🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

MX-6

Product Type:

Workshop Service & Repair Manual

Platform Code:

GD (1st Gen), GE (2nd Gen)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Front-wheel drive, sporty coupe.

Key Competitors:

Ford Probe, Toyota Celica, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Nissan 240SX, Honda Prelude.

Vehicle Identity:

Known for its sleek styling, comfortable interior, and available V6 engine, offering a balance of sportiness and everyday usability.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides professional-level repair and maintenance information equivalent to dealership service manuals, empowering owners and independent mechanics.

📋 Manual Details

Model Years Covered:

1988-1997

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Type:

Factory Authorized Workshop Manual / Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete engine overhaul, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing systems.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, fuel injection system (ECU, sensors, actuators), starting system, charging system, emission control systems.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gearbox overhaul, gear shifting mechanisms, differential.

Transmission Automatic:

Torque converter, valve body, planetary gear sets, hydraulic control, electronic control unit (ECU).

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, CV joints, subframes, mounting components.

Suspension:

Front suspension (McPherson struts, control arms, anti-roll bar), rear suspension (multi-link, trailing arms), shock absorbers, springs, bushings.

Steering:

Power steering system (pump, rack and pinion, hoses), steering column, wheel alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes, calipers, pads, rotors), ABS system (sensors, modulator, pump), parking brake.

Body Exterior:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, seals, exterior trim, corrosion protection.

Body Interior:

Seating, dashboard, trim panels, carpets, headliner, HVAC controls, interior lighting.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, mirrors, door locks, horn, fuse box, relays.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system (compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant), heating system, blower motor, climate control.

Safety Systems:

Seat belts, airbag system (if applicable), chassis safety structures.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement.

Component Replacement:

Detailed instructions for replacing virtually all mechanical and electrical components.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon faults.

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD) system, DTC code retrieval and interpretation, sensor testing.

Specifications And Data:

Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, wiring diagrams, schematics.

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic owner maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Fully searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Clarity:

High-resolution scans of original factory documents ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1St Gen:

2.0L Inline 4-cylinder (FE3) - Naturally Aspirated and Turbocharged.

Engine 2Nd Gen:

2.5L V6 (KL-ZE/KL-DE) - Naturally Aspirated.

Hp 2.0L Na:

Approx. 118-125 hp

Hp 2.0L Turbo:

Approx. 145-160 hp

Hp 2.5L V6:

Approx. 160-170 hp

Torque 2.5L V6:

Approx. 150-155 lb-ft

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for all variants.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1St Gen:

5-speed Manual Transmission.

Transmission 2Nd Gen:

5-speed Manual Transmission.

Transmission Auto 1St Gen:

4-speed Automatic Transmission.

Transmission Auto 2Nd Gen:

4-speed Automatic Transmission.

AWD Option:

All-wheel drive (AWD) available on some 2nd generation models (e.g., MX-6 AWD).

📐 Dimensions

Length 2Nd Gen:

Approx. 178.0 inches (4521 mm)

Width 2Nd Gen:

Approx. 69.5 inches (1765 mm)

Height 2Nd Gen:

Approx. 51.8 inches (1316 mm)

Wheelbase 2Nd Gen:

Approx. 101.8 inches (2586 mm)

Cargo Volume:

Approx. 12.8 cu ft (Varies by generation and configuration).

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2,800 - 3,200 lbs (Varies by engine and transmission).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Information generally unavailable for this era of vehicles; refer to manual for specific safety features and construction.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on select models and trims.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags not standard on early models, became more common in later production years (refer to specific vehicle for confirmation).

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts for all occupants, height-adjustable front seatbelts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player on later models. Speaker configurations vary by trim.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Power Features:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors are common features.

No Modern Connectivity:

No factory Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone integration due to the era of manufacture.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Recommended every 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-144,000 km) for V6 engines (KL series), check manual for specific engine.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), depending on plug type.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG/SH or equivalent. Viscosity: 5W-30, 10W-30, or 10W-40 depending on climate (refer to manual for specific recommendations).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant. Mazda recommends specific coolant, consult manual. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 gear oil, 75W-90 recommended. Capacity: ~2.0-2.5 liters.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mazda ATF M-III or equivalent. Capacity: ~3.0-3.5 liters for drain and refill.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Engine Peripherals:

Degradation of vacuum hoses, intake manifold gaskets (especially on V6), and ignition components (coil packs, distributor).

Suspension Components:

Worn bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends leading to clunking noises and steering play.

Automatic Transmission:

Some units can exhibit harsh shifting or slipping, often related to fluid degradation or valve body issues.

Electrical Gremlins:

Corroded grounds, aging wiring harnesses, and faulty sensors can lead to various intermittent electrical problems.

Body Corrosion:

Rust can form in common areas like wheel wells, rocker panels, and around window seals, particularly in humid or salt-prone climates.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Focus:

Mazda's history of producing driver-focused, sporty vehicles, often with innovative rotary engines, though the MX-6 utilized conventional piston engines.

1St Generation:

1987-1991 (GD platform), built on the Mazda Capella platform, sharing many components with the Ford Probe.

2Nd Generation:

1991-1997 (GE platform), redesigned with a more aerodynamic profile and shared platform with the Mazda Eunos Cosmo and Ford Probe.

Manufacturing Location:

Japan (primarily).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

The MX-6 was often praised for its styling and handling, but did not consistently appear on major '10 Best' lists.

Consumer Reports:

Historically, Mazda vehicles of this era generally received good to very good reliability ratings, with specific model performance varying. This manual is essential for maintaining that reputation.

Manual Quality:

Industry-standard for automotive repair documentation, providing detailed, verified information.