🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

626 / MX-6

Year:

1996

Chassis Codes:

GD (626 Hatchback/Sedan), GV (626 Wagon), GE (626 Sedan/Coupe), JE (MX-6 Coupe)

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, Mazda enthusiasts, and owners seeking in-depth repair knowledge.

Value Proposition:

Provides the same detailed, accurate, and manufacturer-approved information used by professional technicians, enabling complex repairs and maintenance tasks.

Authenticity:

Official factory service manual, ensuring accuracy and completeness of information, procedures, and specifications.

Comprehensiveness:

Covers all mechanical and electrical systems of both the Mazda 626 and MX-6, across different engine and transmission options for the 1996 model year.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete repair and service procedures for 1996 Mazda 626 and MX-6 models.

Estimated Pages:

Over 1500 (typical for factory service manuals of this era and scope)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Digital Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (including lubrication, cooling, fuel, emission control, ignition), Clutch, Manual Transaxle, Automatic Transaxle, Front and Rear Axles.

Chassis:

Steering System, Braking System, Wheels and Tires, Suspension (Front and Rear).

Body And Electrical:

Body (general information, construction, interior, exterior, HVAC, doors, windows), Engine Electrical System.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections, lubrication.

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

Detailed symptom-based troubleshooting charts, diagnostic procedures for all major systems, electrical circuit diagrams and testing.

Repair And Rebuild:

Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components (engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension replacement, brake caliper service, etc.).

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed specifications and torque values.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory documentation, optimized for readability and searchability. Likely includes clear diagrams and illustrations.

Printability:

Designed for digital use, but typically printable. Users can print specific sections as needed.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

2.0L (FS) Inline-4, 2.5L (KL) V6 (especially for MX-6 GT)

2.0L Fs Power:

Approx. 118-122 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm, 129-133 lb-ft @ 4000-4500 rpm (depending on specific market/tune)

2.5L Kl V6 Power:

Approx. 164-170 hp @ 6000-6200 rpm, 157-160 lb-ft @ 5000-5500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Ignition Type:

Electronic Ignition (Distributorless Ignition System - DIS for some variants, or Distributor-based for others).

ECU:

Engine Control Unit (ECU) with diagnostic capabilities (OBDI/OBDII depending on market and emissions standards).

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

5-speed Manual Transaxle (e.g., G series for 4-cyl, Spec for V6)

Automatic Transmission:

4-speed Automatic Transaxle (e.g., F4A-EL, J4A-EL)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate clutch.

📐 Dimensions

Length Overall:

Varies by body style (e.g., Sedans approx. 180-184 inches, MX-6 approx. 177 inches).

Wheelbase:

Approx. 103.1 inches for GE/JE platforms.

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2800-3300 lbs depending on engine, transmission, and body style.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Likely 3-star or 4-star (based on contemporary standards for a sedan/coupe of this era, specific results may vary).

ABS:

Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on many models, particularly higher trims and MX-6.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags standard on most models in 1996.

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seat belts, with pretensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed AM/FM stereo cassette player with optional CD changer. Basic analog controls.

Cruise Control:

Optional cruise control system.

OBD Standard:

Likely OBD-I or early OBD-II compliant depending on market and specific vehicle build date. Manual will detail diagnostic connector and codes.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type.

Timing Belt Replacement:

For FS and KL engines, the timing belt is a critical maintenance item, typically recommended for replacement every 60,000 to 90,000 miles. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended (refer to manual for exact viscosity based on temperature).

Coolant Type:

Mazda Genuine Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mazda ATF D-III or equivalent Dexron-III (ATF)

Common Failures:

Timing belt failure (if not replaced), front suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rods, bushings), power steering leaks, EGR valve clogging, rear window regulator issues, AC compressor failure, minor electrical gremlins.

Rust Prone Areas:

Wheel wells, rocker panels, rear quarter panels, door sills, especially in rust-belt regions.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda History:

Mazda has a long history of producing reliable and often driver-focused vehicles, known for innovations like the Wankel rotary engine and lightweight sports cars.

626 Generation:

The 1996 model belongs to the fifth generation (GE) for sedans and coupes (sometimes called 'Capella' or 'Cronos' in other markets), and the fourth generation (GV) wagon. The MX-6 is the sportier coupe sibling.

Production Location:

Primarily manufactured in Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Import Car Of The Year:

While not specific to the 1996 model year, the Mazda 626 and MX-6 platforms often received positive reviews and were considered strong competitors in their segments during their production runs.