Engine Overhaul:
Detailed disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly procedures for all engine variants.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection systems (MPI/GDI), fuel pump, injectors, pressure regulator, evaporative emission control (EVAP).
Ignition System:
Spark plugs, ignition coils, ECU control, timing.
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, hoses, fan operation, coolant specifications.
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, mufflers, oxygen sensors, emissions control.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch operation, gearbox disassembly, internal component replacement, shift linkage.
Transmission Automatic:
Torque converter, valve body, planetary gear sets, hydraulic control, transmission control module (TCM).
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD), all-wheel drive (AWD) system (if applicable), driveshafts, CV joints, differential.
Suspension Front:
MacPherson struts, control arms, ball joints, stabilizer bars, bushings, alignment specifications.
Suspension Rear:
Independent suspension (e.g., multi-link), shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment.
Steering System:
Power steering pump, rack and pinion, steering column, tie rods, alignment.
Brake System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum or disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, brake bleeding procedures.
Electrical System Dc:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays.
Lighting System:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, bulb replacement, aiming procedures.
Instrument Panel:
Gauges, warning lights, sensor inputs, cluster diagnostics.
Body Exterior:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, glass replacement.
Body Interior:
Seat removal/installation, dashboard trim, headliner, carpet, door panels.
HVAC System:
Air conditioning (A/C) system, heater core, blower motor, climate controls, refrigerant charging.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS) removal/installation, seatbelt mechanisms, crash sensor locations.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, cabin air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, identification of common faults.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing major and minor components across all systems.
Diagnosis:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) code retrieval, interpretation, and diagnostic procedures for sensor failures.
Rebuilds:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures with detailed specifications.
Adjustment Procedures:
Valve lash adjustment, throttle body synchronization, idle speed adjustment.
Calibration:
ECU/PCM relearn procedures, sensor calibration (e.g., throttle position sensor).
Diagnostic Tools:
Guidance on using scan tools, multimeters, and specialized diagnostic equipment.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners (engine, chassis, body).
Electrical Schematics:
Comprehensive and detailed wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Specifications Charts:
Detailed charts for engine clearances, component tolerances, fluid capacities, and wear limits.
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (for 2003 model year, specific ratings may vary slightly by year/configuration)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (for 2003 model year)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable or Good (depending on year and specific test parameters)
ABS Standard Optional:
Optional on lower trims, standard on higher trims or later model years.
Traction Control:
Available on some models, particularly AWD or performance variants.
Airbags Standard:
Frontal airbags (driver and passenger) standard.
Airbags Optional:
Side airbags (curtain and/or torso) available on some trims.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front seats.
Oil Change Interval Miles:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on oil type and driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement Miles:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement Miles:
Every 60,000 to 100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type - standard vs. iridium).
Transmission Fluid Change Miles:
Automatic: 60,000 miles (severe service), 100,000 miles (normal). Manual: inspect regularly, change as needed.
Engine Oil Type Viscosity:
API SN/SP, ILSAC GF-5/GF-6A certified SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (check owner's manual for specific engine recommendations).
Coolant Type:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
Mazda ATF-FZ or equivalent Dexron-III/Mercon compatible fluid.
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.
Engine Oil Consumption:
Some FS-DE engines can develop oil consumption issues due to worn piston rings or valve stem seals.
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
Rear crankshaft main seal leaks are a known issue on higher mileage vehicles.
Catalytic Converter Failure:
Premature failure can occur, often due to engine misfires or oil burning.
Suspension Components:
Worn ball joints, tie rods, and control arm bushings can lead to steering looseness and noise.
Power Steering Pump Noise:
Humming or whining noises from the power steering pump can indicate low fluid or a failing pump.