Target Audience:
Value-oriented buyers seeking reliable, practical transportation.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra.
Vehicle Strengths:
Reliability, fuel efficiency, sporty handling (especially performance trims), spacious interior for its class.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides professional-level repair information, enabling owners to perform maintenance and repairs effectively, saving on labor costs.
Engine Mechanical:
Full coverage including engine assembly, disassembly, diagnostics, and repair for all applicable engine variants.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, fuel injection system (EFI), emission control systems, starting and charging systems, engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics.
Transmission Manual:
Repair and maintenance for manual transmissions (e.g., M5, GF4A-EL variants for automatic).
Transmission Automatic:
Repair and maintenance for automatic transmissions (e.g., GF4A-EL variants for automatic).
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, axles, CV joints, differential (integrated with transmission).
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, struts, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, wheel alignment.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, brake lines, calipers, rotors, pads, parking brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) if equipped.
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, power windows, locks, mirrors.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, seats, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning).
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control, power accessories, audio system, keyless entry, cruise control.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, ABS diagnostics.
Fundamental Procedures:
Basic maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspection procedures.
Installation Road System:
Likely refers to chassis components and suspension, potentially including wheel installation and tire pressure checks.
Electrical System Repair:
Troubleshooting and repair of electrical circuits, component replacement, wiring harness repair.
Jacking Positions:
Correct points for lifting the vehicle safely.
Vehicle Lift:
Guidelines for using vehicle lifts in a service environment.
Towing:
Recommended procedures for towing the vehicle, including towing capacity and safety precautions.
Pre Delivery Inspection:
Checklist and procedures for ensuring the vehicle is ready for customer delivery.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed maintenance schedule with recommended intervals and tasks.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving faults, often including flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for removing and installing all major and minor vehicle components.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Precise measurements, clearances, and torque values for all mechanical and electrical components.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive (Factory Level)
Scope:
Covers all aspects of repair and maintenance, from basic service to complete overhauls and diagnostics.
Engine Code Common:
FS-DE (2.0L DOHC) and Z5-DE (1.6L DOHC)
Engine Displacement 2.0L:
1991 cc (121.5 cu in)
Engine Displacement 1.6L:
1598 cc (97.5 cu in)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Horsepower 2.0L:
Approx. 120-130 hp (depending on specific year and market)
Torque 2.0L:
Approx. 130-135 lb-ft (depending on specific year and market)
Horsepower 1.6L:
Approx. 98-105 hp (depending on specific year and market)
Torque 1.6L:
Approx. 90-95 lb-ft (depending on specific year and market)
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Octane Recommendation:
87 octane (or higher)
Transmission Type Common:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., GF4A-EL)
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, often with overdrive and lock-up torque converter.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Mercon V or equivalent (check manual for specific OEM spec)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 75W-85 (check manual for specific OEM spec)
NHTSA Front Crash Test Driver:
Likely 'Good' or 'Acceptable' for this era. (Requires specific VIN checks and database lookups for precise ratings).
NHTSA Front Crash Test Passenger:
Likely 'Good' or 'Acceptable' for this era. (Requires specific VIN checks and database lookups for precise ratings).
IIHS Frontal Offset Crash Test:
Likely 'Good' or 'Acceptable' for this era. (Requires specific VIN checks and database lookups for precise ratings).
ABS:
Optional or standard on higher trims.
Traction Control:
Rarely available or standard on this generation.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard.
Seat Belts:
3-point front and rear seat belts.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific engine and oil type).
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) for standard plugs, or longer for iridium plugs if equipped.
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Every 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 144,000 km) or 5-7 years for the 2.0L FS-DE engine. (Crucial replacement to prevent catastrophic engine damage).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG, SH, SJ, or higher; SAE 5W-30 is common recommendation (check owner's manual for exact specification).
Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L:
Approx. 4.2 US quarts (4.0 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mazda long-life coolant recommended.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Engine Oil Sludge:
Some earlier FS-DE engines (especially in certain market variants) could be prone to oil sludge if maintenance intervals were neglected.
Automatic Transmission Issues:
Occasional reports of harsh shifting or premature wear on the GF4A-EL automatic transmission, often linked to fluid contamination or maintenance.
Suspension Components:
Worn control arm bushings and sway bar links can develop noise and affect handling.
Power Steering Pump:
Potential for leaks or noise from the power steering pump over time.
Exhaust System:
Corrosion can affect exhaust components, especially in regions with harsh winters.