🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-4

Model Code:

LA2

Production Year:

1975

👋 Introduction

Market Niche:

The Mazda RX-4 was positioned as a sporty and stylish compact car with a unique rotary engine, appealing to enthusiasts seeking an alternative to conventional piston engines. It competed in a segment with other sporty coupes and sedans of its era.

Key Competitors:

Datsun 240Z/260Z, Toyota Celica GT, Ford Capri, and other sporty coupes and sedans of the mid-1970s.

Distinctive Attributes:

Rotary engine technology, distinctive styling, and a focus on sporty driving dynamics.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Complete Service & Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital Format (e.g., PDF)

Page Count:

Estimated 500-700 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Rotary engine (12A) general repair, troubleshooting, component overhaul (rotor housing, apex seals, rotor, eccentric shaft), cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, fuel system (carburetion), emissions control systems.

Transmission Systems:

Manual transmission (4-speed and 5-speed) overhaul, maintenance, troubleshooting. Automatic transmission (if applicable) overview and basic maintenance.

Drivetrain Systems:

Clutch system, driveshaft, universal joints, rear axle assembly, differential overhaul.

Suspension Systems:

Front suspension (struts, control arms, bushings, steering linkage), rear suspension (leaf springs, shock absorbers, axle mounting), wheel alignment specifications.

Braking Systems:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, hydraulic system, parking brake, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake lines, bleeding procedures.

Steering Systems:

Steering gearbox, steering column, tie rods, steering wheel, power steering system (if equipped).

Electrical Systems:

Battery, starter motor, alternator, ignition system, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), gauges, switches, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, diagnostic procedures for electrical faults.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, seat adjustments, interior trim, exterior trim, chassis lubrication points, rust prevention.

Heating And Air Conditioning:

HVAC system operation, heater core, blower motor, control panel, refrigerant system (if applicable for AC).

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks/replacement, ignition timing adjustment, carburetor adjustment), fluid level checks and top-ups, lubrication.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides for common problems, symptom-based diagnostics, specific component testing procedures, diagnostic trouble codes (if applicable).

Repair And Overhaul:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for all major vehicle systems.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for fasteners, clearance specifications, pressure readings, electrical resistance values, diagnostic parameter ranges.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance and troubleshooting to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed, often color-coded, wiring schematics for all electrical circuits.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Likely PDF, ensuring compatibility and searchability.

Print Quality:

Digital format allows for high-resolution viewing and printing of all diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Wankel Rotary (12A)

Engine Configuration:

Two-rotor, naturally aspirated

Displacement:

1146 cc (equivalent to approximately 1.15 liters) for the 12A rotary engine.

Horsepower:

Approximately 90-110 HP depending on emissions equipment and specific market tuning.

Torque:

Approximately 100-115 lb-ft depending on market tuning.

Fuel Delivery:

Single or dual barrel downdraft carburetor (e.g., Hitachi or Solex).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (as mandated for 1975 model year in many markets).

Cooling Type:

Water-cooled

Oil Type Recommendation:

API SG/SH or equivalent, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (consult specific manual for exact viscosity based on ambient temperature).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed manual transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed manual transmission; 3-speed automatic transmission

Clutch Type:

Dry, single-plate, diaphragm spring clutch.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (check manual for specific capacity and exact type).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron II or equivalent (if applicable, check manual for exact specification and capacity).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 98.2 inches (2495 mm)

Length:

Approximately 168.7 inches (4285 mm)

Width:

Approximately 65.2 inches (1655 mm)

Height:

Approximately 52.6 inches (1335 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 2400 - 2600 lbs (1089 - 1179 kg) depending on body style and options.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Typically around 3300 lbs (1497 kg)

Standard Tire Size:

175SR13 or 185/70R13 (check manual for specific trim variations)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

4x110mm

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

No formal crash test ratings available from modern agencies for this era of vehicle. Safety features were basic by today's standards.

Braking System Type:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes.

Seatbelts:

Lap belts and shoulder belts (as standard for the era).

Steering Column:

Collapsible steering column designed to absorb impact energy.

Body Construction:

Unitized body construction with crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio, possibly with an 8-track player or cassette deck as an aftermarket or dealer option.

Braking Features:

Power assisted brakes (optional on some models/trims), brake assist systems were not present.

Exterior Lighting:

Halogen headlights, basic exterior and interior lighting controlled by switches.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Approximately every 3,000 miles or 3 months (whichever comes first). Rotary engines require more frequent oil changes and often have separate oil injection for lubrication.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.

Spark Plug Inspection And Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace every 30,000 miles. Rotary engines often use specific long-reach spark plugs.

Ignition Timing Adjustment:

Recommended every 15,000 miles.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant, typically a 50/50 mixture with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.5 quarts (4.2 liters) with filter change (check manual for exact capacity).

Rotary Engine Wear:

Apex seal wear can lead to decreased compression, rough running, and oil consumption. Proper maintenance and avoiding extreme heat are crucial.

Carburetor Issues:

Carburetors can become gummed up and require cleaning or rebuilding over time, affecting fuel mixture and idle quality.

Cooling System Maintenance:

Due to the nature of rotary engines, maintaining an optimal cooling system is vital to prevent overheating and potential housing damage.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Rotary Pioneering:

Mazda's long-standing commitment to rotary engine technology, starting with the Cosmo and RX series, cemented its reputation for innovation in powertrain development.

Predecessors:

The RX-4 followed in the lineage of earlier Mazda rotary models like the R100 and RX-2/Capella Rotary.

Body Styles:

Available as a coupe, sedan, and station wagon.

Production Period:

1972-1977 (RX-4 designation specifically used from 1972-1977, often referred to as the third generation Capella).

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Reviews:

While specific awards are not commonly cited for the RX-4, it was generally well-regarded for its unique rotary engine and sporty handling in period reviews.