The 1996 Mazda 626 MX-6 Service Repair Manual provides a comprehensive guide for maintaining, repairing, and restoring your vehicle. This detailed manual, written for both do-it-yourself enthusiasts and experienced mechanics, offers step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, and specifications to help you complete any repair or maintenance task efficiently.

The manual covers a wide range of topics, including:

* **General Information:** This section provides an overview of the vehicle, including its features, specifications, and safety precautions.
* **Engine:** Detailed information on the engine, including its components, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting procedures.
* **Lubrication System:** Instructions on maintaining and servicing the lubrication system, including oil changes, filter replacements, and lubrication schedules.
* **Cooling System:** Comprehensive guidance on the cooling system, including its components, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting procedures for common issues such as leaks and overheating.
* **Fuel and Emission Control Systems:** Thorough explanation of the fuel and emission control systems, encompassing fuel injection, exhaust systems, and emission control devices.
* **Engine Electrical System:** Detailed information on the engine's electrical system, including starting, charging, ignition, and other electrical components.
* **Clutch:** Guidance on inspecting, adjusting, and replacing the clutch, along with troubleshooting procedures for common clutch issues.
* **Manual Transaxle:** Detailed instructions on the manual transaxle, including its components, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting procedures.
* **Automatic Transaxle:** Comprehensive coverage of the automatic transaxle, including its components, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting procedures for common transmission issues.
* **Front and Rear Axles:** Information on inspecting, maintaining, and repairing the front and rear axles, including differential maintenance and axle shaft replacement.
* **Steering System:** Detailed instructions on the steering system, including steering components, power steering, alignment, and troubleshooting procedures for steering issues.
* **Braking System:** Comprehensive coverage of the braking system, including brake components, hydraulic system, ABS, and troubleshooting procedures for common brake issues.
* **Suspension:** Information on inspecting, maintaining, and repairing the suspension system, including shock absorbers, springs, control arms, and bushings.
* **Body:** Guidance on inspecting, repairing, and maintaining the vehicle's body, including body panels, doors, and windows.
* **Body Electrical System:** Detailed information on the body's electrical system, including lighting, accessories, and electrical components.
* **Heater and Air Conditioner Systems:** Comprehensive coverage of the heating and air conditioning systems, including components, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting procedures for common issues.
* **Technical Data:** Essential technical data, including specifications, tolerances, and diagrams.
* **Special Tools:** Information on specialized tools needed for specific repairs and maintenance tasks.

The 1996 Mazda 626 and MX-6 are two distinct vehicles sharing a common platform and many mechanical components, yet offering different styles and target audiences. The 626, a mid-size sedan, prioritizes practicality and comfort for everyday driving. It offered a spacious interior, comfortable ride, and a range of engine options catering to various needs. The MX-6, on the other hand, is a sporty coupe designed to appeal to drivers seeking a more engaging experience. Its sleek lines, low-slung profile, and powerful engine options gave it a more aggressive stance compared to the 626. Both vehicles shared a similar design language, featuring a rounded and aerodynamic body style that was popular in the mid-1990s.

Under the hood, the 1996 626 and MX-6 offered a variety of engine options. The 626 came standard with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, while the MX-6 initially featured a 2.5-liter V6. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine was also available for the 626, and a turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter V6 was offered in the MX-6, further enhancing its performance capabilities. Both models were available with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, providing drivers with a choice based on their driving preferences. The 1996 Mazda 626 and MX-6 were praised for their reliability, comfortable interiors, and handling characteristics. The 626 offered a spacious and practical cabin, while the MX-6 provided a more engaging driving experience with its sporty handling and powerful engine options. These vehicles were popular choices for their blend of practicality, performance, and affordability, solidifying their place in the automotive landscape of the mid-1990s.