🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

626 Station Wagon

Generation:

GF/GW

Years Covered:

1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002

Chassis Codes:

GF (Sedan/Hatchback), GW (Station Wagon)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact to Mid-Size Station Wagon

Target Audience:

Families, small businesses, individuals seeking practical and reliable transportation with cargo capacity.

Key Competitors:

Toyota Camry Wagon, Honda Accord Wagon, Subaru Outback (later models), Ford Mondeo Wagon, Volkswagen Passat Wagon.

Model Strengths:

Reliability, comfortable ride, spacious interior for its class, practical cargo area, good fuel economy with the 2.0L and 2.5L engines.

Manual Value Proposition:

Empowers owners and independent repair shops with the necessary information to maintain, diagnose, and repair the Mazda 626 Station Wagon, potentially saving significant costs compared to dealership service.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Mazda 626 Station Wagon (GW chassis)

Secondary Coverage:

While primarily for the Station Wagon, many sections will be applicable to the GF chassis Sedan and Hatchback variants of the same generation.

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed overhaul procedures, component testing, timing belt replacement, piston/ring/bearing specifications, cylinder head assembly, lubrication system.

Engine Management:

Fuel injection system (MPI), ignition system, electronic control unit (ECU) diagnostics, sensor data interpretation, emission controls.

Transmission Manual:

Overhaul procedures, clutch replacement, gear selection mechanisms, shift linkage adjustments, component specifications.

Transmission Automatic:

Operation, diagnosis of common faults, fluid types and capacities, torque converter removal/installation, valve body overhaul, electronic control unit interface.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) components, drive axles, CV joints, differential service, wheel bearing replacement.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension component identification, shock absorber/strut replacement, spring replacement, ball joint inspection, bushing replacement, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system diagnosis, pump replacement, rack and pinion overhaul, steering column components, tie rod end replacement.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake system diagnosis, disc brake pad replacement, rotor resurfacing/replacement, drum brake service, hydraulic system bleeding, ABS system operation and diagnosis.

Cooling System:

Radiator service, coolant types and capacities, thermostat operation and replacement, water pump replacement, fan system operation.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump testing, fuel filter replacement, fuel injector service, fuel tank removal/installation, evaporative emission control (EVAP) system.

Electrical System:

Battery service, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, horn, wipers, power windows, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.

HVAC System:

Air conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant types, compressor service, heater core replacement, blower motor operation, climate control unit.

Body And Interior:

Door panel removal, seat removal, dashboard disassembly, exterior trim, bumper replacement, tailgate service, interior trim component replacement.

Chassis And Frame:

Frame inspection, unibody construction principles, rust prevention.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, tire rotation, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, transmission fluid change.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems.

Repair And Overhaul:

Complete step-by-step instructions for engine, transmission, suspension, brake, and electrical system repairs.

Component Replacement:

Detailed guidance on replacing specific parts such as alternators, starter motors, fuel pumps, water pumps, radiators, clutch kits, etc.

Diagnostic Testing:

Procedures for testing sensors, actuators, and electrical circuits using multimeters and scan tools.

Alignment And Balancing:

Wheel alignment specifications and procedures, wheel balancing.

Emissions Service:

Diagnosis and repair of emission control systems, catalytic converter testing, EGR valve service.

Bodywork And Collision:

Minor body panel adjustments, trim piece replacement, potential for larger repair guidance (depending on manual detail).

Depth:

Comprehensive

Diagnostics Scope:

Advanced diagnostic procedures, including interpretation of error codes and live data streams.

Rebuild Procedures:

Detailed instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications and clearances.

Schematics:

Includes detailed electrical wiring diagrams for various vehicle systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF for quick information retrieval.

Quality:

Variable (depends on source scan), but expected to be clear for professional use.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Common:

FS-DE (2.0L DOHC)

Displacement 2.0L:

1991 cc

Horsepower 2.0L:

Approx. 120-130 hp (varies by market and year)

Torque 2.0L:

Approx. 130-135 lb-ft (varies by market and year)

Engine Code Optional:

KF-ZE (2.5L DOHC V6 - less common in wagons, more in sedans, but potentially available)

Displacement 2.5L:

2490 cc

Horsepower 2.5L:

Approx. 160-170 hp

Torque 2.5L:

Approx. 150-160 lb-ft

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Engine Layout:

Inline 4-cylinder (2.0L), V6 (2.5L)

Induction:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Ignition Type:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor-based (depending on market/year)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (with electronic control)

Automatic Modes:

Possibly 'Power' and 'Economy' modes on some automatic transmissions.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (refer to manual for exact Mazda specification)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mazda ATF-III or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4705 mm (185.2 in)

Width:

Approx. 1770 mm (69.7 in)

Height:

Approx. 1475 mm (58.1 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2615 mm (103.0 in)

Cargo Volume Seats Up:

Significant volume, designed for family practicality.

Cargo Volume Seats Down:

Very large, flat load floor suitable for bulky items.

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1350-1450 kg (2976-3197 lbs), depending on engine and equipment.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to vehicle VIN plate/sticker for exact GVWR.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Generally performed well for its era. Manual will detail specific test results if available.

IIHS Side Impact:

Likely rated 'Acceptable' or 'Marginal' in older tests, as side airbags were less common.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) often standard or optional.

Traction Control:

Less common on base models, may be available on higher trims or optional.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags were rare on this generation.

Seatbelts:

Front 3-point with pretensioners, rear 3-point seatbelts.

Crumple Zones:

Designed with front and rear crumple zones for energy absorption.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted AM/FM stereo with CD player or cassette tape. Speaker configurations typically 4 or 6 speakers.

Climate Control:

Manual air conditioning and heating, with optional automatic climate control on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional on most models.

Power Features:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors often standard or optional.

Auxiliary Inputs:

None from factory. Aftermarket solutions required for modern device connectivity.

Bluetooth:

Not available from factory.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).

Engine Oil Filter:

Replace with every oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard spark plugs, longer for iridium/platinum (refer to manual).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Critical: Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years (whichever comes first) for the 2.0L engine. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L:

Approx. 4.0-4.3 liters (4.2-4.5 US quarts) with filter change.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

5W-30 or 10W-30 API SJ or SL certified (refer to manual for specific climate recommendations).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to Mazda's specific recommendation.

Engine Mounts:

Can degrade over time, leading to increased vibration.

Oil Leaks:

Common areas include valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and front/rear main seals, especially at higher mileage.

Cooling System:

Radiator leaks, thermostat failure, and hose degradation are not uncommon.

Suspension Wear:

Worn ball joints, bushings, and struts can lead to noise and poor handling.

Automatic Transmission:

Some units may exhibit delayed shifting or torque converter shudder if fluid and filter are not maintained.

Power Steering:

Leaking power steering pumps or hoses can occur.

Rust Corrosion:

While generally good, areas like wheel arches, rocker panels, and the underside can be susceptible in certain climates.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Philosophy:

Mazda's focus on 'Jinba Ittai' (horse and rider as one) driving feel, even in practical vehicles.

Generation Name:

The GF/GW generation replaced the previous GE generation.

Platform:

Shared platform with the Mazda Capella and Ford Telstar in some markets.

Design Language:

Rounded, aerodynamic styling characteristic of late 1990s Japanese vehicles.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Japan, with potential assembly in other global locations.

Production Run:

1991-2002 (GF/GW generation, with facelifts and updates within this period).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

While the 626 Sedan/Hatchback sometimes made '10 Best' lists in earlier generations, the specific wagon variant's direct awards are less prominent, though the model line was generally well-regarded for value.

Consumer Reports:

Generally rated as 'Average' to 'Above Average' for reliability during its production run, particularly the powertrain.

Safety Certifications:

Meets all applicable safety standards for its model years in target markets (e.g., FMVSS in the US).