Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control, exhaust, engine management (ECU), turbocharging (if applicable)
Transmission:
Automatic Transmission (AT) and Manual Transmission (MT) - overhaul, diagnosis, removal/installation, fluid specifications, shift control systems
Drivetrain:
Front Wheel Drive (FWD) system, driveshafts, CV joints, differentials
Suspension:
Front suspension (MacPherson strut), rear suspension (multi-link), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, alignment procedures
Steering:
Power steering system (hydraulic), steering rack, steering column, linkage, diagnosis and repair
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), brake fluid specifications, pad/rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, bleeding procedures
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, circuit protection
Body And Frame:
Body construction, chassis, doors, hood, trunk, glass, interior trim, exterior trim, corrosion prevention
HVAC System:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, condenser, blower motor, controls
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS - Supplemental Restraint System), seatbelts, SRS diagnosis and repair (cautionary notes for handling)
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage, troubleshooting procedures, sensor testing
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Component Removal And Installation:
Detailed steps for removing and reinstalling all major and minor components
Component Overhaul And Rebuild:
Instructions for disassembling, inspecting, cleaning, and reassembling major components like engines and transmissions
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon problems
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Detailed wiring diagrams, circuit testing, and fault tracing for all electrical systems
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs
Technical Service Bulletins (Tsbs):
Likely includes references or summaries of manufacturer-issued TSBs for common issues and fixes
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostics, including sensor data interpretation and circuit analysis
Repair Complexity:
Covers everything from basic maintenance to complex engine and transmission overhauls, body repairs, and electrical system diagnostics
Target Audience:
Primarily professional technicians, but with sufficient detail for experienced DIY enthusiasts
Engine Code Common:
L3-VE
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-4
Displacement:
2.3 Liters (2261 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
87.5 mm x 94.0 mm
Valve Train:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 16 valves, VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing - Intake)
Horsepower Peak:
160 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque Peak:
155 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher for optimal performance)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 (API SN or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.7 US Quarts (4.4 Liters) with filter change
ECU Type:
Bosch Motronic or similar ECU (specific part number varies)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact Crash Test:
5-Star (Front and Rear Passenger)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution
TCS:
Optional Traction Control System
Esc:
Optional Electronic Stability Control (VSC - Vehicle Stability Control)
Airbags Front:
Dual front advanced airbags
Airbags Side:
Standard front side-impact airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Optional front and rear side-curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (with synthetic oil).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Iridium spark plugs: 100,000 miles (160,000 km).
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Recommended every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) under normal driving, more frequently under severe conditions.
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Recommended every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or as needed.
Coolant Flush:
Mazda FL22 Coolant: First change at 10 years or 120,000 miles, then every 5 years or 60,000 miles.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid (or Dexron III compatible)
Engine Sludge:
Early models (pre-facelift) were subject to oil sludge buildup if oil changes were neglected. Regular maintenance is critical.
Transmission Issues Auto:
Some reports of automatic transmission solenoid failures or shifting issues. Proper fluid maintenance is key.
Suspension Noise:
Worn sway bar links or bushings can cause clunking noises over bumps. Control arm bushings are also common wear items.
Electrical Gremlins:
Minor electrical issues like faulty window regulators or interior light failures can occur, often due to age and wear.
Rust Corrosion:
Check for rust on wheel arches, rocker panels, and subframes, especially in regions with heavy road salt usage.
