Vehicle Segment:
Lightweight, affordable two-seater sports car
Philosophy:
Jinba Ittai (Horse and Rider as One) - focus on driver engagement and handling purity.
Key Competitors 1989:
Lotus Elan (original), Triumph Spitfire (older), Fiat X1/9, possibly entry-level Porsche 944
Design Inspiration:
British sports cars of the 1960s, particularly the Lotus Elan
Body Style:
Convertible (soft top standard, optional hardtop)
Driving Dynamics:
Rear-wheel drive, lightweight construction, balanced chassis, exceptional handling
Primary Coverage:
Complete service and repair for the 1989 Mazda MX-5
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, troubleshooting, parts ordering, tear-down and rebuild
Estimated Page Count:
Varies by manufacturer's original documentation, typically 500-1000+ pages for a complete workshop manual.
Type:
Workshop Manual / Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
PDF (Digital Adobe PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system
Drivetrain:
Transmission (manual), clutch, driveshafts, differential, axles
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brakes (hydraulic, disc/drum), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, wiring diagrams, ECU and sensors
Body:
Body panel removal and installation, doors, windows, convertible top, interior trim
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnostics and repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnosis, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings
Special Procedures:
Timing belt replacement, engine compression testing, wheel alignment procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering complete tear-down and rebuild procedures
Illustrations:
Abundant with pictures and part diagrams
Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners
Engine Code:
B6 (often referred to as B6ZE or BP-ZE in later iterations)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement:
1597 cc (1.6 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
78.0 mm x 83.6 mm
Horsepower Hp:
113 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque Lb-Ft:
100 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Sequential multi-point injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
ECU Type:
Mazda Electronic Control Unit (ECU)
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (less common for enthusiasts)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated, single-plate dry clutch
Gear Ratios Manual:
Refer to manual for specific ratios (e.g., 1st: 3.136, 2nd: 1.835, 3rd: 1.330, 4th: 1.000, 5th: 0.815, Reverse: 3.177)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (Consult manual for exact specification and capacity)
NHTSA Ratings:
N/A (Ratings not consistently available or standardized for this era)
Braking System:
Front: Ventilated Disc, Rear: Solid Disc (standard on most markets for '89)
ABS:
Optional on some models/markets, not standard on the initial 1989 model.
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag (standard in some markets from 1989/1990)
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia reel seat belts
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and an optional pop-up roll bar behind the seats.
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player on some later models. Speaker configuration typically 2 or 4.
Instrumentation:
Analog gauges: speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, coolant temperature. Warning lights for various systems.
Cruise Control:
Optional on higher trim levels.
Power Steering:
Speed-sensitive power steering was introduced in later NA models, but standard on this '89 model is likely a more basic hydraulic system.
Connectivity Features:
N/A (No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB ports)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact mileage/time)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, or as per manual recommendations.
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 24 months (hygroscopic nature requires periodic replacement)
Spark Plugs:
Inspect at 30,000 miles, replace as needed or around 60,000 miles.
Timing Belt:
Critical: Replace every 60,000 miles or 6 years due to interference engine design. Manual will detail procedure and torque specs.
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 is common. Check manual for exact viscosity and capacity (approx. 3.5-4.0 quarts).
Coolant:
Mazda coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water). Capacity approx. 6.0-6.5 liters.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Consult manual for precise specification). Capacity approx. 0.5-1.0 liter.
Rust:
Common on sills, wheel arches, and chassis due to age and location. Inspection is crucial.
Cam Seals:
Can develop leaks over time, leading to oil consumption or dripping.
Radiator Fans:
Relays or motors can fail, leading to overheating. Manual will have diagnostic steps.
Window Regulators:
Can become stiff or break, especially in the convertible top mechanism.
Clutch Wear:
Like any manual transmission, clutch wear is normal over time; manual provides replacement procedures.
Mazda Sportscars:
Mazda has a history of producing engaging, driver-focused cars, though not always dedicated sports cars before the MX-5.
Design Goal:
To revive the affordable, lightweight, pure sports car experience.
Facelifts Na:
NA generation received minor updates over its lifespan (e.g., engine power increase in later years, revised suspension components).
Production Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
Sales Impact:
Massive global success, revitalized the sports car market, and became the best-selling two-seater sports car in history.
Car Of The Year:
Many automotive publications named it 'Car of the Year' for 1989/1990, cementing its status.
Performance Awards:
Consistently praised for its handling and driving dynamics, earning accolades for its sports car credentials.
Reliability:
Generally regarded as very reliable and well-built, contributing to its enduring popularity.
Manual Quality:
Official Mazda workshop manual, providing authoritative and precise information.