Vehicle Segment:
Compact Car
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, enthusiasts seeking reliable transportation.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra.
Vehicle Strengths:
Reliability, fuel efficiency, sporty handling (especially GT models), affordable maintenance.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential technical information for DIY maintenance and repair, saving on labor costs and empowering owners.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, inspection, repair, timing belt, oil pump, pistons, crankshaft, cylinder head.
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection system, ignition system, emissions control, engine diagnostics, performance tuning.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch system, gearshift linkage, manual transmission disassembly, assembly, inspection, repair.
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission operation, disassembly, assembly, hydraulic control, electronic control unit (ECU) integration.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD), driveshafts, CV joints, differential, transaxle.
Suspension:
Front struts, rear shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, coil springs, sway bars, alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, alignment.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum/disc brakes, ABS system, hydraulic lines, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, charging system, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, lighting systems.
Engine Control Module ECM:
ECM operation, sensor inputs, actuator outputs, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), reprogramming information.
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, seats, dashboard, HVAC system.
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning HVAC:
AC system components, refrigerant types, charging procedures, blower motor, climate controls.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seatbelt pre-tensioners, SRS component replacement.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, tire rotation.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, fault code explanations.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment for all major vehicle systems.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) scan tool usage, sensor data analysis, diagnostic connector locations.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring schematics for all circuits, including component locations and pinouts.
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and other critical data for repairs and maintenance.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostic Detail:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including oscilloscope use for sensor analysis and signal tracing.
Component Rebuilds:
Detailed instructions for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and other major components.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Engine Air Filter Interval:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Cabin Air Filter Interval:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months (if equipped).
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type, e.g., iridium).
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (critical for interference engines).
Engine Oil Type:
API Service SG, SH, or SJ category; SAE 5W-30 or 5W-20 (check owner's manual for exact specification)
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.7 - 4.2 quarts (4.0 - 4.4 liters) with filter change (Varies by engine)
Coolant Type:
Mazda Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with deionized water)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mazda ATF JWS 3317 or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mazda Genuine ATF or equivalent Dexron II/III
Common Concern 1:
Timing belt failure (especially if not replaced at recommended intervals, as engines are typically interference).
Common Concern 2:
Sagging headliner (common in older vehicles due to adhesive degradation).
Common Concern 3:
Front suspension components (e.g., control arm bushings, sway bar links) wear.
Common Concern 4:
Catalytic converter issues or emissions control problems.
Common Concern 5:
Power window regulators can fail.