🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Mazda3

Year:

2009

Generation:

2nd Generation

Chassis Code:

BK (This generation continues the BK chassis code from the first generation, with updates)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Mazda3 2nd Generation was positioned as a stylish, sporty, and engaging compact car, competing directly with rivals like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Golf, and Ford Focus. It aimed to offer a more premium and driver-focused experience within its segment.

Competitive Analysis:

Distinguished itself with its 'Zoom-Zoom' driving dynamics, upscale interior design for its class, and available Skyactiv technologies (though more prominent in later generations). The 2009 model year represents a significant update, marking the transition to the second generation, which brought refreshed styling, improved refinement, and updated powertrains.

Key Features:

Engaging handling, comfortable ride, well-designed interior, available turbocharged engine (MazdaSpeed3), good fuel economy, hatchback and sedan body styles, advanced safety features for its time.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Coverage:

2.0L MZR-CD (R2) Diesel, 2.3L MZR DISI Turbo (L3-VDT) Gasoline, 2.5L MZR (LF-VE) Gasoline

Transmission Coverage:

5-Speed Manual, 6-Speed Manual, 5-Speed Automatic, 6-Speed Activematic (Automatic)

Body Style Coverage:

4-Door Sedan, 5-Door Hatchback

Estimated Page Count:

~2000+ pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF), Printable

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, lubrication, cooling system, fuel injection (gasoline and diesel), ignition system, emissions control.

Transmission Drivetrain:

Manual transmission (gearbox, clutch, shift mechanisms), Automatic transmission (torque converter, planetary gears, valve body, solenoids), front-wheel drive axle shafts, differential.

Suspension Steering:

Front suspension (struts, control arms, anti-roll bar), Rear suspension (multi-link), power steering system (hydraulic/electric), steering column, wheel alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) components and diagnostics, brake fluid specifications.

Electrical Electronics:

Battery, alternator, starter, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, power locks, mirrors, horn, wipers, fuse box diagrams, relay locations, wiring diagrams for all major systems.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (A/C) system, compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant type and capacity, controls, cabin air filter.

Body Exterior Interior:

Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass, bumpers, trim, interior components, seating systems, sound deadening.

Body Control Module Bcm:

BCM functions, configuration, diagnostics, integration with other modules.

ECM PCM:

Engine Control Module (ECM) / Powertrain Control Module (PCM) functions, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), data stream interpretation.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter change, air filter replacement, cabin air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs, tire rotation and pressure checks.

Engine Repair:

Timing belt/chain replacement, head gasket repair, piston ring replacement, bearing replacement, fuel injector replacement, turbocharger overhaul (for turbo models).

Transmission Repair:

Clutch replacement, manual gearbox overhaul, automatic transmission service and repair, torque converter replacement.

Brake System Repair:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, brake line replacement, bleeding procedures, ABS component diagnostics and replacement.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting of lighting issues, starter/alternator problems, power accessory malfunctions, use of multimeters and oscilloscopes, interpreting wiring diagrams.

HVAC Service:

Refrigerant evacuation and recharging, leak detection, component replacement (compressor, dryer, expansion valve), blower motor replacement.

Suspension Steering Repair:

Strut and shock absorber replacement, ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement, power steering pump/rack replacement.

Body Work:

Door hinge adjustment, bumper cover replacement, fender replacement, glass installation, interior trim removal.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes DTCs:

List of DTCs, their meanings, and troubleshooting steps for each.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic scheduled maintenance and fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics, and bodywork repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchable Text:

Yes (typically, OCR processed PDFs are searchable)

Print Quality:

High-resolution graphics and diagrams, suitable for printing

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine Gasoline:

2.5L MZR (LF-VE) Inline-4

Engine Code 2 5L:

LF-VE

Engine Displacement 2 5L:

2488 cc

Secondary Engine Gasoline:

2.3L MZR DISI Turbo (L3-VDT) - MazdaSpeed3

Diesel Engine:

2.0L MZR-CD (R2) Diesel

Horsepower 2 5L:

167 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 2 5L:

167 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Horsepower 2 3L Turbo:

263 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque 2 3L Turbo:

280 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm

Horsepower Diesel:

~148 hp (varies by market)

Torque Diesel:

~260 lb-ft (varies by market)

Engine Code 2 3L Turbo:

L3-VDT

Engine Code Diesel:

R2 (Common Rail Direct Injection)

Fuel System Gasoline:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (S-MPI) for 2.5L, Direct Injection (DISI) for 2.3L Turbo

Fuel System Diesel:

Common Rail Direct Injection (CR-Di)

Induction Gasoline:

Naturally Aspirated (2.5L), Turbocharged (2.3L)

Induction Diesel:

Turbocharged

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-Speed Manual (on lower trims and some markets), 6-Speed Manual (on MazdaSpeed3)

Optional Transmission:

5-Speed Automatic (with Activematic mode)

Transmission Features:

Sport-tuned manual gearboxes, optional paddle shifters on some automatic transmissions, limited-slip differential (LSD) standard on MazdaSpeed3.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Sedan: ~177.0 in (4495 mm), Hatchback: ~167.5 in (4255 mm)

Width:

~69.1 in (1755 mm)

Height:

~57.5 in (1460 mm)

Wheelbase:

~103.7 in (2635 mm)

Cargo Volume Sedan:

~11.8 cu ft (varies)

Cargo Volume Hatchback:

~15.2 cu ft (seats up), ~40.1 cu ft (seats down)

Curb Weight:

Starting from ~3000 lbs (1360 kg), up to ~3400 lbs (1540 kg) for MazdaSpeed3

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)

Standard Wheel Size:

16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels

Optional Wheel Size:

18-inch alloy wheels (MazdaSpeed3)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-star rating

NHTSA Side Impact:

5-star rating

IIHS Front Crash:

Good

IIHS Side Impact:

Good

IIHS Rear Impact:

Good

Active Safety Features:

ABS, EBD, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), Traction Control System (TCS), optional Xenon headlights.

Passive Safety Features:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (for front and rear passengers), active front headrests, three-point seat belts with pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player with auxiliary input. Optional Bose premium audio system, in-dash CD changer, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming became more common in later years of this generation.

Driver Assistance Features:

Cruise control. Advanced features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning were not typically available on this model year.

Connectivity Features:

Auxiliary audio input jack. Optional Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Check owner's manual for specific recommendation.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on driving environment. Inspect at every oil change.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-20,000 miles (24,000-32,000 km) or annually. Inspect at every oil change.

Spark Plug Replacement:

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

Transmission Fluid Change:

Manual: Inspect periodically, change fluid every 60,000 miles (96,000 km). Automatic: Inspect periodically, change fluid typically every 50,000-75,000 miles (80,000-120,000 km), especially under severe use. Refer to manual for fluid type.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 API SN/SP, ILSAC GF-5/GF-6A compliant. Check owner's manual for exact specification and capacity (typically ~4.5-5 quarts).

Coolant Type:

Mazda Genuine Super Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant, pre-diluted 50/50. Capacity ~7.0-7.5 quarts.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-80 or 75W-90 gear oil (capacity ~2.0-2.5 liters).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mazda Genuine ATF MV or equivalent ATF (capacity ~7.0-8.0 liters for drain/refill).

Known Issues Engine 2 3L Turbo:

Carbon buildup on intake valves (direct injection), turbocharger issues (frequent oil changes crucial), clutch wear (MazdaSpeed3 due to torque).

Known Issues General:

Corrosion on subframes and suspension components in rust-belt regions, power steering pump failures (early models), potential for AC system leaks, occasional electrical gremlins (fuses, relays).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mazda has a long history in automotive manufacturing, known for its focus on driving enjoyment ('Zoom-Zoom') and innovative technologies like the rotary engine (though not present in the Mazda3). The company has consistently aimed to offer cars that are fun to drive.

Model Evolution 2Nd Gen:

The 2nd generation Mazda3, introduced for the 2009 model year, represented a significant redesign over the first generation. It featured a larger footprint, more refined styling with a bolder grille and swept-back headlights, an improved interior with higher-quality materials, and updated powertrain options, including the introduction of the 2.5L engine and the potent MazdaSpeed3 variant.

Production Locations:

Primary production facilities in Japan (Hofu) and North America (Fremont, California; formerly) and China.

Model Years Covered:

Specifically covers the 2009 model year, the first year of the second generation, but the core engineering principles often extend to the immediate subsequent years (2010, 2011) of this generation.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Often recognized by the IIHS as a 'Top Safety Pick' for its excellent crash test performance.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Varies by year and specific component. Generally considered average to good, with some specific model years or powertrains receiving higher or lower marks. The 2.5L engine is generally well-regarded for reliability.