🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: Protege Model Year: 1996 Chassis Code: BJ Generation: Third Generation (BJ) Production Code: Not specified in product info 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Compact Car Target Audience: Budget-conscious consumers seeking reliable transportation, often targeting younger drivers or small families Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier Value Proposition: Offered a good balance of features, reliability, and fuel economy for its price point Key Features Design Philosophy: Practical, functional design with a focus on efficient packaging and user-friendliness Engine Options: Typically offered economical 4-cylinder engines Trim Levels: Varied trim levels offering different feature sets and interior appointments 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Factory Service/Repair/Workshop Manual Language: English Format: Digital Download (PDF) Page Count: Not specified in product info Coverage Scope: Comprehensive maintenance, service, diagnosis, and repair procedures 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Complete overhaul, disassembly, inspection, assembly, timing belt, pistons, rings, bearings, cylinder head, valves, seals, gaskets Engine Management: Fuel injection system (EFI), ignition system, emission control systems, sensors, actuators, ECU diagnosis, wiring diagrams Transmission Manual: Clutch operation, gear shifting mechanisms, overhaul, internal components, fluid specifications Transmission Automatic: Torque converter, valve body, planetary gear sets, overhaul, diagnostic procedures, fluid specifications Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive system, CV joints, drive shafts, differential, axle components Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, springs, alignment specifications Steering: Power steering system, steering rack, column, pump, fluid specifications, troubleshooting Brakes: Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS (if equipped), hydraulic system, calipers, rotors, pads, lines, troubleshooting Electrical System: Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, accessories, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits HVAC: Air conditioning system, heating system, ventilation, blower motor, refrigerant types, troubleshooting Body And Interior: Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass, upholstery, trim components, sound deadening Chassis And Frame: Frame inspection, structural components, rust repair considerations Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, coolant flushes, belt inspections/replacement, tire rotations Diagnostic Procedures: Troubleshooting guides for common problems, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation (OBD-I or OBD-II depending on market/engine) Repair Procedures: Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation Adjustments: Carburetor adjustments (if applicable), idle speed, ignition timing, parking brake adjustment Specifications: Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, and performance data Wiring Diagrams: Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, including component location and wire routing Technical Depth Diagnostic Tools: Reference to required special tools and diagnostic equipment Rebuild Instructions: Comprehensive instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds Tolerances: Precise engineering tolerances for critical engine and mechanical components Troubleshooting Trees: Systematic diagnostic flowcharts for various malfunctions 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable PDF (standard for digital service manuals) Printability: Printable pages Resolution: Typically high resolution for clear diagrams and text Print Quality Illustration Quality: Detailed diagrams, schematics, and photographs Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: FS-DE (likely for 1.8L, common in this generation) Engine Type: Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve Displacement: 1.8 Liters (1839 cc) Performance Horsepower: Approximately 122 hp @ 6000 rpm (for FS-DE) Torque: Approximately 114 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (for FS-DE) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline Emission Control: Catalytic converter, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-speed Manual Transmission Optional Type: 4-speed Automatic Transmission Features Manual Fluid Type: GL-4 Manual Transmission Fluid (refer to manual for specific viscosity) Automatic Fluid Type: Dexron III or equivalent Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Clutch Type: Dry, single-plate, diaphragm spring 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 170.7 in (4335 mm) Width: Approx. 67.7 in (1720 mm) Height: Approx. 55.3 in (1405 mm) Wheelbase: Approx. 102.8 in (2610 mm) Front Track: Approx. 58.7 in (1490 mm) Rear Track: Approx. 58.1 in (1475 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 2600-2750 lbs (1180-1250 kg) depending on configuration Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Not specified in product info Cargo Trunk Volume: Not specified in product info, but typical for its class 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: Not specified in product info for 1996, but generally considered safe for its era IIHS Crash Test: Not specified in product info for 1996 Active Features ABS: Optional on some trims Passive Features Airbags: Driver and passenger airbags standard Seatbelts: Three-point front and rear seatbelts Child Seat Anchors: LATCH system not standard on 1996 models 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player Display: Basic dashboard instrumentation, analog gauges Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Optional on some trims Connectivity Bluetooth: N/A (not available on this model) Usb Ports: N/A (not available on this model) 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every...
Front and rear suspension components, struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, springs, alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, column, pump, fluid specifications, troubleshooting
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS (if equipped), hydraulic system, calipers, rotors, pads, lines, troubleshooting
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, accessories, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits
Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, and performance data
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, including component location and wire routing
Technical Depth
Diagnostic Tools:
Reference to required special tools and diagnostic equipment
Rebuild Instructions:
Comprehensive instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Tolerances:
Precise engineering tolerances for critical engine and mechanical components
Troubleshooting Trees:
Systematic diagnostic flowcharts for various malfunctions
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable PDF (standard for digital service manuals)
Printability:
Printable pages
Resolution:
Typically high resolution for clear diagrams and text
Print Quality
Illustration Quality:
Detailed diagrams, schematics, and photographs
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
FS-DE (likely for 1.8L, common in this generation)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1839 cc)
Performance
Horsepower:
Approximately 122 hp @ 6000 rpm (for FS-DE)
Torque:
Approximately 114 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (for FS-DE)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Emission Control:
Catalytic converter, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Features
Manual Fluid Type:
GL-4 Manual Transmission Fluid (refer to manual for specific viscosity)
Automatic Fluid Type:
Dexron III or equivalent Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Clutch Type:
Dry, single-plate, diaphragm spring
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 170.7 in (4335 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.7 in (1720 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.3 in (1405 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 102.8 in (2610 mm)
Front Track:
Approx. 58.7 in (1490 mm)
Rear Track:
Approx. 58.1 in (1475 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2600-2750 lbs (1180-1250 kg) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not specified in product info
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
Not specified in product info, but typical for its class
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not specified in product info for 1996, but generally considered safe for its era
IIHS Crash Test:
Not specified in product info for 1996
Active Features
ABS:
Optional on some trims
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seatbelts
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system not standard on 1996 models
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player
Display:
Basic dashboard instrumentation, analog gauges
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional on some trims
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
N/A (not available on this model)
Usb Ports:
N/A (not available on this model)
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (typical for synthetic, check manual for specific recommendation)
Engine Oil Filter Interval:
Replace with every oil change
Air Filter Interval:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months (typical, inspect more frequently)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (depending on plug type, refer to manual)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles or 4 years (CRITICAL for interference engine, consult manual for exact interval and interference status)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.2 US quarts (4.0 liters) with filter (for 1.8L FS-DE)
Engine Oil Viscosity:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for temperature ranges)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent ATF (check manual)
Known Issues
Common Protege Issues:
Timing belt failure (if not replaced on schedule), minor electrical gremlins, catalytic converter issues, suspension wear (bushings, struts)
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mazda Philosophy:
Known for sporty driving dynamics ('Zoom-Zoom' precursor), innovative design, and good value
Model Evolution
Protege Lineage:
Part of Mazda's compact car lineup, evolving through several generations of design and technology
Third Generation Bj:
Introduced for the 1999 model year in North America, but this manual covers the *end* of the second generation, as the third generation debuted for 1999. The product info likely refers to the *last year* of the previous generation, or is slightly misaligned with the typical model year transition. Assuming the manual is indeed for the 1996 model year of the *second generation* (BG chassis).
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (typically)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Journal Awards:
Consistently praised by automotive publications for its value, reliability, and engaging driving experience in its class.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Generally rated as average to above average for its time, depending on specific model year and engine.