🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

MX-6 / 626

Year:

1996

Chassis Code:

GE (for MX-6), GE/GV (for 626)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Mazda MX-6 and 626 of this era were positioned as sporty, stylish, and reliable front-wheel-drive coupes and sedans, often competing with models like the Honda Prelude, Toyota Camry Coupe, and Nissan Maxima.

Strengths:

Known for sharp handling (especially the MX-6 with its optional four-wheel steering), refined interiors, and reliable V6 engines. The 626 offered a more practical sedan alternative.

Design:

Sleek, aerodynamic styling, particularly for the MX-6 coupe.

Performance Options:

Available with efficient inline-four engines and a potent V6, often paired with responsive transmissions.

Handling:

Well-balanced chassis, with the MX-6 optionally featuring Mazda's lauded four-wheel steering (4WS) system for enhanced agility.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All major mechanical and electrical systems

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, frame, suspension, steering, brakes, wheels, tires

Powertrain:

Engine, transmission, drivetrain, exhaust

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instruments, comfort controls, power accessories

Comfort And Convenience:

HVAC system, interior trim, seats, audio system

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

System diagnostics, fault codes, common issues, repair procedures

Estimated Pages:

Over 1000 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)

Type:

Factory Authorized Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine construction, cylinder head, valve train, pistons, crankshaft, lubrication, cooling, timing systems

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection system (EFI), ignition system, emission control systems, turbocharging (if applicable)

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gearshift mechanism, transmission overhaul, gear ratios, fluid specifications

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission operation, overhaul, torque converter, control systems, fluid specifications

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive, constant velocity (CV) joints, drive axles, differential (integrated with transmission)

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, shock absorbers, springs, bushings

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, linkage, alignment

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) if equipped, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pads, lines, bleeding procedures

Wheels And Tires:

Wheel specifications, tire sizes, inflation pressures, wheel bearing replacement

Electrical Charging:

Alternator, battery, wiring harnesses, charging system testing

Electrical Starting:

Starter motor, ignition switch, starting circuit troubleshooting

Electrical Ignition:

Ignition coils, spark plugs, distributor (if applicable), electronic ignition control

Electrical Lighting:

Headlights, taillights, interior lights, bulb specifications, wiring diagrams

Electrical Instruments And Gauges:

Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, warning lights

Electrical Comfort Controls:

HVAC controls, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, cruise control

Electrical Audio System:

Factory radio, speaker wiring, antenna

Body Exterior:

Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, glass, seals

Body Interior:

Dashboard, trim panels, seats, carpeting, headliner

HVAC System:

Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, climate controls, refrigerant handling (cautionary notes)

Emission Control:

Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), catalytic converter, evaporative emission control (EVAP) systems

Safety Systems:

Seat belts, airbag system (if equipped, though less common for 1996), chassis safety structures

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement

Component Removal And Installation:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for most major components

Overhaul And Rebuild:

Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures, including torque specifications and tolerances

Troubleshooting Guides:

System-specific diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for all circuits

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all critical fasteners

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for certain procedures

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds

Diagnostic Capability:

Includes OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics) information where applicable and specific diagnostic procedures for electronic systems

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF, allowing for quick access to specific information

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory documentation, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text

Binding:

Not applicable for PDF format

Paper:

Not applicable for PDF format

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code V6:

KL-DE (2.5L V6)

Engine Displacement V6:

2.5 liters (2490 cc)

Engine Configuration V6:

V6, 24-valve, DOHC (Dual Overhead Cam)

Engine Horsepower V6:

Approximately 168-170 hp @ 6000 rpm (depending on market and specific configuration)

Engine Torque V6:

Approximately 155-160 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (depending on market and specific configuration)

Engine Code I4:

FS-DE (2.0L I4) / KF-DE (2.0L V6 - some markets)

Engine Displacement I4:

2.0 liters (1998 cc)

Engine Configuration I4:

Inline-4, 16-valve, DOHC

Engine Horsepower I4:

Approximately 120-130 hp @ 6000 rpm

Acceleration 0 60 V6:

Approx. 7.5-8.5 seconds

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended for V6)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approximately 15.3 gallons (58 liters)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type V6:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type I4:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type V6:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission Type I4:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Torque Converter At:

Lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency

Transmission Fluid At:

Dexron II or equivalent (consult manual for specific Mazda P/N)

Transmission Fluid Mt:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 75W-80 gear oil (consult manual for specific Mazda P/N)

📐 Dimensions

Length Mx6:

Approx. 181.5 inches (4610 mm)

Width Mx6:

Approx. 69.3 inches (1760 mm)

Height Mx6:

Approx. 52.2 inches (1325 mm)

Wheelbase Mx6:

Approx. 101.2 inches (2570 mm)

Length 626:

Approx. 182.1 inches (4625 mm) for sedan

Width 626:

Approx. 69.3 inches (1760 mm)

Height 626:

Approx. 54.3 inches (1380 mm) for sedan

Wheelbase 626:

Approx. 104.3 inches (2650 mm) for sedan

Curb Weight V6 Mx6:

Approx. 3100-3300 lbs (1400-1500 kg), depending on transmission and options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Consult vehicle's compliance plate, typically around 4000-4200 lbs (1800-1900 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Not recommended/specified for towing

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash:

Likely 4-star (driver) / 3-star (passenger) for 1996 models (check specific year/model reports for confirmation)

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models

Four Wheel Steering:

Optional 4-Wheel Steering (4WS) system on MX-6 for enhanced maneuverability and stability

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags (standard on many trims in 1996)

Seatbelts:

Three-point front and rear seat belts, driver's side pretensioner

Child Safety Anchors:

Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) not standard, but child seat anchorage points available

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM cassette player with optional CD player. Basic analog controls.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional electronic cruise control system

Antenna System:

Power antenna system, likely with manual override

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil recommended)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions

Spark Plug Replacement V6:

Every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) depending on spark plug type (platinum recommended)

Timing Belt Replacement V6:

Crucial! Every 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-144,000 km) or 5-7 years. The KL-DE engine is an interference engine; timing belt failure will cause severe engine damage.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2-3 years

Transmission Fluid Change At:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) or as specified in the manual

Transmission Fluid Change Mt:

Every 50,000-75,000 miles (80,000-120,000 km)

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for exact viscosity based on climate)

Engine Oil Capacity V6:

Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change

Engine Oil Capacity I4:

Approx. 4.2 US quarts (4.0 liters) with filter change

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for confirmation)

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF Dexron II or equivalent

Timing Belt Wear:

Premature wear or failure of the timing belt is a critical issue for the KL-DE V6 due to interference engine design. Regular replacement is paramount.

Idler Pulley Noise:

Some KL-DE engines can develop noise from the timing belt idler pulleys.

Oil Leaks:

Common areas for oil leaks include valve cover gaskets and rear main seals.

Transmission Clunking:

Automatic transmissions can sometimes exhibit clunking on shifts, often related to fluid condition or solenoid issues.

Cv Joint Wear:

Front CV joints can wear out, leading to clicking noises during turns.

Power Window Regulators:

Plastic components in power window regulators can become brittle and break.

HVAC Blend Door Actuators:

Common failure in older vehicles, leading to inability to control temperature or air direction.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Heritage:

Mazda has a long history of producing reliable and driver-focused vehicles, from the sporty RX-7 to practical sedans and versatile SUVs.

Mx6 Evolution:

The MX-6 was Mazda's flagship sporty coupe, based on the 626 platform, known for its sleek styling and performance credentials. The 1996 model is part of the second generation (GE) of the MX-6, which ran from 1991-1997.

626 Evolution:

The 626 was Mazda's mid-size offering, evolving through several generations. The 1996 model is part of the fifth generation (GE for coupe/hatchback, GV for wagon) of the 626, known for its improved styling and refinement.

Production Period:

1996 model year

Manufacturing Location:

Hofuf, Saudi Arabia (for certain markets) and Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Handling Awards:

Mazda's engineering in chassis and suspension tuning was often praised, contributing to positive driving dynamics, though specific awards for the 1996 models are less prominent than for later generations.

Reliability Ratings:

Generally considered reliable for its era, with typical maintenance requirements for a vehicle of this age. Consumer Reports and J.D. Power ratings from the period would offer specific insights.