🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

MPV

Years Covered:

1996, 1997, 1998

Chassis Code:

LW Series

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Minivan

Target Audience:

Families seeking versatile and practical transportation.

Key Competitors:

Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Town & Country, Ford Windstar.

Vehicle Attributes:

Compact size for urban maneuverability, sliding rear doors, flexible seating configurations, reliable mechanicals.

Manual Value Proposition:

Empowers owners to perform DIY maintenance and repairs, saving money and gaining in-depth knowledge of their vehicle's systems.

📋 Manual Details

General Maintenance:

Yes

Troubleshooting:

Yes

Engine Service Repair:

Yes

Transmission Service Repair:

Yes

Brake System:

Yes

Electrical System:

Yes

Suspension:

Yes

Periodic Lubrication:

Yes

Steering:

Yes

Cooling System:

Yes

Fuel Injection Fuel System:

Yes

Emission System:

Yes

Heater Air Conditioning:

Yes

Engine Control System:

Yes

Chassis Body:

Yes

Restraint System:

Yes

Interior:

Yes

Differential Drive:

Yes

Axle:

Yes

Estimated Page Count:

Comprehensive (Exact number not specified but indicated as extensive)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

Software Requirement:

Adobe Reader

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed overhaul procedures for engine components, including cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, and timing systems. Specifications for torque, clearances, and assembly sequences.

Engine Management:

Diagnosis and repair of the Engine Control Unit (ECU), fuel injection system (EFI), ignition system, sensors (e.g., MAF, O2, TPS), actuators, and emission control systems.

Transmission Automatic:

Complete service and repair procedures for the automatic transmission, including torque converter, valve body, clutch packs, planetary gear sets, and transmission control system. Fluid types and capacities.

Transmission Manual:

Service and repair for manual transmission variants, including clutch system, gearbox components, and shift linkages. Fluid specifications.

Braking System:

Detailed procedures for hydraulic system maintenance, brake caliper and cylinder overhauls, brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor machining/replacement, ABS system diagnosis, and bleeding procedures.

Electrical System:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all vehicle circuits, fuse box locations and functions, relay identification, power distribution, lighting systems, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system, and accessory circuits.

Suspension And Steering:

Diagnosis and repair of front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, bushings), power steering system (pump, rack, hoses), wheel alignment specifications, and steering column components.

Cooling And Heating HVAC:

Service for the cooling system (radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant types), HVAC system diagnosis, refrigerant charging, blower motor, heater core, and A/C compressor repair.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump testing, fuel filter replacement, fuel injector diagnosis and cleaning, fuel tank service, and fuel pressure specifications.

Chassis And Body:

Body panel repair, door mechanisms, window regulators, seat adjustments, exterior trim, underbody components, and frame alignment.

Restraint Systems:

Airbag system diagnosis and repair, seat belt mechanisms, and pre-tensioner system information.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Systematic troubleshooting guides for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems. Includes diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and test procedures.

Routine Maintenance:

Step-by-step instructions for oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs, and general inspections.

Component Replacement:

Detailed instructions for removing, installing, and adjusting major and minor components, from engine parts to interior trim.

Rebuilding Procedures:

Comprehensive guides for rebuilding major sub-assemblies like engines and transmissions, with detailed part specifications and assembly sequences.

Depth:

Factory-level diagnostic and repair information, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete system overhauls.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution PDF for clear image and text reproduction. Searchable text for efficient information retrieval.

Printability:

Designed for clear printing of diagrams, illustrations, and text.

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Digital Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1996-1997:

FS-DE (2.0L DOHC Inline-4)

Engine Code 1997-1998:

J-Series (2.5L V6 SOHC - Optional/Upgrade)

Horsepower 2.0L:

Approx. 122-130 hp (varies slightly by year)

Torque 2.0L:

Approx. 130-135 lb-ft (varies slightly by year)

Horsepower 2.5L V6:

Approx. 160-170 hp

Torque 2.5L V6:

Approx. 155-160 lb-ft

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type 2.0L:

4-speed Automatic (4-speed Manual may have been available in certain markets)

Transmission Type 2.5L V6:

4-speed Automatic

AWD Availability:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available on select trims and engine configurations.

📐 Dimensions

Overall Length:

Approximately 174.8 - 175.8 inches (varies slightly by year/trim)

Overall Width:

Approximately 71.7 inches

Overall Height:

Approximately 67.1 - 67.9 inches

Wheelbase:

Approximately 106.5 inches

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3,500 - 3,800 lbs (varies by engine and drivetrain)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver 1996:

Four Stars

NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger 1996:

Four Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Driver 1996:

Four Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger 1996:

Four Stars

ABS:

Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/Cassette or CD player with auxiliary speaker options.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional cruise control system.

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power door locks, and power mirrors were common features.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (check manual for specific engine/oil type).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on spark plug type).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (check manual for specific fluid type and interval).

Engine Oil Type:

API SG/SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to owner's manual for precise recommendation).

Transmission Fluid Type:

Mazda ATF-Type T-IV or equivalent (for automatic transmissions).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a green or orange color, with a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Common Problem 1:

Worn front struts/shocks leading to a rough ride or clunking noises.

Common Problem 2:

EGR valve clogging, causing rough idle or stalling, particularly in the 2.0L engine.

Common Problem 3:

Rear axle seal leaks.

Common Problem 4:

Power window motor failure or slow operation.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Focus:

Mazda has a history of producing sporty and reliable vehicles, often with a focus on driver engagement, even in utility-focused models.

Generation:

This era represents the second generation of the Mazda MPV (1990-1998), with the 1996-1998 models featuring updated styling and powertrains.

Manufacturing Location:

Hofuf, Saudi Arabia (for some markets), and Japan.

Sales Period:

Marketed globally as a versatile family vehicle.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Consumer Reports Rating:

Ratings varied by year, with some models receiving average to above-average reliability marks for their class during this period.