The 2003 Mazda Protege, built on the BJ chassis, represents a capable and enjoyable compact car, offered in both sedan and hatchback body styles. Known for its commitment to driving enjoyment and responsive performance, the Protege emphasizes driving enjoyment and responsive performance, setting it apart in its competitive segment. It was designed for young drivers, families, and budget-conscious consumers, offering a blend of reliability, affordable maintenance, and engaging handling dynamics. This generation of the Protege, which saw a facelift around 2001-2002, typically featured a 2.0-liter FS-DE inline 4-cylinder engine producing approximately 125-130 horsepower, paired with either a 5-speed manual or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels, with some variants offering All-Wheel Drive. This comprehensive factory service manual provides extensive guidance for the repair and service of the 2003 Mazda Protege. It covers all major vehicle systems in detail, including engine mechanicals, performance, drivetrain, suspension, steering, brakes, and the complete electrical system. The manual offers step-by-step repair procedures, diagnostic flowcharts for troubleshooting, scheduled maintenance intervals, and crucial technical specifications such as torque values and fluid capacities. This resource is designed to assist owners, mechanics, and technicians in performing routine maintenance, complex repairs, and accurate diagnostics to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of their Protege. 🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: Protege Year: 2003 Codes Chassis Code: BJ 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Car / Economy Sedan and Hatchback Target Audience: Young drivers, families, budget-conscious consumers. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier. Value Proposition: Reliability, affordable maintenance, sporty driving dynamics for its class. Key Features Design: Clean, straightforward styling, available in sedan and hatchback body styles. Performance Focus: Sportier handling and responsive engines were often emphasized in marketing, particularly with higher trims. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Focus: Repair and Service Included Regions: North America, Global (specific to BJ chassis) Page Count Estimated Pages: 1500-2500 (typical for comprehensive service manuals) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures for all Protege engines offered in 2003, including timing belt replacement, valve adjustments, and component assembly. Engine Performance: Fuel injection system diagnostics and repair, ignition system troubleshooting, emissions control systems (catalytic converter, EGR), turbocharger (if applicable). Transmission Manual: Disassembly, inspection, and repair of manual transmissions (FS5W71E/G), clutch system service, shifter linkage adjustment. Transmission Automatic: Automatic transmission (FN4A-EL) diagnostics, fluid service, torque converter replacement, electronic control unit (ECU) integration. Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive axle shaft inspection and replacement, differential service, all-wheel drive (AWD) system (if applicable) maintenance and repair. Suspension: Front and rear suspension component identification, replacement (shocks, struts, control arms, bushings), alignment specifications. Steering: Power steering system diagnostics, pump and rack replacement, steering column repair, alignment procedures. Brakes: Front and rear brake system service (pads, rotors, calipers), hydraulic system bleeding, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and component replacement. Electrical System: Wiring diagrams for all systems, fuse box locations, relay functions, starter and alternator service, battery maintenance. Lighting System: Headlamp, taillamp, interior lighting, and accessory lighting troubleshooting and bulb replacement procedures. HVAC System: Air conditioning (A/C) system service, refrigerant handling, heater core replacement, blower motor diagnostics, climate control unit repair. Body Interior: Door panel removal, seat adjustment and replacement, dashboard disassembly, trim component repair. Body Exterior: Panel alignment, bumper replacement, door and hood adjustment, glass replacement (windshield, side windows). Restraints System: Airbag system diagnostics, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) component replacement and safety precautions. Procedures Included Scheduled Maintenance: Detailed service intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, timing belt service. Troubleshooting: Extensive diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues. Repair Procedures: Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair across all major vehicle systems. Diagnostics: OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) code interpretation, sensor testing, actuator testing, and electronic control unit (ECU) diagnostics. Specifications Data: Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, diagnostic data, alignment angles, and electrical resistance values. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced electrical diagnostics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Searchable text content for quick information retrieval. Print Quality Resolution: High-resolution, suitable for printing all pages. Binding Type Binding: Not applicable (digital download). Paper Type Paper Type: Not applicable (digital download). ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code 1: FS-DE (2.0L DOHC) Engine Displacement 1: 1991 cc (2.0 Liters) Engine Layout 1: Inline 4-cylinder Horsepower 1: 125-130 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.) Torque 1: 125-130 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.) Secondary Engine Engine Code 2: FP-DE (1.5L SOHC) - less common in North America for 2003 Engine Displacement 2: 1498 cc (1.5 Liters) Horsepower 2: 95-100 hp (approx.) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic...