Category:
Lightweight sports car, roadster
Positioning:
Affordable, driver-focused sports car with emphasis on handling and open-air motoring.
Key Competitors:
Honda S2000 (earlier years), Porsche Boxster, BMW Z4, Nissan 370Z Roadster (later years), Fiat 124 Spider.
Design Philosophy:
Jinba Ittai (horse and rider as one), emphasizing driver connection and nimble handling.
Body Styles:
Convertible soft-top, Retractable Hardtop (PRHT).
Model Years Covered:
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
Trim Levels Covered:
All trim levels
Engine Variants Covered:
All engine variants
Transmission Types Covered:
All transmission types (manual and automatic)
Estimated Page Count:
N/A (Downloadable, typically hundreds of pages)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, intake and exhaust systems.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting and charging system, engine control module (ECM), sensors and actuators, emissions control systems.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (clutch, gearbox, driveshafts), Automatic transmission (torque converter, valve body, internal components).
Drivetrain:
Differentials, axles, CV joints.
Suspension:
Front suspension (control arms, struts, springs, stabilizer bar), Rear suspension (multi-link, struts, springs, stabilizer bar), wheel bearings.
Steering:
Power steering system (pump, rack and pinion, steering column).
Brakes:
Brake system (master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, pads, rotors), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution).
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, body control module (BCM).
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components, refrigerant, operation.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, convertible top mechanism, interior trim, seats, airbags.
Chassis And Frame:
Frame construction, body mounts, structural components.
Preventive Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, brake inspections.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnosis.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair of all major systems.
Component Rebuilds:
Detailed procedures for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and other major components.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Wiring diagrams, circuit testing procedures, component testing.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnosis and service, seatbelt maintenance.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed specifications, diagrams, and torque values.
Length:
Approx. 157.3 inches (4000 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm)
Height:
Approx. 49.4 inches (1255 mm)
Length:
Approx. 160.1 inches (4065 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm)
Height:
Approx. 49.6 inches (1260 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2500-2650 lbs (1134-1202 kg) depending on body style and options.
Trunk Capacity:
Approx. 4.6 cubic feet (0.13 m³)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-star (for applicable years/testing protocols)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-star (for applicable years/testing protocols)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for applicable years/testing protocols)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Airbags:
Front dual airbags, side airbags (optional/standard depending on year/trim).
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bars behind headrests.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific grade).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed.
Cabin Air Filter:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or annually.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2-3 years (DOT 3 or DOT 4, depending on application, typically DOT 4 recommended).
Transmission Fluid:
Manual: Check regularly, replace every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km). Automatic: Check regularly, replace every 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-145,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic SAE 5W-30 or 0W-20 (check manual for specific viscosity and API rating, e.g., API SN/ILSAC GF-5).
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 or equivalent Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (pre-diluted blue type).
Power Steering Fluid:
Mazda Genuine ATF-SP3 or equivalent (check manual).
Oil Consumption:
Some early NC models (especially 2.0L) can exhibit increased oil consumption; regular checks are advised. Piston ring design changes in later models may mitigate this.
Convertible Top Mechanism:
Actuators or motors for the power-retractable hardtop (PRHT) can fail, requiring replacement or repair. Manual soft tops can have wear on the fabric or mechanism over time.
Clutch Wear:
Clutch wear is dependent on driving style, but early wear can occur with aggressive use.
Radiator:
Radiator leaks or failures can occur with age, particularly the plastic end tanks.
