Target Audience:
Do-it-yourselfers and experienced mechanics seeking comprehensive factory repair information.
Value Proposition:
Inexpensive alternative to professional mechanic labor, enabling owners to maintain and repair their vehicle efficiently.
Illustration Quality:
Hundreds of photos, illustrations, detailed exploded pictures, and drawings guide the user through procedures.
Instruction Format:
Step-by-step instructions with numbered points and bold figure numbers for easy correlation with visuals.
Diagnostic Assistance:
Integrated troubleshooting and electrical service procedures with detailed wiring diagrams.
Instruction Detail:
Detailed substeps expand on repair procedure information, with notes, cautions, and warnings pinpointing critical information.
Systems Covered:
General Information, Service Information, Suspension, Driveline, Brakes, Steering, Engine Mechanical, Cooling System, Starting System, Ignition System, Emission Controls, Engine Controls, Transmission, Transaxle, Exhaust System, Fuel System, HVAC, Instrumentation & Warning Systems, Battery & Charging System, Audio Systems, Lighting, Electrical System, Body Interior - Exterior, Troubleshooting, Tune-up, Maintenance, Repair
Estimated Page Count:
Varies by specific OEM publication, typically extensive for a full workshop manual.
Manual Type:
Factory Service Workshop Manual
Coverage Scope:
Complete factory service repair workshop manual, designed for both do-it-yourselfers and experienced mechanics.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair procedures for the rotary engine (13B), including apex seals, rotor housing, rotor, eccentric shaft, oil metering pump, and associated components.
Engine Controls:
Detailed coverage of the electronic fuel injection (EFI) system, ignition system (including timing), engine control unit (ECU) functions, sensor diagnostics, and actuator testing.
Driveline:
Service procedures for the rear-wheel-drive system, including clutch operation, transmission removal/installation, driveshaft, differential, and half-shafts.
Suspension Steering:
Detailed information on front and rear suspension components (struts, springs, control arms, bushings), steering rack, power steering system, alignment specifications, and troubleshooting.
Brakes:
Coverage of the hydraulic braking system, including brake pad replacement, rotor servicing, caliper overhaul, brake fluid bleeding, parking brake adjustments, and ABS system diagnostics (if equipped).
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component locations, diagnostic procedures for all electrical systems, including lighting, instruments, power windows, audio, and starter/charging systems.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance items, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, spark plug/ignition system checks, belt adjustments, and general inspection points.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for a wide range of repairs, from minor component replacements to major system overhauls, supported by detailed illustrations.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic guides to identify and resolve common problems, often presented in a cause-and-effect format with specific tests.
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed exploded views and sequential instructions for the complete dismantling and reassembly of major vehicle systems and components.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Detailed troubleshooting and electrical service procedures combined with detailed wiring diagrams for ease of use in diagnosing electrical system faults.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic information for engine management, fuel injection, and ignition systems, including parameter identification and testing procedures.
Rebuild Procedures:
Instructions for complete engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and component reconditioning, including necessary clearances and specifications.
Engine Type:
Rotary (Wankel)
Displacement:
1.3L (654cc x 2 rotors)
Horsepower Est:
Approx. 160-170 hp (naturally aspirated), 200 hp (turbocharged, depending on market/spec)
Torque Est:
Approx. 150-160 lb-ft (naturally aspirated), 190-200 lb-ft (turbocharged, depending on market/spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor-based, depending on specific model variant.
Cooling Type:
Liquid-cooled
Oil Metering Pump:
Integrated system for lubrication of apex seals and rotor housings.
Engine Description:
The 13B rotary engine is a unique two-rotor design known for its smooth operation, high-revving capability, and compact size, but requiring specialized maintenance.
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual (standard on many models)
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed automatic (optional on some models)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (refer to manual for specific viscosity)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent (refer to manual for specific type)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for precise intervals.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies greatly for rotary engines; refer to manual. Often longer intervals than piston engines, but specific plugs are critical.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-45,000 miles (48,000-72,000 km).
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (viscosity may vary based on climate and specific engine condition). Refer to manual for exact specifications.
Coolant Specification:
Mazda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant (typically 50/50 mix with distilled water).
Apex Seal Wear:
Potential for apex seal wear and subsequent loss of compression, particularly if maintenance intervals are not adhered to or if the engine is subjected to extreme conditions without proper care.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume oil as part of their lubrication system. Ensure proper oil level is maintained and oil changes are performed regularly.
Rotary Specific Maintenance:
Requires understanding of rotary engine specific maintenance practices, such as proper warm-up and cool-down procedures, and the use of specific ignition components.
Rotary Engine Legacy:
Mazda's pioneering and continued development of the Wankel rotary engine, a signature of the RX-7 lineage.
Fc Generation Significance:
The FC generation (1985-1992) refined the RX-7 concept with improved aerodynamics, a more sophisticated suspension system (DTSS - Dynamic Stability and Traction System), and the introduction of a turbocharged option.
Production Period:
1985-1992 (FC Generation)
Major Updates S4:
The S4 designation refers to the 1989-1991 facelift and update, which included revised styling, updated interior, and mechanical refinements.
