Market Position:
The 1995 Mazda MX-3 was positioned as a sporty, stylish, and affordable compact coupe, often referred to as a 'personal luxury' coupe. It appealed to younger buyers and those seeking a fuel-efficient yet visually appealing vehicle with a degree of driving engagement.
Competitors:
Key competitors included the Honda Civic Coupe, Toyota Celica, Mitsubishi Eclipse, and Nissan 240SX. The MX-3 differentiated itself with its unique styling, available V6 engine (in some markets, though likely not standard in all 1995 US models), and a reputation for Mazda's sporty handling.
Key Features Of Vehicle:
Distinctive Kudo design language, lightweight construction, independent suspension on all four wheels, available fuel-efficient 1.6L 4-cylinder and optional 1.8L V6 engines (depending on market), front-wheel drive, and sporty coupe styling.
Engine Options Emphasis:
Notable for offering a compact 1.8L V6 engine, which provided a smoother and more refined experience than many 4-cylinder competitors, contributing to its 'personal luxury' image.
Coverage Areas:
General Information, Pre-delivery Inspection and Scheduled Maintenance, Engine, Lubrication System, Cooling System, Fuel and Emission Control System, Engine Electrical System, Clutch, Manual Transaxle, Automatic Transaxle, Front And Rear Axles, Steering System, Braking System, Wheels and Tires, Suspension, Body, Body Electrical System, Heater And Conditioner System, Technical Data, Special Tools, Wiring Diagram.
Page Count Estimated:
Likely over 1000 pages
Manual Type:
Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual
Manual Purpose:
Designed for both novice DIY mechanics and experienced professionals, providing the necessary technical information for maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting.
Systems Covered:
Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, emission control, lubrication, cooling, drivetrain (clutch, manual & automatic transaxles, axles), steering, brakes, suspension, wheels & tires, body, body electrical, HVAC (Heater and Air Conditioning), wiring diagrams, technical specifications.
Body And Chassis:
Includes detailed information on body panel alignment, door hardware, interior trim removal and installation, chassis components, and rust prevention/repair.
Procedures Included:
Diagnosis, inspection, adjustment, repair, overhaul, and replacement for all major vehicle systems. Includes maintenance schedules, troubleshooting guides, disassembly and reassembly procedures with detailed instructions and diagrams, torque specifications, and component identification.
Engine Overhaul Procedures:
Complete disassembly, inspection, cleaning, machining, and reassembly of engine components (pistons, rings, bearings, valves, camshafts, crankshaft, cylinder heads, etc.) with detailed specifications and tolerances.
Transmission Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step guides for manual and automatic transaxle repair, including clutch replacement, torque converter service, gear set inspection and replacement, seal and gasket replacement.
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Procedures for replacing struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, tie rods, power steering pump, and rack and pinion assembly, along with alignment specifications.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance and scheduled service to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics, and body repair.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Detailed troubleshooting flowcharts and diagnostic trees for various systems (engine performance, electrical faults, HVAC issues, etc.) to pinpoint problems efficiently.
Wiring Diagram Detail:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, including lighting, ignition, fuel injection, instrument cluster, power accessories, and HVAC, color-coded and with component identification.
Torque Specifications:
Extensive torque specifications for all critical fasteners, bolts, nuts, and components to ensure correct assembly and prevent damage.
Engine Code Usdm:
B6 (1.6L DOHC 4-cylinder), K8 (1.8L DOHC V6 - optional in some markets)
1.6L Horsepower Est:
Around 105-110 hp @ 6000 rpm
1.6L Torque Est:
Around 100-105 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
1.8L V6 Horsepower Est:
Around 125-130 hp @ 6000 rpm (market dependent)
1.8L V6 Torque Est:
Around 115-120 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (market dependent)
Fuel System Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (EI) with distributor or distributorless ignition system (DIS) depending on specific engine variant.
Engine Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder (1.6L) or V6 (1.8L), front-mounted, transverse
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 16 valves (1.6L), 24 valves (1.8L V6)
Bore X Stroke 1.6L Est:
Approx. 78.0 mm x 83.6 mm
Bore X Stroke 1.8L V6 Est:
Approx. 78.0 mm x 64.0 mm
NHTSA Front Impact Rating Est:
Likely 3-star or 4-star (based on era standards)
Active Safety Features Standard:
Front disc brakes, Rear drum brakes, Power-assisted steering.
Steering System Type:
Rack and Pinion, Power-assisted
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4x100mm
Wheel Size Standard:
Typically 14-inch or 15-inch alloy or steel wheels
Tire Size Standard:
Common sizes include 185/65R14, 195/55R15 (check specific trim)
Passive Safety Features Standard:
3-point seat belts (front and rear outboard), driver and passenger airbags (likely standard for 1995 MY in many markets), reinforced safety cage.
Oil Change Interval Est:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions.
Engine Coolant Flush Interval Est:
Every 24,000-36,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Timing Belt Replacement Est:
Crucial: Every 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years for 1.6L engine (interference engine); Check manual for V6 specifics. Failure can cause severe engine damage.
Engine Oil Type Est:
API SG/SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on ambient temperature).
Engine Coolant Spec:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mazda long-life coolant or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Manual Est:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 75W-85 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic Est:
Dexron III or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
Dexron II or III, or Mazda-specific power steering fluid.
Coolant Capacity Est:
Approx. 4.5-5.5 liters (1.6L) / 5.5-6.5 liters (1.8L V6)
Common Issues:
Potential for rust in common areas (wheel wells, rocker panels), aging suspension bushings leading to clunks or poor handling, minor electrical gremlins in older vehicles, cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses), and timing belt replacement is critical for the 1.6L engine.
