Segment:
Mid-size Sedan / Wagon
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, Mazda dealerships
Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion
Unique Selling Points:
Sporty handling, stylish design, available V6 engine, Jinba-Ittai philosophy.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians with factory-level knowledge for accurate and efficient repairs.
General Coverage:
Maintenance, Repair, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Specifications
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM)
Format:
Digital (PDF) / Printable
Engine:
2.3L MZR (L3-VE), 3.0L Ford Duratec 30 (AJ-DE/LA)
Transmission:
5-Speed Manual, 4-Speed Automatic, 5-Speed Automatic
Brakes:
Front and Rear Disc Brakes, ABS, EBD, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)
Suspension:
Front MacPherson Struts, Rear Multi-Link Independent Suspension
Steering:
Power Rack and Pinion
Electrical:
Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Power Accessories, Audio System, SRS Airbag System
HVAC:
Manual and Automatic Climate Control
Body:
Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats
Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Fluid Checks and Changes, Belt Inspection and Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Air Filter Replacement
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical System Troubleshooting and Repair, Body Panel Repair
Diagnostics:
OBD-II Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Component Testing, Sensor Data Interpretation
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts for common and uncommon issues
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance, minor repairs, major overhauls, and advanced diagnostics.
Transmission Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual (FS5A-EL related for some variants)
Transmission Type Optional 1:
4-Speed Automatic (GF4A-EL related for some variants)
Transmission Type Optional 2:
5-Speed Automatic (Aisin-derived for V6)
Manual Clutch:
Hydraulic Actuated
Automatic Modes:
Overdrive, Sport Mode (on some models)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90
Automatic Transmission Fluid 4Spd:
Mazda ATF-MV or equivalent Dexron III
Automatic Transmission Fluid 5Spd:
Mazda ATF-FZ or equivalent Mercon V
NHTSA Front Impact:
★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
ABS:
Standard on all models
Ebd:
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (Standard)
Traction Control:
Standard on V6, Optional on 4-cylinder
Stability Control:
DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) Standard on V6, Optional on 4-cylinder
Airbags Front:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags (Standard)
Airbags Side:
Optional Front Side-Impact Airbags
Seatbelts:
Pretensioners, Load Limiters
Audio System:
Bose Premium Audio System (Optional), Standard CD Player, AM/FM Radio
Navigation:
Optional Factory Navigation System
Keyless Entry:
Standard or Optional depending on trim level
Aux Input:
Not commonly available in this generation; aftermarket solutions exist.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (severe duty), 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal duty)
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, Replace as needed or every 30,000 miles
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace annually or every 15,000 miles
Spark Plugs 4Cyl:
Replace every 100,000 miles (Iridium type)
Spark Plugs V6:
Replace every 100,000 miles (Platinum type)
Engine Oil 4Cyl:
SAE 5W-20, API SN/SP or ILSAC GF-5/GF-6, Capacity: 4.7 US Quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter
Engine Oil V6:
SAE 5W-30, API SN/SP or ILSAC GF-5/GF-6, Capacity: 5.5 US Quarts (5.2 Liters) with filter
Coolant:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent HOAT type, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity: Approx. 7.5 US Quarts (7.1 Liters)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Problems:
Rust/corrosion (especially rear wheel arches and rocker panels), Power steering pump leaks, Exhaust system corrosion, Ignition coil failure (4-cylinder), Transmission shifting issues (automatic), Suspension component wear (control arms, bushings).
Diagnostic Tips:
Check for HVAC blower motor resistor failure leading to fan speed issues.
Mazda Philosophy:
Jinba-Ittai (Horse and Rider as One) - Focus on driving dynamics and driver connection.
First Generation Launch:
Introduced in 2002 globally as the successor to the Mazda Capella/626.
Platform:
Mazda's GG/GY platform, co-developed with Ford.
Assembly Locations:
Hofu, Japan; Flat Rock, Michigan, USA (for North American market)
Production Years First Gen:
2002-2008