🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

MX-6

Years Covered:

1993-1997

Chassis Code:

GE

Generation:

Second Generation (GE)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Type:

Front-wheel-drive, sporty coupe.

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts and owners seeking detailed information for DIY repairs and maintenance, aiming to keep their MX-6 in optimal condition.

Competitors:

Competed with cars like the Toyota Celica, Nissan 240SX, Mitsubishi Eclipse, and Ford Probe (which it shared a platform with).

Design:

Sleek, aerodynamic styling with a distinctive coupe profile. Offered a more upscale and refined experience compared to some competitors.

Platform Sharing:

Shared its platform and some mechanical components with the Ford Probe, but with distinct Mazda styling and tuning.

Handling:

Known for its good handling characteristics, often attributed to Mazda's engineering expertise.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds of Pages

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul procedures for all engine variants, including timing belt replacement, ignition system, fuel injection, emissions control, and cooling system.

Transmission:

Comprehensive coverage for both automatic (4-speed) and manual (5-speed) transmissions, including fluid changes, clutch replacement, gearbox overhaul, and differential repair.

Drivetrain:

Axle and driveshaft inspection, repair, and replacement, including CV joints and propeller shafts (if applicable to AWD variants).

Brakes:

Detailed procedures for ABS and non-ABS systems, brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, brake line inspection and repair, master cylinder and brake booster service.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension component identification, replacement of struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, ball joints, and steering rack service.

Steering:

Power steering system diagnosis, pump and rack replacement, steering column repair, and alignment specifications.

Electrical System:

Complete wiring diagrams for all circuits, fuse box layouts, starter, alternator, battery testing, lighting systems, power windows, door locks, and accessory circuits.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling, compressor replacement, blower motor service, and heater core replacement.

Body And Interior:

Exterior panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, hood and trunk latches, interior trim panel replacement, seat repair, and convertible top mechanisms (if applicable).

Chassis And Frame:

Frame inspection and repair procedures, unibody construction details.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, drive belt inspection and replacement.

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

Systematic approaches to identifying and resolving common and complex faults, including diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) where applicable.

Major Repairs:

Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension and steering component replacement, brake system repairs.

Component Replacement:

Step-by-step instructions for replacing virtually every mechanical and electrical component.

Specifications And Tolerances:

Detailed torque specifications, clearances, and measurement tolerances for critical components.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks and adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and body repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Likely searchable text within the PDF, allowing for quick information retrieval.

Print Quality:

High resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or sections.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

KL-DE (V6)

Engine Type:

2.5L V6 DOHC 24-valve

Displacement:

2490 cc

Bore X Stroke:

84.5 mm x 74.2 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.1:1

Power Output:

164 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)

Torque Output:

159 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane or higher recommended)

Four Cylinder Option:

While the V6 was prominent, some markets may have had a 2.0L or 2.5L four-cylinder option in earlier years or specific trims, though the KL-DE V6 is the most recognized for this generation.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic (with Sport Mode)

Automatic Features:

Electronically controlled for optimal shift points and performance.

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated, single dry plate.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4675 mm (184.1 in)

Width:

Approx. 1745 mm (68.7 in)

Height:

Approx. 1315 mm (51.8 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2610 mm (102.8 in)

Front Track:

Approx. 1485 mm (58.5 in)

Rear Track:

Approx. 1470 mm (57.9 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1400-1500 kg (3086-3307 lbs) depending on trim and options.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not readily available, consult specific vehicle VIN.

Trunk Capacity:

Approximately 0.34 cubic meters (12.0 cubic feet), subject to variation.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Specific NHTSA ratings for this model year range are not consistently documented publicly; refer to individual vehicle import data if available.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an available option, often standard on higher trims.

Traction Control:

Traction control systems were not common on this model.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags were standard on most models from 1995 onwards; earlier models may have had driver-side only or optional passenger airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts for front and rear occupants.

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced A-pillars and body structure for occupant protection.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Typically featured a factory-installed AM/FM stereo with cassette player and optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim level.

Display:

Basic digital or analog dashboard displays, climate control indicators, and radio information. No complex infotainment screens common in modern vehicles.

Cruise Control:

Electronic cruise control was a common feature, typically mounted on the steering column.

Keyless Entry:

Available on higher trim levels or as an optional accessory.

Antenna:

Power-retractable antenna was a premium feature on some models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic or high-quality conventional oil.

Oil Filter Replacement:

With every oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard spark plugs, or longer if iridium or platinum plugs are used.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial for the V6 engine: every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years. Use Mazda FL22 coolant or equivalent.

Engine Oil:

API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 recommended. Capacity: Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90. Capacity: Approx. 2.4 quarts (2.3 liters).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mazda ATF-III or equivalent. Capacity: Approx. 3.0 quarts (2.8 liters) for change, 7.7 quarts (7.3 liters) for overhaul.

Power Steering Fluid:

Mazda Genuine PSF or Dexron II/III ATF. Capacity: Approx. 1.0 quart (0.9 liters).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4. Capacity: Approx. 0.5-1.0 quart (0.5-0.9 liters) for flush.

Timing Belt Tensioner:

The automatic tensioner for the timing belt on the KL-DE V6 can fail over time, leading to belt slippage or failure. It's highly recommended to replace the tensioner and idler pulleys with the timing belt.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gaskets and crankshaft seals can degrade and leak oil. Intake manifold gaskets can also develop leaks.

HVAC Blend Door Actuator:

The actuators controlling the HVAC blend doors can fail, resulting in improper air temperature distribution or stuck modes.

Power Window Motors:

The motors for the power windows can become weak or fail, leading to slow operation or complete failure.

Catalytic Converter:

Over time, the catalytic converter can become clogged or fail, leading to reduced engine performance and increased emissions.

Suspension Bushings:

Rubber suspension bushings (control arms, sway bars) can wear out, leading to knocking noises, poor handling, and alignment issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Coupe Legacy:

The MX-6 lineage traces back to earlier sporty Mazda coupes like the RX-7 (though the MX-6 was front-wheel-drive and rotary-free), aiming to capture the sporty coupe market.

First Generation:

The first generation (GD) was produced from 1987-1992 and was based on the Mazda Capella/626 platform.

Second Generation:

The second generation (GE), covered by this manual, was launched for the 1993 model year. It featured a more modern design and was built on a shared platform with the Ford Probe, representing a collaborative effort. This generation is noted for its distinctive styling, particularly the 'glasshouse' rear quarter windows and the long hood, short deck proportions.

Production Period:

1993-1997

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily manufactured in Japan.

Market Discontinuation:

Production ceased after the 1997 model year, with no direct successor in the Mazda lineup, though the Mazda RX-8 later filled the sporty coupe niche in a different form.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

While the MX-6 itself wasn't specifically awarded, Mazda's V6 engine (KL-DE) was critically acclaimed and featured in vehicles that often appeared on '10 Best' lists, highlighting its smooth power delivery and refinement.