Vehicle Market Segment:
        
        
            Compact Minivan
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Families seeking versatile and practical transportation.
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors 1996:
        
        
            Honda Odyssey, Toyota Previa, Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager.
        
     
    
    
        
            Mpv Unique Selling Points:
        
        
            Rear-hinged rear doors (suicide doors) for easier access, car-like handling for its class, V6 engine availability.
        
     
    
        
            Manual Value Proposition:
        
        
            Empowers owners and technicians to perform accurate maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs and ensuring vehicle longevity.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine:
        
        
            Detailed diagnostic and repair procedures for the 2.5L V6 engine (e.g., KL-DE/KL-ZE).
        
     
    
        
            Lubrication System:
        
        
            Oil pump, oil filter, oil passages, oil cooler (if equipped), oil pressure testing.
        
     
    
        
            Cooling System:
        
        
            Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant types, fan operation, pressure testing.
        
     
    
        
            Fuel System:
        
        
            Fuel pump, fuel filter, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel tank service, fuel lines.
        
     
    
        
            Emission Control System:
        
        
            EVAP system, EGR system, catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, emissions testing procedures.
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Transmission:
        
        
            Overhaul, component testing, fluid types, shift control, electronic controls, torque converter.
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Propeller shaft, universal joints, differential, axle shafts, wheel bearings.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link suspension, bushings, springs, shock absorbers, alignment procedures.
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, alignment.
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Front and rear disc brakes, hydraulic system, ABS components (if equipped), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), ignition system, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.
        
     
    
        
            Body And Chassis:
        
        
            Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, glass, doors, lifting points, chassis specifications.
        
     
    
    
        
            Routine Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt adjustments.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Systematic fault finding for common issues, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) where applicable.
        
     
    
        
            Component Repair Overhaul:
        
        
            Step-by-step instructions for disassembling, inspecting, repairing, and reassembling major components.
        
     
    
        
            Specifications Tightening Torques:
        
        
            Precise torque values for all critical fasteners.
        
     
    
        
            Wiring Diagrams:
        
        
            Detailed electrical schematics for accurate diagnosis and repair of the electrical system.
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth Of Coverage:
        
        
            Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Capabilities:
        
        
            Covers self-diagnostic capabilities and basic OBD-I/OBD-II (if applicable) system checks.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt Replacement:
        
        
            Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (critical maintenance).
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change:
        
        
            Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type:
        
        
            API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity recommendations based on temperature).
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 4.5 US quarts (with filter change).
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Mazda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant).
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Type:
        
        
            Dexron III or equivalent ATF.
        
     
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid:
        
        
            Dexron III or equivalent ATF.
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Type:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Common Problems:
        
        
            Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets, intake manifold gaskets. Potential for timing belt tensioner failure (hence critical replacement interval).
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Common Problems:
        
        
            Harsh shifting, slipping, or delayed engagement can occur if fluid maintenance is neglected. Torque converter issues are also possible.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Common Problems:
        
        
            Worn front struts and rear shocks, worn sway bar links, and bushings can lead to a noisy or imprecise ride.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Common Problems:
        
        
            Alternator failure, power window motor issues, and dashboard illumination problems.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Mazda Philosophy:
        
        
            Jinba Ittai (Horse and Rider as One), focusing on driving dynamics and driver engagement, even in utilitarian vehicles.
        
     
    
    
        
            First Generation Intro:
        
        
            Introduced in 1990 (as a 1991 model year) in North America.
        
     
    
        
            Updates For 1996:
        
        
            Minor styling updates, potentially interior refinements and equipment shuffling. The fundamental platform remained the first generation.
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Plant:
        
        
            Likely Hofu Plant, Yamaguchi, Japan.
        
     
    
        
            Production Years Generation 1:
        
        
            1990-1998