Segment:
Lightweight, affordable, rear-wheel-drive sports car
Appeal:
Enthusiast-focused, driver-centric experience
Key Competitors Era:
Porsche Boxster (higher-end), Toyota MR2 Spyder, Honda S2000 (different segment but contemporary)
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, communicative steering, and lightweight design
Convertible Experience:
Available in soft-top and optional retractable hardtop (PRHT) variants
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, home enthusiasts, performance tuners, professional repair shops
Benefit:
Enables owners to perform maintenance and repairs confidently, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper upkeep.
Coverage Scope:
Comprehensive service and repair for the 2002 Mazda MX-5
Trim Levels Covered:
All trim levels, including base, LS, and special editions
Type:
Factory-authorized Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control, starting, charging
Transmission:
Manual transmission (M/T), clutch, driveline, axles, driveshafts
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, disc brakes (front and rear), parking brake, ABS
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering rack and pinion
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, springs, shock absorbers, bushings, alignment
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, lighting, ignition, starter, instrument cluster, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams
Body:
Exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, convertible top mechanism, bumpers
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system components and service
Comfort Convenience:
Power windows, power locks, mirrors, seats, audio system (basic functionality)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems
Disassembly Reassembly:
Detailed instructions for component removal and installation
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) interpretation, specific diagnostic routines
Depth:
Complete engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, comprehensive electrical system diagnostics
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 4-Cylinder
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1839 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
83.0 mm x 85.0 mm
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 16 Valves (4 valves per cylinder)
Engine Management:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Ignition
Horsepower:
140 hp @ 6500 RPM (approximate, may vary slightly by market)
Torque:
119 lb-ft @ 5000 RPM (approximate, may vary slightly by market)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane recommended)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SJ or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.8 US Quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 or equivalent Pre-diluted Antifreeze/Coolant (Green)
Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (M/T)
Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (A/T) (less common)
Manual Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific ratios (e.g., 1st: 3.76, 2nd: 2.19, 3rd: 1.49, 4th: 1.22, 5th: 1.00, 6th: 0.86)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (Mazda recommends specific part numbers, e.g., K001-77-831)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF JWS3314 or equivalent
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
Not specifically rated for 2002 model year, but generally good for its class
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on some models
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and pop-up roll bars behind headrests
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player with 4 or 6 speakers (depending on trim).
Navigation:
Not available from factory.
Features:
Limited by modern standards; primary focus on driver feedback.
Features:
Basic 12V power outlet, optional remote keyless entry.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 75,000 miles (120,000 km)
Coolant Flush:
Every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 5 years
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km). Automatic: Every 50,000 miles (80,000 km).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific recommendation)
Power Steering Fluid:
Mazda Genuine ATF or Dexron II/III equivalent
Common Issues:
Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, rear main seal), radiator failure, clutch wear, interior plastic degradation, convertible top leaks/mechanism issues, minor electrical gremlins.
Recommendation:
Regular inspection of coolant hoses, oil seals, and convertible top fabric/seals is crucial for longevity.
Heritage:
Mazda's legacy of lightweight, driver-focused sports cars dating back to the original Mazda Cosmo Sport and RX-7.
Generation:
Second Generation (NB) - Introduced for the 1999 model year.
Updates 2002:
Minor styling tweaks, potential suspension refinements compared to earlier NB models.
Distinguishing Features Nb:
Fixed-position headlights replacing the pop-up headlights of the NA generation, more rigid chassis.
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
Production Years Nb Generation:
1999 - 2005
Car And Driver:
Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times for previous generations, influencing the perception of the MX-5 lineage.
Owner Satisfaction:
Consistently high owner satisfaction ratings due to its reliability and driving enjoyment.
Epa Fuel Economy:
Approx. 21 MPG City / 27 MPG Highway (Manual Transmission, EPA estimates may vary).
