Segment:
Sporty Personal Coupe
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking performance and style, appealing to a younger demographic
Key Competitors:
Toyota Celica, Honda Prelude, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Nissan 240SX
Design:
Aerodynamic 'cab-forward' design, pop-up headlights, distinctive styling
Performance:
Focus on handling and driver engagement, optional V6 engine for enhanced performance
Accuracy:
Vehicle-specific data, not generic; essential for accurate repairs
Comprehensiveness:
Covers all systems and repairs from routine maintenance to major overhauls
Technician Grade:
Directly from Mazda dealership technicians, ensuring factory-level procedures
Engine:
Complete diagnosis, overhaul, and component replacement for all engine variants
Fuel System:
Fuel injection systems, pumps, injectors, fuel lines, emissions controls
Ignition System:
Distributor, ignition coils, spark plugs, timing, electronic control module (ECM)
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission diagnosis, overhaul, and repair
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive, CV joints, driveshafts, differential
Suspension:
MacPherson struts (front), independent rear suspension (IRS), alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, linkages
Brakes:
Front disc, rear drum (or optional rear disc), hydraulic system, parking brake
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, fuses, relays
Climate Control:
HVAC system, refrigerant, blower motor, controls
Body And Interior:
Exterior panels, interior trim, seats, glass, doors, windows
Chassis And Frame:
Body structure, frame components, mounting points
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (if applicable for the era), symptom-based diagnosis
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair
Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for engine, transmission, and major component rebuilds
Adjustment:
Valve adjustments, timing belt tension, clutch adjustment, brake adjustments
Disassembly Assembly:
Comprehensive guides for taking apart and reassembling various vehicle systems
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Tools:
Specifies required special tools and diagnostic equipment
Special Tools:
Details specific Mazda special tools required for certain procedures
Engine Code I4:
FE-DOHC (later became F8, F8-DE)
Displacement I4:
2.0 Liters (1998 cc)
Configuration I4:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves
Horsepower I4:
145-160 hp (depending on market and specific variant)
Torque I4:
134-140 lb-ft (depending on market and specific variant)
Engine Code V6:
J5 (for North America)
Displacement V6:
2.6 Liters (2606 cc)
Configuration V6:
V6, SOHC, 12 valves
Horsepower V6:
140-145 hp
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane or higher recommended)
ECM:
Engine Control Module (ECM) for fuel and ignition timing
Type I4:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type V6:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Drive Wheels:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (check manual for exact spec)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent, check manual for exact spec)
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional premium sound system
Dashboard Layout:
Driver-oriented, clear instrumentation, often with a digital tachometer option
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels
Headlights:
Pop-up (retractable) headlights for aerodynamic efficiency
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (check manual for specific interval)
Engine Oil Filter:
Replace with every oil change
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000 miles (NGK or equivalent, specific part numbers in manual)
Timing Belt:
Replace every 60,000 miles or 5 years (CRITICAL for DOHC engines)
Engine Oil:
API SG/SF SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity and capacity)
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water), capacity approx. 5-6 quarts
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4; ensure reservoir is filled to MAX line
Engine Mounts:
Can degrade over time, leading to vibration
Suspension Components:
Worn ball joints, bushings, and tie rod ends are common on older vehicles
Power Window Motors:
Can fail due to age and wear
Radiator:
Corrosion and leaks can occur over time
Timing Belt Kit:
Gates TCK170 or similar (verify with manual)
Oil Filter:
WIX 51515, Fram PH8A or equivalent (verify with manual)
Mazda Focus:
Mazda's reputation for building engaging, driver-focused vehicles with innovative engineering
First Generation Launch:
Introduced in 1982 (Japan), North American debut was 1983
First Gen Platform:
Shared platform with the Mazda Capella/Mazda 626
Design Influence:
Significant European styling influence, aerodynamic focus
Production Years Gd:
1982-1987 (for the first generation GD)
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (primarily Mazda's Ujina Plant, Hiroshima)