The Mazda Protege, produced across the BJ (1998-2003) and BK (2004-2006) generations, is a compact car celebrated for its engaging driving dynamics, reliability, and affordability. Available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, the Protege offered a range of trims, including DX, LX, ES, and the performance-oriented Mazdaspeed variant. Its engineering philosophy, aligned with Mazda's "Zoom-Zoom" spirit and Jinba-Ittai concept, provided a responsive and enjoyable driving experience that set it apart from many competitors in the compact segment. This model consistently received positive ratings for dependability and maintained good resale value, making it a practical and satisfying choice for budget-conscious buyers, young drivers, and small families. This comprehensive workshop service and repair manual provides detailed guidance for the maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of the Mazda Protege models from 1996 to 2006. Covering a vast array of systems, including powertrain, transmission, chassis, and electrical components, this manual offers step-by-step procedures for common maintenance tasks such as oil changes and filter replacements, as well as in-depth repair instructions for engine overhauls and transmission rebuilds. It also includes essential troubleshooting charts, diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, and specifications for special tools, ensuring that owners, mechanics, and technicians have the necessary information to keep their Protege operating optimally and safely. 🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: Protege Model Generations: BJ (1998-2003), BK (2004-2006) Applicable Years: 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 Codes Chassis Codes: BJ (Sedan/Hatchback), BK (Sedan/Hatchback) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact car Target Audience: Budget-conscious buyers, young drivers, small families Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier Key Features Distinguishing Features: Sporty handling (especially in later models and Mazdaspeed), reliability, affordable ownership, available in sedan and hatchback body styles 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Continents: North America, Europe, Asia (specific markets may vary) Trim Levels Covered: DX, LX, ES, MP3, Mazdaspeed (as applicable to year and region) Page Count Estimated Pages: 1500+ Manual Type Type: Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system Transmission: Manual transmission (M/T), Automatic transmission (A/T), clutch system, driveline Chassis: Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (hydraulic, parking), wheels and tires Electrical: Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, wipers/washers, power windows/locks, audio system, HVAC controls, body control modules (BCM) Body: Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers, chassis structure Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks/changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement Troubleshooting: Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation Repair: Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake component replacement, suspension overhaul, electrical component repair/replacement Diagnostics: On-board diagnostics (OBD-II), sensor testing, actuator testing, wiring diagrams Special Tools: Identification and usage of specialized tools for specific procedures Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and body repair procedures 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Likely searchable text-based PDF (depending on source scan quality) Print Quality Printability: Printable pages for workshop use Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF format) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital PDF format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Bj Generation Engine Code 1996-1997: FS-DE (2.0L DOHC) Engine Code 1998-2003: FS-DE (2.0L DOHC), ZM-DE (1.5L DOHC - some markets) Displacement 2.0L: 1991 cc Horsepower 2.0L Fs-De Approx: 120-130 hp @ 6000 rpm (varies by year and specific tune) Torque 2.0L Fs-De Approx: 125-135 lb-ft @ 4000-4500 rpm (varies by year and specific tune) Primary Engine Bk Generation Engine Code 2004-2006: FS-DE (2.0L DOHC), LF-DE (2.0L DOHC MZR), L3-VE (2.3L DOHC MZR - some markets/trims) Displacement 2.3L: 2261 cc Horsepower 2.3L L3-Ve Approx: 156-160 hp @ 6000-6500 rpm Torque 2.3L L3-Ve Approx: 145-150 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm Performance Engine Type: Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve Fuel System Injection: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher may be specified for performance models) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Common: 5-speed manual transmission (M/T) Optional Transmission Type Optional: 4-speed automatic transmission (A/T) Features Clutch: Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate Automatic Features: Electronically controlled with lock-up torque converter 📐 Dimensions Exterior Body Styles: 4-door Sedan, 5-door Hatchback Wheelbase Bj: Approx. 102.7 inches (2609 mm) Wheelbase Bk: Approx. 102.7 inches (2609 mm) Length Sedan: Approx. 175.0 - 177.0 inches (4445 - 4496 mm) Length Hatchback: Approx. 167.0 - 169.0 inches (4242 - 4293 mm) Weights Curb Weight Range: Approx. 2600 - 2900 lbs (1179 - 1315 kg) depending on configuration 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Driver Crash Test: 4-star (BJ generation, early models) NHTSA Front Passenger Crash Test: 4-star (BJ generation, early models) Active Features ABS: Available on higher trims and later model years Passive Features Airbags:...