Category:
Luxury Mid-Size Sedan
Target Audience:
Individuals seeking reliable luxury transportation, often targeting professionals and families
Competitors:
Acura Legend, Toyota Avalon, Lexus ES, Infiniti J30, Cadillac Seville
Design:
Sleek, aerodynamic styling with a focus on a premium feel, often featuring a distinctive grille and headlight design.
Engine Options:
Known for its Kōki engine (Miller Cycle), offering a blend of power and efficiency, alongside a more conventional V6 option.
Interior:
Comfortable and well-appointed interior with quality materials, often featuring leather upholstery, wood trim, and advanced features for its time.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive Service and Repair
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Electrical Systems, Powertrain
Estimated Pages:
Over 1500 (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual)
Type:
Official Licensed Service & Repair Manual Software
Format:
Online Software/Web-Based Access
Engine:
Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, emissions control
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (4-speed), transaxle, clutch system (if applicable), torque converter
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), parking brake system, brake fluid
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear, wheel alignment
Suspension:
Front suspension (MacPherson struts), rear suspension (multi-link), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, sway bars
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments and gauges, power accessories, body electrical controls, fused circuits
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant circuits, controls, blower motor
Body:
Exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, mirrors, seals, body repair procedures
Wiring:
Complete wiring diagrams, connector locations, pinouts, troubleshooting guides for electrical circuits
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting for common issues, electrical diagnostics
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission service and repair, brake system overhaul, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, electrical component replacement
Installation:
Component replacement procedures, auxiliary equipment installation (if applicable)
Depth:
Advanced diagnostics, complete rebuild procedures, torque specifications, special tool requirements, factory specifications
Engine Type:
V6, 24-valve, DOHC (Miller Cycle)
Engine Code:
KJ-ZEM (Miller Cycle)
Displacement:
2.3 Liters (2313 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
87.5 mm x 81.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.4:1 (Miller Cycle)
Horsepower:
210 hp @ 5300 rpm (with intercooled supercharger)
Torque:
207 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Engine Type:
V6, 24-valve, DOHC
Engine Code:
GF-VE (for Japanese market, or similar for other markets)
Displacement:
3.0 Liters (2954 cc)
Horsepower:
200 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
202 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Acceleration 0 60 Mph:
Approximately 7.5 - 8.5 seconds (depending on engine and conditions)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane or higher recommended
Fuel Tank Capacity:
16.4 gallons (62 liters)
Type:
4-speed automatic with Electronic Control Unit (ECU)
Type:
Not available for 1998 model year
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios available in the manual, typically optimized for smooth acceleration and highway cruising.
Fluid Type:
Mazda Genuine ATF MV or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon
Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 3.2 quarts (3.0 liters) for fluid change; 8.1 quarts (7.7 liters) for overhaul
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
Not explicitly rated by NHTSA for this model year with current standards; however, equipped with standard safety features.
IIHS Crash Test:
Check IIHS archives for specific ratings; general safety for its era was moderate.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all models
Traction Control:
Not typically standard on base models, may be optional on higher trims
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system not standard, likely relies on seatbelt installation
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional CD player or premium Bose audio system available on higher trims.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control with digital display on some models.
Controls:
Steering wheel mounted audio controls may be available on premium models.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system
Keyless Entry:
Optional keyless entry and remote locking system
Not Applicable:
No advanced connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB ports as this is a 1998 model.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first
Oil Filter Replacement:
At every oil change
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs, or as specified for platinum/iridium plugs if equipped
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 36 months
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 24,000 miles (38,000 km) or 24 months
Engine Oil:
API SG, SH, or SJ certified, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 recommended
Coolant:
Mazda Genuine Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Power Steering Fluid:
Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Miller Cycle Engine Reliability:
Early models could experience issues with the supercharger belt tensioner and oil seals. The intercooler can also be a point of failure if not maintained.
Automatic Transmission:
Can be prone to wear over time, especially if fluid changes are neglected. Shifting issues may arise.
Suspension Wear:
Components like ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings can wear out, leading to clunking noises and alignment issues.
Electrical Gremlins:
As with many vehicles of this era, minor electrical issues like malfunctioning window regulators, door lock actuators, or intermittent warning lights can occur.
HVAC System:
Blend door actuators can fail, leading to improper temperature control. Refrigerant leaks are also possible.
Mazda Philosophy:
Mazda is known for its zoom-zoom driving dynamics and innovative engineering, often offering unique technologies.
Generation:
First Generation (1992-1997), Second Generation (1999-2002). The 1998 model is part of the first generation, likely a carryover or minor update before the second generation.
Key Innovations:
The Kōki Miller Cycle engine was a significant technological highlight, offering improved efficiency and torque delivery.
Manufacturing Location:
Hofu, Yamaguchi, Japan
Production Years:
1992-1997 (First Generation), 1999-2002 (Second Generation)