Vehicle Segment:
        
        
            Lightweight, two-seater, rear-wheel-drive sports car
        
     
    
        
            Philosophy:
        
        
            Affordable, pure, driver-focused sports car experience
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors Era:
        
        
            Porsche Boxster, BMW Z3, Honda S2000 (though typically higher price point), Nissan 300ZX (older model)
        
     
    
    
        
            Driving Dynamics:
        
        
            Renowned for excellent handling, balanced chassis, and direct steering feedback
        
     
    
        
            Convertible Top:
        
        
            Available with manual soft-top or optional power-operated soft-top
        
     
    
        
            Lightweight Construction:
        
        
            Emphasis on reducing weight for enhanced performance and agility
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Mechanical:
        
        
            Engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, timing belt/chain, engine performance diagnostics.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Management:
        
        
            ECU, ignition system, fuel injection system, emissions control, sensor diagnostics, EVAP system.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Manual:
        
        
            Clutch system, gearbox overhaul, gear shift mechanism, maintenance, troubleshooting.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Automatic:
        
        
            If applicable to specific 2002 models (NB generation primarily offered manual), transmission overhaul, fluid, torque converter, maintenance.
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Driveshafts, differential, axle bearings, wheel hubs, maintenance.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front suspension, rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment specifications, diagnostics.
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power steering system, steering column, tie rods, power steering pump, rack and pinion, troubleshooting.
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Front and rear brake systems (discs), ABS system, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, caliper overhaul.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting system, horn, wipers, power windows, power locks, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.
        
     
    
        
            HVAC System:
        
        
            Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, refrigerant types, service procedures.
        
     
    
        
            Body And Trim:
        
        
            Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, seats, doors, convertible top mechanism, bumpers, hoods, trunks.
        
     
    
        
            Chassis And Frame:
        
        
            Frame construction, corrosion protection, jacking points, towing information.
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation.
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting for all major systems, common problems and solutions.
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for every component and system, including complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            OBD-II system diagnostics, specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing, actuator testing, using diagnostic tools.
        
     
    
        
            Specifications And Data:
        
        
            Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, engine data, alignment settings.
        
     
    
        
            Wiring Diagrams:
        
        
            Comprehensive electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems.
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth Of Coverage:
        
        
            Full Factory Diagnostic and Repair Procedures
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Professional Technicians and Serious DIY Enthusiasts
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Code:
        
        
            BP-Z3 (common for 2002 NB)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Type:
        
        
            Naturally aspirated, inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
        
     
    
        
            Displacement:
        
        
            1.8 Liters (1839 cc)
        
     
    
        
            Bore X Stroke:
        
        
            83.0 mm x 85.0 mm
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower Peak:
        
        
            140-145 hp @ 6500 rpm (varies slightly by market and specific tune)
        
     
    
        
            Torque Peak:
        
        
            119-120 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
        
     
    
    
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Port Injection
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded gasoline (Premium recommended)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Tank Capacity:
        
        
            50 Liters (13.2 US Gallons)
        
     
    
    
        
            ECU Type:
        
        
            Mazda branded ECU (specific model number would be in manual)
        
     
    
        
            Ignition System:
        
        
            Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP) or Coil-Near-Plug (CNP) depending on exact build date.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Type:
        
        
            5-speed Manual Transmission
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Type:
        
        
            4-speed Automatic Transmission (less common on MX-5)
        
     
    
    
        
            Gear Ratios Manual 5Speed:
        
        
            Specific ratios vary, but typically close-ratio for sporty feel.
        
     
    
        
            Clutch Type:
        
        
            Hydraulically operated, single dry plate
        
     
    
    
        
            Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
        
        
            GL-4 Manual Transmission Fluid (e.g., 75W-90)
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
        
        
            Dexron III (or equivalent)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
        
        
            Good (for NB generation, specific model year testing varies)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Side Impact Driver:
        
        
            Acceptable (for NB generation)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Front Offset:
        
        
            Good (for NB generation)
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Anti-lock Braking System (standard on most trims)
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Traction Control System (TCS) available on some models/trims
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
        
     
    
        
            Rollover Protection:
        
        
            Pop-up roll bar behind seats (structural reinforcement)
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
        
     
    
        
            Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000 miles or 12 months (if equipped)
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Every 30,000 miles (standard plugs) or 60,000 miles (long-life plugs like Iridium)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change:
        
        
            Manual: 60,000 miles; Automatic: 30,000-50,000 miles
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Flush:
        
        
            Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type:
        
        
            API SG/SH or ILSAC GF-2, SAE 5W-30 (recommended)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 3.7 Liters (3.9 US Quarts) with filter change
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Mazda Genuine Long Life Coolant or equivalent (Ethylene Glycol based, typically green or blue)
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Type:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4
        
     
    
    
        
            Oil Consumption:
        
        
            Some engines may develop increased oil consumption with age, requiring monitoring and top-offs. Ring sealing issues are a potential cause addressed in detailed repair sections.
        
     
    
        
            Radiator Plastic Tanks:
        
        
            Plastic end tanks on the original radiator can become brittle and crack over time, leading to leaks.
        
     
    
        
            Rear Main Seal Leak:
        
        
            Potential for rear main crankshaft seal leaks, particularly on higher-mileage vehicles.
        
     
    
        
            Clutch Actuator Seal:
        
        
            Leaking slave cylinder seals can affect clutch operation.
        
     
    
        
            Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
        
        
            Older exhaust manifolds can develop hairline cracks, leading to exhaust leaks and a ticking sound.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Mazda Brand Philosophy:
        
        
            Jinba Ittai ('horse and rider as one') - emphasizing driver connection and control
        
     
    
    
        
            Mx-5 Legacy:
        
        
            Successor to the groundbreaking NA generation, continuing the lightweight roadster formula.
        
     
    
        
            Nb Generation Introduction:
        
        
            Introduced in late 1998 for the 1999 model year, running until 2005.
        
     
    
        
            Nb Facelift:
        
        
            Facelifted in 2000 for the 2001 model year with updated styling, improved aerodynamics, and minor mechanical tweaks. The 2002 model falls within this facelifted NB generation.
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Location:
        
        
            Mazda's Ujina Plant in Hiroshima, Japan