2004 Mazda 6 service and repair manual — a detailed, factory-style reference for maintenance, diagnostics, and repair. Use it to confirm correct procedures, specifications, and system coverage before you start work.
Designed for technicians and DIY owners, this manual helps you diagnose issues correctly, follow proven repair steps, and use wiring diagrams and system sections to track faults faster.
What’s included
- Step-by-step repair procedures and service information
- Specifications and reference data (where provided)
- Electrical diagnostics with wiring diagrams
- Coverage across major systems: engine, transmission/driveline, brakes, steering, suspension, HVAC, and more
Trims covered
- i Hatchback 4-Door
- i Sedan 4-Door
- S Hatchback 4-Door
- S Wagon 5-Door
- S Sedan 4-Door
Engines covered
- 2.3L 2260CC l4 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated
- 3.0L 2968CC 181Cu. In. V6 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated
Index / Table of contents
- Body
- Brakes
- Chassis Electrical
- Driveline
- Engine Cooling
- Engine Electrical
- Engine Mechanical
- Engine Performance & Emission Controls
- Fuel System
- General Information & Identification
- Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning
- Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Systems
- Steering
- Suspension
- Transmission, Clutch, & Transfer Case
- Wiring Diagrams
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 and 2004 MPV vehicles nationwide. Mazda is also recalling 2005-2006 MPV vehicles in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. On July 9, 2019 this recall was expanded to include certain 2004-2011 RX-8 vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-354 but have not yet been repaired. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2018. Mailing to the affected RX-8 owners began July 6, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2618F. Note: With the addition of the RX-8 vehicles, this recall fully supersedes recall 16V354.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2004-2005 MPV, 2004 RX-8, and 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 vehicles. These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2618F. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 13V130, 14V362, 14V773 and 15V869.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2004-2008 RX-8, and 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on September 12, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1417G. Note: This recall supersedes recall 15V-382.
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
THULE, INC. IS RECALLING 2,323 OWNER-INSTALLED ROOF-MOUNTED FIT KITS, MODELS 3068 AND 3069, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2008 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2009 THAT ARE USED WITH THULE PODIUM FOOT PACKS, MODELS 460 AND 460R. THESE FIT KITS WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BOLT(S) USED TO SECURE THE FOOT TO THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED TO A HARDNESS THAT MAY CAUSE THE BOLT(S) TO BE BRITTLE AND POTENTIALLY BREAK UNDER STRESS.
THIS MAY RESULT IN THE BOLT(S) SNAPPING OFF DURING USE OR WITHOUT A LOAD. THE UNSECURED RACK AND LOAD CAN THEN COME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING CREATING A POTENTIAL ROAD HAZARD, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
THULE WILL MAIL A RETRO FIT KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS TO OWNERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 13, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THULE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-238-2388.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE RIGHT AND/OR LEFT REAR SEAT BELTS MAY NOT LOCK PROPERLY DUE TO MISSING RETAINING PINS ON THE HOUSING.
THE LOCKING MECHANISM OF THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY MALFUNCTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY TO THE REAR SEAT PASSENGERS IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. PASSENGERS SHOULD NOT SIT AND CHILD SEATS SHOULD NOT BE USED IN THE RIGHT OR LEFT REAR SEATS UNTIL THIS DEFECT HAS BEEN CORRECTED.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR SEAT BELTS AND REPLACE DEFECTIVE SEAT BELT RETRACTORS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 27, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500, OPTION #4.
This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all ma
A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is
Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. If a structure's windows create enough of a curve, the co
When replacing the SiriusXM satellite radio unit, a call must be made to inform SiriusXM of the existing Radio ID and the new/replacement SAT Radio ID as soon as possible to ensure the customer leaves the dealership with an active SAT radio
Some customers may complain about a noisy HVAC blower motor or odor after a cabin air filter replacement. Foreign debris on the blower motor after servicing the cabin air filter may be the cause. During the removal of the cabin air filter,
A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is
Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealers responsibility to com
Showing the 8 most recent of 157 technical service bulletins on file with NHTSA.
TL* THE CONTACT STATED THAT DUE TO A CRASH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AT THE BASE OF THE SEAT BELT FROM LOCKING DOWN IMPACT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER AND FOUR PASSENGERS SUFFERED INJURIES DURING THE CRASH. THE INJURIES INCLUDED BRUISING AND CONTUSIONS. ONE OF THE PASSENGERS ALSO SUFFERED A BROKEN COLLAR BONE AFTER IMPACTING WITH A SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN. UPDATED 05/09/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE ABOVE VEHICLE RAN A RED LIGHT AT HIGH SPEED AND T-BONED A TOYOT
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 MAZDA 6. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V345000 (AIR BAGS), BUT HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR FOR MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY DID NOT CONFIRM IF THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS CRASHED INTO BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S AND FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OTHER VEHICLE'S AIR BAGS MAY HAVE DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND BRU
WE WERE BROADSIDED BY A VEHICLE THAT RAN A RED LIGHT AT FULL SPEED. THE IMPACT WAS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE CAR FLIPPED OVER AND SKIDDED ONTHE PASSENGER SIDE THEN FLIPPED BACK ONTO THE DRIVERS SIDE AND SKIDDED BEFORE ROLLING OVER AT LEAST ONCE. NOT ONE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THANK GOD FOR THE SEAT BELTS. THEY SAVED OUR LIVES. INJURIES WERE CONCUSSIONS, SPRAINED NECK, INJURIES TO LOWER NECK, BACK AND SHOULDER OF PASSENGER. WE LANDED UPSIDE DOWN, RELEASED OUR SEAT BELTS AND CRAWLED TO SAFETY WITH THE HELP OF POLICE AND FIRE. OUR SPEED WAS ABOUT 25-30 MILES /HOUR. OUR CAR WAS TOTALLED. THE OTHER DRI
2004 MAZDA 6S WAS INVOLVED IN A SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT. THE CAR WAS SPEEDING AND WENT OVER A CURB, AND THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE BACK RIGHT END, FRONT END, AND BOTH SIDES HAD EXTENSIVE DAMAGE (THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED TOTALED). THE CAR DID 1 COMPLETE ROLL-OVER DURING THE ACCIDENT, LANDING ON ALL 4 WHEELS AGAIN. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS IN THE VEHICLE DEPLOYED. I CONTACTED THE CAR MANUFACTURER TO FIND INFORMATION ABOUT WHEN THE AIRBAGS SHOULD DEPLOY, AND THEY TOLD ME "IT WAS NOT THEIR ISSUE", AND TO CONTACT MY INSURANCE COMPANY. I HAVE YET TO FIND ANY INFORMATION UNTIL THIS WEBSI
CAR STALLS AT LIGHTS DOES NOT RESPOND WHEN ACCELERATING HAVE GONE TO BACK UP AND NO RESPONSE THEN CAR WILL JUST TAKE OFF HAVE HAD 2 ACCIDENTS DUE TO NO ACCELERATION FOG AND BUGS IN TAILLIGHTS AIRBAG LIGHT ON/OFF FOR NO REASON CAR HAS BEEN TO DEALERSHIP FOR ALL RECALLS I AM TOLD I AM NOT DRIVING THE CAR FAST ENOUGH AND AM TOLD I NEED TO CHECK MY OIL WHEN I GET GAS. TOO MANY PROBLEMS TO LIST DEALER WILL FIX BUT CANNOT DUPLICATE SOME OF THE PROBLEMS I EXPERIENCE HAVE TRIED TO CONTACT MANUFACTURER ONLY TO BE PUT ON HOLD TO LISTEN TO ZOOM ZOOM MUSIC OVER AND OVER. *JB
1)DRIVING IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. SPEED OF ABOUT 15 MPH WHEN A CAR 3 CARS AHEAD OF ME QUICK STOPPED. I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. 2) FUMES AND POWDER OR DUST OF SOME SORT CAME OUT OF AIRBAG LANDED ON MY HAND AND GAVE ME A 2ND DEGREE BURN. WHATEVER IT WAS ALSO MELTED THE EDGE OF MY JACKET SLEEVE. 3) CAR IS BEING REPAIRED AT AUTO BODY SHOP, BUT AM LEARY OF AIRBAG. *JB
I JUST HAD MY TIRES CHECKED AT 10,000 MILES DURING AN OIL CHANGE AT MY DEALERSHIP. NO PROBLEM WAS FOUND. I NOW HAVE 11,000 MILES ON MY CAR AND TIRES. MY TIRES ARE MICHELIN RADIAL XSE P215/50 R17. I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK AND WITHOUT WARNING MY DRIVERS SIDE BACK TIRES BLEW OUT. IT SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE AND THE CORDS WERE SHOWING. I AM CONVINCED THAT THIS IS THE FAULT OF THE MICHELIN TIRE BECAUSE OF THE TREAD WEAR AND THE MILES ON IT. I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING IN THE ROAD NOR WAS THE TIRE PUNCTURED. WHEN THE TIRE BLEW I WAS ON WEST BOUND ON I-70 TO DOWNTOWN INDIANAPOLIS AND WITHOUT WARNING I
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND WHILE ADJUSTING THE RADIO VEHICLE WENT DOWN A 6 FOOT EMBANKMENT AND ROLLED OVER. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *AK *TC
Showing the 8 most serious of 184 complaints filed with NHTSA.
