🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: Protege Year: 2002 Codes Chassis Code: BJ 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Car / Affordable Sedan & Hatchback Target Audience: Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, practical commuters Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra Key Features Value Proposition: Reliability, fuel efficiency, practical design, affordability, surprisingly engaging driving dynamics for its class (especially MP3 variant). Manual Value: Provides OEM-level technical data crucial for independent repair shops and DIY enthusiasts aiming for factory-correct repairs. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Models Covered: All Protege models (sedan, hatchback/MP3, ES, LX, DX, etc.) Repairs Covered: A-Z: Maintenance, diagnostics, repair, troubleshooting, specifications Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals) Manual Type Type: Complete Workshop Manual / Service Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Likely PDF (digital) or Printed Booklet 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions, starting, charging, engine control system (ECM/PCM), turbocharger (if applicable) Transmission: Manual and Automatic transmission (clutch, gearbox, torque converter, gear shifts, hydraulics, control systems) Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive (FWD) system, driveshafts, CV joints, differential Suspension: Front suspension (MacPherson struts), Rear suspension (multi-link), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, alignment specifications Steering: Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, angle sensor Brakes: Front disc brakes, Rear disc or drum brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), parking brake, hydraulic system, specifications Electrical: 12V battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, locks, mirrors, HVAC controls, audio system, body control modules (BCM) Body And Interior: Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, seats, airbags, safety restraints HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system, refrigerant, controls, blower motor, compressor Chassis And Frame: Frame structure, unibody construction, corrosion protection Diagnostic Trouble Codes: OBD-II codes, diagnostic procedures, sensor testing Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tire rotations, belt inspections Engine Repair: Head gasket replacement, piston and ring service, valve train adjustments, timing belt/chain service Transmission Repair: Clutch replacement, automatic transmission overhaul, fluid and filter changes Brake Service: Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake caliper service, bleeding brake system, ABS component testing Suspension And Steering Repair: Strut and shock replacement, ball joint service, control arm replacement, power steering pump replacement, alignment procedures Electrical Diagnostics: Wiring diagrams, circuit testing, component testing, starter and alternator testing Body And Paint: Panel replacement, door hinge adjustment, interior component removal and installation Climate Control Service: AC system recharge, component replacement, heater core service Troubleshooting: Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts for various symptoms Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications. Diagnostic Tools: Covers use of scan tools, multimeters, and specialized diagnostic equipment. Torque Specifications: Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners. Wiring Diagrams: Comprehensive electrical schematics for all systems. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: Typically PDF, often searchable and printable. Print Quality Quality: High-resolution images, clear diagrams, and legible text. Binding Type Binding: N/A for PDF; if printed, likely spiral-bound or perfect-bound for ease of use. Paper Type Paper Type: N/A for PDF; if printed, typically heavy-duty, durable paper suitable for workshop environments. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code Common: FS-DE (2.0L DOHC) Displacement: 1991 cc (2.0 Liters) Configuration: Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves Performance Horsepower Fsde: 130-135 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.) Torque Fsde: 135-137 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.) Engine Variants Other Engines: 1.6L DOHC (Z5-DE) - approx. 105 hp (less common in North America) Fuel System Induction: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended) Other Timing Belt Interval: 60,000 miles or 6 years (critical replacement interval, interference engine) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Std: 5-speed Manual Transmission Optional Transmission Type Opt: 4-speed Automatic Transmission Features Clutch Type: Dry single-plate (for manual transmission) Atf Type Manual: API GL-4 Gear Oil (SAE 75W-90 recommended) Atf Type Automatic: Mazda ATF JWS3314 or equivalent (check manual for specific recommendation) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 174.4 - 175.6 inches (depending on body style) Width: Approx. 67.7 inches Height: Approx. 55.7 - 56.7 inches (depending on body style) Wheelbase: Approx. 102.7 inches Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 2600 - 2800 lbs (depending on trim and transmission) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Not explicitly stated but typically around 3600-3800 lbs Cargo Cargo Volume Sedan: Approx. 12.7 cu ft Cargo Volume Hatchback: Approx. 18.0 cu ft (expandable with seats folded) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact Driver: 5 Stars (for 2002 model, specific trim dependent) NHTSA Front Impact Passenger: 5 Stars (for 2002 model, specific trim dependent) IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal: Good (Good rating for many trims) Active Features ABS: Standard on most trims, optional on base models Traction Control: Optional on select models Passive Features Airbags Front: Driver and Passenger front airbags standard Airbags Side: Optional side-impact airbags on some...
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tire rotations, belt inspections
Engine Repair:
Head gasket replacement, piston and ring service, valve train adjustments, timing belt/chain service
Transmission Repair:
Clutch replacement, automatic transmission overhaul, fluid and filter changes
Brake Service:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake caliper service, bleeding brake system, ABS component testing
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Strut and shock replacement, ball joint service, control arm replacement, power steering pump replacement, alignment procedures
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, circuit testing, component testing, starter and alternator testing
Body And Paint:
Panel replacement, door hinge adjustment, interior component removal and installation
Climate Control Service:
AC system recharge, component replacement, heater core service
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts for various symptoms
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Diagnostic Tools:
Covers use of scan tools, multimeters, and specialized diagnostic equipment.
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all systems.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
Typically PDF, often searchable and printable.
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution images, clear diagrams, and legible text.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A for PDF; if printed, likely spiral-bound or perfect-bound for ease of use.
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A for PDF; if printed, typically heavy-duty, durable paper suitable for workshop environments.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code Common:
FS-DE (2.0L DOHC)
Displacement:
1991 cc (2.0 Liters)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves
Performance
Horsepower Fsde:
130-135 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque Fsde:
135-137 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Engine Variants
Other Engines:
1.6L DOHC (Z5-DE) - approx. 105 hp (less common in North America)
Fuel System
Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Other
Timing Belt Interval:
60,000 miles or 6 years (critical replacement interval, interference engine)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type Std:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Transmission Type Opt:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Features
Clutch Type:
Dry single-plate (for manual transmission)
Atf Type Manual:
API GL-4 Gear Oil (SAE 75W-90 recommended)
Atf Type Automatic:
Mazda ATF JWS3314 or equivalent (check manual for specific recommendation)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 174.4 - 175.6 inches (depending on body style)
Width:
Approx. 67.7 inches
Height:
Approx. 55.7 - 56.7 inches (depending on body style)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 102.7 inches
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2600 - 2800 lbs (depending on trim and transmission)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not explicitly stated but typically around 3600-3800 lbs
Cargo
Cargo Volume Sedan:
Approx. 12.7 cu ft
Cargo Volume Hatchback:
Approx. 18.0 cu ft (expandable with seats folded)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars (for 2002 model, specific trim dependent)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars (for 2002 model, specific trim dependent)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal:
Good (Good rating for many trims)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard on most trims, optional on base models
Traction Control:
Optional on select models
Passive Features
Airbags Front:
Driver and Passenger front airbags standard
Airbags Side:
Optional side-impact airbags on some higher trims
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player. Higher trims may offer cassette player, premium audio with amplifier.
Navigation:
Not available from factory on this model year.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on LX and ES trims, optional or unavailable on DX.
Connectivity
Aux Input:
Not typically equipped with standard auxiliary input. Aftermarket solutions are common.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic blend recommended), or 5,000 miles with conventional oil.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG, SH, SJ or ILSAC GF-2. SAE 5W-30 recommended. Consult manual for seasonal variations.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 - 4.3 US quarts (with filter change)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF (check specific manual)
Known Issues
Engine Mounts:
Can degrade and cause vibration, particularly noticeable at idle or when shifting.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Cast iron exhaust manifolds are prone to cracking due to thermal stress.
Oxygen Sensors:
Pre-catalytic converter O2 sensors can fail prematurely, leading to Check Engine Light and poor fuel economy.
Rear Wheel Bearings:
Can develop noise and require replacement, especially on higher mileage vehicles.
Ac Compressor Clutch:
Clutch can fail, preventing AC operation.
Automatic Transmission Hard Shifting:
Can develop rough shifts or slip if fluid is not maintained.
Rust:
Can be an issue in areas with road salt, particularly on rocker panels, wheel wells, and subframes.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mazda Philosophy:
Known for Jinba Ittai ('horse and rider as one') driving dynamics, sportiness within mainstream segments.
Model Evolution
Generation:
Second Generation Protege (BJ chassis, 1998-2003)
Redesign Context:
Introduced for 1999 model year, replaced the BG chassis. The 2002 model year represents a mid-cycle update for the BJ generation, with minor styling tweaks and feature adjustments.
Production
Production Years:
1998-2003 (BJ chassis)
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan, Mexico (for North American market)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
Protege MP3 variant was recognized by Car and Driver as a notable performer in its class for its sport-tuned suspension and engaging handling.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
Generally received average to above-average reliability ratings during its production years, with specific model year and engine variations affecting overall scores.
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