🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: Protege Years Covered: 2001, 2002, 2003 Codes Chassis Codes: BJ (common chassis for this generation, including variations like Protege5) Engine Codes Primary: FS-DE (2.0L DOHC) Engine Codes Secondary Possible: FP-DE (1.8L SOHC - less common in North America for these years, but possible) 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: Affordable, reliable compact car known for sporty handling and practicality. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra. Key Features Vehicle Strengths: Engaging driving dynamics, fuel efficiency, generally good reliability, practicality in sedan and hatchback (Protege5) forms. Manual Value Proposition Diy Savings: Significant savings on labor costs compared to dealership service rates; empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs. Manual Usability User Experience: Step-by-step procedures and detailed illustrations facilitate DIY repairs for a wide range of tasks. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Geographic Coverage: Global (primarily North American specifications, but principles apply widely) Page Count Estimated Page Count: Likely 1500+ pages (typical for FSMs covering multiple years and including parts catalog) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual (FSM) & Parts Catalog Language Language: English Format Delivery Format: Digital Download (.PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine Mechanical, Engine Control (ECU), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Starting System, Charging System Drivetrain: Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Clutch, Drive Shafts, Axles, Differentials Chassis: Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Hydraulic & Parking), Wheels & Tires Body: Body Structure, Exterior Panels, Doors, Glass, Interior Trim, Seating, HVAC System, Restraint Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts) Electrical: Wiring Diagrams, Lighting Systems, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Fuses & Relays, ECUs, Sensors Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspections/Replacement Diagnostics: Troubleshooting Flowcharts, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) Interpretation, Symptom-Based Diagnostics Repair: Component Removal & Installation, Overhaul Procedures, Adjustment Procedures, Torque Specifications Parts: Parts Identification, Part Numbers, Assembly Diagrams Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive (from basic fluid checks to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics) 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: Portable Document Format (.PDF) Searchability: Text-searchable (if properly OCR'd), allowing quick lookup of specific terms and procedures Print Quality Printability: High-quality printable pages for clear illustrations and text Binding Type Digital Binding: N/A (digital format, user prints and binds as needed) Paper Type Digital Paper Type: N/A (digital format, user chooses print media) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: FS-DE Configuration: Inline-4 Cylinder, DOHC, 16 Valves Displacement: 1991 cc (2.0 Liters) Bore X Stroke: 83.0 mm x 92.0 mm Compression Ratio: 9.5:1 (typical) Horsepower Est: 115-125 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (depending on market and specific tuning) Torque Est: 125-135 lb-ft @ 4000-4500 rpm (depending on market and specific tuning) Performance Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Ignition System: Electronic Ignition (Distributorless or Distributor-based depending on specific market/trim) Fuel System Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane minimum recommended, higher may be specified for performance trims) Fuel Pump Type: In-tank electric fuel pump Engine Internal Components Timing Belt Replacement Interval: Typically 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years. Consult manual for exact interval. Spark Plug Type: Iridium or Platinum tipped (e.g., NGK BKR5EIX-11 or equivalent) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-speed Manual Transmission (e.g., FS5A-EL variant or similar) Optional Type: 4-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., F4A-EL variant or similar) Features Transmission Fluid Spec Manual: API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (check manual for specific type and capacity) Transmission Fluid Spec Automatic: Dexron III H or equivalent (check manual for specific type and capacity) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Approx. 102.8 inches (2610 mm) Length: Approx. 173.2 inches (4400 mm) for Sedan Width: Approx. 67.9 inches (1725 mm) Height: Approx. 56.1 inches (1425 mm) for Sedan Weights Curb Weight Est: 2600 - 2800 lbs (approx. 1180 - 1270 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Est: 3700 - 3900 lbs (approx. 1680 - 1770 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact Driver: Likely 4-star or 5-star (check specific year and testing data) NHTSA Front Impact Passenger: Likely 4-star or 5-star (check specific year and testing data) Passive Features Airbags: Standard front driver and passenger airbags. Seatbelts: 3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. Child Seat Anchors: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system. Active Features ABS: Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on many trims. Traction Control: Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on some higher trims. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio systems available on higher trims. Climate Control: Manual HVAC controls, optional automatic climate control on some trims. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available on most trims. Connectivity Bluetooth: Not standard; aftermarket integration is common. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil. Engine Air Filter Replacement: Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles. Cabin Air Filter Replacement:...
Parts Identification, Part Numbers, Assembly Diagrams
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic fluid checks to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics)
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
Portable Document Format (.PDF)
Searchability:
Text-searchable (if properly OCR'd), allowing quick lookup of specific terms and procedures
Print Quality
Printability:
High-quality printable pages for clear illustrations and text
Binding Type
Digital Binding:
N/A (digital format, user prints and binds as needed)
Paper Type
Digital Paper Type:
N/A (digital format, user chooses print media)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
FS-DE
Configuration:
Inline-4 Cylinder, DOHC, 16 Valves
Displacement:
1991 cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
83.0 mm x 92.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.5:1 (typical)
Horsepower Est:
115-125 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (depending on market and specific tuning)
Torque Est:
125-135 lb-ft @ 4000-4500 rpm (depending on market and specific tuning)
Performance
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (Distributorless or Distributor-based depending on specific market/trim)
Fuel System
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane minimum recommended, higher may be specified for performance trims)
Fuel Pump Type:
In-tank electric fuel pump
Engine Internal Components
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Typically 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years. Consult manual for exact interval.
Spark Plug Type:
Iridium or Platinum tipped (e.g., NGK BKR5EIX-11 or equivalent)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (e.g., FS5A-EL variant or similar)
Optional
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., F4A-EL variant or similar)
Features
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (check manual for specific type and capacity)
Transmission Fluid Spec Automatic:
Dexron III H or equivalent (check manual for specific type and capacity)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
Approx. 102.8 inches (2610 mm)
Length:
Approx. 173.2 inches (4400 mm) for Sedan
Width:
Approx. 67.9 inches (1725 mm)
Height:
Approx. 56.1 inches (1425 mm) for Sedan
Weights
Curb Weight Est:
2600 - 2800 lbs (approx. 1180 - 1270 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Est:
3700 - 3900 lbs (approx. 1680 - 1770 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Likely 4-star or 5-star (check specific year and testing data)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Likely 4-star or 5-star (check specific year and testing data)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Standard front driver and passenger airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Active Features
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on many trims.
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on some higher trims.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio systems available on higher trims.
Climate Control:
Manual HVAC controls, optional automatic climate control on some trims.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available on most trims.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Not standard; aftermarket integration is common.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect annually, replace as needed or every 15,000-30,000 miles (if equipped).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Brake Fluid Change Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SL or SM, ILSAC GF-3 or GF-4, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for exact specification and viscosity based on temperature)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.2 US quarts (4.0 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) - typically a pink or orange color.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF Dexron II/III or specific Mazda fluid.
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
CV joints, rear wheel bearings, front control arm bushings, catalytic converter (especially if maintenance is neglected), oxygen sensors.
Engine Specific Notes:
FS-DE engine is generally robust but can be sensitive to oil quality and timely timing belt changes. O-ring seal for the oil filter housing can sometimes leak.
Transmission Specific Notes:
Automatic transmissions can be prone to shifting issues if fluid and filter are not regularly serviced.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mazda Dna:
Mazda is renowned for its 'Zoom-Zoom' driving philosophy, emphasizing sporty handling and driver engagement.
Model Evolution
Generation:
Third generation of the Mazda Protege (also known as Mazda Familia in Japan and other markets).
Design Era:
Known for its clean, rounded styling, a departure from some earlier more angular designs.
Production
Production Years:
1998-2003 (for this generation, with facelifts occurring)
Assembly Locations:
Primarily Hofu, Yamaguchi, Japan, and various other global assembly plants.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
The Protege series (including the Protege5) has historically received positive reviews and occasional mentions in '10Best' lists for its value and driving dynamics.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Reliability Trend:
Varied by year and specific component, but generally rated average to above average for its class during its production run.