🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Mazda3

Year:

2009

Body Style:

5-Door Hatchback

Manual Product Name:

2009 Mazda 3 5-Door Owners Manual

Chassis Code:

BK

Engine Codes:

L3-VE (2.3L), LF-DE/LF-VE (2.0L)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact car (C-segment).

Target Audience:

Young professionals, small families, individuals seeking a stylish and fun-to-drive compact vehicle.

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Subaru Impreza.

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for Mazda's 'Zoom-Zoom' driving philosophy, offering responsive handling and an engaging driving experience.

Styling:

Sporty and distinctive exterior design, particularly the 5-door hatchback variant.

Interior:

Well-designed and driver-focused interior, often with good material quality for its class.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Operation, maintenance, safety features, and basic troubleshooting for the 2009 Mazda 3 5-Door.

Secondary Coverage:

Instrumentation, controls, climate control, audio system, safety restraints, lighting, tires, wheels, and routine maintenance procedures.

Approximate Pages:

Approx. 400-500 pages (typical for this model year and type)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Booklet

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Basic operation of engine and transmission, fluid checks, and recommended maintenance intervals.

Chassis:

Brake system operation, ABS, traction control, steering, suspension, and tire care.

Electrical:

Lighting system, instrument cluster, gauges, warning lights, fuses, battery maintenance, and audio system operation.

Comfort And Convenience:

Climate control (manual and automatic), power windows, door locks, mirrors, seats, and interior features.

Restraint Systems:

Seat belts, airbags (front, side, curtain), child seat installation (LATCH system).

Routine Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement.

Basic Troubleshooting:

Interpreting warning lights, minor electrical issues (e.g., blown fuses), and recommended actions for common dashboard indicators.

Depth:

Designed for the vehicle owner, covering essential operation, maintenance, and safety. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures or full repair instructions, which are found in Service Manuals.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

Physical printed booklet.

Quality:

Standard OEM print quality, with clear text and diagrams.

Binding:

Stapled or perfect bound booklet.

Paper:

Glossy or matte finish paper, typical for automotive manuals.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type 2.3L:

Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 (DOHC, 16-valve)

Engine Code 2.3L:

L3-VE

Displacement 2.3L:

2261 cc (2.3 Liters)

Horsepower 2.3L:

156 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque 2.3L:

150 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Engine Type 2.0L:

Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 (DOHC, 16-valve)

Engine Code 2.0L:

LF-DE / LF-VE

Displacement 2.0L:

1998 cc (2.0 Liters)

Horsepower 2.0L:

148 hp @ 6000 rpm (approximate, may vary by market)

Torque 2.0L:

135 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approximate, may vary by market)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 2.3L:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission 2.3L:

5-Speed Sport Automatic Transmission with Sequential Shift Mode

Transmission 2.0L:

5-Speed Manual Transmission or 4-Speed Sport Automatic Transmission

Sport Automatic Features:

Lock-up torque converter for improved efficiency, adaptive shift logic.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

174.8 inches (4440 mm)

Width:

69.1 inches (1755 mm)

Height:

57.7 inches (1465 mm)

Wheelbase:

104.1 inches (2645 mm)

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 94.0 cubic feet

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:

Approx. 15.5 cubic feet (hatchback)

Curb Weight Min:

Approx. 3000 lbs (manual transmission)

Curb Weight Max:

Approx. 3150 lbs (automatic transmission)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star (Driver and Passenger)

NHTSA Side Impact:

5-Star (Front and Rear Seat Passengers)

IIHS Frontal Offset Score:

Good

IIHS Side Impact Score:

Good

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Traction Control:

Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS)

Brake Assist:

Available

Airbags Front:

Advanced front airbags with occupant-detection system.

Airbags Side:

Standard front seat-mounted side-impact airbags.

Airbags Curtain:

Standard front and rear side-curtain airbags.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seating positions.

Latch System:

Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system for rear seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player with 4 or 6 speakers. Optional premium audio system with subwoofer and satellite radio capability.

Auxiliary Input:

Standard auxiliary audio input jack.

Display:

Central information display, often with climate and audio controls integrated.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Keyless Entry:

Standard keyless entry system.

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity available on higher trims or via accessory.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, or 7,500 miles / 6 months if using synthetic oil and driving under normal conditions. (Refer to manual for specific conditions).

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 5,000 miles.

Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement 2.3L:

Typically every 60,000 - 100,000 miles, depending on plug type (e.g., Iridium).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-20 (API SN or higher, ILSAC GF-5 or higher).

Engine Oil Capacity 2.3L:

Approx. 4.7 US quarts (with filter).

Coolant Type:

Mazda Genuine Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with long-life additives).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mazda ATF JWS3309 or equivalent specification fluid.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Mazda Genuine ATF or equivalent specification fluid (check manual for exact spec).

Rusting:

Early models, particularly those in areas with road salt, can be susceptible to rust on fenders, rocker panels, and subframes.

Clutch Wear Manual:

Some manual transmission models may experience clutch wear at lower mileage, depending on driving habits.

Catalytic Converter Failure:

Anecdotal reports of premature catalytic converter failure on some models.

Accessory Belt Tensioner:

Occasional reports of worn or noisy accessory belt tensioners.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Philosophy:

Mazda has a long history of producing engaging and driver-focused vehicles, often referred to as 'Zoom-Zoom'.

First Generation:

The first generation Mazda3 (BK) was introduced in 2003 (as a 2004 model year) and was a significant success, establishing Mazda as a strong contender in the compact segment.

Second Generation Transition:

The 2009 model represents the final year of the first generation. The second generation (BL) debuted for the 2010 model year with significant styling and technological updates.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary production facilities were in Japan (Hofu) and the United States (Flat Rock, Michigan).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The Mazda3 (both generations) has frequently been a recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' lists, recognized for its value, performance, and driving dynamics.

Kiplinger Best In Class:

Often recognized by publications like Kiplinger's Personal Finance for its overall value and cost of ownership in the compact segment.

Fuel Economy Epa Estimate 2.3L Auto:

Approx. 20 MPG City / 27 MPG Highway.

Fuel Economy Epa Estimate 2.3L Manual:

Approx. 21 MPG City / 28 MPG Highway.