🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Miata / MX-5

Common Names:

Miata, MX-5, Roadster

Covered Generations:

NA (1st Generation)

Chassis Codes:

NA (Eunos Roadster, Mazda MX-5)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Lightweight, affordable sports car (roadster)

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, owners seeking detailed repair information

Key Competitors:

Early Porsche Boxster, Toyota MR2, Alfa Romeo Spider, Fiat X1/9 (though often compared to higher-tier sports cars for driving experience)

Driving Dynamics:

Exceptional handling, perfect 50/50 weight distribution, rear-wheel drive, communicative steering

Design:

Iconic, simple, lightweight convertible design

Reliability:

Generally considered reliable and easy to maintain

📋 Manual Details

Years Covered:

1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (Exact count varies based on edition, but covers multiple generations and years)

Type:

Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (Likely PDF, potentially printable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed diagnostics, repair, overhaul, and component-level service for 1.6L and 1.8L BP-series engines (DOHC, 16-valve)

Transmission:

Service and repair for manual transmissions (including clutch, gearbox, linkages) and automatic transmissions (if applicable to specific years/models covered)

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive system, differential, driveshafts, axles, and wheel bearings

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, including dampers, springs, control arms, bushings, and alignment procedures

Steering:

Steering rack, power steering system (if equipped), steering column, and related components

Brakes:

Brake system diagnostics and repair, including master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, rotors, pads, parking brake, and ABS (if equipped)

Electrical:

Comprehensive coverage of 12V electrical system, battery, charging system, ignition system, lighting, instrument cluster, power accessories, and wiring diagrams

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter, fuel lines, evaporative emissions control (EVAP), and fuel tank service

Cooling System:

Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and coolant specifications

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, and pipework

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, convertible top operation and repair, interior trim, chassis components, and frame alignment

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnostics and repair

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, belt replacement, spark plug replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD-I/OBD-II)

Repair:

Step-by-step repair procedures for all major vehicle systems, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuilds, and electrical component diagnosis/replacement

Installation:

Instructions for installing replacement parts, accessories, and common aftermarket upgrades where applicable

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed torque specifications, diagnostic flowcharts, and electrical schematics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval

Printability:

Printable pages for offline use and workshop reference

Image Resolution:

High resolution for clear diagrams and illustrations

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Codes:

BP (1.8L), B6 (1.6L)

Displacement 1.6L:

1597 cc

Displacement 1.8L:

1839 cc

Configuration:

Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve

Horsepower:

115-118 hp (varies by year and market)

Torque:

100-103 lb-ft (varies by year and market)

Horsepower:

125-140 hp (varies by year and market)

Torque:

110-115 lb-ft (varies by year and market)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)

Recommended Octane:

91 or higher (check specific year's recommendation)

🔧 Transmission

Type Na:

5-speed manual

Type Na:

4-speed automatic (less common, typically found on specific markets/trims)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated dry single-plate clutch

Fluid Type:

Dexron III or equivalent (confirm specific model/year)

📐 Dimensions

Length Na:

Approx. 3950 mm (155.5 in)

Width Na:

Approx. 1675 mm (65.9 in)

Height Na:

Approx. 1235 mm (48.6 in)

Wheelbase Na:

Approx. 2265 mm (89.2 in)

Curb Weight Na:

Approx. 950-1050 kg (2094-2315 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Front:

Good (for its era, though specific ratings vary)

IIHS Side:

Acceptable (for its era)

ABS:

Optional on early models, standard on later years/trims

Traction Control:

Rare, optional on very late models/trims

Airbags:

Driver airbag standard, passenger airbag optional/standard depending on year/market

Rollover Protection:

Integral roll bar behind seats, reinforced windshield frame

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/Cassette or CD players; often replaced with aftermarket units for modern features.

Speakers:

Typically 4 or 6 speaker systems, often door-mounted and dash-mounted.

Cruise Control:

Optional on most models, standard on some higher trims.

Power Windows:

Standard on most models.

Power Mirrors:

Standard on most models.

Bluetooth:

Not factory equipped on these early models; requires aftermarket installation.

Usb Ports:

Not factory equipped; requires aftermarket installation.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions)

Engine Oil Filter:

Replace with oil change

Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (or every 30,000 miles)

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on type - standard copper, platinum, or iridium)

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years

Timing Belt:

NA (1.6L and 1.8L BP engines use timing chains, not belts)

Engine Oil Viscosity:

5W-30 or 10W-30 (API SG/SH or higher)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 3.7-4.1 quarts (3.5-3.9 liters) with filter (check specific engine)

Coolant Type:

Mazda FL22 or equivalent long-life coolant (usually a green or blue ethylene glycol-based coolant)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 75W-90 gear oil (e.g., Castrol Syntec, Valvoline)

Engine:

Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, rear main seal), radiator failure, alternator failure, sticky throttle body, coolant crossover pipe leaks (NA).

Suspension:

Worn bushings (control arm, sway bar), ball joint wear, wheel bearing noise.

Convertible Top:

Leaking seals, torn fabric, sticky mechanisms, rear window delamination (plastic).

Electrical:

Corroded grounds, failing power window motors, headlamp pop-up motor issues, instrument cluster backlighting failure.

Body:

Rust (especially around rocker panels, wheel arches, and rear sills), cracked dash panels.

📚 Vehicle History

Legacy:

Mazda's heritage in creating lightweight, driver-focused cars, building on models like the RX-7 and earlier sports cars.

Generation 1 Na:

Launched in 1989 (as a 1990 model year), designed to revive the affordable, fun roadster concept. Introduced 1.6L engine, later updated to 1.8L BP engine. Minor styling and feature updates throughout its production run (facelifts in '94 and '98).

Production Start Na:

1989 (for 1990 model year)

Production End Na:

2005 (NA generation) / 2009 (NB generation, covered by manual)

Manufacturing Location:

Hiroshima, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times in the 1990s.

Motor Trend Import Car Year:

Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year in 1990.

Driving Experience Reviews:

Consistently praised for its pure driving engagement and affordability.

General Reputation:

Widely regarded as one of the most iconic and best-selling roadsters of all time.