🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

626

Product Name:

Mazda 626 Workshop Service Repair Manual

Model Code Range:

GD, GV, GE, GF (internal Mazda codes for generations)

👋 Introduction

Class:

Mid-size sedan and coupe

Competitors:

Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Mondeo, Chevrolet Malibu

Design Philosophy:

Mazda's 'Jinba Ittai' (horse and rider as one) driving dynamics, passenger comfort, reliability

Body Styles:

Sedan, Hatchback, Coupe (depending on market and year)

📋 Manual Details

Years Covered:

1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001

Estimated Pages:

1500-2500 (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era, exact count not provided)

Manual Type:

Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (Instant Download, likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine overhaul, diagnostics, tuning, fuel injection, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emissions control

Transmission:

Manual transmission (clutch, gearbox, driveshafts), Automatic transmission (overhaul, diagnostics, fluid service, torque converter)

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, disc brakes (front and rear), drum brakes (rear, if applicable), ABS system (if equipped), parking brake

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, column, alignment specifications

Suspension:

Front suspension (MacPherson struts, control arms, ball joints), Rear suspension (multi-link independent, trailing arms, shock absorbers), alignment

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, power locks, climate control, ECU diagnostics

Body:

Body construction, panels, doors, windows, interior trim, body hardware, rust repair, panel replacement

HVAC:

Air conditioning system (refrigerant, compressor, condenser, evaporator), heater core, blower motor, controls

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks and changes, belt replacement, spark plug replacement

Repair:

Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, fault code identification, component testing procedures, electrical circuit tracing

Installation:

Accessory installation, component upgrades (where applicable), removal and installation of major assemblies

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF (depending on source)

Print Quality:

Digital scan quality (variable, but generally good for clarity of text and diagrams)

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Examples:

FS-DE (2.0L DOHC), KF-ZE (2.5L DOHC V6, in some markets)

Displacement Range:

1.8L, 2.0L, 2.5L (primarily inline-4, with V6 in later models/markets)

Horsepower Range:

Approx. 110-160 hp (4-cyl), 160-170 hp (V6)

Torque Range:

Approx. 120-150 lb-ft (4-cyl), 160-170 lb-ft (V6)

Fuel Delivery:

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

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Block Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III or equivalent (check specific manual for exact type)

Clutch Type:

Dry single-plate (for manual)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 185 inches (sedan, varies slightly by year/trim)

Width:

Approx. 69 inches

Height:

Approx. 55 inches

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3000-3200 lbs (varies by trim and engine)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 104 inches

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Good (for models tested, actual ratings may vary)

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable/Good (for models tested, actual ratings may vary)

ABS:

Available on higher trims, standard on some later models

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags (standard on most models from mid-90s onwards)

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/Cassette or CD player, optional premium audio systems (Bose in some trims)

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims

Auxiliary Input:

Not standard, aftermarket solutions available

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type, platinum or iridium recommended)

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000-90,000 miles (critical for interference engines)

Engine Oil:

API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific grade)

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water (e.g., Mazda Super Coolant or equivalent)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Engine:

Oil consumption, timing belt failure (if not replaced on schedule), intake manifold gasket leaks (FS-DE)

Suspension:

Worn control arm bushings, worn ball joints, noisy struts

Electrical:

Faulty power window motors, intermittent dashboard lights, HVAC blower motor resistor failure

Body:

Rust on wheel arches, rocker panels, and rear quarter panels; seal degradation

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Legacy:

Known for sporty handling ('Zoom-Zoom' philosophy predates official slogan), reliability, and distinctive styling.

Generations Covered:

This manual covers the 3rd generation (GE/GF, 1992-1997) and 4th generation (BJ, 1998-2002, though the product is listed up to 2001 for this generation of 626 in some markets, or the previous generation continued in others). It's crucial to verify the specific chassis code for precise coverage.

Key Design Changes:

Transition from boxy styling to more aerodynamic and rounded designs, introduction of advanced safety features and improved engine technology.

Production Locations:

Japan, United States (AutoAlliance International plant in Flat Rock, Michigan), Canada

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The Mazda 626 (specifically the GE generation) was featured on Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times in the early to mid-1990s for its driving dynamics and value.

Consumer Reports:

Generally received good to excellent reliability ratings during its production run, though specific model years and engine/transmission combinations can vary.