Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (mechanical), emission control systems.
Engine Management:
ECU (Engine Control Unit) operation, sensor inputs (MAF, MAP, TPS, O2, ECT, CKP, CMP), actuator outputs (injectors, ignition coils, IAC valve), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting strategies, PCM (Powertrain Control Module) diagnostics.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch system, transmission internal components, gear selection, linkages, lubrication, removal and installation.
Transmission Automatic:
Hydraulic control systems, torque converter, planetary gear sets, valve body, shift solenoids, TCU (Transmission Control Unit), removal and installation, fluid specifications.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, driveshafts, CV joints, differential, axle components, removal and installation.
Suspension:
Front suspension (MacPherson strut, control arms), rear suspension (multi-link or torsion beam depending on trim), shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system (hydraulic pump, steering rack, fluid), steering column, alignment specifications, troubleshooting.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear disc or drum brakes (depending on trim), hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components and diagnostics, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor), ignition system, lighting system (headlamps, tail lamps, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, body control module (BCM).
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components (compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor), refrigerant types, charging procedures, diagnostics, troubleshooting.
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, seats, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) components, glass replacement, weatherstripping.
Chassis And Frame:
Frame construction, unibody structure, body mounting points, corrosion protection.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin, fuel), spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid replacement, transmission fluid changes, differential fluid changes, tire rotations, battery checks.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnosis of common faults, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, wiring diagram interpretation, diagnostic tool usage, specific component testing.
Repair:
Component replacement (e.g., water pump, alternator, starter, CV axles, brake pads/rotors, ball joints, tie rod ends), engine repair (e.g., head gasket, timing belt replacement), transmission repair, suspension component overhaul.
Installation:
Installation procedures for major components, accessories, and replacement parts.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to major component overhauls and advanced diagnostics. Includes detailed torque specifications, electrical schematics, and diagnostic flowcharts.
Length:
Approx. 167.5 inches (4255 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.9 inches (1420 mm) (Sedan)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 102.7 inches (2606 mm)
Track Width Front:
Approx. 58.5 inches (1485 mm)
Track Width Rear:
Approx. 57.9 inches (1470 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2650-2850 lbs (1200-1295 kg) (depending on trim and options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 3700-3850 lbs (1680-1745 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Not specified or recommended for general towing.
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4x100mm
Lug Nut Torque:
76-100 lb-ft (103-136 Nm)
NHTSA Front Crash Test Driver:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags, otherwise Poor/Acceptable may vary)
NHTSA Front Crash Test Passenger:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags, otherwise Poor/Acceptable may vary)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
Acceptable (for models equipped with side airbags)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset:
Acceptable to Good (varies by model year and specific testing)
ABS:
Available, standard on some higher trims.
Traction Control:
Limited availability, typically not standard.
Airbags Front:
Standard (Driver and Passenger)
Airbags Side:
Optional on higher trims, often curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters on front seats.
Srs:
Standard Supplemental Restraint System (Airbags).
Oil Change:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for specific driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-20,000 miles (24,000-32,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plugs Replacement:
Platinum: 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Standard: 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Coolant Replacement:
Initial: 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 7 years. Subsequent: 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 5 years.
Timing Belt Replacement:
90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 9 years. **CRITICAL - failure can cause severe engine damage.**
Engine Oil:
API SN or higher, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity recommendations based on climate).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.2 US quarts (4.0 liters) with filter change.
Coolant:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (FL22) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with deionized water (50/50 mix).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid or ATF Dexron III equivalent.
Engine Mounts:
Degradation and cracking of engine mounts, leading to increased vibration.
Exhaust Manifold:
Cracking of the exhaust manifold can lead to exhaust leaks and ticking noises.
Oxygen Sensors:
Premature failure of oxygen sensors can affect fuel economy and emissions.
Power Steering Pump:
Occasional leaks or failure of the power steering pump.
Automatic Transmission:
Some models may experience harsh shifting or delayed engagement, often related to solenoid issues or fluid degradation.
Rear Wheel Bearings:
Premature wear and bearing noise in rear wheel bearings.
