Positioning:
The Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA generation) revitalized the affordable sports car market, renowned for its lightweight, agile handling, and pure driving experience. This manual caters to owners and enthusiasts dedicated to maintaining and restoring these iconic vehicles.
Competitors:
Competed with vehicles like the Toyota MR2, Triumph Spitfire (earlier models), and various small roadsters. Its success set a benchmark for modern compact sports cars.
Driving Experience:
Rear-wheel drive, lightweight construction, near 50/50 weight distribution, pop-up headlights, and responsive steering define its classic sports car feel.
Manual Value:
Essential for DIY mechanics and professional technicians to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of the NA Miata, covering all aspects of its mechanical and electrical systems.
Applicable Years:
1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998
Estimated Page Count:
Over 1500 pages (estimated for comprehensive coverage)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Engine:
Detailed disassembly, assembly, diagnosis, and repair of all engine components including lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, and emission control systems.
Transmission:
Coverage for both manual (5-speed) and automatic transmissions, including internal components, clutch, driveshafts, and differential.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/disc), ABS (where applicable), hydraulic circuits, parking brake, and related components.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension (double wishbone), power steering system, steering column, wheel alignment specifications.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, lighting systems, starting and charging systems, fuses, relays, body electricals, instrument cluster, and diagnostic codes.
Body Chassis:
Body structure, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, convertible top mechanism, chassis components, and exhaust system.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug service, belt inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for virtually every component and system, including torque specifications, special tool requirements, and reassembly procedures.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-I) and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing, actuator testing.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including in-depth electrical troubleshooting.
Engine Type:
Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement:
1597 cc (1.6 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
78.0 mm x 83.6 mm
Horsepower Early:
115 hp @ 6500 rpm (1990-1993)
Horsepower Late:
118 hp @ 6500 rpm (1994-1998 - minor revisions)
Torque Early:
100 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (1990-1993)
Torque Late:
101 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (1994-1998 - minor revisions)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Multi-point injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (minimum)
ECU:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) with diagnostic capabilities (OBD-I).
Type Standard:
5-speed manual transmission
Type Optional:
4-speed automatic transmission (less common)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate clutch
Final Drive Ratio:
4.30:1 (for 5-speed manual)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent
Length:
3,955 mm (155.7 in)
Width:
1,675 mm (65.9 in)
Height:
1,235 mm (48.6 in)
Wheelbase:
2,265 mm (89.2 in)
Front Track:
1,430 mm (56.3 in)
Rear Track:
1,435 mm (56.5 in)
Curb Weight:
955-1,040 kg (2,105-2,293 lbs), depending on options and year
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 1,320 kg (2,910 lbs)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 Stars (early models tested)
IIHS Side Impact:
Not extensively tested, typical for vehicles of its era.
ABS:
Optional on most models, standard on later revisions (e.g., 1996+).
Traction Control:
Not available on NA generation.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard from 1990. Passenger airbag optional/standard on later models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners.
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and optional ('style bar') or factory-fitted rollover hoops.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette stereo, often with optional CD player. Basic speaker arrangement.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog gauges including speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and temperature. Warning lights for various systems.
Cruise Control:
Available as an option on some models.
Bluetooth Usb:
Not available. Aftermarket solutions are common for modern connectivity.
Oil Change:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Inspect oil level every 3,000 miles or every fuel fill-up.
Oil Filter Replacement:
At every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on plug type.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (critical due to interference engine design).
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.8 Liters (4.0 US Quarts) with filter, SAE 10W-30 recommended (check manual for specific climate recommendations).
Coolant Capacity:
5.8 Liters (6.1 US Quarts) of a 50/50 mix of distilled water and antifreeze (typically ethylene glycol).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent.
Rust Prone Areas:
Rocker panels, rear wheel arches, sills, and floor pans are common areas for rust due to age and exposure.
Engine Wear:
Camshaft wear (lobes) and oil seal leaks (crankshaft, valve stem seals) are possible with high mileage.
Cooling System:
Radiator leaks, hoses deteriorating, and thermostat failures can occur. Proper maintenance is key.
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring harnesses, faulty grounds, and intermittent switch failures can lead to various electrical issues.
Convertible Top:
Wear and tear on the canvas, seal degradation, and mechanism issues are common.
Fuel Pump:
Fuel pumps can degrade over time, leading to starting issues or poor performance.
Mazda Legacy:
Mazda has a history of producing agile and driver-focused vehicles, with roots in lightweight sports cars dating back to the early Mazda Cosmo Sport and later R100 models. The Miata cemented this reputation.
Na Generation Launch:
Launched in 1989 for the 1990 model year, codenamed 'NA'.
Major Updates:
1994 facelift ('M-package' or 'facelift' model) brought minor styling changes, increased horsepower, improved brakes, and revised interior features.
Special Editions:
Numerous special editions were produced, including the M Edition, R Limited, and numerous JDM variants, often featuring unique paint, wheels, or interior trim.
Production End Na:
1997 (for NA generation, replaced by NB)
Manufacturing Locations:
Hiroshima, Japan (Mazda's primary plant)
Car And Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times during its production run.
Automotive Journalism Praise:
Widely praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics, affordability, and reliability, often cited as a benchmark for modern sports cars.
Reliability Reputation:
Generally good reliability for its era, though requires diligent maintenance to address common wear items and potential rust.
