Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, rebuilding, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (mechanical aspects).
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system, engine control module (ECM), sensors, actuators, wiring diagrams.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (MT) overhaul, automatic transmission (AT) overhaul, clutch system, transfer case (if applicable).
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) axle shafts, constant velocity (CV) joints, rear axle components (if applicable), propeller shaft, differential.
Suspension:
Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints), rear suspension (multi-link, trailing arms), shock absorbers, springs, steering knuckles.
Steering:
Power steering system (hydraulic pump, rack and pinion, steering column), manual steering components, wheel alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum/disc brakes, brake hydraulics (master cylinder, lines, calipers, wheel cylinders), parking brake system, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) components and diagnostics.
Body Exterior:
Body panel removal/installation, doors, hoods, trunk lid, bumpers, glass, exterior trim, weatherstripping.
Body Interior:
Dashboard, seats, carpets, headliner, interior trim panels, airbags system removal/installation, seat belts.
Electrical System:
Lighting (headlights, taillights, interior lights), horn, wipers, washers, power windows, power locks, mirrors, audio system, instrument cluster, fuse box, relays.
HVAC:
Heating system, ventilation system, air conditioning (AC) system (compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant, controls).
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, evaporative emission control (EVAP) system.
Emission Control:
Catalytic converter, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, oxygen sensors, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II).
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), fluid checks and changes (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid), spark plug replacement, tire rotation.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, electrical faults, braking problems, HVAC malfunctions.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing major components like alternators, starters, water pumps, radiators, fuel pumps, brake pads, rotors, suspension arms, etc.
Engine Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for complete engine disassembly, inspection, machining, and reassembly, including torque specifications and clearances.
Transmission Overhaul:
Comprehensive guide to disassembling, inspecting, and rebuilding both manual and automatic transmissions.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Use of multimeters, oscilloscopes, and scan tools; interpretation of wiring diagrams for diagnosing electrical circuits.
Body Repair:
Procedures for minor dent repair, panel alignment, and replacement of exterior components.
Wheel Alignment:
Detailed specifications and procedures for front and rear wheel alignment.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for FS-DE and FS-DET engines (interference engines). Includes detailed procedures and timing marks.
Air Conditioning Service:
Procedures for refrigerant handling, component replacement, and system charging.
Diagnostic Charts:
Includes symptom-based diagnostic charts for efficient troubleshooting.
Torque Specifications:
Provides precise torque values for all critical fasteners across all systems.
Clearances And Tolerances:
Detailed specifications for engine component clearances, bearing tolerances, and other critical measurements.
Wiring Diagrams:
High-quality, detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle circuits, including power distribution, grounds, and signal paths.
Diagnostic Codes:
Lists OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their potential causes and troubleshooting steps.
Special Tools:
Identifies any special tools or equipment required for specific repair procedures.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months (refer to manual for specific conditions and oil type)
Service Intervals Filters
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles
Coolant Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-3 years
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 24-36 months
Engine Oil Type:
API SN or ILSAC GF-5, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-20 (verify with owner's manual and climate)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.2 - 4.5 US quarts (with filter, check manual)
Coolant Type:
Mazda Genuine Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, OAT coolant
Power Steering Fluid:
Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/Mercon equivalent
Engine Oil Consumption:
Some models, particularly with the 2.0L engine, may exhibit higher than normal oil consumption, often related to piston ring design or oil control rings. Regular checks are essential.
Coil Pack Failures:
Ignition coil packs can fail, leading to misfires and rough running. Symptoms include check engine light and poor performance.
Suspension Components:
Worn sway bar links, control arm bushings, and ball joints can lead to knocking noises and degraded handling.
Clutch Wear:
The clutch in manual transmission models can wear over time, leading to slipping or difficulty shifting.
Rust And Corrosion:
Common in areas with road salt, especially on wheel wells, rocker panels, and subframes.
Cv Joint Boots:
Torn CV joint boots can allow grease to escape and contaminants to enter, leading to premature failure of the CV joints.