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