Segment:
Compact car / Small family car.
Competitors:
Competed directly with vehicles such as the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, and Volkswagen Golf.
Value Proposition:
Known for its reliable engines, engaging driving dynamics (especially the 'sport' variants), practical interior, and solid build quality for its price point.
Audience:
Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, automotive enthusiasts, and professional repair shops.
Benefit:
Empowers owners with the knowledge to maintain their vehicle, diagnose issues, and perform repairs confidently, saving time and money.
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions, starting, charging systems, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (MT) and automatic transmission (AT) overhaul, operation, diagnostics, and fluid specifications.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) system, drive axles, differentials, CV joints, propeller shafts (if applicable).
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, anti-lock braking system (ABS) operation and diagnostics, brake component replacement, fluid specifications.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, steering knuckle, wheel bearings, alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system operation, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, alignment.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, gauges, indicators, wipers, horns, power accessories, fuse and relay locations, wiring diagrams.
Body:
Body construction, doors, windows, mirrors, bumpers, hood, trunk, interior trim, exterior trim, weatherstripping, body panel repair.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis, components, refrigerant handling, service.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system operation and diagnostics, seat belt mechanisms.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake pad inspection.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage, electrical system testing using multimeters.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul for all major vehicle systems.
Engine Repair:
Cylinder head removal/installation, piston/ring replacement, crankshaft/bearing service, timing belt/chain service.
Transmission Repair:
Clutch replacement (MT), torque converter service (AT), transmission disassembly and reassembly.
Brake Service:
Brake rotor and pad replacement, caliper servicing, brake line bleeding, ABS component replacement.
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Strut/shock replacement, control arm bushing replacement, power steering pump replacement, steering rack replacement.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Diagnosis of lighting issues, starting/charging system faults, power window malfunctions, using wiring diagrams for tracing circuits.
Body And Trim:
Door handle replacement, window regulator repair, bumper cover installation, interior panel removal and reinstallation.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance and fluid changes to full engine and transmission overhauls, detailed diagnostics, and component-level repair.
Engine Codes:
Z5-DE, BP-Z3 (Naturally Aspirated I4), FS-DE (Naturally Aspirated I4), YM-DE (for certain markets).
Displacement Options:
1.5L (Z5-DE), 1.8L (FS-DE), 2.0L (FS-ZE - Mazdaspeed/GT variants).
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 90 hp (1.5L) to 170 hp (2.0L FS-ZE).
Torque Range:
Approximately 95 lb-ft (1.5L) to 135 lb-ft (2.0L FS-ZE).
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline.
Block Material:
Cast iron block with aluminum cylinder head.
Timing Drive:
Timing belt (Z5-DE, FS-DE) or timing chain (some ZM-DE).
ECU Type:
Electronic Control Unit (ECU) controlling fuel, ignition, and emissions.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended every 60,000-90,000 miles for timing belt equipped engines (critical maintenance item).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type (copper vs. iridium/platinum).
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG or SH, ILSAC GF-II or GF-III. Viscosity: 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended (check manual for climate specifics).
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mazda FL22 coolant or equivalent is recommended for newer fill/top-up.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II/III ATF or specific power steering fluid (refer to manual).
Engine Mounts:
Worn engine mounts can lead to excessive vibration and noise, particularly noticeable during acceleration/deceleration.
Ignition Coils:
Failure of ignition coils or spark plug wires can cause misfires, rough idling, and poor performance.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Some engines, particularly the FS-DE, were prone to exhaust manifold cracking leading to exhaust leaks and ticking noises.
Suspension Components:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and strut mounts can lead to noise, poor handling, and uneven tire wear.
Radiator Leaks:
Aging radiators can develop leaks, necessitating replacement.
Cv Joint Boots:
Torn CV joint boots can lead to loss of grease and eventual joint failure, characterized by clicking noises during turns.
Comprehensive Schedule:
The manual provides detailed recommended maintenance intervals for all major components and systems, organized by mileage and time.
