Positioning:
Performance-oriented personal luxury coupe
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry Coupe (later SV20/SV30 generation), Honda Prelude, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Ford Probe
Design Philosophy:
Sporty styling, front-wheel drive, focus on driver engagement
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians with professional-grade repair and maintenance knowledge for the MX-6.
Powertrain:
Engine, Clutch, Transmissions (Manual & Automatic)
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, cooling fans
Fuel Exhaust:
Fuel injection, fuel pump, fuel filter, exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler
Ignition Electrical:
Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (if applicable), battery, alternator, starter motor, fuses, relays
Braking System:
Brake pads, brake rotors, brake calipers, master cylinder, brake lines, parking brake
Wheels Tires:
Tire pressure, rotation, wheel alignment, wheel balancing
Steering Suspension:
Steering rack, power steering pump, tie rods, ball joints, shock absorbers, springs, control arms
Frame Bodywork:
Chassis, body panels, doors, fenders, bumpers, structural components
Electrical Diagrams:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all systems
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Fault finding and diagnostic procedures for common issues
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems
Rebuilds:
Engine and transmission rebuild procedures
Depth:
Professional level, covering from basic servicing to complete overhauls
Illustrations:
High-quality pictures and diagrams
Compatibility:
All operating systems (Windows 95-11, macOS, Linux)
Quality:
Professional quality information
Binding:
Not applicable (Digital PDF)
Paper Type:
Not applicable (Digital PDF)
Engine Code Usdm:
KL-DE (2.5L V6)
Engine Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2490 cc)
Engine Configuration:
V6 (90-degree)
Engine Aspirated:
Naturally Aspirated
Horsepower Approx Usdm:
164-170 hp @ 6000 rpm (depending on year and specific engine tune)
Torque Approx Usdm:
150-155 lb-ft @ 4500-5000 rpm (depending on year and specific engine tune)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Recommended Fuel:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher recommended, premium often preferred for optimal performance)
Engine Code Japan Usdm:
FS-DE (2.0L Inline-4, primarily JDM, some early USDM models)
Engine Displacement Inline-4:
2.0 Liters (1998 cc)
Niosh Ratings:
N/A (Safety ratings for this era were less standardized than today)
ABS:
Available on some models, especially higher trims or with V6 engines
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard on later models, passenger airbag optional or standard on very late models
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts, shoulder belts
Audio System:
Optional premium audio systems, often with cassette player and AM/FM radio. Some models featured CD players.
Aws:
Active Torque Split All-Wheel Steering system, enhancing maneuverability.
Original Connectivity:
Basic - primarily through audio system and climate controls.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (synthetic oil recommended for V6)
Air Filter:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles
Spark Plugs:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type, iridium recommended)
Timing Belt:
Crucial for V6 engines: Every 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years due to interference design. Manual specifies interval.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 API SG/SH (Check specific manual for exact viscosity and API rating)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent (Refer to manual for specific Mazda fluid recommendation)
Coolant:
50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent
Engine V6 Kl:
Timing belt failure (if not replaced on schedule, can cause catastrophic engine damage due to interference design), intake manifold gaskets (vacuum leaks), oil leaks from rear main seal and valve covers.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, worn sway bar end links, premature wear on ball joints, especially with AWS systems.
Electrical:
Cracked vacuum lines (causing idle issues), aging wiring harnesses, issues with power window motors, door lock actuators.
Cooling System:
Radiator leaks, hose degradation, water pump failure.
Automatic Transmission:
Slipping or delayed engagement, particularly with higher mileage units.
Mazda Focus:
Known for sporty driving dynamics, innovative technology (like rotary engines, though not in MX-6), and driver-focused interiors.
First Generation:
UA platform (1987-1992, based on Mazda Capella/626)
Second Generation:
GE platform (1992-1997, based on Mazda Capella/626, shared platform with Ford Probe)
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Discontinuation:
Discontinued after the 1997 model year due to declining sales of personal luxury coupes.
