Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, disassembly, assembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing belt/chain, oil pump, cooling system, lubrication system
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starter motor, alternator, battery, engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics, sensors, wiring diagrams
Emission Control:
Catalytic converter, EGR system, evaporative emission control (EVAP), oxygen sensors, emission control components testing and diagnosis
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel filter, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body, fuel tank, fuel lines, carburetion (if applicable)
Clutch System:
Clutch disc, pressure plate, release bearing, clutch master cylinder, clutch slave cylinder, hydraulic lines, adjustment and bleeding
Manual Transaxle:
Gearbox overhaul, gear replacement, synchronizers, shift mechanism, clutch operation, fluid specifications and replacement
Automatic Transaxle:
Transmission overhaul, valve body, torque converter, planetary gears, clutch packs, solenoids, diagnostic procedures, fluid specifications and replacement
Driveshaft Axles:
CV joints, drive shafts, wheel bearings, axle boots, inspection and replacement
Suspension System:
Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings), rear suspension (shocks, springs, trailing arms), wheel alignment, shock absorber replacement
Steering System:
Steering rack, power steering pump, steering column, tie rod ends, steering wheel, fluid specifications and bleeding
Restraint System:
Seat belts, airbags (diagnosis and replacement precautions), safety systems
Brake System:
Front and rear brakes (discs/drums), calipers, wheel cylinders, brake pads, brake shoes, brake lines, master cylinder, ABS (if equipped), bleeding procedures
Body Interior Exterior:
Door panels, seats, dashboard, trim, exterior panels, bumpers, glass, seals, body repair, rust prevention
Body Electrical:
Lighting system, power windows, central locking, wipers, horn, dashboard instrumentation, switches, wiring harnesses, fuse box diagrams
HVAC:
Heating system, ventilation, air conditioning (compressor, refrigerant, evaporator, condenser), blower motor, controls, diagnosis and recharge procedures
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid change, tune-ups, belt inspection/replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical system diagnostics, engine performance issues
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, overhaul, and adjustment
Diagnostics:
Fault code retrieval (OBD-I if applicable), sensor testing, component testing procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Illustrations:
Includes diagrams, illustrations, and photographs
Schematics:
Detailed wiring schematics and system diagrams
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months (refer to manual for exact interval based on driving conditions)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended every 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 4-6 years (critical for B3 engine to prevent catastrophic failure)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity and capacity)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, Mazda recommends specific coolant or equivalent (e.g., 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron II or III (check specific manual for exact type and capacity)
Common Wear Items:
CV joint boots, engine mounts, suspension bushings, clutch components, radiator
Electrical Quirks:
Corrosion on electrical connectors, intermittent issues with power windows and door locks on higher mileage vehicles
Engine B3 Reliability:
Generally reliable, but sensitive to timing belt maintenance. Overheating can cause head gasket issues.
