Segment:
Mid-size sedan/wagon
Competitors Era:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Mondeo, Opel Vectra.
Design Philosophy:
Jinba Ittai (horse and rider as one) - focused on driver engagement and handling.
Body Styles:
Available as a 4-door sedan and a 5-door wagon.
Handling:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, independent rear suspension, and responsive steering.
Years Covered:
1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 2000+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine control (EFI), lubrication, cooling, exhaust, fuel system, ignition system, starter, charging system.
Drivetrain:
Transmission (manual & automatic), clutch, driveshafts, axles, differential.
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering system, brakes (hydraulic, ABS), wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Body electrical (lighting, wipers, horn, power accessories), instrument cluster, audio system, immobilizer, SRS (airbag) system, diagnostics (OBD-II).
Body:
Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning).
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair/rebuild, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, wiring diagrams, component testing procedures.
Adjustments:
Valve clearance adjustment, parking brake adjustment, clutch pedal free play adjustment.
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Engine Code 1:
FS-DE (2.0L DOHC Inline-4)
Displacement 1:
1991 cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore Stroke 1:
83.0 mm x 92.0 mm
Compression Ratio 1:
9.0:1
Horsepower 1:
Approx. 120-130 hp @ 6000 rpm (varies by market and tune)
Torque 1:
Approx. 130-140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (varies by market and tune)
Fuel System 1:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Valvetrain 1:
DOHC, 16 valves
Engine Code 2:
YF-DE / YF-RX (2.5L DOHC V6)
Displacement 2:
2490 cc (2.5 Liters)
Horsepower 2:
Approx. 165-170 hp @ 6000 rpm (varies by market and tune)
Torque 2:
Approx. 160-170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (varies by market and tune)
Fuel System 2:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Valvetrain 2:
DOHC, 24 valves (V6)
Manual Transmission:
5-speed manual (FS-DE)
Automatic Transmission:
4-speed automatic (FS-DE & YF-DE)
Automatic Features:
Activematic (manual shift mode on some later models)
Manual Fluid Type:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil (consult manual for specific Mazda specs)
Automatic Fluid Type:
Mazda ATF-MV or equivalent (Dexron III/Mercon compatible, verify with manual)
Length Sedan:
Approx. 4675 mm (184.1 in)
Width:
Approx. 1780 mm (70.1 in)
Height Sedan:
Approx. 1410 mm (55.5 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2615 mm (103.0 in)
Track Width Front:
Approx. 1520 mm (59.8 in)
Track Width Rear:
Approx. 1510 mm (59.4 in)
Curb Weight Sedan 2.0L:
Approx. 1300-1350 kg (2866-2976 lbs)
Curb Weight Sedan 2.5L V6:
Approx. 1380-1450 kg (3042-3197 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 1850-1950 kg (consult specific vehicle plate)
NHTSA Driver Frontal Impact:
Generally 4-star rating (check specific year/trim for exact details)
NHTSA Passenger Frontal Impact:
Generally 4-star rating (check specific year/trim for exact details)
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on base trims.
Traction Control:
Available on some higher trims and V6 models.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front seats, three-point for rear outboard.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD players, often with cassette tape. Higher trims may feature upgraded speaker systems (e.g., Bose).
Display:
Basic digital or analog displays for radio information, climate control. No integrated navigation or large touchscreens.
Cruise Control:
Available on most models.
Keyless Entry:
Optional on some trims.
OBD Ii:
Standard OBD-II diagnostic port for engine and emissions system scanning, supporting P-codes for fault diagnosis.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (conventional oil); 7,500 miles/12 months with synthetic oil. Consult manual for specific driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving environment.
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 miles for iridium-tipped spark plugs (if fitted), otherwise consult manual for specific plug type (e.g., 30,000 miles for copper).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for FS-DE (non-interference engine, but belt failure causes issues); 70,000 - 90,000 miles. YF-DE (V6) is a timing chain.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 recommended. Consult manual for temperature-specific grades and synthetic recommendations.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, Mazda FL22 or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron II/III compatible fluid.
Engine Mounts:
Worn engine and transmission mounts can lead to excessive vibration and clunking noises, especially during acceleration/deceleration.
Cv Boots:
Torn front CV (Constant Velocity) axle boots can lead to loss of grease and eventual joint failure, often resulting in clicking noises during turns.
Exhaust System:
Corrosion can affect exhaust pipes, mufflers, and catalytic converters, leading to leaks or failure.
Window Regulators:
Power window regulators can fail, preventing windows from moving up or down.
Climate Control:
HVAC system issues can include blower motor failures, blend door actuator problems, or refrigerant leaks.
Mazda Philosophy:
Known for sporty driving dynamics and innovative design across its history.
Previous Generations:
The 626 had a long lineage dating back to the 1970s, evolving through several distinct generations, each refining its platform and features.
Generation Gf Gw:
This generation (GF sedan/hatchback, GW wagon) was a significant evolution, offering improved styling, safety, and technology. It was Mazda's primary mid-size offering globally.
Production Start Year:
1997
Production End Year:
2002
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Hofu, Japan; also assembled in other international locations.
Successor:
The Mazda 626 nameplate was discontinued and replaced by the Mazda Atenza (Mazda6) starting with the 2003 model year.
