Segment:
        
        
            Mid-size Sedan / Wagon
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, Mazda dealerships
        
     
    
    
        
            Competitors:
        
        
            Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion
        
     
    
    
        
            Unique Selling Points:
        
        
            Sporty handling, stylish design, available V6 engine, Jinba-Ittai philosophy.
        
     
    
        
            Manual Value Proposition:
        
        
            Empowers owners and technicians with factory-level knowledge for accurate and efficient repairs.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            General Coverage:
        
        
            Maintenance, Repair, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Specifications
        
     
    
    
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            Factory Service Manual (FSM)
        
     
    
    
    
    
        
            Format:
        
        
            Digital (PDF) / Printable
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine:
        
        
            2.3L MZR (L3-VE), 3.0L Ford Duratec 30 (AJ-DE/LA)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            5-Speed Manual, 4-Speed Automatic, 5-Speed Automatic
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Front and Rear Disc Brakes, ABS, EBD, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front MacPherson Struts, Rear Multi-Link Independent Suspension
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power Rack and Pinion
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Power Accessories, Audio System, SRS Airbag System
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Manual and Automatic Climate Control
        
     
    
        
            Body:
        
        
            Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Fluid Checks and Changes, Belt Inspection and Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Air Filter Replacement
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical System Troubleshooting and Repair, Body Panel Repair
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            OBD-II Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Component Testing, Sensor Data Interpretation
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts for common and uncommon issues
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance, minor repairs, major overhauls, and advanced diagnostics.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Type Standard:
        
        
            5-Speed Manual (FS5A-EL related for some variants)
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Type Optional 1:
        
        
            4-Speed Automatic (GF4A-EL related for some variants)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Type Optional 2:
        
        
            5-Speed Automatic (Aisin-derived for V6)
        
     
    
    
        
            Manual Clutch:
        
        
            Hydraulic Actuated
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Modes:
        
        
            Overdrive, Sport Mode (on some models)
        
     
    
    
        
            Manual Transmission Fluid:
        
        
            API GL-4 SAE 75W-90
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Fluid 4Spd:
        
        
            Mazda ATF-MV or equivalent Dexron III
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Fluid 5Spd:
        
        
            Mazda ATF-FZ or equivalent Mercon V
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Front Impact:
        
        
            ★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Frontal Offset:
        
        
            Good
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard on all models
        
     
    
        
            Ebd:
        
        
            Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (Standard)
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Standard on V6, Optional on 4-cylinder
        
     
    
        
            Stability Control:
        
        
            DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) Standard on V6, Optional on 4-cylinder
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags Front:
        
        
            Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags (Standard)
        
     
    
        
            Airbags Side:
        
        
            Optional Front Side-Impact Airbags
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            Pretensioners, Load Limiters
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            Bose Premium Audio System (Optional), Standard CD Player, AM/FM Radio
        
     
    
        
            Navigation:
        
        
            Optional Factory Navigation System
        
     
    
    
    
        
            Keyless Entry:
        
        
            Standard or Optional depending on trim level
        
     
    
    
        
            Aux Input:
        
        
            Not commonly available in this generation; aftermarket solutions exist.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (severe duty), 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal duty)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Air Filter:
        
        
            Inspect every 15,000 miles, Replace as needed or every 30,000 miles
        
     
    
        
            Cabin Air Filter:
        
        
            Replace annually or every 15,000 miles
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plugs 4Cyl:
        
        
            Replace every 100,000 miles (Iridium type)
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plugs V6:
        
        
            Replace every 100,000 miles (Platinum type)
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil 4Cyl:
        
        
            SAE 5W-20, API SN/SP or ILSAC GF-5/GF-6, Capacity: 4.7 US Quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil V6:
        
        
            SAE 5W-30, API SN/SP or ILSAC GF-5/GF-6, Capacity: 5.5 US Quarts (5.2 Liters) with filter
        
     
    
        
            Coolant:
        
        
            Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent HOAT type, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity: Approx. 7.5 US Quarts (7.1 Liters)
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4
        
     
    
    
        
            Common Problems:
        
        
            Rust/corrosion (especially rear wheel arches and rocker panels), Power steering pump leaks, Exhaust system corrosion, Ignition coil failure (4-cylinder), Transmission shifting issues (automatic), Suspension component wear (control arms, bushings).
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Tips:
        
        
            Check for HVAC blower motor resistor failure leading to fan speed issues.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Mazda Philosophy:
        
        
            Jinba-Ittai (Horse and Rider as One) - Focus on driving dynamics and driver connection.
        
     
    
    
        
            First Generation Launch:
        
        
            Introduced in 2002 globally as the successor to the Mazda Capella/626.
        
     
    
        
            Platform:
        
        
            Mazda's GG/GY platform, co-developed with Ford.
        
     
    
    
        
            Assembly Locations:
        
        
            Hofu, Japan; Flat Rock, Michigan, USA (for North American market)
        
     
    
        
            Production Years First Gen:
        
        
            2002-2008