Vehicle Segment:
Compact/Subcompact car
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, and Mazda owners seeking detailed technical information
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Volkswagen Golf
Vehicle Strengths:
Reliability, good handling (especially GTX models), affordable maintenance, fuel efficiency
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides in-depth technical knowledge to maintain and repair the vehicle, saving on professional service costs
Coverage Years:
1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989
Trim Levels Covered:
All (e.g., DX, LX, GL, GTX, GT)
Estimated Page Count:
~2000+ pages (comprehensive WSM)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual (WSM)
Format:
Digital PDF Download
Engine Mechanics:
Engine disassembly, inspection, assembly, timing, cooling, lubrication systems
Fuel And Emissions:
Fuel injection (MPI/EFI), carburetion (early models), emission controls, evaporative emission system
Drivetrain:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch, driveshafts, differential
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, steering rack, power steering system
Brakes:
Brake system hydraulics, disc and drum brake overhaul, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, ignition system, lighting, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair
Body And Interior:
Body panel repair, interior trim removal, door mechanisms, glass replacement
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, fluid checks
Engine Repair:
Engine overhaul, head gasket replacement, piston ring replacement, valve adjustment
Transmission Service:
Transmission fluid and filter change, clutch replacement, automatic transmission solenoid testing
Brake System Repair:
Brake pad/shoe replacement, caliper/wheel cylinder overhaul, brake fluid flush
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for charging, ignition, lighting, and accessory circuits
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Shock absorber/strut replacement, ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Procedures:
Detailed diagnostic charts, fault code interpretation (where applicable), component testing procedures
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners
Special Tools:
Identification of required special tools for specific procedures
Engine 1.6L Code:
B6 (DOHC)
Engine 1.6L Displacement:
1597 cc
Engine 1.6L Bore X Stroke:
78.0 mm x 83.6 mm
Engine 1.6L Compression Ratio:
8.5:1 or 9.0:1 (depending on variant)
Engine 1.6L Horsepower Approx:
86-95 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 1.6L Torque Approx:
90-95 lb-ft @ 3500-4000 rpm
Engine 2.0L Code:
FE (SOHC)
Engine 2.0L Displacement:
1998 cc
Engine 2.0L Bore X Stroke:
86.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Engine 2.0L Compression Ratio:
8.7:1
Engine 2.0L Horsepower Approx:
97-103 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm
Engine 2.0L Torque Approx:
115-118 lb-ft @ 3000-3500 rpm
Engine Gtx Turbo:
1.6L Turbocharged B6T (DOHC)
Engine Gtx Turbo Horsepower:
~130-135 hp
Engine Options:
Naturally aspirated gasoline, turbocharged gasoline, naturally aspirated diesel
Fuel Delivery Gasoline:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI/MPI) for most models, Carbureted for some early base models
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended), Diesel
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Transmission Gtx:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with 5-speed manual transmission
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
Dexron II or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
Body Styles:
3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon (Familia van)
Wheelbase Approx:
98.2 inches (2495 mm)
Overall Length Approx:
163.2 - 170.9 inches (4145 - 4340 mm) depending on body style
Overall Width Approx:
66.3 inches (1685 mm)
Overall Height Approx:
53.7 - 56.5 inches (1365 - 1435 mm) depending on body style
Curb Weight Approx:
2100 - 2600 lbs (950 - 1180 kg) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approx:
3300 - 3700 lbs (1500 - 1680 kg)
Crash Test Performance:
Limited official crash test data for this era; NTHSA ratings may vary, generally considered basic for the period.
Active Safety Features:
Four-wheel disc brakes (GTX models), Power-assisted front disc brakes standard on most trims
Passive Safety Features:
Seat belts (lap and shoulder belts), Crumple zones, Collapsible steering column
Infotainment Features Original:
AM/FM radio with cassette player, analog climate controls
Driver Assistance Original:
Limited; primarily ABS on higher trim levels or performance variants (GTX)
Connectivity Original:
None (pre-dates modern connectivity standards)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years (critical for B6 and FE engines)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 (depending on climate)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron II ATF
Common Issues Engine:
Timing belt failure (if not replaced on schedule), oil leaks from valve cover gasket and rear main seal, exhaust manifold leaks
Common Issues Suspension:
Worn strut mounts, ball joints, and tie rod ends, especially on higher mileage vehicles
Common Issues Electrical:
Failing alternator, starter motor issues, aging wiring harnesses, power window regulator failures
Common Issues Body:
Rust, particularly in wheel wells, rocker panels, and subframes
Mazda Heritage:
Mazda has a long history of producing reliable and innovative vehicles, particularly known for its rotary engines and sporty compact cars.
Bf Generation Context:
The BF generation of the Mazda 323 (also known as Familia in Japan) was a significant evolution, offering front-wheel drive and a more modern platform. It introduced the performance-oriented GTX model.
Production Years Bf:
1985-1989
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan (primary), with potential assembly in other regions
