🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

MX-6

Year:

1991

Chassis Code:

GE

Platform:

Mazda GD platform (shared with Mazda Capella/626)

Generation:

1st Generation (1987-1991)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Sporty compact coupe / Personal luxury coupe

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts seeking a stylish, capable, and driver-focused vehicle.

Key Competitors:

Toyota Celica, Honda Prelude, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Nissan 240SX.

Unique Selling Points:

Mazda's renowned handling, sophisticated styling for its era, available V6 engine option.

Styling:

Sleek, aerodynamic design with pop-up headlights, frameless door windows, and a distinctive greenhouse.

Driving Dynamics:

Emphasis on Mazda's 'Jinba Ittai' (horse and rider as one) philosophy, tuned suspension, responsive steering.

Interior:

Driver-oriented cockpit, comfortable seating, optional premium sound systems, typically well-appointed for its class.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Vehicle Specific Repair and Service

Scope:

All Models & All Repairs A-Z

Estimated Page Count:

Over 1000 pages (typical for factory service manuals of this era)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed (as implied by typical dealership use)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed diagnosis, overhaul, component testing, timing belt replacement, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, emission control systems (including EGR, O2 sensors).

Transmission:

Manual transmission (G-series) and Automatic transmission (F-series) overhaul, diagnosis, fluid replacement, clutch system, torque converter, shift linkage.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive, CV axles, differential, driveshaft (if applicable to specific trims), wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Front McPherson strut, rear independent suspension, control arms, ball joints, bushings, shock absorbers, springs, alignment specifications, steering knuckle, hub assembly.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear disc or drum brakes (depending on trim), hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, pads, rotors, parking brake system.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, intermediate shaft, fluid specifications.

Electrical:

Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, relay functions, lighting system, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system (starter motor), instrument cluster, gauges, warning lights, accessory circuits, diagnostic connector (OBD-I).

Body:

Exterior body panels, doors, windows, locks, mirrors, convertible top (if applicable), interior trim, seats, headliner, body sealing, rust prevention, chassis rigidity.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis, refrigerant handling (R12), compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, control panels, ductwork.

Emissions:

Detailed explanations of emission control devices, diagnosis and repair procedures for emissions-related faults, catalytic converter, secondary air injection.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid replacement, air filter replacement, belt inspection and replacement.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting flowcharts for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for OBD-I systems, component testing procedures (resistance, voltage, current), fuel pressure testing, compression testing.

Repair:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, radiator replacement, power steering pump replacement, alternator replacement, starter motor replacement, suspension component replacement, body panel repair, interior component repair.

Installation:

Component installation procedures, torque specifications for all fasteners, alignment procedures, accessory installation.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic strategies.

Accuracy:

Factory-level accuracy and detail, specific to Mazda technicians.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

N/A (Likely printed, but PDF scans are common for aftermarket sales)

Print Quality:

High-resolution images and diagrams (when scanned or originally printed).

Binding:

Professional binding (e.g., spiral-bound or hardcover) for dealership use, facilitating ease of use on a workbench.

Paper Type:

Durable, often coated paper to withstand workshop conditions.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Inline4:

FE-DOHC (2.0L DOHC 16-valve Inline-4)

Displacement Inline4:

1998 cc (2.0 Liters)

Horsepower Inline4:

Approx. 145-160 hp (depending on market and specific variant)

Torque Inline4:

Approx. 130-140 lb-ft (depending on market and specific variant)

Engine Code V6:

KF-DE (2.5L DOHC 24-valve V6)

Displacement V6:

2490 cc (2.5 Liters)

Horsepower V6:

Approx. 185-190 hp

Torque V6:

Approx. 170-175 lb-ft

0 60 Mph Inline4:

Approx. 8.5-9.5 seconds

0 60 Mph V6:

Approx. 7.0-7.5 seconds

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Octane Rating:

Premium Unleaded (91 Octane Recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Type Inline4:

5-speed Manual Transmission (Mazda G-series)

Type V6:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (Mazda F-series) with Lock-up Torque Converter

All Wheel Drive:

Not typically available for MX-5, primarily FWD. (Note: Some GD chassis variants of the 626 had AWD, but not the MX-6 coupe).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or SAE 75W-85 gear oil (specific Mazda part number: MAZDA Gear Oil GL-4 75W-90 or equivalent)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron II / Mercon (specific Mazda part number: MAZDA ATF M-III or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 176.4 inches (4480 mm)

Width:

Approx. 69.1 inches (1755 mm)

Height:

Approx. 51.2 inches (1300 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 100.4 inches (2550 mm)

Front Track:

Approx. 58.3 inches (1480 mm)

Rear Track:

Approx. 58.1 inches (1475 mm)

Curb Weight Inline4:

Approx. 2800-3000 lbs (1270-1360 kg)

Curb Weight V6:

Approx. 3000-3200 lbs (1360-1450 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Typically around 3700-3900 lbs (1680-1770 kg)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 10.5 cubic feet (0.30 m³)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact:

Not rated or available for this specific model year/testing era.

IIHS Crash Tests:

Not specifically rated or tested by IIHS for this generation.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on some models, especially V6 variants.

Traction Control:

Not typically available on this model year.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard for 1991 model year in many markets. Passenger airbag not available.

Seatbelts:

3-point front seatbelts, often with pre-tensioners. Rear lap belts.

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced A-pillars and B-pillars, but no specific roll bar or hoop.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player, and premium speaker systems (e.g., Bose on higher trims).

Climate Control:

Manual HVAC controls, with optional automatic climate control on some V6 models.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional cruise control system.

Diagnostic Port:

OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics, First Generation) diagnostic connector, typically located under the dashboard.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Engine Oil Filter:

Replace at every oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (check for specific plug type).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles or 4 years (critical for DOHC engines). Specific Mazda part number for belt often relates to FE or KF engine series.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Brake Fluid Replacement:

Every 2 years.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (specific Mazda part number: MAZDA Engine Oil 10W-30 or equivalent)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.2 US quarts (4.0 Liters) with filter for Inline-4, 4.6 US quarts (4.4 Liters) with filter for V6.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water). Specific Mazda part number: MAZDA Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent.

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron II / Mercon (same as ATF).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Engine Mounts:

Deterioration of engine mounts, leading to vibration and harshness, particularly in the V6 models.

Cooling System:

Plastic radiator end tanks can become brittle and leak; water pump seal failures.

Electrical Connectors:

Corrosion or poor connections in the engine bay and dashboard wiring harnesses can cause intermittent faults.

Suspension Bushings:

Wear and tear on control arm bushings and sway bar links, leading to clunks and imprecise handling.

HVAC Blend Door:

Actuator or cable failure for the HVAC blend door, resulting in improper temperature control.

Exhaust Manifold:

Cracked exhaust manifolds on the V6 engine due to heat cycles.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, and front/rear main seal leaks are common with age.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Dna:

Mazda's reputation for building driver-focused, reliable, and sporty vehicles, extending from the RX-7 legacy to accessible coupes.

Predecessor:

Mazda RX-7 (first generation) for the sporty coupe segment, though the MX-6 was front-wheel drive and more of a personal luxury coupe.

Generation I Timeline:

1987-1991

Generation Ii Transition:

The second generation MX-6 (1992-1997) featured a more advanced chassis and design, often with the option of a V6 engine and active suspension.

Manufacturing Location:

Japan (primarily Hofu Plant)

Sales Performance:

Moderately successful, appealing to a segment looking for style and performance without the V6 pricing of some competitors.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

While not directly winning 10Best, Mazda models often featured in these lists for their driving dynamics, which the MX-6 inherited.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports reliability ratings for this era varied, but generally Mazda was considered above average for import brands.

Epa Fuel Economy:

EPA estimates for the 1991 MX-6 varied by engine and transmission, typically ranging from 18-22 MPG city and 25-28 MPG highway.