Electrical Fundamentals

9 – WIRING DIAGRAMS TC090-05-01S

OBJECTIVES

After completing this section, you will be able to:

• Explain the organization and contents of each section of a Mazda Wiring Diagram

• Explain Mazda wire color codes

• Describe common symbols used in Mazda Wiring Diagrams

• Define electrical component and connector symbols

• Use a wiring diagram to develop a diagnostic strategy

MAZDA WIRING DIAGRAMS

A wiring diagram shows all the wiring, components, and grounds of a vehicle’s electrical
system in detail. A wiring diagram is like a road map of the vehicle’s electrical system,
showing how all the circuits and components are connected. You should always refer to the
wiring diagram for the proper procedure to remove and repair connectors.

Wiring diagrams typically are divided into seven sections:

1. Section GI

2. Section Y

3. Section W

4. Section A-V

5. Section X

6. Section PL

7. Section PI

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Section GI - General Information

Section GI gives basic information on how to read and interpret the wiring
diagram. It shows component, connector, and harness symbols and
routing. Section GI also gives general precautions and tips for working on
vehicle electrical systems, including information on troubleshooting
electrical problems and using test equipment. Figure 9-1 shows a typical
page from Section GI of a Mazda Millenia wiring diagram.

FIGURE 9-1.
Section GI
provides
general
information,
including
connector
locations and
circuit routing
diagrams.

Answers to
Review MILLENIA
Exercise 7
1. False
2. True
NOTE: There may be minor differences between wiring diagrams for
USA/Japan- built Mazda and Ford-built vehicles (wire color codes,
3. True
schematic symbols, abbreviations, etc.). Be sure you carefully review
4. True wiring diagram section GI before attempting electrical repairs on any
5. True vehicle.
6. True
7. False
8. False
9. 3:1
10.3 volts

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WIRE COLOR CODES

Wiring used in automotive electrical systems is color-coded for identification. Each wire on
the wiring diagram has a code letter placed next to it. These codes help you identify the
correct wire on the vehicle.

Wires are not always one color. Two-color wires are indicated by a two-letter symbol. When
a wiring diagram shows two code letters, the first letter is the basic wire color, and the
second letter is the color of the marking (stripes, dots, or hash-marks) on the wire.

For example, a wire labeled B/R is black with red marking. A GY/O wire is gray with an
orange stripe or marking. A black wire with a white stripe is designated B/W. Always refer to
the wiring diagram for the current information on wire color codes.

Mazda uses the following color codes in its wiring diagrams.

Wire Color Code Wire Color Code

Blue L Orange O

Black B Pink P

Brown BR Red R

Dark Blue DL Purple PU

Dark Green DG Sky Blue SB

Green G Tan T

Gray GY White W

Light Blue LB Yellow Y

Light Green LG Violet V

Natural (Ivory) N

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WIRING DIAGRAM SCHEMATIC SYMBOLS

You are already familiar with common electrical schematic symbols such as chassis ground,
battery, fuses, and switches. Wiring diagrams use even more symbols to represent
electrical system components.

To read and use a wiring diagram successfully, you must be able to identify electrical
component symbols and their meanings. The following table shows some of the additional
schematic symbols commonly used in Mazda Wiring Diagrams.

SCHEMATIC SYMBOL MEANING

Capacitor (Condenser) Component that temporarily stores an electrical charge.

Fuse (cartridge type) Cartridge-type fuse.

Harness Ground Connecting point to the vehicle chassis or other ground

wire where current flows from battery’s positive terminal
back to the negative terminal.

The harness ground symbol shows a ground point to

chassis through a wire harness. The number in the circle is
the harness number.
Horn Component that converts electrical energy into sound when
current is applied.

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SCHEMATIC SYMBOL MEANING

Main fuse/fusible link Generally protects a large portion of system wiring.

Motor Component that converts electrical energy into

mechanical motion.

Normally closed (NC) relay Indicates a relay whose rest position is normally closed
(allows current flow).

Normally open (NO) relay Indicates a relay whose rest position is normally open (no
current flow).

Pump Component that pulls in and discharges gasses or

liquids.

Solenoid Component that converts electrical energy into

mechanical motion to operate a moveable core or
plunger.

Unit Ground Indicates that a component is grounded directly to the

chassis.

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Section Y - Ground Points

Section Y shows ground paths to the battery. Section Y is divided into

left-hand and right-hand pages. Left-facing pages show ground circuits
and connectors. Right-facing pages show ground points and harness
locations on the vehicle.

FIGURE 9-2. The

ground points Ground point Common connectors
given on
left-facing pages
correspond to
the ground point
locations shown
on right-facing
pages of Section
Y.

Ground point
B-SERIES

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Section W - Electrical Wiring Schematics

Section W shows main fuses and other fuses for each system. Figure 9-3
shows a portion of a page from Section W of a Mazda truck wiring
diagram.

FIGURE 9-3.
Section W shows
current flow from
the battery
through all main
and other fuses
to each electrical
system.

B-SERIES

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Section A-V - Circuit Diagrams for Individual Systems

Section A-V shows circuit, connector and component diagrams, and

connector location diagrams for each electrical system. Figure 9-4 shows
the circuit diagram for the trunk lid opener/fuel-filler lid opener of a Mazda
Millenia.

FIGURE 9-4.
Circuit diagrams
in section A-V
show the
complete circuit
path for each
component, from
the battery
through the load
and back to
battery through
the ground

MILLENIA

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Section X - Common Connectors

Section X shows connectors common throughout the system. Common

connectors are prefixed with the letter X. Refer to wiring diagram Section
GI for a complete list of connector codes. Figure 9-5 shows a typical page
from Section X of a Mazda truck wiring diagram.

FIGURE 9-5.
Section X shows
common
connectors. The
engine
compartment
fuse/relay box
connector is
designated X-01
as shown

B-SERIES

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Section PL - Parts Location

Section PL shows the location of major electrical components on the

vehicle. Figure 9-6 shows part of a typical page from Section PL of a
Mazda truck wiring diagram.

FIGURE 9-6.
Section PL
shows the
physical location
of connectors,
switches,
sensors, relay
boxes, and other
components on
the vehicle

B-SERIES

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Section PI - Parts Index

Section PI gives the circuit diagram page number for each component
system. Figure 9-7 shows a typical page from section PI of a Mazda truck
wiring diagram.

FIGURE 9-7. Using

Section PI, you can
quickly locate the
page number of the
wiring schematic
for any automotive
electrical system

B-SERIES

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READING A WIRING DIAGRAM

Always read and analyze the wiring diagram before attempting to repair an electrical
problem. Carefully analyzing the circuit and being able to predict its normal operation saves
time and effort. Knowing where to make measurements helps avoid removing and replacing
components unnecessarily.

Use the following procedure to read a Mazda Wiring Diagram:

1. Make sure you have the correct wiring diagram for the vehicle you are working on.

2. Carefully review the General Information (GI) section to familiarize yourself with the
wire color codes, common connectors, ground points, etc.

3. Determine the system or circuit most likely to be at fault for the type of electrical
problem you are troubleshooting. Then use the Parts Index (PI) section to find the
page number of the circuit diagram. For example, if the problem is “back-up lights
don’t work,” the proper place to start would be the section on back-up lights. Don’t
start your search by randomly flipping through the wiring diagram.

4. Locate the wiring diagram section that contains the problem circuit or component. Find
the component’s ground point and follow the circuit up to its power source. Make sure
you can trace the complete circuit path from the power source through all fuses,
switches, relays, etc., to the component and back to the power source through
ground.

5. Determine if the circuit is series, parallel, switch-to-ground, load-to-ground, etc.

Determine the direction of current flow in the circuit. (Arrows on the circuit diagram
show the direction of current flow).

6. Predict the normal operation of the circuit. Divide the circuit into smaller sections and
locate a convenient point to test the circuit or suspected problem component.

7. Find the test point on the vehicle and predict the voltage, current, or resistance at the
test point. Test the circuit using the appropriate testing device (ohmmeter, voltmeter,
test light, etc.). Do the test results match your predicted circuit operation values or the
specifications in the Workshop Manual?

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REVIEW EXERCISE 8

Match the schematic symbol with the component listed below. Check your answers with the
answer key on page 96.

A B

C D

E F

1. ____ Main fuse/fusible link

2. ____ Normally open (NO) relay

3. ____ Harness ground point

4. ____ Fuse (cartridge type)

5. ____ Normally closed (NC) relay

6. ____ Capacitor

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Fill in the blanks to complete these items correctly. Check your answers with the answer
key on page 96.

7. Which wiring diagram section should you always review before attempting any
electrical repair? ________________

8. Section ____ shows main and other fuses for each system.

9. When reading a wire’s color code in a circuit diagram, the first letter indicates the
color of the ________ and the second letter indicates the color of the___________.

10. What color is a wire labeled B/R?_____________________________

11. What is the color code for an orange wire with a dark green stripe?_________

12. Wiring diagram section ____ shows connectors common throughout the electrical
system.

13. If you wanted to find the physical location of an electrical component on the vehicle, you
would look in wiring diagram section ____.

14. You would look in wiring diagram section ____ if you wanted to find the page number of
the schematic diagram for any electrical system.

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