🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

MPV

Generation:

LW Series (Second Generation)

Model Code:

LW2W (for North American models, varies by market)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact/Mid-size Minivan

Target Audience:

Families seeking practical, versatile, and reliable transportation. Known for its car-like handling and styling compared to other minivans of the era.

Key Competitors:

Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan, Ford Windstar.

Styling:

Distinctive, somewhat 'sporty' styling for a minivan of its time, often featuring a forward-leaning design and unique headlight arrangement.

Handling:

Praised for its car-like driving dynamics, responsive steering, and agile handling, largely due to its Mazda Familia (323) platform underpinnings.

Versatility:

Flexible seating configurations, ample cargo space, and often featuring sliding rear doors for easy access.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

All Models, Engines, and Trim Levels for 1999-2002 Mazda MPV

Page Count:

Estimated 1500+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)

Manual Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul for 2.5L V6 (FS-DE/GY-DE variants) engine. Includes fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication, emissions control, engine mechanicals, and performance tuning.

Transmission:

Coverage for the 4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., J4A type). Includes diagnosis, fluid service, seal replacement, torque converter service, and internal component repair.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) systems. Includes CV joint inspection and replacement, driveshaft service, and differential components.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes and rear drum/disc brakes (depending on trim). Includes hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnosis and repair, brake pad/shoe replacement, caliper/wheel cylinder service, and rotor resurfacing/replacement.

Suspension:

Front independent suspension (likely MacPherson struts) and rear multi-link or solid axle (depending on market/drive). Includes shock absorber/strut replacement, control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, and wheel bearing service.

Steering:

Power steering system. Includes pump diagnosis, fluid replacement, rack and pinion service, and steering column components.

Electrical:

Comprehensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system. Includes battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), horn, wipers, and fuses/relays. Detailed wiring diagrams are typically included.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system. Includes refrigerant service, compressor clutch diagnosis, blower motor, heater core, evaporator core, and climate control panel operation.

Body:

Exterior body panels, doors, hood, liftgate, interior trim, seating, and glass. Includes body repair procedures, panel alignment, and component replacement.

Chassis:

Frame, subframes, exhaust system, fuel tank, and mounting components.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid flushes, transmission fluid changes, and lubrication points.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues. Includes symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation (if applicable to the era), and testing procedures for various components.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation. Covers engine, transmission, suspension, steering, brakes, electrical, and bodywork.

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic flowcharts, electrical circuit analysis, and component testing methods using multimeter and specific diagnostic tools.

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, and dimensional data for critical components.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from routine maintenance and scheduled servicing to complex engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system diagnostics, and body panel repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans, suitable for printing. Includes clear diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Searchability:

Likely searchable text within the PDF, allowing for quick access to specific topics.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

GY-DE (often referred to as the 2.5L V6)

Engine Type:

60-degree V6, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) or DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) depending on specific market/variant, though SOHC was more common in North America.

Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2490 cc)

Horsepower:

Approximately 160-170 hp @ 5800-6000 rpm (varies slightly by specific engine variant and market)

Torque:

Approximately 150-160 lb-ft @ 4000-4500 rpm (varies slightly by specific engine variant and market)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Recommended Octane:

87 Octane (USA/Canada)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 74.2 mm (approximate)

Compression Ratio:

9.4:1 (typical)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic

Transmission Model Code:

J4A (common for Mazda/Ford applications of this era)

Optional Transmission:

Manual transmission was not commonly offered for this generation MPV in most major markets.

Drive Modes:

Typically features 'P', 'R', 'N', 'D', '2', '1' or similar selection for engine braking and towing.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Mazda ATF-M III or equivalent DEXRON-III/MERCON automatic transmission fluid.

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 3.6 - 4.0 Liters (dry fill), 2.5 - 3.0 Liters (refill after pan drop and filter change).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4630 mm (182.3 in)

Width:

Approx. 1760 mm (69.3 in)

Height:

Approx. 1630 mm (64.2 in) (unloaded)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2820 mm (111.0 in)

Front Track:

Approx. 1495 mm (58.9 in)

Rear Track:

Approx. 1490 mm (58.7 in)

Seating Capacity:

7 Passengers (2-2-3 or 2-3-2 configurations)

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 15.0 - 18.0 cu ft (varies by configuration)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 50.0 - 60.0 cu ft (varies by configuration)

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

Approx. 100.0 - 120.0 cu ft (varies by configuration, with seats removed/folded)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1600-1750 kg (3527-3858 lbs) (varies by trim and FWD/AWD)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 2270 kg (5005 lbs) (typical)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

While specific year NHTSA ratings for this generation are hard to pin down consistently, minivans of this era generally received 4-star ratings in frontal impacts.

ABS:

Standard on most models, Anti-lock Braking System.

Traction Control:

Optional on some higher trims or AWD models.

Airbags:

Frontal driver and passenger airbags standard. Side airbags were often optional or not available on all models.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts for all seating positions. Lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) system typically present on rear seats.

Child Safety Locks:

Standard on rear doors.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Typically a factory AM/FM stereo with CD player or cassette player. Optional premium sound systems might be available on higher trims.

Navigation:

Optional factory or dealer-installed navigation systems were rare or non-existent for this model year in many markets.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Anti Lock Brakes:

Standard (ABS).

Auxiliary Input:

Not typically available in factory systems; aftermarket solutions required for smartphone connectivity.

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors were common features, often standard on higher trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (check manual for specific conditions).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km), or more frequently in dusty conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Platinum-tipped plugs typically every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km). Consult manual for exact type and interval.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km) or 2-3 years.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km), especially under severe service conditions (towing, stop-and-go traffic).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-20 (check owner's manual for exact specification, API certified).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.5 - 5.0 Liters (with filter) for the 2.5L V6.

Coolant Type:

Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) blue or green color.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Common Problems:

Some reports of premature wear on certain suspension components (e.g., control arm bushings), occasional AC system issues (compressor clutch, leaks), and potential for ignition coil or spark plug related misfires in the V6 engine.

Transmission Issues:

While generally reliable, some instances of transmission shudder or delayed engagement can occur, often related to fluid degradation or solenoid issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda History:

Mazda, a Japanese automaker founded in 1920, is known for its innovative designs, sporty driving dynamics, and focus on driver engagement, even in practical segments like the MPV.

First Generation:

The first generation MPV (1989-1998) was a more truck-like, rear-wheel-drive based vehicle. It offered both 4-cylinder and V6 engines and was available in both short and long wheelbase versions, and also as a RWD van.

Second Generation:

The second generation (LW series, 1999-2006) was a complete redesign. It adopted a unibody construction, front-wheel drive as standard (with AWD optional), and a more modern, car-like platform. This generation is characterized by its sleeker styling and improved handling.

Production Years:

1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 (covered by this manual)

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily manufactured in Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards:

The Mazda MPV, particularly this generation, received positive reviews for its handling and practicality, often cited as a more engaging-to-drive minivan. Specific awards may vary by automotive publication and region.