Introduction
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Market Position
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Vehicle Segment:
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Compact Pickup Truck
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Target Audience:
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Owners and professional mechanics requiring in-depth repair and maintenance information
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Competitive Analysis
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Competitors:
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Ford Ranger (shared platform), Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Hardbody, Mitsubishi Mighty Max
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Key Features
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Manual Value Proposition:
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Cost-effective alternative to dealership service, comprehensive DIY support, detailed factory data
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Manual Content Advantage:
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Hundreds of pages with detailed illustrations, photos, and step-by-step instructions for all repair and maintenance tasks.
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Instructions Format:
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Clear, numbered instructions guide the user through each step, with bold figure numbers correlating to illustrations.
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Engine:
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Service, Repair, Troubleshooting, Fuel Injection, Fuel System, Emission System, Engine Control System
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Drivetrain:
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Transmission Service/Repair, Differential/Drive, Axle
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Chassis:
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Brake System, Suspension, Steering, Cooling System, Chassis/Body
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Electrical:
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Electrical System, Wiring Diagram, Troubleshooting
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Comfort And Interior:
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Heater/Air Conditioner, Restraint System, Interior
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Engine Performance:
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Engine service includes detailed procedures for fuel injection system diagnostics, fuel pump, injectors, and engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics.
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Chassis Components:
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Detailed service information for steering components (rack and pinion or steering box, depending on configuration), suspension arms, springs, shocks, and wheel bearings.
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Emission Control:
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Details on emission control systems, including catalytic converter, EGR system (if applicable), and related sensors and vacuum lines.
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Procedures Included
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Maintenance:
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General Maintenance, Periodic Lubrication, Service Intervals
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Repair:
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Step-by-step repair procedures for all covered systems, complete disassembly and reassembly guidance
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Diagnostics:
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Troubleshooting for all systems, electrical system diagnostics
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Troubleshooting Methodology:
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Systematic troubleshooting guides with detailed substeps, notes, cautions, and warnings to pinpoint issues.
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Electrical Diagnostics:
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In-depth troubleshooting for all electrical circuits, including detailed wiring diagrams for accurate diagnosis and repair.
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Technical Depth
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Depth:
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Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for DIYers and experienced mechanics
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Illustrations:
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Hundreds of photos and illustrations detailing each procedure, including enlarged inset views for critical parts.
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Engine Specifications
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Primary Engine
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Engine Type:
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Inline 4-Cylinder (Common options included 2.5L and 3.0L)
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Displacement Liter:
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2.5L (FE-DE) / 3.0L (LF-DE or Vulcan V6, depending on market and configuration)
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Performance
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Horsepower Range:
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Approx. 110-120 HP (2.5L) / Approx. 145-150 HP (3.0L V6)
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Torque Range:
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Approx. 130-140 lb-ft (2.5L) / Approx. 160-170 lb-ft (3.0L V6)
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Fuel System
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Fuel Delivery:
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Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
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Ignition System
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Type:
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Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor-based, depending on specific engine variant
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Cooling System
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System Description:
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Pressurized cooling system with radiator, fan, thermostat, water pump, and coolant passages. Manual covers diagnosis and repair of leaks, overheating, and cooling component replacement.
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals
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Oil Change Interval:
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Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, consult manual for exact specification based on oil type.
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Air Filter Replacement:
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Recommend inspection every 15,000 miles, replacement as needed or every 30,000 miles.
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Spark Plug Replacement:
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Varies by plug type, typically 30,000-100,000 miles for platinum/iridium plugs.
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Fluid Specifications
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Engine Oil:
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API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended (check manual for exact viscosity based on temperature).
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Coolant:
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Ethylene Glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors (e.g., Mazda coolant or equivalent).
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Brake Fluid:
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DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.
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Transmission Fluid Manual:
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API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil.
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Transmission Fluid Automatic:
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Mazda ATF Type T-IV or equivalent.
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Power Steering Fluid:
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Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III ATF.
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Known Issues
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Engine:
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Potential for intake manifold gasket leaks, starter issues, and carbon buildup on valves in higher mileage 2.5L engines.
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Suspension:
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Wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings, leading to alignment issues and steering looseness.
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Electrical:
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Occasional issues with blower motor resistors, headlight switch, and alternator.
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Body:
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Rust in fender wells, rocker panels, and around the truck bed is common in corrosive climates.
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