Market Segment:
Compact/Subcompact car, appealing to budget-conscious buyers seeking reliability and practicality.
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra
Key Selling Points:
Fuel efficiency, nimble handling, good value for money, availability of sedan and hatchback body styles.
Usefulness For Diy:
Essential for Do-It-Yourself mechanics, offering comprehensive guidance for repairs and maintenance, saving on labor costs.
Completeness Claim:
Claimed to be the 'most complete' manual compiled, suggesting extensive coverage of all major vehicle systems.
Engine Systems:
On-Board Diagnostics (ZM, FS engines), Cruise Control System, Symptom Troubleshooting (ZM, FS engines), Mechanical (ZM, FS engines), Lubrication, Cooling System, Intake-Air System (ZM, FS engines), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Emission System, Charging System, Ignition System, Starting System, Cruise Control System, Control Systems (ZM, FS engines)
Drivetrain Systems:
Suspension (General Procedures, Wheel Alignment, Front/Rear Suspension, Technical Data), Driveline/Axle (General Procedures, Front/Rear Axle, Drive Shaft, Technical Data), Transmission/Transaxle (On-Board Diagnostics, Symptom Troubleshooting, Clutch, Manual Transaxle [F25M-R, G15M-R], Manual Transaxle Shift Mechanism, Automatic Transaxle, Automatic Transaxle Shift Mechanism, Technical Data)
Chassis Systems:
Brakes (On-Board Diagnostics, Symptom Troubleshooting, General Procedures, Conventional Brake System, Parking Brake System, ABS, Technical Data), Steering (General Procedures, Engine Speed Sensing, Power Steering, Technical Data)
Body And Comfort Systems:
HVAC (Symptom Troubleshooting, Refrigerant System, Basic System, Control System, Technical Data), Restraints (On-Board Diagnostics, Symptom Troubleshooting, Air Bag System, Seat Belt), Body & Accessories (On-Board Diagnostics [Power Door Lock, Audio], Body Panels, Doors and Liftgate, Glass/Windows/Mirrors, Seats, Security and Locks, Sunroof, Exterior Trim, Interior Trim, Lighting Systems, Wiper/Washer System, Entertainment, Power Systems, Instrumentation/Driver Info)
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid level checks, coolant flush, brake fluid change, belt inspection/replacement, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement, tire rotation
Diagnostic Procedures:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II), symptom-based troubleshooting for engine, transmission, brakes, HVAC, restraints, and electrical systems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Repair Procedures:
Engine mechanical (timing belt, head gasket, internal components), transmission overhaul (manual and automatic), brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement (struts, ball joints, bushings), steering rack replacement, exhaust system repair, HVAC component replacement (compressor, evaporator), electrical component testing and replacement, body panel repair and replacement, window/door regulator repair
Special Procedures:
Wheel alignment, air bag system servicing, ABS system bleeding, refrigerant system evacuation and recharge, cruise control system diagnosis and repair
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete rebuilds. Includes detailed procedures, torque specifications, wiring diagrams (likely, though not explicitly stated), and troubleshooting flowcharts.
Transmission Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic
Manual Gear Ratios F25M-R
Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific ratios (e.g., 1st: 3.307, 2nd: 1.947, 3rd: 1.310, 4th: 1.000, 5th: 0.829, Reverse: 3.307, Final Drive: 4.300)
Manual Gear Ratios G15M-R
Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific ratios (e.g., 1st: 3.416, 2nd: 1.842, 3rd: 1.233, 4th: 0.971, 5th: 0.844, Reverse: 3.166, Final Drive: 4.105)
Automatic Transmission Details
Automatic Transmission Type:
4-speed electronically controlled automatic
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic actuated, single dry plate
Service Intervals General
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 miles (160,000 km) for iridium plugs, 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for conventional.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years (interference engine, critical replacement).
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 (for ZM and FS engines)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.7 quarts (3.5 liters) with filter change (ZM), 4.3 quarts (4.1 liters) with filter change (FS).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III / MERCON
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (for F25M-R and G15M-R)
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III / MERCON or Mazda Genuine ATF (Type III)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, Type A (Mazda Genuine Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent)
Common Problems:
Ignition coil failure, mass airflow sensor issues, power steering pump leaks, CV joint wear, exhaust manifold cracks (FS engine), sticky shifters (manual transmission), door lock actuator failure, rear main seal leaks.