The 1996 Mazda Protege is a reliable and engaging compact car, known for its balanced performance and practical design. Available with either a 1.6L or a more powerful 1.8L DOHC engine, this model offered a sporty driving experience that set it apart in its segment. Built with signature engineering quality, the Protege was a strong competitor against vehicles like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, providing a dependable option for daily commuting and everyday use, available in sedan and hatchback body styles. This comprehensive service and repair manual provides detailed information for maintaining and repairing your 1996 Mazda Protege. It covers a wide range of systems, including the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, steering, and electrical components. Within its extensive pages, you will find step-by-step repair instructions, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting guides, and technical specifications, ensuring that both owners and professional technicians have the resources needed to keep this vehicle in optimal condition. 🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: Protege Year: 1996 Codes Chassis Code: BJ Series (specific to 1996 models, though this generation often referred to as BG for earlier years) Engine Codes: B6 (1.6L DOHC), BP (1.8L DOHC) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Car Target Audience: DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, and Mazda Protege owners seeking in-depth repair and maintenance information. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Nissan Sentra, Mitsubishi Lancer. Key Features Value Proposition: Provides the necessary technical documentation to maintain, diagnose, and repair the 1996 Mazda Protege efficiently and effectively. Documentation Type: Comprehensive service and repair manual, often mirroring factory service manual content. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage: Full Service Repair Manual Page Count Page Count: Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory-style service manuals) Manual Type Manual Type: Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Detailed overhaul procedures, diagnostics, timing belt replacement, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control. Transmission: Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, fluid service, clutch replacement, driveshaft and CV joint service. Brakes: Hydraulic system diagnostics, disc and drum brake service, parking brake adjustment, ABS system (if equipped). Suspension: Front and rear suspension component replacement, alignment procedures, shock absorber and strut service, wheel bearing replacement. Steering: Power steering system service, steering rack and linkage repair, steering column components. Electrical: Wiring diagrams, starter system, charging system (alternator, battery), lighting system, instrument panel, power windows, locks, wipers, horn, fuses, relays. Body: Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, doors, hoods, trunk, glass, bumper service, rust repair. Climate Control: HVAC system diagnosis, refrigerant service, blower motor, heater core, A/C compressor, cabin filter. Procedures Included Maintenance: Regular scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic flowcharts for common driveability issues, electrical system faults, and mechanical problems. Repair: Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation. Rebuild: Comprehensive engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including torque specifications and clearances. Diagnostics: On-board diagnostics (OBD-I) troubleshooting, sensor testing, fault code interpretation. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Detail Level: Detailed diagrams, exploded views, torque specifications, special tool requirements, and OEM procedures. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Likely searchable text within the PDF. Print Quality Print Quality: Designed for clear printing of text and diagrams. Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine 1 Displacement: 1.6 Liters (1598 cc) Engine 1 Type: B6-ME / B6D DOHC Inline-4 Engine 1 Power: Approx. 103 hp @ 6000 rpm Engine 1 Torque: Approx. 100 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Optional Engine Engine 2 Displacement: 1.8 Liters (1839 cc) Engine 2 Type: BP-ZE DOHC Inline-4 (often found in ES trim) Engine 2 Power: Approx. 120-122 hp @ 6000 rpm Engine 2 Torque: Approx. 110-114 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm Performance Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Ignition System: Distributor-based electronic ignition with coil-on-plug or coil packs depending on specific engine variant. Compression Ratio: Typically 9.4:1 (1.6L) and 9.0:1 or 9.6:1 (1.8L BP-ZE). 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission Optional Optional Transmission: 4-speed automatic transmission Features Clutch Type: Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch Transmission Fluid: Manual: GL-4 gear oil. Automatic: ATF Dexron III or equivalent. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 164.0 - 167.5 inches (depending on body style) Width: Approx. 66.7 inches Height: Approx. 53.3 - 54.1 inches (depending on body style) Wheelbase: Approx. 98.2 inches Track Width Front: Approx. 57.5 inches Track Width Rear: Approx. 57.3 inches Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 2300 - 2600 lbs (depending on engine and trim) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Typically around 3500 - 3700 lbs 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Driver Frontal Impact: 4-star rating (for comparable models of the era) NHTSA Passenger Frontal Impact:...