🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Mazda 3

Years Covered:

2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

Chassis Codes:

BK (First Generation)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Car / Small Family Car

Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Subaru Impreza

Driving Dynamics:

Known for its sporty handling and engaging driving experience, a key differentiator in its class.

Design:

Stylish exterior and interior design, often praised for its premium feel and aesthetics.

Reliability:

Generally considered reliable with good build quality.

📋 Manual Details

Sections:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Body, HVAC, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Specifications, Wiring Diagrams

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed procedures for all engine variants, including disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair. Covers cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train, timing components, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection, ignition system, and emissions control.

Transmission:

Coverage for both manual and automatic transmissions. Includes removal, installation, disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of gear sets, clutch components, torque converter, valve body, and hydraulic systems.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) systems. Covers drive axles, CV joints, differential, and related components.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems. Includes MacPherson struts, coil springs, shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, sway bars, and bushings. Covers diagnosis, alignment procedures, and component replacement.

Steering:

Power steering system. Covers steering rack, power steering pump, hoses, fluid, and related components. Includes diagnosis and repair.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes. Covers brake pads, rotors, calipers, master cylinder, brake lines, ABS system, parking brake mechanism. Includes bleeding procedures and component replacement.

Electrical System:

Comprehensive coverage of the electrical system. Includes battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, ignition system, fuel injection system, power windows, locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, audio system, instrument cluster, and body control modules.

Body And Interior:

Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, interior trim, seats, dashboard, airbags, seatbelts.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. Covers compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, refrigerant, climate controls, and diagnostic procedures.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin), spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid), tire rotation, battery service.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for virtually all vehicle components, from minor adjustments to major overhauls.

Installation:

Instructions for installing replacement parts and accessories.

Diagnosis:

Comprehensive diagnostic trees and fault finding for electrical and mechanical systems.

Depth:

Factory-level diagnostic and repair procedures, including detailed specifications, torque values, special tool requirements, and exploded views.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Viewable on any device with a PDF reader (PC, Mac, Tablet, Smartphone).

Quality:

High-resolution images and clear text, optimized for printing.

Type:

Digital Download (PDF)

N/A:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

2.0L

Engine 1 Code:

FS-DE (Naturally Aspirated)

Engine 1 Cylinders:

4

Engine 1 Valvetrain:

DOHC, 16 Valves

Engine 1 Horsepower:

148 hp @ 6000 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

135 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Engine 2 Displacement:

2.3L

Engine 2 Code:

L3-VE (Naturally Aspirated)

Engine 2 Cylinders:

4

Engine 2 Valvetrain:

DOHC, 16 Valves, Variable Valve Timing (VVT)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

160 hp @ 6500 rpm (approx.)

Engine 2 Torque:

150 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)

Compression Ratio 2.0L:

9.7:1

Compression Ratio 2.3L:

9.7:1

System Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Recommended Octane:

87 Octane (Minimum)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-Speed Manual

Transmission Type Optional:

4-Speed Automatic (with Sport mode on some trims)

Automatic Features:

Adaptive shift control, electronically controlled.

Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90

Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:

Mazda Genuine ATF-MV or equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Length:

174.6 inches (4435 mm)

Width:

69.1 inches (1755 mm)

Height:

57.7 inches (1465 mm)

Wheelbase:

102.4 inches (2600 mm)

Front Track:

59.4 inches (1510 mm)

Rear Track:

59.1 inches (1500 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approximately 5.5 inches (140 mm)

Curb Weight Min:

Approximately 2950 lbs (1340 kg)

Curb Weight Max:

Approximately 3200 lbs (1450 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Not explicitly stated, but typically around 4000 lbs (1814 kg)

Cargo Volume Sedan:

13.2 cu ft (374 L)

Cargo Volume Hatchback:

19.7 cu ft (558 L) with rear seats up, expandable

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

5-Star Rating (Driver and Passenger) for 2003-2006 models

IIHS Front Crash Test:

Good Rating for 2003-2006 models

IIHS Side Crash Test:

Good Rating for models equipped with side airbags

ABS:

Standard on most trims, optional on some early models. Anti-lock Braking System.

Traction Control:

Optional on some trims, Traction Control System (TCS).

Electronic Stability Control:

Optional on some later models, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).

Airbags Front:

Standard driver and front passenger airbags.

Airbags Side:

Optional front side-impact airbags and side-curtain airbags on select trims.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for front seats.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system for rear seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Base models feature a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system. Higher trims offer an upgraded 6-speaker or 7-speaker Bose premium audio system with subwoofer.

Navigation:

Optional touchscreen navigation system available on select higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Rain Sensing Wipers:

Optional on select trims.

Xenon Headlights:

Optional HID (High-Intensity Discharge) headlights on top trims.

Auxiliary Input:

Optional auxiliary audio input jack available on some models.

Bluetooth:

Not available on these model years, aftermarket solutions are common.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific recommendation.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 km).

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement 2.0L:

Approximately every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with iridium-tipped spark plugs.

Spark Plug Replacement 2.3L:

Approximately every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with iridium-tipped spark plugs.

Coolant Flush:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Engine Oil Spec:

API SN or ILSAC GF-5, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (check owner's manual for specific recommendation based on climate).

Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L:

4.3 US quarts (4.1 L) with filter change.

Engine Oil Capacity 2.3L:

4.7 US quarts (4.4 L) with filter change.

Coolant Spec:

Mazda Genuine Long Life Antifreeze (Blue) or equivalent (ethylene glycol based, phosphate-free).

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Engine Misfires 2.3L:

Some reports of ignition coil or spark plug issues causing misfires, particularly on the 2.3L engine. Manual provides diagnostic steps.

Clutch Wear Manual Transmission:

Clutch wear can occur with high mileage and aggressive driving. Manual covers clutch inspection and replacement procedures.

Power Steering Pump:

Occasional reports of power steering pump noise or leaks. Manual offers detailed troubleshooting and repair for the system.

Catalytic Converter:

Potential for catalytic converter failure at higher mileage, often due to misfires or rich fuel mixture. Manual assists in diagnosing the root cause.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Philosophy:

Jinba Ittai - 'horse and rider as one', emphasizing a connection between driver and car.

First Generation Launch:

Introduced in 2003 for the 2004 model year, replacing the Mazda Protegé.

Body Styles:

Available as a 4-door sedan and a 5-door hatchback.

Performance Variant:

Mazdaspeed3 (2007-2009) introduced later, but the foundation was laid by the '03-'06 models.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Japan (Hofu) and later in other global locations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

Mazda 3 was named to Car and Driver's 10Best lists for 2004 and 2005, recognizing its value, performance, and driving dynamics.

Motor Trend Car Of The Year:

Nominee for MotorTrend Car of the Year for its debut.

Consumers Reports Reliability:

Generally rated average to above average in reliability by consumer organizations for this generation.

Epa Fuel Economy 2.0L Manual:

24 MPG City / 32 MPG Highway (approx.)

Epa Fuel Economy 2.3L Manual:

22 MPG City / 29 MPG Highway (approx.)

Epa Fuel Economy 2.0L Automatic:

22 MPG City / 30 MPG Highway (approx.)