Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, timing, valve train, piston/rod assembly, crankshaft, cylinder head, block assembly
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body, EFI system diagnostics
Cooling System:
Radiator, coolant hoses, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan operation, coolant specifications
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, hangers, oxygen sensors
Transmission Manual:
Clutch operation, gearbox disassembly/assembly, gear ratios, shifting mechanism, fluid specifications, overhaul
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission operation, hydraulic control, valve body, torque converter, planetary gear sets, fluid types, service procedures
Suspension Front:
MacPherson struts, control arms, ball joints, sway bar, steering knuckle, wheel bearings, alignment specifications
Suspension Rear:
Independent rear suspension (e.g., multi-link or trailing arm depending on specific model variant), shock absorbers, springs, alignment specifications
Brakes Hydraulic:
Brake pedal, master cylinder, brake lines, proportioning valve, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures
Brakes Friction:
Disc brake calipers, brake pads, rotors, drum brake shoes, drums, parking brake mechanism, ABS system components
Steering:
Steering column, steering gear/rack and pinion, power steering pump, fluid specifications, tie rods, steering linkage
Electrical System Charging:
Alternator, battery, voltage regulator, wiring and connections
Electrical System Starting:
Starter motor, starter solenoid, ignition switch, neutral safety switch
Lighting System:
Headlights, taillights, turn signals, interior lighting, bulb types and specifications
Instrumentation:
Instrument cluster, gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temperature), warning lights, diagnostic indicators
Comfort Controls HVAC:
Heating system, ventilation, air conditioning (AC) system, refrigerant types, compressor, evaporator, condenser, blower motor, climate controls
Body Exterior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, glass, seals, trim, paint repair guidance
Body Interior:
Seats, dashboard, door panels, headliner, carpeting, trim panels, interior hardware
Safety Restraints:
Seat belts, airbag system components (SRS), diagnostic procedures for airbag system
Emission Control:
EVAP system, EGR system, PCV system, catalytic converter function, emissions testing requirements
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all major systems, including engine control, chassis, body, and accessories
Maintenance Schedule:
Recommended service intervals for oil changes, fluid flushes, filter replacements, inspections
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, error code interpretation (OBD-II)
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed instructions for major component overhauls (e.g., engine, transmission)
Lubrication:
Specific lubricant types, capacities, and service points
Specifications Torque:
Torque values for all critical fasteners
Special Tools:
Identification of required specialized tools for specific procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to full component overhaul and diagnostics
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), using recommended oil viscosity.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Platinum or Iridium plugs: 60,000 - 100,000 miles. Standard plugs: 30,000 miles.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 90,000 miles (FS-DE engine uses a timing belt, critical replacement item to prevent catastrophic engine damage).
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 API Service SG or higher (check manual for exact specification and capacity, typically around 4.0-4.5 quarts).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (e.g., Mazda's Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent), 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity approx. 6.0-6.5 quarts.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (verify with manual), typically reservoir capacity is around 0.5-0.75 quarts.
Engine Common Problems:
Worn engine mounts, oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan, occasional radiator fan issues, timing belt failure if not replaced on schedule.
Suspension Common Problems:
Worn front struts and bushings, premature wear of ball joints and tie rod ends, rear wheel bearing noise.
Transmission Common Problems:
Automatic transmission solenoid issues, worn clutches in high-mileage automatics, manual transmission clutch wear.
Electrical Common Problems:
Faulty alternator, battery drain issues, corroded grounds, power window motor failures.
HVAC Common Problems:
Blend door actuator failure, AC blower motor issues, refrigerant leaks.