🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

MX-6

Year:

1990

Chassis Code:

GE

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Mazda MX-6 (GE) was positioned as a stylish, front-wheel-drive personal luxury coupe, targeting buyers seeking sporty design and reliable performance in a more compact and affordable package than larger luxury coupes.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed with vehicles like the Ford Probe (sharing a platform), Mitsubishi Eclipse, Toyota Camry Coupe, and Nissan 240SX, offering a blend of Japanese engineering, practical usability, and distinctive styling.

Key Features:

Sleek aerodynamic styling, available V6 engine, front-wheel drive, comfortable interior, good handling dynamics for its class.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Engine, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, HVAC, Body, Interior

Page Count:

Extensive (Software, equivalent to 1000+ printed pages)

Manual Type:

Official Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software (Digital Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanical and electrical, Fuel and Emissions Control, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Starting and Charging System, Manual and Automatic Transmissions, Driveshafts and CV Joints, Front and Rear Suspension, Power Steering System, Hydraulic Brake System, ABS (if equipped), Lighting System, Instrumentation and Warning Systems, Wiper and Washer Systems, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning), Body Exterior and Interior Trim, Security System, Audio System

Procedures Included:

Routine Maintenance (Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), Engine Tune-Up, Component Removal and Installation (e.g., engine, transmission, suspension arms, brake calipers), Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Procedures, Electrical Component Testing, Wiring Diagrams, Body Repair and Adjustment, HVAC System Servicing, Overhaul Procedures, Specifications and Tolerances

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics, and body repair. Includes detailed exploded views, torque specifications, and alignment data.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes:

Includes procedures for retrieving and interpreting DTCs, though primarily through analog methods (e.g., jumper wire and blinking codes for older systems) rather than OBD-II.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed wiring diagrams for all major electrical systems, including engine controls, lighting, accessories, and sensors.

Body Repair:

Procedures for panel alignment, dent removal, rust repair, glass replacement, and interior trim removal/installation.

HVAC Service:

Diagnosis and repair of the air conditioning and heating systems, including refrigerant handling (following guidelines for the era), component replacement (compressor, evaporator, heater core), and blower motor service.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Proprietary Software (Requires specific installer)

Print Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

2.5L KL-DE V6

Engine Variants:

Standard on most models: 2.5L V6. Optional for some markets/trims: 2.0L FE-DE inline-4.

Performance V6:

Approx. 164 horsepower @ 5600 rpm, 156 lb-ft torque @ 4500 rpm (US Spec)

Performance I4:

Approx. 110 horsepower @ 5500 rpm, 125 lb-ft torque @ 3500 rpm (US Spec)

Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Bore X Stroke V6:

84.5 mm x 74.2 mm

Compression Ratio V6:

9.1:1

Valvetrain V6:

DOHC, 24 valves (4 valves per cylinder)

Engine Code V6:

KL-DE

Engine Code I4:

FE-DE

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Engine Orientation:

Transverse

Engine Cooling:

Water-cooled

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Optional Transmission:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (Optional on V6 models)

Transmission Features:

Front-wheel drive, electronic control for automatic transmission (ECT), torque converter lock-up.

Gear Ratios Manual Example:

Refer to manual for specific ratios per gear; generally focused on sporty gearing for V6.

Gear Ratios Auto Example:

Refer to manual for specific ratios per gear.

📐 Dimensions

Exterior Length:

Approx. 4620 mm (181.9 in)

Exterior Width:

Approx. 1730 mm (68.1 in)

Exterior Height:

Approx. 1315 mm (51.8 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2610 mm (102.8 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1350-1450 kg (2976-3197 lbs) depending on configuration

Cargo Capacity:

Moderate coupe trunk space, rear seats generally fold down for expanded cargo room.

Track Width Front:

Approx. 1465 mm (57.7 in)

Track Width Rear:

Approx. 1460 mm (57.5 in)

Wheelbase V6:

Approx. 2610 mm (102.8 in)

Wheelbase I4:

Approx. 2610 mm (102.8 in)

Tire Size Standard V6:

195/60R15

Tire Size Optional V6:

205/55R15

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

4x114.3 mm (4.5 inch)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

Limited official crash test data readily available for this specific model year from NHTSA in its current format. Vehicles of this era generally had lower safety standards than modern vehicles.

Active Features:

Front-wheel drive, Four-wheel disc brakes (standard on V6), Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Passive Features:

Seat belts (3-point front, 2-point rear), High-strength steel safety cage, Crumple zones, Side-impact door beams.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag optional on some trims, passenger airbag not standard or available on US models of this year.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment:

Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Manual climate controls, analog gauges.

Driver Assistance:

None standard. Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was the primary advanced feature.

Connectivity:

N/A. No modern connectivity features.

Features Optional Premium Audio:

Some models featured upgraded audio systems with more speakers and potentially graphic equalizers.

Instrumentation:

Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, coolant temperature. Warning lights for oil pressure, brake system, battery, check engine.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals Oil:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) for synthetic oil, or 3,000 miles for conventional oil, with filter replacement at every oil change.

Service Intervals Coolant:

Initial replacement at 60,000 miles or 4 years, then every 30,000 miles or 2 years thereafter.

Service Intervals Spark Plugs:

Replace every 60,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs.

Fluid Specifications Oil:

API Service SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).

Fluid Specifications Coolant:

Mazda Genuine Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) or equivalent phosphate-free, ethylene glycol-based coolant. Mixture: 50% coolant, 50% distilled water.

Fluid Specifications Transmission Auto:

Dexron II or equivalent Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).

Fluid Specifications Power Steering:

Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid or ATF Dexron II.

Known Issues:

Oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket), coolant leaks (hose deterioration, water pump seal), automatic transmission issues (sluggish shifting), minor electrical gremlins (e.g., power window motors), wear on suspension bushings, catalytic converter failure, early ABS system faults.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles or 4 years for the KL-DE V6 engine. Critical to prevent catastrophic engine damage.

Fluid Capacities Engine Oil:

Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter change for V6.

Fluid Capacities Coolant:

Approx. 7.0 US quarts (6.6 L) for V6.

Fluid Capacities Transmission Auto:

Approx. 7.7 US quarts (7.3 L) for V6 automatic.

Fluid Capacities Transmission Manual:

Approx. 2.1 US quarts (2.0 L) for manual.

Filter Part Numbers Oil:

Example: Mazda B6BF-14-302 or aftermarket equivalent like Fram PH7317, Wix 51515.

Filter Part Numbers Air:

Example: Mazda BP4W-33-270 or aftermarket equivalent like Fram CA7226, Wix 42522.

Brake Pads Front Part Numbers:

Example: Mazda KB73-33-23Z or aftermarket equivalent.

Brake Pads Rear Part Numbers:

Example: Mazda KB71-26-38Z or aftermarket equivalent.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mazda has a history of producing sporty and driver-focused vehicles, often with innovative technology and distinctive styling, exemplified by models like the RX-7 and Miata.

Model Evolution:

The 1990 Mazda MX-6 is the first generation (GE platform), introduced in 1987 as a 1988 model year. It succeeded the Mazda Luce/Cosmo coupe. It was known for its sleek, wind-cheating design and was jointly developed with the Ford Probe.

Production Years:

1987-1997 (First Generation GE: 1987-1991; Second Generation GE: 1991-1997)

Manufacturing Locations:

Japan (AutoAlliance International plant in Flat Rock, Michigan for North American market)

Platform Sharing:

Shared its platform with the first-generation Ford Probe.

Design Philosophy:

Aerodynamic styling inspired by Mazda's 'Kiyora' design concept, focusing on a low drag coefficient.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While not a recipient of specific major 'car of the year' awards in its own right, the MX-6 was recognized for its styling and performance value within its segment. It often received positive reviews from automotive journalists of the era for its handling and design.

Ratings:

Consumer satisfaction and reliability ratings for vehicles of this vintage are generally mixed compared to modern standards. Early Japanese domestic market (JDM) engineering was highly regarded.