🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

3

Year:

2003

Generation Designation:

First Generation (BK)

Chassis Code:

BK

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Car / Small Family Car

Target Audience:

DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, Mazda owners seeking detailed technical information

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf

Unique Selling Points:

Sporty handling, upscale interior for its class, reliable powertrains

Handling Dynamics:

Renowned for its 'Zoom-Zoom' driving dynamics, responsive steering, and well-tuned suspension

Interior Design:

Often praised for a more premium interior feel than many rivals

Body Styles:

Available as a 4-door sedan and a 5-door hatchback

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Maintenance, Repair, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting

Secondary Coverage:

Electrical Diagrams, Specifications, Component Locations

Estimated Page Count:

Over 1000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF), Print (optional)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Control System (ECU), Fuel System, Lubrication System, Cooling System, Ignition System, Exhaust System

Transmission:

Manual Transmission (MT), Automatic Transmission (AT), Drivetrain, Axles, Clutch

Brakes:

Brake System, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), Brake Components, Hydraulic System

Suspension Steering:

Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Steering System, Power Steering

Electrical:

Body Electrical, Powertrain Electrical, Lighting System, Audio System, Instrument Cluster, HVAC Controls, Wiring Diagrams, Fuses and Relays

Body Chassis:

Body Exterior, Body Interior, Doors, Windows, Seats, Frame, Corrosion Protection

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) System

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Top-offs, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection and Replacement

Repair:

Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Repairs, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Body Panel Repair

Diagnostics:

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-Based Troubleshooting, Component Testing Procedures, Scan Tool Data Interpretation

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic Flowcharts, Common Problems and Solutions, Intermittent Fault Diagnosis

Depth Level:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls)

Diagnostic Tools:

Information on using OBD-II scanners, multimeters, oscilloscopes, and specialized Mazda diagnostic equipment (e.g., for ECU programming/updates)

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick information retrieval

Printability:

Printable pages

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images and diagrams

Binding:

N/A (for digital format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (for digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

Z6 (1.6L DOHC 16-valve)

Displacement 1:

1598 cc

Horsepower 1:

104 HP @ 6000 RPM

Torque 1:

146 Nm (108 lb-ft) @ 4000 RPM

Fuel System 1:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine Code 2:

LF-VE (2.0L DOHC 16-valve MZR)

Displacement 2:

1999 cc

Horsepower 2:

145 HP @ 6000 RPM

Torque 2:

181 Nm (133 lb-ft) @ 4500 RPM

Fuel System 2:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine Code 3:

L3-VE (2.3L DOHC 16-valve MZR DISI Turbo - Speed6)

Displacement 3:

2261 cc

Horsepower 3:

263 HP @ 5500 RPM (Speed6 variant)

Torque 3:

380 Nm (280 lb-ft) @ 3000 RPM (Speed6 variant)

Fuel System 3:

Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) Turbocharged

Engine Construction:

Aluminum Alloy Block and Cylinder Head

Timing Mechanism:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), Chain-driven (LF-VE, L3-VE), Belt-driven (Z6 - typical, but manual will confirm)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual Transmission (FS5A-EL, G35M-R for performance variants)

Optional Transmission:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (FS5A-EL)

Clutch Type:

Dry single plate (manual)

Automatic Features:

Sport mode, possible manual override (Steptronic-like functionality on some trims)

Drivetrain:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available on select trims (e.g., Mazdaspeed3, though this is for the 2003 model, AWD was less common)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4470 mm (176.0 in)

Width:

1740 mm (68.5 in)

Height:

1420 mm (55.9 in)

Length:

4415 mm (173.8 in)

Width:

1740 mm (68.5 in)

Height:

1470 mm (57.9 in)

Curb Weight Range:

Approximately 1250 - 1450 kg (2755 - 3197 lbs), varying by engine and trim

Wheelbase:

2640 mm (103.9 in)

Track Front:

1500 mm (59.1 in)

Track Rear:

1490 mm (58.7 in)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Good (for both driver and passenger in most tests for the generation)

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable/Good (depending on specific test parameters and year within generation)

ABS:

Standard on most trims

Ebd:

Standard (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)

Traction Control:

Optional on some trims

Electronic Stability Control:

Not widely available on the base 2003 model, more common in later years or performance variants

Airbags:

Frontal airbags standard, side-impact airbags and curtain airbags optional on select trims

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium audio system (e.g., Bose) on higher trims. Auxiliary input generally not standard on early models.

Navigation:

Optional factory-installed navigation system available on select trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims

Keyless Entry:

Available on higher trims

Bluetooth:

Not typically available on the 2003 model; introduced in later generations.

Usb Port:

Not standard on the 2003 model.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (typical for this era, check manual for specific recommendations based on driving conditions)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months (typical, check manual)

Cabin Air Filter:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months (typical, check manual)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard spark plugs, or 75,000-100,000 miles for iridium plugs (check manual for specific type)

Engine Oil Type:

API SM, ILSAC GF-4, SAE 5W-20 (preferred for fuel economy and performance)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.0 - 4.5 Liters (4.2 - 4.8 US Quarts) with filter change (check manual for exact capacity)

Coolant Type:

Mazda Genuine Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (FL22 or equivalent, typically a blue or green ethylene glycol based coolant)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (check manual for exact specification and capacity)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mazda ATF-SP III or equivalent (check manual for exact specification and capacity)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid

Power Steering Fluid:

Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid or equivalent (Dexron III ATF may be specified, check manual)

Common Problem 1:

Corrosion on rear wheel arches and sills, especially in rust-prone climates.

Common Problem 2:

Front suspension wear (e.g., control arm bushings, sway bar links) leading to clunking noises.

Common Problem 3:

Power steering pump noise or leaks on higher mileage vehicles.

Common Problem 4:

Oil leaks from the valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket.

Common Problem 5:

Check engine light due to minor emissions-related faults (e.g., EVAP system).

Common Problem 6:

Driver's side power window regulator failure.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Philosophy:

Mazda's long history of producing engaging and driver-focused vehicles, dating back to its inception

Predecessor:

Mazda 323 (Familia)

Generation Introduction:

The first generation (BK) Mazda 3 was introduced for the 2004 model year in most markets, with the 2003 model year potentially referring to pre-production or early availability in certain regions or specific market launches.

Performance Variant:

Mazdaspeed3 (2007-2009) was the high-performance variant of this generation, featuring a turbocharged 2.3L engine and sport-tuned suspension. This manual covers the standard Mazda 3 models.

Production Locations:

Primarily Japan (Hofu Plant)

Production Years:

2003 (for 2004 model year launch) - 2009

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Award 1:

Car and Driver's 10Best list for 2004, 2005, and 2006 (for the first-generation Mazda 3 overall)

Award 2:

Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) 'Best New Small Car' for 2004

Award 3:

Intellichoice 'Recommended' and 'SmartChoice Design' awards

Manufacturing Standards:

Adherence to ISO 9001 and other relevant automotive manufacturing quality standards.