🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: Protege Generation: Third Generation (BJ) Model Years Covered: 1996, 1997, 1998 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Segment: Compact Car Segment Target Audience: DIY mechanics, fleet maintenance, automotive enthusiasts, and professional repair shops. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Mitsubishi Lancer. Key Features Value Proposition: Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving significant costs compared to dealership or independent shop labor. Accessibility: Compatible with PC, Mac, Tablets, and Smartphones, ensuring widespread accessibility. Ease Of Use: Designed to make complex repair jobs manageable for individuals with varying levels of mechanical experience. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Engine Variants Covered: All gasoline engine variants for the specified years Body Styles Covered: Sedan, Hatchback (3-door & 5-door), Station Wagon (if applicable for these years) Trim Levels Covered: All trim levels including DX, LX, ES, and sportier variants like the LX-Sport or equivalent. Page Count Estimated Page Count: Over 2000 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals) Manual Type Manual Type: Complete Workshop Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital Download (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Complete disassembly, inspection, assembly, and overhaul procedures for engine components (pistons, rings, bearings, crankshaft, camshafts, valves, timing belt/chain, etc.) Engine Management And Emissions: Fuel injection system, ignition system, sensors, actuators, ECU diagnostics, EVAP system, EGR system, catalytic converter information. Cooling System: Radiator, thermostat, water pump, hoses, fan operation, coolant specifications. Lubrication System: Oil pump, oil filter, oil passages, oil specifications and capacities. Fuel System: Fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel lines, fuel tank, pressure regulator, fuel pump relay. Transmission Manual: Clutch system (operation, adjustment, replacement), manual transmission overhaul, gear shifting mechanisms, transmission fluid specifications. Transmission Automatic: Automatic transmission internal components, torque converter, hydraulic control system, valve body, seals, transmission fluid specifications, shift solenoid operation. Drivetrain: Front axle, CV joints, drive shafts, differential, rear axle (if applicable). Suspension System: Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, bushings, sway bars), alignment specifications. Steering System: Power steering pump, steering rack/gearbox, tie rod ends, steering column, power steering fluid specifications. Brake System: Front and rear disc brakes, brake pads, rotors, calipers, brake lines, master cylinder, brake booster, ABS system diagnostics and components, brake fluid specifications. Electrical System: Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams for all circuits, fuses, relays, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), instrument panel. Body And Interior: Door mechanisms, window regulators, seat adjustments, dashboard removal, trim panels, exterior body panel repair, rust prevention. HVAC System: Air conditioning compressor, refrigerant, heater core, blower motor, climate control panel, cabin air filter. Safety Systems: Airbag system components and diagnostics, seat belt mechanisms. Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, code reading and interpretation (OBD-II where applicable). Component Replacement: Step-by-step instructions for replacing virtually all major and minor components. Major Repairs: Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension overhauls, brake system overhauls. Electrical Diagnostics: Wiring diagrams for fault finding, testing sensors and actuators, ECU diagnosis. Body Repair: Minor dent repair, panel replacement, trim removal and installation. Adjustments: Clutch adjustment, parking brake adjustment, headlight aiming. Technical Depth Depth Of Coverage: Comprehensive, ranging from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes diagnostic procedures and specifications. Diagnostic Information: Detailed explanations of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and procedures for identifying and rectifying faults. Torque Specifications: All critical torque specifications for fasteners throughout the vehicle. Wiring Diagrams: Full color, system-specific wiring diagrams for electrical troubleshooting. Illustrations And Diagrams: Abundant with detailed illustrations, exploded views, and diagrams to aid understanding of procedures. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: PDF Print Quality Print Quality: High-resolution, optimized for digital viewing and printing. Searchable text for quick access to information. Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code Common: FS-DE (2.0L DOHC) Engine Type: Inline-4 Cylinder, DOHC, 16 Valves Displacement: 1991 cc (2.0 Liters) Bore X Stroke: 83.0 mm x 92.0 mm Compression Ratio: 9.4:1 (typical for FS-DE) Performance Horsepower Peak: Approximately 125-130 hp @ 6000 rpm (depending on specific market and tune) Torque Peak: Approximately 130-135 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (depending on specific market and tune) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended, 91+ for optimal performance) Fuel Pump Pressure: Approximately 40-50 psi (check manual for exact specification) Other Engines Alternate Engine Options: May include a 1.5L (Z5-DE) or 1.8L (BP-ZE/BP-VE) engine in certain markets or earlier variants of the generation, though 2.0L is most common for 96-98 BJ generation. 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission Optional Optional Transmission: 4-speed automatic transmission Features Transmission Fluid Type: Dexron III/Mercon (for automatic), GL-4 or GL-5 (for manual,...
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended, 91+ for optimal performance)
Fuel Pump Pressure:
Approximately 40-50 psi (check manual for exact specification)
Other Engines
Alternate Engine Options:
May include a 1.5L (Z5-DE) or 1.8L (BP-ZE/BP-VE) engine in certain markets or earlier variants of the generation, though 2.0L is most common for 96-98 BJ generation.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual transmission
Optional
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission
Features
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III/Mercon (for automatic), GL-4 or GL-5 (for manual, check manual for specific viscosity)
Clutch Type:
Dry, single plate, diaphragm spring clutch (for manual)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
Approx. 102.7 inches (2606 mm)
Overall Length:
Approx. 171.5 - 176.5 inches (4356 - 4483 mm) depending on body style
Overall Width:
Approx. 67.3 - 67.9 inches (1709 - 1725 mm)
Overall Height:
Approx. 55.3 - 57.5 inches (1405 - 1460 mm) depending on body style
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2600 - 2900 lbs (1180 - 1315 kg) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Check vehicle's VIN plate or manual (typically around 3800-4000 lbs)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:
Good (for driver and passenger, 1996-1998 models typically received good ratings in frontal impacts)
IIHS Frontal Offset Rating:
Acceptable to Good (specific ratings vary by year, but generally performed well)
Active Features
ABS:
Available on higher trim levels, standard on some configurations.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard on most models by 1998.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts in all seating positions, pre-tensioners often standard for front seats.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette or CD player, with optional premium sound systems. Basic digital display for clock and radio.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels.
Keyless Entry:
Available on some higher trim levels.
Connectivity
OBD Ii Support:
Yes, the 1996-1998 models are OBD-II compliant, allowing for electronic diagnostics.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact recommendation based on driving conditions).
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
At every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 30,000 - 60,000 miles for conventional plugs, or 100,000 miles for platinum/iridium plugs (confirm plug type in manual).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical: Consult manual. Typically around 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 is common for most climates. Check manual for specific viscosity recommendations.
Coolant Type:
Mazda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with silicate inhibitors, typically green)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Known Issues
Common Protege Issues Bj:
Timing belt tensioner issues (especially on earlier FS-DE engines), alternator failures, some power steering leaks, potential for rust on older models, catalytic converter issues, automatic transmission solenoid failures.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mazda Philosophy:
Known for 'Zoom-Zoom' driving dynamics, reliability, and good value in its segments.
Model Evolution
Third Generation Bj:
Introduced in 1998 for the 1999 model year, this generation represents a significant update over the preceding GE platform. The manual covers the transition period or early models of this new platform.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan, with potential assembly in other international locations depending on market.
Production Span:
The Mazda Protege (and its variants like the 323/Familia) was produced for many years, with the BJ generation (covered here) replacing the previous GE generation.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Journal Awards:
While specific major awards for this model year range are less documented than later generations, the Protege consistently received praise for its value, handling, and fuel economy within its class.