🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: Protege Year: 2002, 2003 Generation Generation Code: BJ (Second Generation) Codes Chassis Codes: BJ3P, BJ5P, BJ8W 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Compact Car (C-segment) Target Audience: Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, small families Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra Competitive Advantage: Often praised for its sporty handling (especially in Mazdaspeed variants), attractive styling, and good value for money. Key Features Styling: Sporty and contemporary design for its era. Handling: Generally good handling characteristics, often cited as a strong point. Reliability: Generally considered reliable, though specific common issues exist. Performance Variants: Includes information relevant to performance-oriented models like the Protege ES and potential Mazdaspeed variants. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Vehicle Coverage: All trims and engine variants of the 2002-2003 Mazda Protege Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1000+ Manual Type Manual Type: Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Detailed overhaul and repair procedures for all available engines (FS-DE 2.0L, ZM-DE 1.5L) Engine Management: Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, ECU diagnosis, sensor data Transmission: Manual (FS5A-EL) and Automatic (GF4A-EL) transmission service, overhaul, and diagnosis Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive system, CV axles, differential service Suspension: Front (MacPherson strut) and rear (multi-link) suspension overhaul, alignment specifications Brakes: Front disc, rear drum/disc brake systems, ABS diagnosis and repair, hydraulic components Steering: Power steering system, steering rack and column service Electrical System: Wiring diagrams, component testing, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories Body And Chassis: Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, glass replacement, structural repair Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning: HVAC system diagnosis, refrigerant service, component replacement Safety Systems: Airbag system diagnosis and repair, seatbelt mechanisms Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection Diagnostic Procedures: Troubleshooting flowcharts for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and system failures Component Replacement: Step-by-step guides for replacing major components like alternators, starters, water pumps, radiators, etc. Overhaul Procedures: Complete engine and transmission rebuild instructions with torque specifications and tolerances Wheel Alignment: Detailed alignment specifications for front and rear suspension Brake Service: Pad and rotor replacement, caliper and wheel cylinder service, bleeding procedures Electrical Troubleshooting: Testing circuits, diagnosing open/short faults, fuse and relay identification Emissions Control Repair: Diagnosis and repair of EGR, O2 sensors, catalytic converters, and EVAP systems Technical Depth Diagnostic Tools: Specifies use of OBD-II scanners and specialized Mazda diagnostic tools (e.g., GDS) Diagnostic Codes: Provides P-codes and manufacturer-specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with troubleshooting steps Wiring Diagrams: Comprehensive, detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems Torque Specifications: Exact torque values for all critical fasteners, including engine, transmission, suspension, and body components Tolerances And Clearances: Specific measurements for engine component clearances, bearing tolerances, and other critical dimensions Special Tools: Lists and describes any specialized tools required for specific repair procedures 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF (Portable Document Format) Searchability: Text-searchable PDF for quick access to information Printability: Printable pages for hands-on use in a workshop environment Print Quality Image Resolution: High-resolution images, diagrams, and illustrations Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital PDF) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital PDF) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code 1: FS-DE Engine Type 1: 2.0L DOHC 16-valve Inline-4 Displacement 1: 1991 cc (121.5 cu in) Bore X Stroke 1: 83.1 mm x 92.0 mm (3.27 in x 3.62 in) Compression Ratio 1: 9.1:1 Horsepower 1: 130 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.) Torque 1: 135 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.) Secondary Engine Engine Code 2: ZM-DE Engine Type 2: 1.5L DOHC 16-valve Inline-4 Displacement 2: 1498 cc (91.4 cu in) Horsepower 2: 103 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.) Torque 2: 100 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.) Performance Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with multi-point injection Fuel System Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline Fuel Tank Capacity: 50 Liters (13.2 Gallons) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Standard: 5-Speed Manual Transmission Optional Transmission Type Optional: 4-Speed Automatic Transmission (GF4A-EL) Features Manual Transmission Details: Close-ratio gearbox for sporty feel. Automatic Transmission Details: Electronically controlled with lock-up torque converter. Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (Refer to manual for specific Mazda fluid) Automatic Transmission Fluid: Mazda ATF-Type T-IV or equivalent (Refer to manual for specific Mazda fluid) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 4425 mm (174.2 in) Width: Approx. 1705 mm (67.1 in) Height: Approx. 1410 mm (55.5 in) Wheelbase: Approx. 2610 mm (102.8 in) Front Track: Approx. 1480 mm (58.3 in) Rear Track: Approx. 1465 mm (57.7 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1180 kg (2601 lbs) (Varies by trim and equipment) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 1615 kg (3561 lbs) Payload Capacity: Approx. 435 kg (959 lbs) Towing Capacity: Not Recommended/Specified Tongue Weight: Not Applicable 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Driver Front Impact: 4-Star (2002...
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, glass replacement, structural repair
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:
HVAC system diagnosis, refrigerant service, component replacement
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnosis and repair, seatbelt mechanisms
Procedures Included
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting flowcharts for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and system failures
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step guides for replacing major components like alternators, starters, water pumps, radiators, etc.
Overhaul Procedures:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild instructions with torque specifications and tolerances
Wheel Alignment:
Detailed alignment specifications for front and rear suspension
Brake Service:
Pad and rotor replacement, caliper and wheel cylinder service, bleeding procedures
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Testing circuits, diagnosing open/short faults, fuse and relay identification
Emissions Control Repair:
Diagnosis and repair of EGR, O2 sensors, catalytic converters, and EVAP systems
Technical Depth
Diagnostic Tools:
Specifies use of OBD-II scanners and specialized Mazda diagnostic tools (e.g., GDS)
Diagnostic Codes:
Provides P-codes and manufacturer-specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with troubleshooting steps
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive, detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems
Torque Specifications:
Exact torque values for all critical fasteners, including engine, transmission, suspension, and body components
Tolerances And Clearances:
Specific measurements for engine component clearances, bearing tolerances, and other critical dimensions
Special Tools:
Lists and describes any specialized tools required for specific repair procedures
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Text-searchable PDF for quick access to information
Printability:
Printable pages for hands-on use in a workshop environment
Print Quality
Image Resolution:
High-resolution images, diagrams, and illustrations
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code 1:
FS-DE
Engine Type 1:
2.0L DOHC 16-valve Inline-4
Displacement 1:
1991 cc (121.5 cu in)
Bore X Stroke 1:
83.1 mm x 92.0 mm (3.27 in x 3.62 in)
Compression Ratio 1:
9.1:1
Horsepower 1:
130 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque 1:
135 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Secondary Engine
Engine Code 2:
ZM-DE
Engine Type 2:
1.5L DOHC 16-valve Inline-4
Displacement 2:
1498 cc (91.4 cu in)
Horsepower 2:
103 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque 2:
100 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Performance
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with multi-point injection
Fuel System
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
50 Liters (13.2 Gallons)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (GF4A-EL)
Features
Manual Transmission Details:
Close-ratio gearbox for sporty feel.
Automatic Transmission Details:
Electronically controlled with lock-up torque converter.
Fluid Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (Refer to manual for specific Mazda fluid)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF-Type T-IV or equivalent (Refer to manual for specific Mazda fluid)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 4425 mm (174.2 in)
Width:
Approx. 1705 mm (67.1 in)
Height:
Approx. 1410 mm (55.5 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2610 mm (102.8 in)
Front Track:
Approx. 1480 mm (58.3 in)
Rear Track:
Approx. 1465 mm (57.7 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1180 kg (2601 lbs) (Varies by trim and equipment)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1615 kg (3561 lbs)
Payload Capacity:
Approx. 435 kg (959 lbs)
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended/Specified
Tongue Weight:
Not Applicable
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4-Star (2002 model, depending on configuration)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4-Star (2002 model, depending on configuration)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Acceptable (2002 model)
Active Features
ABS:
Available on most trims, standard on some higher trims.
Traction Control:
Optional on some models.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags optional on some trims.
Seatbelts:
Front 3-point pretensioner seatbelts, rear 3-point seatbelts.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children).
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio with subwoofer.
Navigation:
No factory navigation system available for these model years.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Keyless Entry:
Optional on higher trims.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
No factory auxiliary input, requires aftermarket adapter.
Bluetooth:
No factory Bluetooth connectivity, requires aftermarket adapter.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. (Severe duty may require more frequent changes)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months (if equipped).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (Platinum or Iridium plugs recommended).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years (Critical for FS-DE and ZM-DE engines as they are interference engines).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
API SM/SL/SJ, ILSAC GF-4/GF-3/GF-2, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (Consult manual for precise viscosity based on climate).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.3 US Quarts (4.1 Liters) with filter for 2.0L, 3.7 US Quarts (3.5 Liters) for 1.5L.
Coolant Specification:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent HOAT coolant, pre-mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF (Consult manual)
Known Issues
Engine Mounts:
Can degrade over time, leading to vibration and harshness.
Suspension Components:
Control arm bushings, tie rod ends, and ball joints can wear, causing clunking noises and alignment issues.
Catalytic Converter:
Can become clogged or fail, especially on higher mileage vehicles.
Alternator Failure:
Alternators can be a point of failure.
Automatic Transmission:
Some automatic transmissions can experience shifting issues or premature wear.
Idle Control Valve:
Can become dirty or fail, causing rough idling or stalling.
Corrosion:
Rear wheel arches and rocker panels are common areas for rust.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mazda Legacy:
Mazda has a long history of producing reliable and often engaging-driving vehicles.
Model Evolution
Protege Lineage:
The Protege was a key model in Mazda's lineup, evolving from a basic economy car to a more refined and sporty compact. The BJ generation (1999-2003) represented a significant step forward in design and performance.
Design Philosophy:
This generation emphasized 'Zoom-Zoom' driving dynamics and a more youthful, attractive design compared to its predecessors.
Production
Production Years Bj Gen:
1998-2003
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan, Mexico
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
Protege ES was recognized on Car and Driver's 10Best lists in previous generations, setting a precedent for the model's positive reception.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Consumer Reports ratings vary by model year and specific vehicle condition, but the Protege line generally received average to good marks for reliability and performance for its class.