🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

323

Year:

1989

Body Styles Covered:

Hatchback (3-door, 5-door), Sedan (4-door), Wagon (5-door)

Chassis Codes:

BF Series

Engine Codes:

B3, B6, FE, RF (Diesel)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact/Subcompact car segment, known for its practicality, reliability, and sporty handling (especially in certain trims).

Competitors 1989:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Nissan Sentra, Volkswagen Golf, Hyundai Elantra.

Vehicle Strengths:

Durable engineering, good fuel economy, practical interior, available AWD (on some models), enjoyable driving dynamics for its class.

Benefit To Owner:

Empowers owners to perform routine maintenance, diagnose issues, and undertake significant repairs, potentially saving money and extending vehicle life.

📋 Manual Details

Market Coverage:

Primarily North American market specifications, with applicable global variations noted where relevant.

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Full Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanicals (cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing), fuel system (carburetor, fuel injection, pump, injectors), ignition system (distributor, coils, plugs, timing), exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine management/ECU.

Transmission:

Manual transmission (clutch, gearbox, linkages, differentials), Automatic transmission (gearbox, torque converter, valve body, fluid cooler, electronic controls).

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive system, CV joints, drive shafts, wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Front suspension (struts, control arms, bushings, ball joints, sway bar), Rear suspension (independent or semi-independent depending on model, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings).

Steering:

Manual steering, Power assisted steering system (pump, rack and pinion, hoses, fluid).

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, Rear drum brakes (or disc on some models), master cylinder, brake booster, brake lines, parking brake system.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor, solenoid), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), wipers and washers, horn, fuses and relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass, trim, bumpers, chassis lubrication, body repair procedures.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components, refrigerant service, blower motor, controls, ducting.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, transmission fluid service, brake fluid service, air filter replacement, belt inspections and replacement.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common problems, diagnostic procedures for engine performance, electrical faults, transmission issues, brake problems, steering and suspension issues.

Repair Rebuild:

Complete engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhauls, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, electrical component repair and replacement, body panel repair.

Installation:

Component installation procedures for major systems, accessory installations.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic preventative maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic flowcharts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Quality:

High resolution, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Name:

1.6L SOHC Inline-4 (B6)

Engine 1 Displacement:

1597 cc

Engine 1 Horsepower:

Approx. 73-88 hp (depending on market and fuel delivery)

Engine 1 Torque:

Approx. 84-94 lb-ft (depending on market and fuel delivery)

Engine 2 Name:

1.8L SOHC Inline-4 (FE)

Engine 2 Displacement:

1839 cc

Engine 2 Horsepower:

Approx. 90-100 hp

Engine 2 Torque:

Approx. 100-110 lb-ft

Engine 3 Name:

1.6L Diesel Inline-4 (PN, RF)

Engine 3 Displacement:

1720 cc (PN), 1753 cc (RF)

Engine 3 Horsepower:

Approx. 54-60 hp

Engine 3 Torque:

Approx. 70-76 lb-ft

Carburetor Injection Options:

Both carbureted (single or dual barrel) and fuel-injected (throttle body or multi-point) variants were available, depending on engine and market.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (for gasoline engines), Diesel fuel (for diesel engines)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approx. 11.9 - 13.2 US gallons (45 - 50 liters), depending on body style.

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

5-speed manual transaxle

Automatic Transmission:

3-speed or 4-speed automatic transaxle

AWD Availability:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system available on select models, particularly performance-oriented variants like the GTX.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 98.4 inches (2500 mm)

Length:

Approx. 162.4 - 170.9 inches (4125 - 4340 mm), varies by body style.

Width:

Approx. 66.1 inches (1680 mm)

Height:

Approx. 54.7 - 56.3 inches (1390 - 1430 mm), varies by body style.

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2100 - 2600 lbs (950 - 1180 kg), varies significantly by engine, drivetrain, and body style.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by model, typically around 3300 - 3600 lbs (1500 - 1630 kg).

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Limited official crash test data available for this era by modern standards. The chassis design was considered robust for its time. Specific NHTSA or IIHS ratings may not be readily available or comparable.

Braking System:

Standard front disc and rear drum brakes. Optional front ventilated discs and rear discs on higher trims or performance models. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was a rare option, if available at all, on this model year.

Seatbelts:

Three-point front seatbelts, lap belts for rear occupants. Some models may have featured shoulder belts.

Child Safety:

Provision for child seat installation via seatbelts; LATCH system not present on this model.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player. Typically 2 or 4 speakers. Aftermarket upgrades common.

Cruise Control:

Available as an option on higher trim levels.

Diagnostic Ports:

OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics I) port, typically an under-hood diagnostic connector or a small connector under the dash, requiring specific diagnostic tools for electronically controlled engines.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Manual will specify exact recommendations.

Engine Tune Up:

Spark plugs, distributor cap, rotor, and ignition wires typically every 20,000-30,000 miles (32,000-48,000 km).

Timing Belt Replacement:

For FE and B6 engines, typically every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years. Critical interval to prevent catastrophic engine damage due to interference design.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG/CD service classification, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 recommended (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on temperature range). Capacity: Approx. 3.5-4.5 quarts (3.3-4.3 liters) with filter.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant. A 50/50 mix with distilled water is standard. Capacity varies by engine and radiator, typically 5-7 quarts (4.7-6.6 liters).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 motor vehicle brake fluid.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil. Capacity: Approx. 2.0-2.5 quarts (1.9-2.4 liters).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron II or equivalent ATF. Capacity: Approx. 5-7 quarts (4.7-6.6 liters) for a fluid change, more for a full overhaul.

Common Wear Items:

CV joint boots, strut mounts, control arm bushings, exhaust system components, clutch wear, ignition system components (distributor, coil), rust on body panels (especially in northern climates).

Engine Specific Concerns:

Carburetor issues (clogging, adjustment), fuel injector clogging on FI models, oil leaks from valve cover or oil pan gaskets, potential timing belt failure if not replaced on schedule.

Diesel Engine Concerns:

Glow plug issues, injection pump leaks, exhaust manifold cracks.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Philosophy:

Mazda's reputation for building driver-focused, reliable, and innovative vehicles, often offering more engaging driving experiences than competitors in their respective classes.

Generation Bf:

The 1989 Mazda 323 represents the later part of the BF generation (1985-1989), which introduced significant styling and engineering updates over its predecessor, including independent rear suspension on many models and the introduction of the sporty GTX variant.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily Japan, with some assembly potentially occurring in other global locations.

Production Run:

BF generation produced from 1985 to 1989. This manual specifically covers the 1989 model year, which was the final year of this generation before the BG generation was introduced.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Reputation:

The Mazda 323, across its generations, consistently received praise for its value, reliability, and sporty character, often outperforming its price bracket in terms of driving dynamics.