🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

MX-6

Generation Code:

GE

Chassis Codes:

GE6P (FWD), GE8P (AWD - 4WS)

Production Years:

1991-1997

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Sports Coupe / Personal Luxury Coupe

Market Niche:

Sporty styling with comfortable touring capabilities, often seen as a more practical alternative to other performance coupes of its era.

Key Competitors:

Toyota Camry Coupe, Honda Accord Coupe, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Nissan 240SX, Ford Probe.

Design Philosophy:

Aerodynamic styling, driver-focused cockpit, and emphasis on both performance and refined ride quality.

Platform Sharing:

Shared platform and many components with the Mazda Capella/626.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Years:

1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997

Coverage Areas:

All regions (North America, Europe, Asia, Australia)

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete coverage for V6 KL-DE and KL-ZE engines, including timing belt, oil pump, cooling system, fuel injection, ignition system, exhaust system, and emissions control.

Transmission:

Detailed repair procedures for both the FWD and AWD (4WS) transmissions, including automatic and manual gearboxes, clutch operation, torque converter, and gearbox overhaul.

Drivetrain:

Comprehensive coverage of front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, including front axles, rear axles (for AWD), differential, and driveshafts.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, including MacPherson struts, multi-link rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, ball joints, and wheel bearing replacement.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems, including disc brake assemblies, hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) operation and troubleshooting, brake fluid replacement, and caliper/rotor service.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack and pinion, steering column, and detailed diagnosis of steering issues. Includes coverage for the 4-Wheel Steering (4WS) system.

Electrical:

Full wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, component locations, starter motor, alternator, battery, lighting system, instrument panel, and diagnostic procedures for all electrical circuits.

Bodywork:

Exterior and interior body panel repair, door mechanisms, window regulators, sunroof operation, bumper repair, and alignment procedures. Includes convertible top mechanisms for relevant models.

Climate Control:

Air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, heater core replacement, HVAC controls, blower motor, and refrigerant handling.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, and emissions control systems (EVAP).

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed maintenance schedules for oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, coolant flushes, timing belt replacement intervals, and other routine servicing.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems, including symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Engine Rebuild:

Complete engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly procedures, including specifications for clearances and torques.

Transmission Overhaul:

Detailed steps for the complete disassembly, repair, and reassembly of both manual and automatic transmissions.

Brake Service:

Step-by-step guides for brake pad replacement, rotor resurfacing/replacement, brake line repair, and hydraulic system bleeding.

Electrical Diagnosis:

Procedures for using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and diagnostic tools to pinpoint electrical faults. Includes signal tracing and component testing.

Body Repair:

Techniques for dent removal, panel replacement, welding, and paint preparation. Includes specific guidance for Mazda body panel construction.

Suspension Alignment:

Detailed specifications and procedures for front and rear wheel alignment.

4Ws System Calibration:

Specific procedures for diagnosing, repairing, and calibrating the optional 4-Wheel Steering (4WS) system.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks and tire rotations to complex engine and transmission rebuilds, full electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Searchable PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Binding For Download:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type For Print:

N/A (Digital Download)

Licensing:

No expiry dates, unlimited personal use.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

KL-DE

Engine Type 1:

3.0L V6 DOHC 24-valve

Displacement 1:

2954 cc

Bore X Stroke 1:

84.5 mm x 89.1 mm

Compression Ratio 1:

9.1:1

Horsepower 1:

160 hp @ 5500 rpm (US Market)

Torque 1:

180 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (US Market)

Engine Code 2:

KL-ZE (JDM / Optional)

Engine Type 2:

3.0L V6 DOHC 24-valve (Variable Intake Manifold)

Horsepower 2:

200 hp @ 6000 rpm (JDM Spec)

Torque 2:

206 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (JDM Spec)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, 91+ for KL-ZE)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Optional Transmission:

4-speed Automatic Transmission with electronically controlled overdrive

AWD Option:

Optional All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system with viscous coupling, typically paired with 4-Wheel Steering (4WS).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (Check specific manual for exact Mazda recommendation)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mazda ATF-M III or equivalent Dexron II/III (Check specific manual for exact Mazda recommendation)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4750 mm (187.0 in)

Width:

Approx. 1750 mm (68.9 in)

Height:

Approx. 1350 mm (53.1 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2615 mm (103.0 in)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 130 mm (5.1 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1450 kg - 1550 kg (3197 lbs - 3417 lbs) depending on configuration

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by model and market (refer to vehicle placard)

Trunk Capacity:

Approx. 0.3 cubic meters (10.6 cubic feet)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

No specific ratings readily available for this era; generally considered safe for its time, but lacking modern safety structures.

ABS:

Standard on most models, optional on base trims.

Traction Control:

Not commonly available on this model.

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag standard on most models from 1994 onwards. Passenger airbag optional/unavailable on earlier models.

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear.

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones designed according to contemporary standards.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory premium audio systems with cassette player and AM/FM radio. Some models featured CD changers.

Climate Control Type:

Manual or automatic climate control depending on trim level.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was a key safety technology offered.

4Ws:

Optional 4-Wheel Steering system, a significant technological feature for its time, enhancing maneuverability and high-speed stability.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by era; primarily focused on basic vehicle functions and entertainment systems. No Bluetooth or USB connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

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

Oil Filter Replacement:

At every oil change.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years. CRITICAL for KL-DE/ZE engines to prevent catastrophic damage.

Coolant Flush:

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

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter (for KL-DE V6)

Engine Oil Viscosity:

10W-30 API SG or SH recommended. 5W-30 for colder climates. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.

Coolant Type:

Mazda long-life coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant (typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Check specific manual for exact Mazda recommendation)

Timing Belt Failure:

The KL-DE/ZE engines are interference engines. Timing belt failure results in catastrophic engine damage. Strict adherence to replacement intervals is paramount.

Vacuum Leaks:

Aging vacuum hoses and gaskets can lead to vacuum leaks, causing rough idle and performance issues.

Power Window Motors:

Common failure point for window regulators and motors, particularly on older vehicles.

Cv Axle Wear:

Front CV axles can wear out over time, especially with aggressive driving, leading to clicking noises during turns.

4Ws System Faults:

The 4-Wheel Steering system can develop faults with hydraulic leaks, sensor issues, or control unit problems, often indicated by warning lights.

Fuel Pump Reliability:

While generally reliable, some units may experience eventual failure, leading to no-start conditions.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Mazda has a long history of producing sporty and engaging vehicles, often characterized by their 'Jinba Ittai' (horse and rider as one) philosophy.

First Generation:

Mazda Luce/Cosmo (Japan only), shared platform with Ford Probe in North America.

Second Generation Ge:

Launched in 1991, redesigned with a focus on performance and refinement. Featured a unique chassis design and Mazda's first V6 engine for a mass-produced passenger car. Introduction of AWD and 4WS options.

Discontinuation:

Discontinued in 1997, largely replaced by the Mazda Xedos 6 / Mazda 626 Coupe (GF chassis) in some markets, and the Mazda RX-7 (FD chassis) as its spiritual successor in the performance coupe segment.

Assembly Location:

Hofu, Yamaguchi, Japan

Production Volumes:

Moderate production volumes, making it a less common sight today compared to mainstream sedans.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

While the MX-6 itself was not explicitly on the 10Best list, its V6 engine (KL-DE) was highly regarded and powered other vehicles that received recognition. The coupe styling and driving dynamics were generally praised.

Reliability:

Generally considered reliable when properly maintained, with the timing belt being the most critical maintenance item.

Epa Fuel Economy:

Approx. 18-20 MPG city / 24-27 MPG highway (V6 engine, FWD, automatic transmission). Varies with driving style and conditions.