🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: 626 Generation: GF/GW Codes Chassis Codes: GF (Sedan/Hatchback), GW (Wagon) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Mid-size family car Competitors: Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Mondeo, Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy Competitive Analysis Key Selling Points: Reliability, comfortable ride, spacious interior, value for money Key Features Availability: Available in Sedan, Hatchback, and Wagon body styles Powertrain Options: Variety of efficient and reliable 4-cylinder and V6 engines Design: Evolution of Mazda's 'stylish, insightful' design philosophy Manual Utility: Essential for DIY repairs, maintenance, and diagnostics, mirroring factory technician resources 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Covered Years: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 Body Styles: Sedan, Hatchback, Wagon Page Count Estimated Pages: Over 1500 (estimated for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era) Manual Type Type: Technical Workshop Manual / Service Manual / Repair Guide Language Language: English Format Format: PDF (Downloadable) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Engine mechanical, engine control systems, fuel system, lubrication system, cooling system, exhaust system Transmission: Manual transmission, Automatic transmission (including diagnostics and overhaul) Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive, drive shafts, differentials Suspension: Front suspension (MacPherson struts), Rear suspension (Multi-link beam axle on some models, independent on others), steering system Brakes: Front disc brakes, Rear disc or drum brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Electrical: 12V electrical system, battery, charging system, ignition system, lighting system, instrumentation, power accessories, engine control module (ECM) wiring diagrams HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system operation and service Body: Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers Chassis: Frame and body structure, collision repair information Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, electrical system diagnostics Repair: Engine overhaul, transmission rebuilds, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, electrical component repair, body panel repair Diagnostics: On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing, actuator testing Specifications: Torque specifications for all fasteners, critical component dimensions, clearances, and tolerances Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced diagnostics) Detail Level: Detailed step-by-step instructions with illustrations and diagrams Diagnostic Tools: Information on required special tools and diagnostic equipment 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Compatibility: Compatible with all operating systems (PC & MAC), all PDF readers Searchability: Likely text-searchable PDF (depending on the original scan quality) Print Quality Printability: Printable (no restrictions mentioned) Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) Delivery Delivery Method: Instant Download (Email and Checkout Page) Download Window: 3 Days after payment Support Customer Support: Free support available for download issues Licensing Usage Rights: Save/burn to disc allowed, no restrictions on printing ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code Examples: FS-DE (2.0L DOHC I4), KF-DE (2.5L DOHC V6) Performance Horsepower Range: Approximately 118 hp (2.0L) to 170 hp (2.5L V6) Torque Range: Approximately 133 lb-ft (2.0L) to 175 lb-ft (2.5L V6) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline Cooling System Coolant Type: Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Mazda FL22 or equivalent) Lubrication System Oil Capacity: Approximately 4.0-4.5 US quarts (3.8-4.3 liters) for 4-cylinder, 4.5-5.0 US quarts (4.3-4.7 liters) for V6, with filter. (Exact capacity varies by engine and filter.) Recommended Oil Viscosity: 5W-30 or 5W-40 (refer to manual for specific ambient temperature ranges and OEM recommendations) Timing Mechanism Timing Belt Or Chain: Timing belt for 4-cylinder (FS-DE), Timing chain for V6 (KF-DE) 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission Type: 5-speed Manual Transmission Optional Optional Transmission Type: 4-speed Automatic Transmission (Sportronic/Tiptronic on some later models) Features Transmission Fluid Type: Dexron III or equivalent for automatic transmissions; Manual transmission uses gear oil (refer to manual for specific GL rating and viscosity) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approximately 186.7 inches (Sedan) / 187.7 inches (Wagon) Width: Approximately 69.7 inches Height: Approximately 55.5 inches (Sedan) / 57.3 inches (Wagon) Weights Curb Weight Range: Approximately 2900 - 3200 lbs (depending on engine and body style) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Impact: 4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for 1998-2002 models, may vary slightly by year and specific test) Active Features ABS: Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Passive Features Airbags: Driver and passenger front airbags Seatbelts: 3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners for front seats 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Standard AM/FM/CD or cassette player with optional premium audio systems Controls: Manual controls for HVAC and audio system Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control on most trims Connectivity Connectivity Features: Limited by era; primarily focuses on basic audio connectivity 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (for typical driving conditions; refer to manual for severe conditions) Timing Belt Replacement Interval: Approximately 60,000-70,000 miles or 5 years for FS-DE (4-cylinder) engine (crucial replacement item to prevent catastrophic engine damage) Transmission Fluid...
Torque specifications for all fasteners, critical component dimensions, clearances, and tolerances
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced diagnostics)
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions with illustrations and diagrams
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on required special tools and diagnostic equipment
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Compatibility:
Compatible with all operating systems (PC & MAC), all PDF readers
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable PDF (depending on the original scan quality)
Print Quality
Printability:
Printable (no restrictions mentioned)
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Delivery
Delivery Method:
Instant Download (Email and Checkout Page)
Download Window:
3 Days after payment
Support
Customer Support:
Free support available for download issues
Licensing
Usage Rights:
Save/burn to disc allowed, no restrictions on printing
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code Examples:
FS-DE (2.0L DOHC I4), KF-DE (2.5L DOHC V6)
Performance
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 118 hp (2.0L) to 170 hp (2.5L V6)
Torque Range:
Approximately 133 lb-ft (2.0L) to 175 lb-ft (2.5L V6)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Cooling System
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Mazda FL22 or equivalent)
Lubrication System
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.0-4.5 US quarts (3.8-4.3 liters) for 4-cylinder, 4.5-5.0 US quarts (4.3-4.7 liters) for V6, with filter. (Exact capacity varies by engine and filter.)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
5W-30 or 5W-40 (refer to manual for specific ambient temperature ranges and OEM recommendations)
Timing Mechanism
Timing Belt Or Chain:
Timing belt for 4-cylinder (FS-DE), Timing chain for V6 (KF-DE)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Optional Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (Sportronic/Tiptronic on some later models)
Features
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III or equivalent for automatic transmissions; Manual transmission uses gear oil (refer to manual for specific GL rating and viscosity)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approximately 186.7 inches (Sedan) / 187.7 inches (Wagon)
Width:
Approximately 69.7 inches
Height:
Approximately 55.5 inches (Sedan) / 57.3 inches (Wagon)
Weights
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 2900 - 3200 lbs (depending on engine and body style)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for 1998-2002 models, may vary slightly by year and specific test)
Active Features
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners for front seats
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD or cassette player with optional premium audio systems
Controls:
Manual controls for HVAC and audio system
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control on most trims
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; primarily focuses on basic audio connectivity
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (for typical driving conditions; refer to manual for severe conditions)
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Approximately 60,000-70,000 miles or 5 years for FS-DE (4-cylinder) engine (crucial replacement item to prevent catastrophic engine damage)
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles for automatic transmission (depending on driving conditions); Every 50,000-70,000 miles for manual transmission fluid.
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for exact specification)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF Dexron II or III (check manual for confirmation)
Known Issues
Engine Mounts:
Premature wear of engine mounts, leading to increased vibration and noise
Alternator:
Potential for alternator failure, especially at higher mileage
Cv Axles:
Wear and tear on front CV axle boots and joints
Evaporative Emissions Control System:
Issues with EVAP system components like charcoal canister or purge valves can cause check engine lights
Radiator And Hoses:
Age-related degradation of radiator and coolant hoses, leading to leaks
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mazda Reputation:
Known for sporty driving dynamics and reliable engineering
Model Evolution
Previous Generation:
GD/GV generation (1989-1997)
Design Changes:
Third generation (GF/GW) introduced smoother, more aerodynamic styling compared to its predecessor
Production
Production Years For Generation:
1997-2002
Assembly Locations:
Japan (Mazda's Hofu plant) and potentially other global locations
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Consumer Ratings:
Generally well-regarded for reliability and value in its class during its production run.