🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: Protege Year: 1990 Product Name: 1990 Mazda Protege Complete Workshop Manual Codes Platform Code: BG 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact sedan/hatchback, positioned as a reliable and affordable option Competitive Analysis Competitors: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Escort Key Features Design: Sporty styling for its era, driver-focused interior Handling: Well-regarded handling characteristics due to its independent rear suspension Manual Value Accuracy: Directly from dealership technicians, ensuring accuracy and model-specificity Completeness: Covers all aspects of maintenance and repair, unlike generic guides 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage: All models and all repairs A-Z Page Count Estimated Pages: Estimated 1500-2500 pages (typical for complete workshop manuals of this era) Manual Type Type: Complete Workshop Manual / Service Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Likely printed book or high-quality PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Detailed diagnostics, repair, overhaul, component testing for all gasoline engines including 1.6L (B6) and 1.8L (BP) Fuel System: Fuel injection systems (EFI), fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, evaporative emissions control (EVAP) Ignition System: Ignition timing, coil packs, spark plugs, distributor (if applicable), electronic ignition control Transmission: Manual transmission (FS5W71C), automatic transmission (e.g., JATCO F4A-EL) service, overhaul, diagnostics, fluid specifications Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD) system, CV joints, drive axles, differential Suspension: Front strut suspension, rear multi-link independent suspension, control arms, bushings, shock absorbers, springs Steering: Power steering system, steering rack, tie rod ends, steering column Brakes: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or optional rear discs), ABS (if equipped), brake fluid, bleeding procedures, caliper and master cylinder overhaul Electrical System: Battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting system, accessory circuits, wiring diagrams, fuse and relay locations Cooling System: Radiator, coolant, thermostat, water pump, cooling fan operation Exhaust System: Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, emissions control Body And Interior: Body panel removal/installation, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks and changes, belt inspections and replacement Troubleshooting: Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, common problems and solutions Repair: Component disassembly, assembly, repair, and replacement for all major systems Diagnostics: OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics) codes (if applicable), specific diagnostic procedures for sensors and actuators Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications and clearances 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: Likely PDF (if digital), highly durable paper (if printed) Print Quality Quality: High-resolution diagrams, clear text, professional layout Binding Type Binding: Spiral-bound or perfect-bound (for printed versions) to lay flat during use Paper Type Paper: Durable, glossy paper stock suitable for shop environments ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine 1 Code: B6 DOHC Engine 1 Displacement: 1.6 Liters (1597 cc) Engine 1 Configuration: Inline 4-cylinder Engine 1 Horsepower: Approx. 88-98 HP (varies by market and specific tune) Engine 1 Torque: Approx. 92-100 lb-ft (varies by market and specific tune) Optional Engine Engine 2 Code: BP DOHC Engine 2 Displacement: 1.8 Liters (1839 cc) Engine 2 Configuration: Inline 4-cylinder Engine 2 Horsepower: Approx. 103-125 HP (varies by market and specific tune, e.g., GT models) Engine 2 Torque: Approx. 107-117 lb-ft (varies by market and specific tune) Performance Compression Ratio B6: Approx. 9.4:1 Compression Ratio Bp: Approx. 9.0:1 Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline Engine Management ECU Type: Mazda ECU (specific model varies) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type Standard: 5-speed Manual Transmission Optional Type Optional: 4-speed Automatic Transmission Features Transmission Fluid Manual: API GL-4 gear oil (specific viscosity, e.g., 75W-90, to be confirmed in manual) Transmission Fluid Automatic: Mazda ATF-III or equivalent (specific type to be confirmed in manual) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Approx. 98.8 inches (2509 mm) Length: Approx. 168.9 inches (4290 mm) Width: Approx. 66.7 inches (1694 mm) Height: Approx. 53.9 inches (1370 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 2300-2600 lbs (1043-1179 kg), varies by model and equipment Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: To be confirmed in manual, typically around 3300-3500 lbs Wheels Tires Wheel Bolt Pattern: 4x100mm Standard Tire Size: 175/70R13 or 185/60R14 (varies by trim) Optional Tire Size: 195/55R14 or 205/50R15 (e.g., GT models) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Crash Test Results: Limited specific data available for 1990 models from NHTSA; check for recalls and common structural observations in manual. Passive Features Seatbelts: 3-point front and rear seatbelts Crumple Zones: Designed with front and rear crumple zones Active Features ABS: Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some trims Child Safety Locks: Standard on rear doors 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player on higher trims Speakers: Typically 4 or 6 speakers Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available on higher trim levels Connectivity Connectivity Features: None by modern standards; primarily focused on essential vehicle functions. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending...
Battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting system, accessory circuits, wiring diagrams, fuse and relay locations
Cooling System:
Radiator, coolant, thermostat, water pump, cooling fan operation
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, emissions control
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal/installation, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks and changes, belt inspections and replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, common problems and solutions
Repair:
Component disassembly, assembly, repair, and replacement for all major systems
Diagnostics:
OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics) codes (if applicable), specific diagnostic procedures for sensors and actuators
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications and clearances
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
Likely PDF (if digital), highly durable paper (if printed)
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution diagrams, clear text, professional layout
Binding Type
Binding:
Spiral-bound or perfect-bound (for printed versions) to lay flat during use
Paper Type
Paper:
Durable, glossy paper stock suitable for shop environments
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine 1 Code:
B6 DOHC
Engine 1 Displacement:
1.6 Liters (1597 cc)
Engine 1 Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 88-98 HP (varies by market and specific tune)
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 92-100 lb-ft (varies by market and specific tune)
Optional Engine
Engine 2 Code:
BP DOHC
Engine 2 Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1839 cc)
Engine 2 Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 103-125 HP (varies by market and specific tune, e.g., GT models)
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 107-117 lb-ft (varies by market and specific tune)
Performance
Compression Ratio B6:
Approx. 9.4:1
Compression Ratio Bp:
Approx. 9.0:1
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Engine Management
ECU Type:
Mazda ECU (specific model varies)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Features
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 gear oil (specific viscosity, e.g., 75W-90, to be confirmed in manual)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mazda ATF-III or equivalent (specific type to be confirmed in manual)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
Approx. 98.8 inches (2509 mm)
Length:
Approx. 168.9 inches (4290 mm)
Width:
Approx. 66.7 inches (1694 mm)
Height:
Approx. 53.9 inches (1370 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2300-2600 lbs (1043-1179 kg), varies by model and equipment
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
To be confirmed in manual, typically around 3300-3500 lbs
Wheels Tires
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4x100mm
Standard Tire Size:
175/70R13 or 185/60R14 (varies by trim)
Optional Tire Size:
195/55R14 or 205/50R15 (e.g., GT models)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Crash Test Results:
Limited specific data available for 1990 models from NHTSA; check for recalls and common structural observations in manual.
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts
Crumple Zones:
Designed with front and rear crumple zones
Active Features
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some trims
Child Safety Locks:
Standard on rear doors
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player on higher trims
Speakers:
Typically 4 or 6 speakers
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
None by modern standards; primarily focused on essential vehicle functions.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for precise recommendation based on temperature)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.7-4.1 US quarts (3.5-3.9 liters) with filter, for 1.6L and 1.8L engines (verify in manual)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended every 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years (critical on BP engine to prevent catastrophic failure)
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4, Low Viscosity (LV) compatible
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II ATF or equivalent power steering fluid
Known Issues
Engine:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan; potential for head gasket issues if overheated; carbon buildup on intake valves, especially in higher mileage BP engines.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, worn sway bar links, worn strut mounts leading to noise and poor handling.
Electrical:
Flickering dashboard lights, issues with power windows or door locks due to aging wiring or switches, alternator or starter motor failure.
HVAC:
Leaky heater cores, failing blower motors, malfunctioning AC compressors.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mazda Philosophy:
Focus on Jinba Ittai ('horse and rider as one'), driver enjoyment, and reliable engineering
Model Evolution
Generation:
Second Generation Protege (BG Platform), launched for the 1990 model year, replacing the original BF generation.
Body Styles:
Available as a 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, and 5-door hatchback (Protege5 for some markets).
Production
Production Years:
1990-1994 (for the BG platform)
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan, with some assembly in other locations for specific markets.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Journal Awards:
While specific awards for the 1990 model are not prominently documented, the Protege line consistently received praise for value, reliability, and handling in compact car reviews of its era.