🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

MPV

Year:

1998

Generation:

LW1 (First Generation)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 1998 Mazda MPV was positioned as a versatile compact minivan, catering to families seeking practicality, flexibility, and a more car-like driving experience compared to larger minivans. It competed with models like the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, and Chevrolet Venture.

Van Segment:

Compact Minivan.

Competitive Analysis:

The MPV distinguished itself with its unique styling, front-wheel-drive platform (initially), and available all-wheel-drive system. It offered a good balance of passenger comfort and maneuverability, though often lagged in interior space and some premium features compared to its primary rivals.

Key Features:

Sliding rear doors, flexible seating configurations, available AWD, distinctive styling, and Mazda's reputation for reliability and driving dynamics.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Comprehensive repair, maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, and rebuilding of the 1998 Mazda MPV.

Page Count:

Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for a full service repair manual).

Manual Type:

Full Service and Repair Manual.

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, transmission (automatic and manual), drivetrain, suspension, steering, brakes, body electrical, HVAC, chassis, interior components, exterior body panels, and accessories.

Drivetrain Components:

Front differential, rear differential (if AWD), CV joints, drive axles, propeller shafts, transfer cases (if AWD).

Procedures Included:

Detailed step-by-step repair procedures, routine maintenance schedules and instructions, diagnostic charts and troubleshooting guides, wiring diagrams, component removal and installation, overhaul instructions, component specifications, torque values, and diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretations.

Engine Overhaul:

Complete engine disassembly, inspection, reassembly, piston ring replacement, bearing replacement, valve seat machining, etc.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Detailed troubleshooting for starting and charging systems, lighting, instruments, ignition, fuel injection, ABS, and HVAC controls.

Technical Depth:

Expert-level detail suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electronic diagnostic procedures.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes:

Coverage of OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), including specific codes for engine, transmission, and ABS systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Searchable PDF, printable pages.

Searchability:

Likely contains a clickable table of contents and text search capabilities for easy navigation.

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans suitable for clear viewing and printing of diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download).

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

2.9L (2954cc) V6, Naturally Aspirated.

Horsepower:

156 hp @ 5200 RPM

Torque:

182 lb-ft @ 4300 RPM

Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline.

Engine Code:

J30A (for the V6 variant, though specific internal Mazda codes may vary slightly).

Engine Code Specific:

The 3.0L V6 engine used was largely based on the Japanese market 6G72 engine from Mitsubishi, which Mazda partnered with.

Engine Configuration:

60-degree V6, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) per bank.

Cooling System Type:

Pressurized, liquid-cooled.

Lubrication System Type:

Pressurized wet-sump system.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed automatic transmission.

Optional Transmission:

N/A for the 1998 model year in most markets.

Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled, adaptive shift logic.

Transmission Model:

FW6A-EL (for FWD models) / GF4A-EL (for AWD models) - common Aisin Warner derivatives.

Gear Ratios 1St:

2.805

Gear Ratios 2Nd:

1.530

Gear Ratios 3Rd:

1.000

Gear Ratios 4Th:

0.705

Gear Ratios Reverse:

2.160

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 179.7 inches (4564 mm).

Width:

Approximately 71.1 inches (1806 mm).

Height:

Approximately 65.2 inches (1656 mm).

Wheel Base:

106.7 inches (2710 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3700-3900 lbs (1678-1769 kg), depending on drivetrain and options.

Wheelbase:

Approximately 106.7 inches (2710 mm).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:

Approximately 5000 lbs (2268 kg).

Towing Capacity:

Typically rated around 2000-3000 lbs (907-1361 kg) with an optional towing package.

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches)

Wheel Size:

15-inch alloy or steel wheels standard.

Passenger Capacity:

7 passengers.

Interior Volume:

Approximately 125 cubic feet.

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approximately 20 cubic feet.

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approximately 60 cubic feet.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Side Frontal Impact:

Four Stars (1998 model year).

NHTSA Passenger Side Frontal Impact:

Four Stars (1998 model year).

Iiihs Side Impact Rating:

Acceptable (for models with side airbags, if optioned).

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all four wheels.

Passive Safety Features:

Driver and front passenger airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, side-impact door beams.

Seat Belts:

3-point seat belts for all outboard positions, 2-point for center rear seats.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with cassette player and optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.

Driver Assistance Features:

Primarily ABS. Limited electronic driver aids for this era.

Connectivity Options:

N/A (no integrated Bluetooth or USB ports for this model year).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

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

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months, or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum-tipped plugs (if equipped).

Transmission Fluid Interval:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months, especially under severe driving conditions.

Brake Fluid Replacement:

Every 24,000 miles (38,000 km) or 24 months.

Timing Belt Replacement:

This V6 engine uses a timing chain, not a belt, requiring less frequent replacement but still subject to wear and tensioner issues.

Engine Oil Type:

API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific climate recommendations).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Mazda ATF-M-III or equivalent Dexron III compatible fluid.

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 3.4 quarts (3.2 liters) for a fluid change (dry fill capacity is higher).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Power Steering Fluid:

Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid or equivalent Dexron III ATF.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3.

Known Issues:

Common issues can include transmission solenoid issues, starter motor wear, front suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rods), and occasional coolant leaks from the intake manifold or thermostat housing. Idle air control (IAC) valve issues can also lead to rough idling.

Common Repair Parts:

Starter motors, alternator, EGR valves, mass airflow sensors, fuel injectors, oxygen sensors, and catalytic converters are common replacement items over time.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mazda has a long history of producing reliable and driver-focused vehicles. The 'MPV' designation originally stood for Multi-Purpose Vehicle, and this model built upon Mazda's experience in smaller utility vehicles.

Model Evolution 1998:

The 1998 model year represents the first generation (LW1) of the Mazda MPV, which was introduced globally in 1990 and heavily revised for the North American market in 1995. The 1998 model featured the V6 engine and optional AWD, becoming a more competitive offering.

Generation Codes:

LW1 (1990-1999, with major updates in 1995 for North America).

Production Location:

Hofu, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.

Production Years Global:

1990-1999.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While specific awards for the 1998 model are not widely publicized, the MPV generation generally received positive remarks for its practicality and unique styling from automotive journalists of the period.