Market Segment:
Compact/Mid-size MPV (Minivan)
Competitors 1996 Onwards:
Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture/Pontiac Montana.
Unique Selling Points Mpv:
Stylish European-inspired design, spacious interior with flexible seating, often praised for driving dynamics compared to other minivans of its era, availability of AWD.
Manual Value Proposition:
Guaranteed completeness and accuracy, offering professional-level diagnostic and repair information superior to incomplete or low-quality alternatives. Essential for maintaining this specific generation of MPV correctly.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine management (ECM/PCM), cooling system, lubrication system, starter system, charging system.
Drivetrain:
Automatic transmission (e.g., 4-speed, 5-speed depending on variant), manual transmission (if applicable), front-wheel drive (FWD), all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, drive axles, differentials.
Chassis:
Brake system (disc/drum, ABS, EBD), steering system (power steering), suspension system (front McPherson strut, rear multi-link), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, hinges, latches, interior trim, seating, dashboard, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) / Airbag system.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, transmission fluid changes.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical system diagnosis.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for major components: engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair, HVAC system repair.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) procedures, scan tool usage, sensor testing, actuator testing, circuit testing.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid checks and adjustments to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical schematics and component-level diagnosis.
Engine Type Common:
2.5L V6 DOHC (KL-DE or GY-DE variants)
Horsepower 2 5L V6:
Approx. 160-170 hp (varies by year and specific engine code)
Torque 2 5L V6:
Approx. 150-160 lb-ft (varies by year and specific engine code)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Engine Codes Common:
KL-DE (Naturally Aspirated), GY-DE (Often with Supercharger on later models or specific markets, check manual for specifics)
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze / SAE J1034 compliant ethylene glycol-based coolant
Oil Viscosity Recommendation:
5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific ambient temperature ranges and engine codes)
Oil Capacity With Filter:
Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) for 2.5L V6
Transmission Type Common:
4-speed Automatic (e.g., J4A type or similar)
Transmission Type Optional:
5-speed Automatic (later models), Manual Transmission (less common for this generation in many markets)
AWD Availability:
Available on select models (often designated 'A-Spec' or similar)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Mazda ATF-III or equivalent (Dexron-III compatible, verify with manual)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 3.5-4.5 US quarts (3.3-4.3 liters) for drain and fill (check manual for total capacity)
Length Approx:
4600-4750 mm (181-187 inches)
Width Approx:
1770-1800 mm (70-71 inches)
Height Approx:
1650-1700 mm (65-67 inches)
Wheelbase:
2730-2820 mm (107.5-111 inches)
Curb Weight Approx:
1700-1900 kg (3750-4190 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Typically around 2400-2600 kg (5300-5730 lbs)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approximately 40-50 cu ft (varies by seating configuration)
Cargo Volume Max With 3Rd Row Folded:
Approximately 80-100 cu ft (varies by seating configuration)
NHTSA Front Crash Rating Driver:
Likely 4-star (check specific year and testing conditions)
NHTSA Front Crash Rating Passenger:
Likely 4-star (check specific year and testing conditions)
IIHS Crash Test Ratings:
Varies by year; often rated 'Good' or 'Acceptable' in front and side impacts for its era.
ABS:
Standard on most models from 1996 onwards.
Traction Control:
Available on some AWD models or higher trims.
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard.
Airbags Side:
Available on some later models or higher trims.
Seat Belt Pretensioners:
Standard for front occupants.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, often with cassette tape. Speaker configurations vary by trim level.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation systems available on higher trim levels in later years.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Parking Sensors:
Rarely offered, typically an aftermarket addition.
Power Outlets:
12V power outlets for accessories.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Available on most models from mid-production onwards.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific mileage/time recommendations based on driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or annually.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km) or 2-3 years.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) depending on driving habits (severe use requires more frequent changes).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Dexron-III ATF or specified Mazda power steering fluid.
Engine Mounts:
Can degrade over time, leading to vibration and noise, especially at idle or under acceleration.
Transmission:
Some models may experience delayed engagement or shifting issues, often related to fluid degradation or solenoid problems. Regular fluid service is crucial.
Suspect Parts Early Models:
Certain intake manifold gaskets or vacuum hoses can be prone to leaks.
Climate Control Actuators:
Blend door actuators in the HVAC system can fail, leading to improper temperature control or air direction.
Common Repairs Manual Focus
Focus Areas:
Detailed procedures for replacing timing belt (if applicable to specific V6 variant), water pump, serpentine belt, and associated tensioners/pulleys.
Mazda Focus:
Known for engaging driving dynamics and distinctive styling across its vehicle lineup.
First Generation Mpv:
1988-1998 (more truck-like styling, rear-wheel drive and 4WD options, smaller 2.6L 4-cylinder and 3.0L V6 engines).
Second Generation Mpv:
1999-2006 (platform code LW, significant redesign, focus on minivan styling, FWD and AWD, 2.5L V6 standard, optional 3.0L V6 and later a supercharged 2.5L V6, European styling influence).
Manufacturing Location:
Hofuf, Saudi Arabia (for many markets), also some production in Japan.
Production End Date:
Production ceased globally in 2006.