Segment:
Sporty coupe, personal luxury coupe.
Competitors Historical:
Toyota Celica, Honda Prelude, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Nissan 240SX (Silvia).
Design:
Sleek, aerodynamic styling with a distinctive coupe silhouette. Often featured a glass roof panel (optional).
Performance:
Available with powerful V6 engines, offering a balance of performance and refinement. Available with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) in certain markets/trims.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking a stylish, well-engineered coupe with engaging driving dynamics.
Covered Years:
1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997
Covered Models:
All MX-6 models, all trim levels
Estimated Page Count:
1500-2000+
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Format:
Digital (PDF likely, given the description)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (V6, 4-cylinder), fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, engine electrical, ignition system, lubrication system.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Automatic transmission, manual transmission, clutch, driveshafts, axles, differentials, AWD system (if applicable).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, disc/drum), wheel alignment, chassis components.
Electrical Electronics:
Body electrical, lighting systems, instrument cluster, audio system, climate control, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Body Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid), filter replacements, tune-ups.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical diagnostic flowcharts.
Repair Rebuild:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components, engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, bodywork repairs.
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, timing settings, diagnostic data, component testing procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive A-Z coverage, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Includes detailed diagrams, illustrations, and technical explanations.
Engine Code Common:
KF-DE (2.0L DOHC I4), KL-DE (2.5L DOHC V6)
Displacement V6:
2490 cc (2.5 Liters)
Bore X Stroke V6:
84.5 mm x 74.2 mm (approx.)
Compression Ratio V6:
9.1:1 (approx.)
Horsepower V6:
160-170 hp @ 5,500-6,000 rpm (market dependent)
Torque V6:
150-155 lb-ft @ 4,000-4,500 rpm (market dependent)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V6 (KL-DE)
Timing System:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), timing belt driven.
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended)
Transmission Type Common:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission with Electronically Controlled Lock-up Torque Converter
AWD Option:
Optional All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, often referred to as 'Mazda Full-time 4WD' or similar.
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
Dexron II or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification, e.g., Mazda ATF-III)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Auto:
Approximately 8-9 liters (dry fill), significantly less for a simple fluid change (refer to manual).
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (refer to manual).
Length:
Approximately 4,665 mm (183.7 in)
Width:
Approximately 1,750 mm (68.9 in)
Height:
Approximately 1,350 mm (53.1 in)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2,605 mm (102.6 in)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1,400 - 1,550 kg (3,086 - 3,417 lbs), depending on configuration (engine, transmission, AWD).
Crash Test Data:
NHTSA and IIHS ratings from the era are generally available through their respective databases, though specific MX-6 data might be limited. Typically rated as acceptable to good for its class at the time.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on select trims/options.
Traction Control:
Traction control system (TCS) may be available on higher trims or with AWD.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seatbelts, potentially with pretensioners for the front seats.
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and body structure, common for coupes of this era.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control systems available.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Power Features:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, power adjustable seats (on higher trims).
Exterior Lighting:
Halogen headlights, fog lights (optional), power-adjustable side mirrors.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended every 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years (critical for V6 engines, failure can cause severe damage).
Spark Plugs:
Inspect at 30,000 miles, replace as needed. Platinum-tipped plugs may have longer intervals (refer to manual).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 API SG or higher (refer to manual for specific V6 recommendation).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water (e.g., Mazda FL22 or equivalent). Capacity approx. 8-9 liters for V6.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific recommendation).
Engine V6 Oil Leaks:
Common areas for oil leaks include valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and rear main seal.
Timing Belt Wear:
Regular replacement is crucial. Idler pulleys and tensioners should also be inspected/replaced during timing belt service.
Suspension Wear:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings can lead to steering looseness and uneven tire wear.
HVAC System:
AC compressor clutch issues, blower motor resistor failure, and evaporator leaks can occur.
Electrical Connectors:
Corrosion in electrical connectors, especially in areas exposed to moisture, can cause intermittent faults.
Mazda Coupe Legacy:
Mazda has a long history of producing stylish and engaging coupes, building on the success of models like the RX-7.
First Generation Vs Second:
The second generation (GE) built upon the foundation of the first, offering more refined styling, improved powertrains, and advanced features. It was based on the Capella/Cronos platform.
Platform Sharing:
Shared its platform with the Mazda Capella/Cronos and Ford Telstar.
Production Years:
1991-1997 (for the GE generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan.
Car And Driver 10Best:
While the MX-6 itself might not have consistently made '10 Best' lists, Mazda's overall reputation for driver-focused cars in this era was strong.
Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports reliability ratings and reviews from the period would offer insight into common issues and owner satisfaction.
Performance Reviews:
Contemporary automotive reviews often praised the MX-6 for its sharp handling, comfortable ride, and potent V6 engine, particularly in AWD variants.
