🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

626

Year:

1998

Body Style:

Station Wagon

Chassis Code Platform:

GD/GV

Model Code Variant:

GF (Station Wagon)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Station Wagon

Target Audience:

Owners seeking to perform DIY maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops.

Key Competitors:

Toyota Camry Wagon, Honda Accord Wagon, Ford Mondeo Wagon, Subaru Legacy Wagon.

Vehicle Strengths:

Reliability, comfortable ride, practical cargo space, Mazda's 'Zoom-Zoom' driving dynamics (for the era).

📋 Manual Details

Language:

English

Manual Type:

Full Service Repair Manual

Formats Covered:

PDF Download

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul, assembly, disassembly, timing, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, emissions control.

Engine Management:

Ignition system, fuel injection (EFI), sensors, actuators, ECU diagnostics, emissions control systems (catalytic converter, EGR).

Transmission Manual:

Disassembly, inspection, repair, adjustment, fluid changes.

Transmission Automatic:

Disassembly, inspection, repair, adjustment, fluid changes, torque converter service.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) system, driveshafts, CV joints, differential.

Suspension System:

Front strut suspension, rear multi-link suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment procedures.

Steering System:

Power steering system (pump, rack and pinion, hoses), steering column, wheel alignment.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or optional rear discs), hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), brake fluid service, caliper and master cylinder repair.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system (headlights, taillights), horn, wipers, power windows, power locks.

Climate Control:

Air conditioning system (refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, condenser), heater core, HVAC controls.

Body And Chassis:

Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, hood, tailgate, glass, chassis lubrication, corrosion protection.

Restraints System:

Seat belts, airbag system (diagnostics and replacement procedures).

Maintenance:

Routine servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts for common drivability issues, electrical problems, and mechanical faults.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair across all major systems.

Rebuild:

Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilds.

Installation:

Instructions for installing accessories and replacement parts.

Diagnostics:

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) system explanation, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) retrieval and interpretation.

Level Of Detail:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

Special Tools:

Identification of specific tools required for certain procedures.

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque values for critical fasteners.

Wiring Diagrams:

Extensive electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems.

Schematics Diagrams:

Vacuum diagrams, fluid line routing, exploded views of components.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Text-searchable for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

Printable pages for workshop use.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images and diagrams for clarity.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

FS-DE

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve

Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1991 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

83.0 mm x 92.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.2:1

Horsepower:

118-130 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (varies by market and specific tune)

Torque:

127-135 lb-ft @ 4000-4500 rpm (varies by market and specific tune)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (SMPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Octane Rating:

87-89 octane (minimum)

Emission Control:

Catalytic converter, Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), Oxygen sensors.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Automatic Features:

Electronically controlled, Lock-up torque converter.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil recommended

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mazda ATF JWS 3314 or equivalent (Dexron III compatible)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4705 mm (185.2 in)

Width:

1755 mm (69.1 in)

Height:

1480 mm (58.3 in)

Wheelbase:

2615 mm (103.0 in)

Front Track:

1485 mm (58.5 in)

Rear Track:

1475 mm (58.1 in)

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 97 cu ft

Cargo Volume:

Approx. 37 cu ft (with rear seats up), 73 cu ft (with rear seats folded)

Curb Weight:

1300-1400 kg (2866-3086 lbs) approx.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

1850 kg (4079 lbs) approx.

Towing Capacity:

Consult local regulations and vehicle owner's manual; generally not recommended for heavy towing.

Wheel Size:

15 x 6.0 inches

Tire Size:

195/60R15

Bolt Pattern:

5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)

Center Bore:

67.1 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

Not explicitly rated for this specific generation/body style in readily available historical data. Generally considered average for its time.

IIHS Side Impact Test:

Not explicitly rated for this specific generation/body style in readily available historical data.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some trims.

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger front airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point front seat belts with pretensioners, three-point rear seat belts.

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced roof structure.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/Cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker system.

Display Type:

Analog gauges and basic digital clock/radio display.

Cruise Control:

Available on higher trim levels.

Traction Control:

Not typically available on this model year.

Bluetooth:

Not available.

Usb Port:

Not available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) with platinum-tipped spark plugs.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Manual: Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), change as needed. Automatic: Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or under severe driving conditions.

Coolant Flush:

Every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 3 years.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG/SH or SJ, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check owner's manual for climate specific recommendations).

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.0-4.5 US quarts (3.8-4.3 liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Mazda Genuine Long Life Coolant (blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Power Steering Fluid:

Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III ATF.

Engine Mounts:

Can degrade and cause vibration, especially at idle.

Automatic Transmission:

Occasional harsh shifting or slipping may occur with age and mileage; fluid and filter service is crucial.

Suspension Bushings:

Can wear out, leading to clunking noises and poor handling.

Cooling System:

Radiator hoses and thermostat can fail with age; regular inspection is recommended.

Cv Joints:

Dust boots can tear, leading to premature wear and clicking noises during turns.

Exhaust System:

Corrosion of mufflers and pipes is common in areas with road salt.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Philosophy:

Founded in 1920, Mazda has a history of producing innovative and driver-focused vehicles, often challenging established norms with unique engineering solutions.

Mazda 626 Lineage:

The 626 was a significant model for Mazda, representing their entry into the competitive mid-size segment globally. It went through several generations, evolving from a compact to a more substantial mid-size offering.

Generation Designation:

GD/GV (1987-1992), GE (1992-1997), GF (1997-2002).

Model Year Coverage:

This manual specifically covers the 1998 model year, which falls within the GF generation.

Manufacturing Locations:

Japan, United States, and other international facilities depending on market.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

While the 626 sedan and coupe versions sometimes appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best lists in earlier generations, the 1998 Station Wagon was not a specific award recipient. The model line consistently received praise for value and driving dynamics.