics within the segment.
Safety Certifications:
Compliant with US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for its respective model years.
