Vehicle Class:
        
        
            Mid-size Luxury Sedan
        
     
    
    
        
            Competitors 1996:
        
        
            Acura Legend, Lexus ES 300, Toyota Avalon, Buick Park Avenue, Oldsmobile Aurora
        
     
    
    
        
            Design Philosophy:
        
        
            Mazda's 'Winged Soul Motion' design language, focus on refinement and driving dynamics within the luxury segment
        
     
    
        
            Distinguishing Technology:
        
        
            Miller-cycle V6 engine (optional), advanced chassis dynamics, premium interior appointments
        
     
    
    
        
            Manual User:
        
        
            Professional automotive technicians, experienced DIY mechanics, Mazda enthusiasts, fleet maintenance departments
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Mechanical:
        
        
            Engine disassembly, inspection, assembly, overhaul, timing, cooling system, lubrication system
        
     
    
        
            Engine Performance:
        
        
            Fuel system (injection, pump, injectors), ignition system, emissions control, diagnostics, troubleshooting
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Automatic:
        
        
            Automatic transmission: disassembly, inspection, assembly, hydraulic controls, torque converter, shift solenoids, troubleshooting
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Manual:
        
        
            Manual transmission (if applicable): disassembly, inspection, assembly, gear selection, troubleshooting
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Driveshafts, CV joints, differential, wheel bearings, rear axle (if applicable)
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, springs, bushings, alignment specifications
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, tie rods, troubleshooting
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Front and rear brakes (discs/drums), hydraulic system, ABS system, brake lines, master cylinder, calipers, pads, rotors, troubleshooting
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), lighting, horns, power windows, mirrors, central locking, fuses, relays
        
     
    
        
            Body And Interior:
        
        
            Body panels, doors, windows, glass, trim, seats, upholstery, dashboard, interior components, body repair, corrosion prevention
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, heater core, controls, troubleshooting
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            OBD-II system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool procedures, sensor testing, troubleshooting flowcharts
        
     
    
    
        
            Routine Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, belt replacement, spark plug replacement
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            System-specific diagnostic procedures, fault finding, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
        
     
    
        
            Repair Procedures:
        
        
            Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair for all major vehicle systems
        
     
    
        
            Overhaul Procedures:
        
        
            Detailed instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds
        
     
    
        
            Torque Specifications:
        
        
            Precise torque values for all critical fasteners
        
     
    
        
            Wiring Diagrams:
        
        
            Complete electrical system wiring diagrams for all circuits
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth Level:
        
        
            Professional Level (suitable for technicians and advanced DIYers)
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Capability:
        
        
            Includes detailed diagnostic procedures for all electronic control modules and sensors
        
     
    
        
            Rebuild Instructions:
        
        
            Full rebuild procedures for engine and transmission are included
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Code:
        
        
            JE-ZE (Miller-Cycle), KF-ZE (Naturally Aspirated)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Type:
        
        
            V6, DOHC, 24 valves
        
     
    
        
            Displacement Miller Cycle:
        
        
            2.3 L (2311 cc)
        
     
    
        
            Displacement Naturally Aspirated:
        
        
            2.5 L (2490 cc)
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower Miller Cycle:
        
        
            210 hp @ 5300 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque Miller Cycle:
        
        
            225 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
        
     
    
        
        Performance Naturally Aspirated
    
 
    
        
            Horsepower Naturally Aspirated:
        
        
            170 hp @ 6000 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque Naturally Aspirated:
        
        
            156 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
        
     
    
    
        
            Miller Cycle Explanation:
        
        
            Mechanical supercharger with an intercooler, optimized for efficiency and low-end torque, variable intake timing
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
        
        
            4 Stars (1996 Model Year Ratings)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
        
        
            4 Stars (1996 Model Year Ratings)
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Driver and front passenger airbags
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            Front 3-point height-adjustable seatbelts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seatbelts
        
     
    
        
            Child Seat Anchors:
        
        
            Rear LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system (may not be standard on all trims/locations)
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on all models
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Traction Control System (TCS) available on some models
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first
        
     
    
        
            Engine Coolant Flush:
        
        
            Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Fluid Change:
        
        
            Every 30,000 miles or 24 months (under normal driving conditions)
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Approximately 60,000 miles (check manual for specific type and gap)
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type:
        
        
            API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity recommendations based on temperature)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity:
        
        
            4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
        
        
            Dexron III or equivalent
        
     
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid Type:
        
        
            Mazda Genuine ATF DEXTRON II / III or equivalent
        
     
    
    
    
        
            Miller Cycle Engine Common Problems:
        
        
            Supercharger belt wear, intercooler leaks, potential for intake manifold issues, oil consumption, premature catalyst failure
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Common Problems:
        
        
            Slipping, delayed engagement, solenoid failures (especially in high-mileage units)
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Common Problems:
        
        
            Window regulator failures, intermittent power locks, sensor failures (e.g., ABS sensors, crankshaft position sensor)
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Common Problems:
        
        
            Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, strut mounts, and control arm bushings leading to clunks and poor handling