Segment Placement:
Entry-level to mid-level luxury sedan, competing with vehicles like the Acura Legend, Lexus ES, and Infiniti J30.
Key Selling Points:
Stylish Kodo design language (for its era), refined interior, comfortable ride, advanced technology for its time, and a unique V6 engine option.
Distinguishing Features:
Distinctive grille, flowing lines, focus on occupant comfort and quietness, available 'Miller Cycle' engine (though less common in the earlier years of this manual's coverage, standard V6 variants were more prevalent).
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system, emission control systems, exhaust system, engine performance, diagnostics, engine control (ECU).
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (likely JF506E), service, repair, maintenance, fluid specifications, diagnostic procedures.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, driveshafts, CV joints, differential.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, ball joints, bushings, wheel alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, pump, hoses, steering column, alignment.
Brakes:
Front and rear brakes (likely disc brakes), brake system components, hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and repair, parking brake.
Electrical:
Complete vehicle electrical system, battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting system, instrument panel, power accessories, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, body control module (BCM) and related systems.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, components, refrigerant handling, diagnostics, repair.
Body:
Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, interior trim, rust prevention, corrosion protection.
Chassis:
Chassis components, frame, subframes, mounting points.
Interior Systems:
Interior trim, seats, airbags, seatbelts, power windows, power locks, mirrors, and sound deadening.
Exterior Body:
Exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, lighting, wipers, and exterior trim.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, lubrication.
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed step-by-step procedures for component removal and reinstallation.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues.
Repair:
In-depth repair instructions for all major vehicle systems.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing, actuator testing.
Cleaning Reinstalling:
Detailed instructions on cleaning and proper reinstallation of components for optimal performance and longevity.
Depth:
Expert level, suitable for professional technicians but accessible to skilled DIYers. Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complex engine and transmission overhauls.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams are a critical component of this manual, essential for diagnosing electrical faults.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for specific oil type and capacity.
Coolant Change Interval:
Initial change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000-45,000 miles thereafter. Use specified coolant type (e.g., Mazda FL22 for later models, or appropriate ethylene glycol blend).
Engine Oil Type:
Refer to manual, but typically 5W-30 or 10W-30 API certified oil.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Coolant Type:
Mazda specifies a long-life coolant, likely a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol and deionized water. The manual will specify the exact type and any required additives or treatments.
Common Wear Items:
Suspension bushings, ball joints, CV boots, engine mounts, transmission solenoids (on the JF506E), ignition coils, and HVAC blower motor resistors.
Engine Reliability:
The standard V6 engines are generally reliable, but regular maintenance is key. The Miller Cycle engine, while advanced, can be more sensitive to maintenance and specific issues. The manual will cover common diagnostic procedures for both.
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
Exact part number varies by manufacturer, but common aftermarket filters for this era are readily available (e.g., Fram PH2 or equivalent).
Air Filter Part Number Example:
Exact part number varies by manufacturer, but common aftermarket filters for this era are readily available (e.g., Fram CA3778A or equivalent).