Chassis Codes:
UA4W, UA5W, UB40, UB50 (dependent on specific market and drivetrain)
Engine Codes:
WL-T (2.5L Diesel), TF (2.6L Petrol), G6 (2.6L Petrol), FE-DE (2.0L Petrol)
Segment:
Compact pickup truck / utility vehicle
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, fleet owners, and Mazda Drifter enthusiasts.
Key Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Nissan Hardbody, Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton/Pajero Sport (depending on specific market and engine options).
Value Proposition:
Offers comprehensive technical information for maintaining and repairing the Mazda Drifter, crucial for owners in regions where this model was prominent.
Manual Advantage:
Provides detailed, manufacturer-specific guidance that generic automotive repair books may lack.
Primary Markets:
Southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, etc.)
Secondary Markets:
Other markets where the rebadged Ford Courier/Mazda B-Series was sold with similar specifications.
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 1500-2500 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Workshop Manual
Powertrain:
Engine overhaul, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, emissions control.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission repair, clutch system, drivetrain components (driveshafts, differentials).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS if equipped), wheel alignment.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, lighting systems, power windows, central locking, instrument cluster, charging system, starting system, accessories.
Body:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, doors, glass, bumpers, HVAC system components.
Maintenance:
Routine service, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks and changes.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD-I/OBD-II where applicable).
Diagnostics:
Engine diagnostics, electrical system diagnostics, ABS diagnostics (if applicable).
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all critical fasteners, engine clearances, fluid capacities, tire pressures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering complete teardown and rebuild of major components, advanced diagnostics, and detailed repair procedures.
Pictures And Diagrams:
Abundant, high-quality photographs, line drawings, exploded views, and wiring schematics.
Engine Options:
2.5L Turbo Diesel (WL-T), 2.6L Petrol (TF/G6), 2.0L Petrol (FE-DE)
2.5L Wl-T Diesel Power:
Typically around 85-90 kW (114-120 hp) and 270-300 Nm (199-221 lb-ft) of torque.
2.6L Petrol Power:
Typically around 80-90 kW (107-120 hp) and 200-220 Nm (148-162 lb-ft) of torque.
2.0L Fe-De Petrol Power:
Typically around 75-85 kW (100-114 hp) and 170-180 Nm (125-133 lb-ft) of torque.
Diesel Fuel System:
Indirect Injection (IDI) or Direct Injection with Bosch or similar rotary/inline pumps, turbocharger with intercooler for WL-T.
Petrol Fuel System:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI).
ECU Type:
Electronic Control Unit (ECU) for fuel injection and ignition timing.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for petrol engines (FE-DE, G6/TF), typically every 100,000 km or 5 years. Diesel (WL-T) usually has a timing chain or belt with longer intervals.
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Drivetrain Options:
2WD (Rear-Wheel Drive) and 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive) with selectable hubs or full-time 4WD depending on variant.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent) ATF.
Differential Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 gear oil (check for LSD additive if applicable).
Body Styles:
Single Cab, Extended Cab (Freestyle Cab), Double Cab
Wheelbase Options:
Varies by body style and configuration, typically ranging from approximately 2,800 mm to 3,200 mm.
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Varies by model and configuration, typically between 2,500 kg and 3,000 kg.
Towing Capacity:
Typically around 1,500 kg to 2,000 kg (braked) depending on engine and configuration.
Crash Test Data:
Limited public data available for this specific model's crash testing by independent bodies; relies on general safety features for the era.
Active Safety:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some higher trims or as an option.
Passive Safety:
Seat belts (driver and passenger), potentially airbags on later models or higher trims.
Front Brakes:
Ventilated Disc Brakes
Rear Brakes:
Drum Brakes (typically)
Infotainment System:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player or single-disc CD player. Optional upgrades available.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited, primarily ABS on some models. Features like cruise control might be available on higher trims.
Connectivity Options:
Basic, typically with auxiliary inputs for aftermarket audio devices.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (on some models), fuel level, engine temperature; warning lights for charging, oil pressure, engine check, etc.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-10,000 km or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and engine type (refer to manual for specific intervals).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000-40,000 km or annually.
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Diesel: Every 40,000-60,000 km. Petrol: Every 60,000-80,000 km.
Coolant Replacement:
Every 40,000-80,000 km or 2-4 years.
Engine Oil Specification:
Diesel: API CI-4 or CH-4, SAE 15W-40 or 10W-30. Petrol: API SN/SM/SL, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (Mazda Long Life Coolant or equivalent).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Issues Diesel:
Glow plug failure, turbocharger wear, injector pump issues, exhaust manifold cracks on high mileage units.
Common Issues Petrol:
Head gasket leaks, ignition coil failures, exhaust system corrosion, minor electrical gremlins.
Chassis Issues:
Rust and corrosion on chassis, particularly in coastal or high-humidity areas; worn suspension bushings and ball joints.
Mazda Truck History:
Mazda has a long history of producing light commercial vehicles and pickups, including the B-Series and the Mazda Proceed.
Drifter Lineage:
The Mazda Drifter is a rebadged version of the Ford Courier, which itself was based on the Mazda B-Series platform during this generation. This platform sharing was common under Ford's ownership of a stake in Mazda.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in South Africa by Mazda Automotive (South Africa).
Production Period:
The Mazda Drifter nameplate was used for this rebadged model from the mid-1990s through the early 2000s.
