Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing belt/chain, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system (EFI), ignition system, emissions control.
Engine Electrical:
ECU, sensors (MAP, TPS, O2, knock, coolant temp), actuators, wiring diagrams, starting system, charging system, starter motor, alternator.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch system, gearbox overhaul, gear selection mechanism, bearings, seals, driveshafts.
Transmission Automatic:
Torque converter, valve body, planetary gear sets, hydraulic control system, transmission control module (TCM), fluid specifications, torque specifications, shift solenoid operation.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, differential, CV joints, axles, wheel bearings.
Suspension:
Front strut assembly, rear shock absorbers, control arms, sway bars, bushings, wheel alignment specifications, torque values.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, steering angle sensor (if equipped).
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum or disc brakes, brake fluid specifications, ABS system (if equipped), hydraulic lines, master cylinder, brake calipers, wheel cylinders, parking brake.
Body:
Body panel removal/installation, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, glass, weatherstripping, interior trim, body sealant.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, refrigerant type and charge, compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, climate control unit, heater core, cabin air filter (if applicable).
Electrical Lighting:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, dashboard illumination, turn signals, hazard lights, fuse box diagrams, relay functions.
Electrical Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, mirrors, radio, wipers, horn, security system (if equipped).
Maintenance Routine:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fuel filter replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid flushes, transmission fluid changes, differential fluid changes.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common failure modes, electrical diagnostics using multimeter and oscilloscope.
Repair Engine:
Complete engine rebuild, cylinder head gasket replacement, piston and ring replacement, crankshaft and bearing replacement, timing belt/chain replacement and alignment, oil pump replacement.
Repair Transmission:
Manual gearbox overhaul, automatic transmission repair, clutch replacement, torque converter replacement, seal replacement.
Repair Brakes:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake shoe and drum replacement, caliper rebuild, master cylinder replacement, bleeding the brake system, ABS component replacement.
Repair Suspension Steering:
Strut and shock absorber replacement, control arm bushings replacement, ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement, steering rack replacement.
Repair Electrical:
Component replacement (alternator, starter, sensors), wiring harness repair, module replacement, fuse and relay troubleshooting.
Bodywork Restoration:
Door panel removal, bumper replacement, glass sealing, interior trim installation, rust repair techniques (may be limited in digital manuals).
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and body repair).
Diagnostic Level:
Advanced (includes diagnostic charts, wiring diagrams, sensor data interpretation).
Specifications Accuracy:
High (includes torque specifications, clearances, fluid types, resistance values).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions).
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000 miles (if standard copper plugs), or longer for platinum/iridium.
Coolant Replacement:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for exact viscosity based on climate)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.2-4.5 Liters (with filter)
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
Mazda Genuine ATF or Dexron-III
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Common Problem 1:
Timing belt failure if not replaced at recommended intervals, leading to severe engine damage.
Common Problem 2:
Catalytic converter failure or clogging due to age or engine issues.
Common Problem 3:
Front suspension wear, including ball joints and bushings, leading to clunking noises and poor handling.
Common Problem 4:
Automatic transmission issues, such as slipping or delayed shifting, often related to fluid degradation or solenoid faults.
Common Problem 5:
Rusting, particularly in the rocker panels, wheel wells, and around the rear subframe mounting points, especially in areas with road salt.
Common Problem 6:
Ignition coil or spark plug wire issues, leading to misfires and poor performance.