🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

626 / MX-6

Model Years:

1992-1997

Chassis Code:

GE / GV (626 Sedan/Wagon), GE (MX-6 Coupe)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Mazda 626 and MX-6 of this generation were positioned as sporty, stylish, and competent mid-size sedans and coupes, competing with vehicles like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima. The MX-6 offered a more performance-oriented, coupe-specific variant.

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, and professional repair shops looking for authoritative guidance to maintain, repair, and diagnose Mazda 626 and MX-6 vehicles of this generation.

Competitive Analysis:

These Mazdas were known for their good handling characteristics, distinctive styling (especially the MX-6), and reliable Japanese engineering. They offered a balance of comfort, performance, and practicality, often appealing to drivers seeking a more engaging experience than some mainstream competitors.

Key Features:

V6 engine option (KL-DE), front-wheel drive, optional all-wheel steering (AWS) on some MX-6 models, aerodynamic design, driver-focused interiors. The workshop manual provides the essential technical foundation for maintaining and repairing these features.

Aerodynamics:

Both models featured a sleek, aerodynamic design that contributed to fuel efficiency and high-speed stability. The MX-6 was particularly noted for its low-slung, sporty profile.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Complete vehicle service and repair for Mazda 626 (Sedan/Wagon) and MX-6 (Coupe) models from 1992 to 1997.

Emissions Control:

Information on emission control systems, including EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), catalytic converter operation, and EVAP (Evaporative Emission Control) systems. Diagnostic procedures for emission-related fault codes.

Page Count:

Estimated 2000+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era and scope).

Manual Type:

Workshop Manual / Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanicals (including timing belt, valve adjustments, oil system), fuel injection, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, clutch, manual transmission, automatic transmission, driveshafts, suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS), electrical system (wiring diagrams, component locations, diagnostics), HVAC system, body and trim, interior components, emission controls, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Body And Trim:

Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, seals, interior trim panels, seats, dashboard, carpets, headliner. Procedures for removal and installation.

Electrical System Diagnostics:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all circuits, fuse box layouts, relay locations, component testing procedures, diagnostic charts for common electrical faults, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories.

Suspension And Steering:

Front strut suspension, rear multi-link suspension. Power steering system, steering rack/gearbox, steering column, steering wheel removal and installation, wheel alignment specifications. Procedures for diagnosis and repair of suspension noises and handling issues.

Brake System:

Front disc brakes (ventilated or solid depending on model/engine), rear disc or drum brakes. Brake caliper and master cylinder overhaul, brake pad and rotor replacement, bleeding procedures, ABS system diagnostics and component replacement (if equipped). Parking brake adjustment.

Procedures Included:

Complete tear down and rebuild, routine maintenance, scheduled servicing, troubleshooting guides, diagnostic procedures, component testing and replacement, repair instructions, alignment specifications, torque specifications for all major fasteners, electrical troubleshooting charts, wiring diagrams, body repair, diagnostic trouble code interpretation and resolution.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic troubleshooting trees for engine performance issues, starting problems, electrical faults, braking issues, and more. Includes symptom-based diagnosis.

Engine Rebuild:

Complete procedures for engine disassembly, inspection of internal components (pistons, rings, bearings, cylinder walls, crankshaft), cylinder head reconditioning (valve jobs), crankshaft grinding, and reassembly with specific clearances and torque values.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes and filter replacements to in-depth engine overhaul, transmission repair, and advanced electrical system diagnostics. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners, including cylinder head bolts, main bearing caps, connecting rod bolts, suspension components, wheel nuts, and more, essential for proper assembly and safety.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes:

Listings of OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics Generation 1) codes, their meanings, and troubleshooting steps for diagnosing engine and transmission fault codes displayed by the vehicle's computer.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Adobe PDF

Searchability:

PDF format allows for text searching, making it easy to find specific topics, part names, or procedures quickly.

Print Quality:

High-resolution digital scans, optimized for clarity of text, diagrams, and photographic images. Pages are fully printable.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine 4Cyl:

2.5L (2497cc) DOHC 24-valve Inline-4 (BP-ZE), naturally aspirated. Power output typically around 118-125 hp (depending on market and specific variant).

Primary Engine V6:

2.5L (2497cc) DOHC 24-valve V6 (KL-DE), naturally aspirated. Power output typically around 164-170 hp. Known for its smooth operation and good power delivery.

Engine Bore X Stroke Bp:

83.0 mm x 92.0 mm (BP-ZE)

Engine Bore X Stroke Kl:

84.5 mm x 75.0 mm (KL-DE)

Compression Ratio Bp:

9.0:1 (BP-ZE)

Compression Ratio Kl:

9.4:1 (KL-DE)

Engine Valvetrain Bp:

DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, belt-driven camshafts.

Engine Valvetrain Kl:

DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, belt-driven camshafts.

Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Sequential multi-port fuel injection (MPI) is standard on both engine variants.

Recommended Fuel:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (minimum).

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or distributor-based systems depending on engine and model year. Coil-on-plug or coil pack configurations. Manual details ignition timing specifications and component testing.

Timing Belt Replacement Interval:

Recommended every 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years for both BP and KL engines. Critical to prevent catastrophic engine damage if belt fails.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual transmission.

Optional Transmission:

4-speed automatic transmission (with overdrive).

Clutch Type:

Hydraulic actuation for manual transmission clutch.

Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil recommended. Capacity approx. 2.2 liters.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:

Dexron III or equivalent. Capacity approx. 7.0 liters (dry fill).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 103.7 inches (2634 mm) for 626 Sedan/Wagon; 103.2 inches (2621 mm) for MX-6 Coupe.

Length Mx6:

Approx. 183.5 inches (4661 mm)

Width Mx6:

Approx. 69.7 inches (1770 mm)

Height Mx6:

Approx. 51.8 inches (1316 mm)

Curb Weight Base Model:

Approx. 3000-3200 lbs (1360-1450 kg), depending on body style and configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Side Front Impact:

4-star rating (1993 model). (Note: Ratings may vary by model year and specific test criteria).

NHTSA Passenger Side Front Impact:

4-star rating (1993 model).

Active Features:

Front disc brakes, Rear disc or drum brakes (depending on trim/model), Power assisted steering, Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on front wheels or all wheels for certain trims/models.

Passive Features:

Driver and passenger front airbags (standard on later models, optional on earlier), Three-point seat belts with pretensioners, Crumple zones in chassis design, Side-impact door beams.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic analog radio with cassette player standard; optional CD player. Manual covers basic electrical diagnostics for these systems.

Driver Assistance Features:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced braking control. Optional All-Wheel Steering (AWS) system on certain MX-6 models for improved maneuverability at low speeds and stability at high speeds.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by era; primarily focused on audio system connectivity. Manual provides wiring for basic electrical features.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for specific synthetic oil recommendations.

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 60,000 miles (if using platinum or iridium type), earlier for standard copper plugs. Refer to manual for specific plug types and gap settings.

Engine Oil Type:

API SJ or SL, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended for most conditions. Capacity: Approx. 4.2 US quarts (4.0 liters) with filter for 4-cyl; 4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) for V6.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Mazda's specific coolant or equivalent. Capacity: Approx. 7.0 US quarts (6.6 liters) for 4-cyl; 7.5 US quarts (7.1 liters) for V6.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 glycol-based brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Dexron II or equivalent ATF, or manufacturer-specified power steering fluid.

Cabin Air Filter:

Not standard on all models of this generation; if equipped, replacement intervals vary. Manual will indicate location and procedure if applicable.

Known Issues:

Premature wear of engine mounts, particularly on the V6; potential for coolant leaks from intake manifold gaskets (KL-DE); ignition coil failure; ABS sensor issues; power window motor failures; suspension bushings wear. The manual details how to diagnose and repair these.

Common Repair Parts:

Timing belt kits (including tensioners and water pump), spark plugs and wires, ignition coils, intake manifold gaskets, CV axles, engine mounts, brake pads and rotors, suspension components (bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mazda has a long history of producing reliable and often innovative vehicles, with a focus on driving dynamics and unique engineering solutions. The 626 and MX-6 lineage traces back to earlier generations of Mazda's popular mid-size offerings.

Model Evolution:

The 1992-1997 models represent the fourth generation (GE) of the Mazda 626 and the second generation of the MX-6 (also based on the GE platform). This generation saw significant styling updates, improved performance options (notably the V6), and the introduction of advanced features like all-wheel steering.

Production Period:

1992-1997

Manufacturing Location:

Hofuf, Saudi Arabia (for Middle East market), and various plants globally, including Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The Mazda 626 and MX-6 platforms often received positive reviews for their styling, handling, and overall value proposition during their production run. Specific awards may vary by publication and region.