🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: MX-6 Model Generation: Second Generation (GE) Model Years Covered: 1988-1997 Codes Chassis Codes: GE (1991-1997) 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: Sporty front-wheel drive coupe, competitor to vehicles like the Toyota Camry Coupe and Honda Prelude Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Toyota Camry Coupe, Honda Prelude, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Nissan 240SX Key Features Design Philosophy: Aerodynamic styling, sporty handling, comfortable grand touring capabilities Platform Sharing: Shared platform with the Mazda Capella/Cronos 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: North America (USA, Canada), Japan Regional Variations: May include specifications for different market configurations Page Count Estimated Page Count: Hundreds (specific number not provided, but implies comprehensive) Manual Type Type: Service Repair Manual Purpose: Repair, Maintenance, Rebuild, Refurbish, Restoration Language Language: English Format Format: PDF (Digital Document) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine mechanical, Fuel system, Ignition system, Cooling system, Exhaust system, Engine electrical, Transmission (Automatic & Manual) Chassis: Suspension (front & rear), Steering system, Brake system (hydraulic, parking), Wheels & Tires Body And Interior: Body panels, Doors, Windows, Locks, Seats, Interior trim, HVAC system Electrical And Electronics: Wiring diagrams, Lighting system, Power accessories, Instrument cluster, Audio system, Cruise control, SRS (Airbag) System Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, Oil changes, Filter replacements, Fluid checks and top-offs Diagnostics And Troubleshooting: Symptom-based troubleshooting, Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for applicable systems, Electrical circuit testing Repair And Rebuild: Component removal and installation, Engine rebuild procedures, Transmission overhaul, Suspension component replacement, Brake caliper service Technical Specifications: Torque specifications for critical fasteners, Electrical system schematics, Component tolerances Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: From basic adjustments to complete overhauls and diagnostic procedures Detail Level: Detailed step-by-step instructions, exploded views, diagnostic flowcharts 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable for keywords and part numbers Print Quality Printability: Designed for digital viewing and printing of individual pages or sections Binding Type Binding: N/A (PDF Digital Format) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (PDF Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code 1988-1990: FE3 (2.0L DOHC) Engine Code 1991-1997: KL-DE (2.5L V6 DOHC) Displacement 2.5L V6: 2490 cc (151.9 cu in) Bore X Stroke 2.5L V6: 84.5 mm x 74.2 mm (3.33 in x 2.92 in) Performance Horsepower 2.5L V6: Approx. 160-170 hp @ 6000 rpm (market dependent) Torque 2.5L V6: Approx. 150-155 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (market dependent) Fuel System Fuel Delivery 2.5L V6: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Fuel Type Recommendation: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher recommended) Engine Management Ignition Type: Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) on V6 models Engine Control Unit: ECU (Engine Control Unit) manages fuel, ignition, and emissions 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 5-speed Manual Transmission Optional Optional Transmission: 4-speed Automatic Transmission with Overdrive Features Automatic Transmission Features: Electronically controlled, 'Sport' mode on some variants Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 recommended (verify with specific manual) Automatic Transmission Fluid: Mazda ATF-III or equivalent Dexron-III type fluid (verify with specific manual) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 183.1 in (4650 mm) for 1991-1997 models Width: Approx. 69.5 in (1765 mm) for 1991-1997 models Height: Approx. 51.8 in (1315 mm) for 1991-1997 models Wheelbase: Approx. 104.1 in (2645 mm) for 1991-1997 models Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 3000-3300 lbs (1360-1500 kg) depending on engine and options 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Ratings: No specific NHTSA ratings readily available for all years/trims, but generally considered safe for its era. Consult owner's manual or specific recall data. Active Features Active Safety Features: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on higher trims and later models Passive Features Passive Safety Features: Front airbags (driver and passenger), Three-point seat belts with pretensioners, Crumple zones Child Safety: Rear seat child anchor points (LATCH system not standard in this era) 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with cassette player and optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim. Climate Control: Manual or automatic climate control systems available depending on trim level. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most models, electronically controlled. Steering: Power-assisted rack and pinion steering. Connectivity Original Connectivity: Limited to analog systems; no modern Bluetooth or USB connectivity from factory. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Consult manual for severe conditions. Engine Coolant Flush: Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years (verify with specific manual). Timing Belt Replacement: Crucial for V6 engines (KL-DE). Typically around 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage. Includes idler pulley and tensioner. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Capacity 2.5L V6: Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change (verify with specific manual) Engine Oil Viscosity Recommendation: SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30, depending on climate and ambient temperature (verify with specific manual) Power Steering Fluid: Mazda Genuine ATF DEXTRON II/III or equivalent (verify with specific...
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher recommended)
Engine Management
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) on V6 models
Engine Control Unit:
ECU (Engine Control Unit) manages fuel, ignition, and emissions
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic Transmission with Overdrive
Features
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled, 'Sport' mode on some variants
Fluid Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 recommended (verify with specific manual)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF-III or equivalent Dexron-III type fluid (verify with specific manual)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 183.1 in (4650 mm) for 1991-1997 models
Width:
Approx. 69.5 in (1765 mm) for 1991-1997 models
Height:
Approx. 51.8 in (1315 mm) for 1991-1997 models
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.1 in (2645 mm) for 1991-1997 models
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3000-3300 lbs (1360-1500 kg) depending on engine and options
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Ratings:
No specific NHTSA ratings readily available for all years/trims, but generally considered safe for its era. Consult owner's manual or specific recall data.
Active Features
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on higher trims and later models
Passive Features
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags (driver and passenger), Three-point seat belts with pretensioners, Crumple zones
Child Safety:
Rear seat child anchor points (LATCH system not standard in this era)
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with cassette player and optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control systems available depending on trim level.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models, electronically controlled.
Steering:
Power-assisted rack and pinion steering.
Connectivity
Original Connectivity:
Limited to analog systems; no modern Bluetooth or USB connectivity from factory.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Consult manual for severe conditions.
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years (verify with specific manual).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for V6 engines (KL-DE). Typically around 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage. Includes idler pulley and tensioner.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Capacity 2.5L V6:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change (verify with specific manual)
Engine Oil Viscosity Recommendation:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30, depending on climate and ambient temperature (verify with specific manual)
Power Steering Fluid:
Mazda Genuine ATF DEXTRON II/III or equivalent (verify with specific manual)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid (verify with specific manual)
Known Issues
Electrical Gremlins:
Corrosion in wiring connectors, failing window motors, and interior switch issues are common due to age.
Suspension Wear:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and wheel bearings can lead to noise and poor handling.
Engine Mounts:
Degraded engine and transmission mounts can cause vibration and clunking during acceleration/deceleration.
Exhaust System:
Rust and corrosion can affect exhaust components, leading to leaks and noise.
HVAC System:
Leaking heater cores and failing A/C compressors or blower motors can occur.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mazda Heritage:
Mazda has a long history of producing sporty and driver-focused vehicles, known for rotary engines and innovative designs.
Model Evolution
First Generation Mx-6:
1987-1991, based on Mazda Capella platform, featured a 2.2L Turbo DOHC engine option.
Second Generation Mx-6:
1991-1997, introduced the V6 engine, shared platform with Mazda Capella/Cronos and Ford Probe. Significant redesign with sleeker styling.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Hofu Plant, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
Discontinuation:
Discontinued after the 1997 model year due to declining sales in the coupe segment.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
The first generation MX-6 (2.2L Turbo) was on Car and Driver's 10Best list for 1988.
Car Magazine Awards:
Received various positive reviews from automotive publications for its styling and driving dynamics during its production run.