Vehicle Type:
Compact Minivan (MPV - Multi-Purpose Vehicle)
Target Audience:
Families seeking a practical, versatile, and reliable vehicle for everyday use and travel.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town & Country, Ford Windstar, Mercury Villager.
Versatility:
Flexible seating configurations, sliding rear doors, and a practical interior layout.
Handling:
Mazda's reputation for sporty handling, even in a minivan segment.
Reliability:
Generally good reliability, making it a cost-effective choice for long-term ownership.
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul for all engine variants, including timing belt/chain replacement, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, and exhaust systems.
Transmission:
Coverage for automatic transmission (FWD and AWD variants), including troubleshooting, fluid changes, seal replacement, valve body servicing, and component repair.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive and All-wheel drive (AWD) system servicing, including differential repairs, axle shaft replacement, and driveshaft maintenance.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, including struts, shocks, ball joints, control arms, bushings, and wheel bearing replacement and alignment procedures.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brake systems, including pad and rotor replacement, caliper servicing, brake fluid flush, ABS system diagnostics and repair.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnostics and repair, including pump, rack and pinion, and hose replacement; steering column and linkage servicing.
Electrical:
Comprehensive electrical system schematics, wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, component testing, troubleshooting for lighting, power accessories, instrument cluster, and basic starting/charging systems.
Climate Control:
HVAC system diagnostics and repair, including AC compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, and heater core servicing; refrigerant handling procedures.
Body And Frame:
Exterior body panel repair, door and window mechanisms, interior trim removal and installation, glass replacement, and basic structural component information.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system component location, diagnostic considerations, and SRS warning light troubleshooting. Seat belt mechanism servicing.
Preventative Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, and tune-up procedures.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic guides for common and uncommon drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems, often including flowcharts.
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for component removal, installation, disassembly, inspection, and reassembly for major mechanical and electrical systems.
Diagnostics:
Information on diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), OBD-II system access, sensor testing, and ECU/PCM troubleshooting.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for critical fasteners, fluid capacities and types, electrical component resistance values, and engine timing data.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive wiring schematics for all vehicle systems, crucial for electrical diagnostics and repairs.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including in-depth electrical troubleshooting.
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
Good (for tested models/years, specific data may vary).
IIHS Side Impact Test:
Acceptable or Good (for tested models/years, specific data may vary).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Available on some AWD models.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags optional or standard on higher trims.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts for all occupants, with pretensioners for front seats.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended).
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect/replace every 15,000-30,000 miles depending on driving conditions.
Spark Plugs:
Replace approximately every 60,000 miles (refer to manual for specific plug type and gap).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 45,000-60,000 miles, especially for vehicles used in severe conditions (towing, stop-and-go traffic).
Engine Oil:
API Service SG, SH, or SJ rated. SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 recommended (check manual for exact viscosity and API rating).
Coolant:
Mazda Genuine FL22 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent (ethylene glycol based, typically green or blue).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Engine Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets can develop leaks over time.
Timing Belt Failure:
Critical for the 2.0L FS-DE engine. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage. Strict adherence to replacement intervals is vital.
Transmission Hard Shifting:
Can be caused by low or degraded transmission fluid, or issues with the valve body or solenoids. Regular fluid changes are preventative.
Power Steering Pump:
Can sometimes develop leaks or become noisy.
Rear Suspension Rattles:
Worn bushings or shock absorbers can lead to suspension noise.
Mazda Philosophy:
Focus on Jinba Ittai (horse and rider as one) driving dynamics, translating into a more engaging driving experience even for larger vehicles.
First Generation:
Introduced in 1990, built on a proprietary Mazda platform. Offered with a 2.6L and later a 3.0L V6.
Second Generation (Lw Series):
Launched in late 1995 for the 1996 model year. Featured a unibody construction, front-wheel drive as standard, and optional AWD. Engine options were upgraded. Known for its distinctive styling and European-influenced chassis tuning.
Manufacturing Location:
Hofu, Japan
Production End:
The second generation MPV (LW series) concluded production in 2006 globally, with North American sales ending in 2006. It was replaced by the Mazda 5 (smaller minivan) in some markets.
