🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: Protege Codes Model Years Covered: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 Chassis Codes: BJ (Third Generation) 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Compact sedan and hatchback, positioned as an affordable and reliable option in its class. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Chevrolet Cavalier. Key Features Vehicle Strengths: Reputation for reliability, engaging driving dynamics (especially with Sport models), fuel efficiency, and value for money. Manual Value Proposition: Provides in-depth technical knowledge enabling DIY repairs, reducing dealership costs, and maximizing vehicle longevity. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas General Coverage: Complete service and repair procedures for all systems of the specified Mazda Protege models. Region Focus: Primarily North American market specifications, with global applicability for core mechanical and electrical systems. Page Count Estimated Pages: Varies by specific engine and trim, typically 1500-2500+ pages for a comprehensive set. Manual Type Type: Workshop Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Downloadable Digital Format (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine mechanical (including timing belt, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft), lubrication, cooling, fuel, exhaust, ignition, starting, charging systems. Drivetrain: Manual and automatic transmissions (FWD), differentials, driveshafts, CV joints. Chassis: Suspension (front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link), steering (power assisted rack and pinion), brakes (disc front/rear, ABS), wheels, tires. Electrical: Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, wipers, horn, power windows, power locks, audio system, body control modules, wiring diagrams. Body And Interior: Body panels, doors, windows, seats, dashboard, HVAC system, airbags, interior trim. Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, brake pad replacement. Diagnostics And Troubleshooting: Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, component testing procedures. Component Repair And Rebuild: Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuilds, suspension component replacement. Electrical System Repair: Wiring harness repair, sensor replacement, actuator testing, module diagnostics. Bodywork And Collision: Panel removal and installation, glass replacement, interior trim repair. Technical Depth Diagnostic Capabilities: Detailed diagnostic procedures, including specific tools and equipment required, wiring schematics for component tracing. Repair Level: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls. Specifications Detail: Includes torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, resistance values, and diagnostic parameters. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Text-searchable for quick information retrieval. Print Quality Print Readability: Designed for clear printing with legible diagrams and text. Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code Ls: FS-DE (2.0L DOHC Inline-4) Engine Code S: FP-DE (1.8L DOHC Inline-4) Engine Code Protege5: FS-DE (2.0L DOHC Inline-4) Performance Horsepower Ls: 125-130 hp @ 6000 rpm (depending on year and specific tuning) Torque Ls: 135-140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (depending on year and specific tuning) Horsepower S: 118-122 hp @ 6000 rpm (depending on year and specific tuning) Torque S: 115-118 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (depending on year and specific tuning) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential multi-port injection. Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (91 recommended for optimal performance). Engine Management ECU Type: Engine Control Unit (ECU) with OBD-II diagnostics. 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Base: 5-speed manual transmission Optional Transmission Type Optional: 4-speed automatic transmission Features Transmission Fluid Spec: Dexron III/Mercon compatible (automatic), GL-4 75W-90 for manual (check manual for exact spec). Clutch Type: Dry single plate with hydraulic actuation (manual transmission). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length Sedan: Approx. 174.8 inches (4440 mm) Width: Approx. 67.5 inches (1715 mm) Height: Approx. 56.5 inches (1435 mm) Wheelbase: Approx. 102.8 inches (2610 mm) Cargo Cargo Volume Sedan: Approx. 13.7 cubic feet (0.388 m³) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 2600-2800 lbs (1180-1270 kg), varies by trim and options. Wheels And Tires Wheel Bolt Pattern: 4x100 Tire Sizes: Commonly 185/65R14, 195/55R15, 205/40R17 (on Mazdaspeed Protege) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Crash Test: Four-star rating for driver and front passenger (early models, varies by year). IIHS Side Impact: Acceptable to Good (varies by year and specific configurations). Active Features ABS: Available on most trims, standard on higher trims. Traction Control: Rarely available on standard Protege models, present on some higher performance variants or specific market trims. Passive Features Airbags: Dual front airbags standard, side airbags available on higher trims or optional. Seatbelts: Three-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters; three-point rear seatbelts. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM CD player with cassette (early models), optional premium audio systems, basic speaker configurations. Display Technology: Basic digital or analog displays for climate control and audio. No integrated navigation or touchscreens. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available on LX and ES trims. Tire Pressure Monitoring: Not available on any trims. Connectivity Auxiliary Input: Not standard; aftermarket solutions may be available. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or...
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, wipers, horn, power windows, power locks, audio system, body control modules, wiring diagrams.
Panel removal and installation, glass replacement, interior trim repair.
Technical Depth
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, including specific tools and equipment required, wiring schematics for component tracing.
Repair Level:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls.
Specifications Detail:
Includes torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, resistance values, and diagnostic parameters.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Text-searchable for quick information retrieval.
Print Quality
Print Readability:
Designed for clear printing with legible diagrams and text.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code Ls:
FS-DE (2.0L DOHC Inline-4)
Engine Code S:
FP-DE (1.8L DOHC Inline-4)
Engine Code Protege5:
FS-DE (2.0L DOHC Inline-4)
Performance
Horsepower Ls:
125-130 hp @ 6000 rpm (depending on year and specific tuning)
Torque Ls:
135-140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (depending on year and specific tuning)
Horsepower S:
118-122 hp @ 6000 rpm (depending on year and specific tuning)
Torque S:
115-118 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (depending on year and specific tuning)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential multi-port injection.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (91 recommended for optimal performance).
Engine Management
ECU Type:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) with OBD-II diagnostics.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type Base:
5-speed manual transmission
Optional
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed automatic transmission
Features
Transmission Fluid Spec:
Dexron III/Mercon compatible (automatic), GL-4 75W-90 for manual (check manual for exact spec).
Clutch Type:
Dry single plate with hydraulic actuation (manual transmission).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length Sedan:
Approx. 174.8 inches (4440 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.5 inches (1715 mm)
Height:
Approx. 56.5 inches (1435 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 102.8 inches (2610 mm)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Sedan:
Approx. 13.7 cubic feet (0.388 m³)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2600-2800 lbs (1180-1270 kg), varies by trim and options.
Wheels And Tires
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4x100
Tire Sizes:
Commonly 185/65R14, 195/55R15, 205/40R17 (on Mazdaspeed Protege)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
Four-star rating for driver and front passenger (early models, varies by year).
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable to Good (varies by year and specific configurations).
Active Features
ABS:
Available on most trims, standard on higher trims.
Traction Control:
Rarely available on standard Protege models, present on some higher performance variants or specific market trims.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Dual front airbags standard, side airbags available on higher trims or optional.
Seatbelts:
Three-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters; three-point rear seatbelts.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM CD player with cassette (early models), optional premium audio systems, basic speaker configurations.
Display Technology:
Basic digital or analog displays for climate control and audio. No integrated navigation or touchscreens.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available on LX and ES trims.
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Not available on any trims.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard; aftermarket solutions may be available.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard plugs; consult manual for specific plug type recommendations.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial! Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage (interference engine).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic recommended. Consult manual for specific viscosity grades based on temperature.
Coolant Type:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with demineralized water (50/50 mix).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Wheel bearings, front sway bar links, rear shock absorbers, clutch wear (manual), automatic transmission solenoids.
Engine Concerns:
Occasional intake manifold gasket leaks, PCV valve issues, potential for sludge if oil changes are neglected.
Electrical Issues:
Corrosion on wiring connectors, alternator issues on higher mileage vehicles, power window regulator failure.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mazda Philosophy:
Mazda's commitment to 'Zoom-Zoom' driving dynamics and driver-centric design.
Model Evolution
Generation Introduction:
The third generation (BJ) Protege was introduced for the 1999 model year, succeeding the BG generation.
Key Variants:
Protege DX, LX, ES, ES-R, Sport, Mazdaspeed Protege (for the 2003 model year).
Production
Production Period:
1999-2003 for the BJ generation covered by this manual.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Hofu, Yamaguchi, Japan, and various global assembly plants.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
While not consistently on the '10Best' list, the Protege was often cited for its value and sporty handling within its class.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Generally rated as average to above average for reliability, with some model years receiving higher marks than others. Manual indicates how to maintain this.
Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.