Segment:
Mid-size station wagon, family vehicle.
Target Audience:
Families, individuals needing cargo space and reliability.
Key Competitors 1998:
Toyota Camry Wagon, Honda Accord Wagon, Subaru Outback, Ford Taurus Wagon, Chevrolet Lumina Wagon.
Versatility:
Spacious cargo area, flexible seating configurations, practical for everyday use.
Reliability:
Mazda's reputation for building durable and dependable vehicles.
Driving Dynamics:
Known for engaging handling and a comfortable ride, often a Mazda hallmark.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, diagnosis, timing belt replacement, fuel injection, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emission control systems.
Transmission:
Automatic and Manual transmission repair, diagnosis, fluid service, seal replacement, component disassembly and reassembly.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) system repair, CV joints, driveshafts, differentials.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings, alignment procedures.
Brakes:
Disc and drum brake systems, hydraulic components, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnosis and repair, brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering rack, tie rods, steering column.
Electrical:
Full wiring diagrams, lighting systems, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, fuses, relays, power windows, mirrors, HVAC controls, instrument cluster, ECU diagnosis.
Body:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, body repair techniques, rust prevention, corrosion control.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system recharge, compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater core, blower motor, climate control unit diagnosis.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid top-offs, spark plug replacement, tune-ups, belt inspections and replacements, brake fluid flush, coolant flush.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common problems, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major and minor components, including detailed torque specifications and special tool requirements.
Diagnostics:
Engine control module (ECM) diagnostics, sensor testing, actuator testing, OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) information.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Searchable:
Yes (typically, depends on OCR quality of original)
Quality:
High Resolution (suitable for printing detailed diagrams and text)
Format For Use:
Downloadable PDF for digital access or printing of specific sections.
Original Format Reference:
Original manufacturer documentation likely printed on durable, high-quality paper.
Engine Type Common:
Inline 4-Cylinder DOHC
Engine Displacement Common:
2.0 Liters (1998 cc)
Engine Code Specific Common:
FS-DE
Horsepower Approx 2.0L:
118-130 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (market dependent)
Torque Approx 2.0L:
128-135 lb-ft @ 3500-4500 rpm (market dependent)
Engine Variants Available:
2.0L I4, 2.5L V6 (KF-ZE)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), MPI (Multi-Point Injection)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
ECU Type:
Mazda Electronic Control Unit (ECU) with OBD-II diagnostics.
Transmission Type Common:
5-speed Manual
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic
AWD Availability:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available on some trims/markets, often with V6 engines.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (check manual for exact spec)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF JWS3309 / Dexron III equivalent (check manual for exact spec)
Length Approx:
4670 mm (183.9 in)
Width Approx:
1755 mm (69.1 in)
Height Approx:
1465 mm (57.7 in) (may vary with roof rails)
Wheelbase Approx:
2615 mm (103.0 in)
Cargo Volume Seats Up Approx:
Approx. 36-38 cubic feet (varies by configuration and region)
Cargo Volume Seats Down Approx:
Approx. 65-70 cubic feet (varies by configuration and region)
Curb Weight Approx:
1300-1450 kg (2866-3197 lbs) (varies by engine and drivetrain)
Standard Tire Size:
195/65R15 or 205/60R15 (market dependent)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
Center Bore Approx:
67.1 mm
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4-star (for sedans of similar era, wagon specifics may differ)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4-star (for sedans of similar era, wagon specifics may differ)
ABS:
Available (standard on some trims, optional on others)
Traction Control:
Rarely available for this model year.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts for all occupants, pretensioners for front seats.
Head Unit:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette stereo, optional CD player. Aftermarket head unit integration is common.
Speakers:
Typically 4-6 speakers depending on trim level.
Cruise Control:
Available on most trims.
ABS:
As mentioned in safety, Anti-lock Braking System availability.
Aux Input:
Not standard; requires aftermarket adapter or head unit.
Bluetooth:
Not available from factory.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500-10,000 miles or 6-12 months (synthetic oil recommended).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000-100,000 miles (iridium plugs last longer).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years for the 2.0L FS-DE engine (CRITICAL MAINTENANCE).
Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L:
Approx. 4.3 Liters (4.5 US Quarts) with filter (check manual).
Engine Oil Viscosity Common:
5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual based on ambient temperature).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol-based coolant, typically a green or yellow silicate-free type (check manual for Mazda specific).
Common Problem 1:
Timing belt failure (if not replaced on schedule) leading to catastrophic engine damage.
Common Problem 2:
Worn front suspension components (bushings, ball joints, tie rods) leading to noise and poor handling.
Common Problem 3:
Rear wheel hub bearing failure.
Common Problem 4:
Automatic transmission internal wear or solenoid issues, especially with higher mileage.
Common Problem 5:
EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve clogging leading to rough idle or stalling.
Mazda Philosophy:
Jinba Ittai (Horse and Rider as One) - focus on driver engagement and connection to the road.
Generation:
Fifth Generation Mazda 626 (GE/GW platform, 1991-1997, with this manual covering the later GW facelift/update, approximately 1997-2002 depending on market).
Gw Facelift:
The GW designation specifically refers to the wagon and updated sedan introduced around 1997, building upon the GE platform.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan (Hiroshima Plant), potentially other global facilities depending on market.
Production Years For Gw:
Approximately 1997-2002 (market dependent).