Segment:
Compact Car / Subcompact Car
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, Mazda enthusiasts.
Key Competitors 1992:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Escort, Mitsubishi Mirage.
Vehicle Strengths:
Known for good fuel economy, reliable engines, sporty handling (especially in GT trims), and practical hatchback/sedan configurations.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential, factory-level technical data for accurate diagnosis and repair, empowering owners and technicians to maintain the vehicle effectively.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Clutch, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drive Shafts, Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Hydraulic & Parking), Wheels & Tires, Body & Frame, Exterior & Interior Trim, Electrical System (Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instruments, Accessories), Climate Control, Emissions Control
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed breakdown of all engine components including cylinder head, block, pistons, rings, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train, timing belt/chain, seals, and gaskets.
Fuel Delivery:
Components of the fuel system including fuel pump, injectors (if applicable), fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel tank, and related sensors.
Ignition System:
Spark plugs, ignition coils/distributor, ignition control module, timing adjustment, and related sensors.
Transmission Manual:
Gearbox removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, clutch operation, and fluid specifications.
Transmission Automatic:
Torque converter, valve body, gear sets, transmission control unit (if applicable), fluid specifications, and troubleshooting.
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings), alignment procedures, steering rack, power steering system, and wheel balancing.
Brake System:
Hydraulic system (master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, wheel cylinders), parking brake, disc and drum brake service, fluid specifications, and bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all circuits, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system (starter motor), lighting, instruments, switches, fuses, relays, and accessory circuits.
Body And Interior:
Door mechanisms, glass replacement, trim removal and installation, seat adjustments, dashboard disassembly, and body panel repair.
Climate Control:
Air conditioning system components (compressor, condenser, evaporator), heater core, blower motor, and refrigerant handling (with warnings).
Emissions Control:
Catalytic converter, EGR system, EVAP system, and related sensors and diagnostic procedures.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts and flowcharts for common symptoms and faults across all major systems.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, overhaul, replacement, and reassembly of virtually all parts of the vehicle.
Diagnostics:
Procedures for checking system operation, measuring component performance (e.g., compression testing, fuel pressure testing), and interpreting diagnostic trouble codes (if applicable).
Specifications And Tolerances:
Detailed torque specifications for all fasteners, critical clearances, wear limits, and alignment angles.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures for complex issues.
Engine Code Gasoline:
BP (1.8L DOHC), B6 (1.6L SOHC/DOHC)
Engine Displacement 1.6L:
1598 cc
Engine Displacement 1.8L:
1839 cc
Engine Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated (some markets may have turbo variants for specific trims)
Horsepower 1.6L:
Approx. 90-100 hp (depending on DOHC/SOHC and market)
Horsepower 1.8L:
Approx. 110-125 hp (depending on tune and market)
Torque 1.6L:
Approx. 90-95 lb-ft
Torque 1.8L:
Approx. 105-115 lb-ft
Fuel Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Octane Rating:
87 (minimum, check manual for specific recommendations)
Engine Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Engine Oil Filter:
Replace at every oil change.
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs, or as specified for platinum/iridium plugs.
Timing Belt:
Replace every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years. **Crucial maintenance item, failure can cause severe engine damage.**
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.8-4.3 liters (4.0-4.5 US quarts) with filter, depending on engine size.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, 50/50 mixture with distilled water. Mazda recommends Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mazda ATF-III or Dexron II/III equivalent
Engine Peripherals:
Leaking valve cover gaskets, worn distributor O-rings, and cracked intake manifold gaskets can be common on higher mileage examples.
Suspension Wear:
Worn control arm bushings and ball joints leading to alignment issues and steering looseness.
Electrical Connections:
Corrosion or loose connections in the fuse box, ground points, and lighting harnesses can cause intermittent electrical gremlins.
Rust And Corrosion:
Common in areas exposed to road salt, particularly around wheel wells, rocker panels, and the exhaust system. Frame rust can be a significant structural issue.
Automatic Transmission:
Some automatic transmissions may exhibit delayed shifting or slipping if fluid and filter are not maintained.
Mazda History:
Mazda, established in 1920, has a history of innovation, including rotary engines and driver-focused vehicles. The Familia (meaning 'family' in Italian) is one of their longest-running and most successful nameplates.
Fifth Generation:
The 1992 Familia belongs to the BG generation (1989-1994). This generation was also sold under different names in various markets, such as Mazda 323 (most common internationally) and Ford Laser.
Design Philosophy:
This generation emphasized improved aerodynamics, more refined interiors, and enhanced driving dynamics compared to its predecessors.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan, but also produced in other Mazda and Ford joint venture plants worldwide.
