🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Mazda 3

Year:

2006

Generation:

1st Generation (BK Series)

Chassis Codes:

BK14

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Car / Small Family Car

Usp:

Sporty handling, upscale interior for its class, good reliability.

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Sentra.

Design Philosophy:

Zoom-Zoom driving dynamics.

Body Styles Offered:

4-door Sedan, 5-door Hatchback.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF)

Estimated Page Count:

1500-2500 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, lubrication system, cooling system, timing system (belt/chain), intake and exhaust manifolds.

Engine Management:

Fuel injection system, ignition system, emission control systems (catalytic converter, EVAP), sensors (MAP, TPS, O2, Knock), actuators, ECM/PCM diagnostics and programming.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gear selection, internal components, lubrication, removal and installation.

Transmission Automatic:

Torque converter, hydraulic control system, gear sets, valve body, electronic controls, lubrication, removal and installation.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) axle shafts, CV joints, differential, rear suspension components (for AWD variants, if applicable).

Suspension:

Front struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings, steering knuckles. Rear independent suspension (multi-link or similar), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings.

Steering:

Power steering system (hydraulic/electric), steering column, steering rack/gearbox, tie rod ends, alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brake systems, brake calipers, pads, rotors, master cylinder, brake lines, ABS system (including sensors, modulator, control module), parking brake system.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, body control module (BCM).

Body And Chassis:

Body construction, panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, windows, glass, interior trim, exterior trim, structural components, corrosion protection.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system (compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant lines, R-134a), heating system, blower motor, climate control module, cabin air filter replacement.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS module, sensors, control unit, airbags), seatbelt pre-tensioners, safety restraint system diagnostics.

Preventive Maintenance:

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

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) retrieval and interpretation, component testing procedures, wiring harness testing.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair for all major systems.

Component Rebuilding:

Detailed instructions for engine overhauls, transmission overhauls, and other major component rebuilds.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific repairs.

Tightening Torques:

Precise torque specifications for all critical fasteners.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Detailed wiring diagrams, circuit tracing guides, and component resistance/voltage testing procedures.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complex diagnostics and full mechanical overhauls.

Target Audience:

Professional automotive technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format) - likely searchable and printable.

Image Resolution:

High resolution for clear diagrams and illustrations.

Text Quality:

Clear, crisp text, often with hyperlinked table of contents for easy navigation.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital format, but intended for printing on standard paper)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

Z6

Engine Displacement 1:

1.6 Liters (1598 cc)

Engine Type 1:

DOHC 16-valve Inline-4, Naturally Aspirated

Horsepower 1:

104 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)

Torque 1:

108 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)

Fuel System 1:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Engine Code 2:

LF-VE

Engine Displacement 2:

2.0 Liters (1999 cc)

Engine Type 2:

DOHC 16-valve Inline-4, Naturally Aspirated

Horsepower 2:

148 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)

Torque 2:

135 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)

Fuel System 2:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Compression Ratio 1:

9.1:1

Compression Ratio 2:

9.7:1

Bore X Stroke 1:

83.0 mm x 74.2 mm

Bore X Stroke 2:

87.5 mm x 83.1 mm

Engine Mounting:

Transverse

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual (FS5A-EL)

Optional Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic (GF4A-EL)

Automatic Transmission Modes:

Normal, Sport (often driver-selectable)

Manual Transmission Clutch:

Hydraulic Actuation

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

2640 mm (103.9 inches)

Length Sedan:

4415 mm (173.8 inches)

Length Hatchback:

4460 mm (175.6 inches)

Width:

1755 mm (69.1 inches)

Height Sedan:

1465 mm (57.7 inches)

Height Hatchback:

1485 mm (58.5 inches)

Front Track:

1500 mm (59.1 inches)

Rear Track:

1495 mm (58.9 inches)

Ground Clearance:

150 mm (5.9 inches) (approx.)

Curb Weight Min:

1250 kg (2756 lbs) (approx. for 1.6L Sedan)

Curb Weight Max:

1350 kg (2976 lbs) (approx. for 2.0L Hatchback)

Trunk Volume Sedan:

410 Liters (14.5 cu ft) (approx.)

Cargo Volume Hatchback:

340 Liters (12.0 cu ft) (seats up), 642 Liters (22.7 cu ft) (seats down) (approx.)

Wheelbase Bolt Pattern:

5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches)

Standard Tire Size:

195/65R15, 205/50R17 (depending on trim)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver:

5-Star (for 2006 model year)

NHTSA Frontal Passenger:

5-Star (for 2006 model year)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Good (for 2006 model year)

ABS:

Standard on most trims

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution:

Often paired with ABS

Traction Control:

Optional on some trims, standard on higher trims

Airbags Front:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Airbags Side:

Front side-impact airbags (optional/standard on higher trims)

Airbags Curtain:

Side-curtain airbags (optional/standard on higher trims for hatchback)

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player, often with 4-6 speakers. Optional Bose premium audio system available on higher trims.

Display:

Basic LCD display for radio information and climate control. No large touchscreen infotainment systems in this generation.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Rain Sensing Wipers:

Optional on some higher trims.

Automatic Climate Control:

Optional on some higher trims.

Auxiliary Input:

Optional auxiliary audio input jack on some models, often requiring an adapter cable.

Bluetooth:

Not commonly available or standard in this generation.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe driving), or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) / 6 months (normal driving) - refer to manual for exact recommendation based on oil type.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Iridium spark plugs typically last 100,000 miles (160,000 km).

Coolant Replacement:

Every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 4 years for the first change, then every 50,000 miles or 2 years thereafter (Mazda FL22 coolant recommended).

Engine Oil Type:

API SN/SP or ILSAC GF-5/GF-6. Viscosity: 5W-20 is generally recommended, but check owner's manual for climate-specific recommendations. Some sources suggest 5W-30 might be acceptable for certain conditions.

Engine Oil Capacity 1.6L:

Approximately 3.8 Liters (4.0 US Quarts) with filter change.

Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L:

Approximately 4.0 Liters (4.2 US Quarts) with filter change.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mazda ATF-MV (Multi-Vehicle) or equivalent. Check dipstick level when warm and engine running. Capacity approx. 3.1 Liters (3.3 US Quarts) for change with filter.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Coolant Type:

Mazda Genuine FL22 Engine Coolant (pre-mixed 50/50 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent long-life coolant.

Common Issue Rust:

Corrosion on wheel arches, rocker panels, and subframes, especially in regions with road salt. Regular washing and undercoating can mitigate this.

Common Issue Suspension Noise:

Worn sway bar links and bushings can lead to knocking or rattling noises, particularly over uneven surfaces.

Common Issue Clutch Wear:

Clutch wear can be accelerated with aggressive driving or frequent stop-and-go traffic.

Common Issue Evap System Codes:

Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) system leaks, often due to a faulty vent valve or canister purge solenoid, can trigger check engine lights.

Common Issue Ignition Coils:

Degradation of ignition coils can lead to misfires and rough running.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Heritage:

Mazda has a long history of producing reliable and driver-focused vehicles, often emphasizing sporty handling and innovative design.

First Generation Launch:

The first generation Mazda 3 (BK) was launched in late 2003 for the 2004 model year globally, with the 2006 model representing a mid-cycle update with minor styling tweaks and feature enhancements.

Platform:

Built on Mazda's unique 'Global C' platform, shared with the Ford Focus and Volvo S40 of the same era, but heavily re-engineered by Mazda.

Production Locations:

Hofu, Japan; Changan, China; AutoAlliance International, USA (for North American market).

Production Years Bk:

2003-2009

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car Of The Year Nominations:

The Mazda 3 was highly regarded and often appeared on 'Car of the Year' shortlists globally.

Editor Awards:

Consistently received positive reviews from automotive journalists for its driving dynamics and value.

Reliability Rankings:

Generally considered to have good to very good reliability by organizations like Consumer Reports and J.D. Power for its class and era.