General Coverage:
Full Service Repair
Specific Coverage:
Repair, Maintenance, Rebuild, Refurbish, Restoration, Diagnostics, Electrical Service, Wiring Diagrams
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typical full service manuals for this era exceed 1000 pages)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Engine:
Yes (detailed diagnostics, overhaul, timing, fuel, ignition)
Transmission:
Yes (manual and automatic, overhaul, diagnostics)
Drivetrain:
Yes (driveshafts, differentials, axles)
Suspension:
Yes (front and rear suspension components, alignment)
Brakes:
Yes (hydraulic system, calipers, rotors, ABS)
Steering:
Yes (power steering system, steering column)
Electrical:
Yes (comprehensive wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures, component testing)
Bodywork:
Yes (exterior panels, interior trim, body repairs)
HVAC:
Yes (heating, ventilation, air conditioning system)
Fuel System:
Yes (fuel pump, injectors, lines)
Cooling System:
Yes (radiator, water pump, thermostat)
Exhaust System:
Yes (catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes)
Maintenance:
Yes (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, service schedules)
Troubleshooting:
Yes (detailed diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting)
Repair:
Yes (step-by-step repair instructions for all major components)
Rebuild:
Yes (engine, transmission, differential rebuild procedures)
Diagnostics:
Yes (including electronic diagnostics and OBD-II procedures)
Depth:
Comprehensive (suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers)
Quality:
Detailed illustrations, drawings, and photos
Format:
Numbered instructions, detailed sub-steps
Inclusion:
Notes, cautions, and warnings included throughout
Engine Type:
Inline 4-Cylinder DOHC
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1839 cc)
Horsepower:
140 hp @ 6500 rpm (US Spec)
Torque:
125 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (US Spec)
Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Octane Rating:
Premium Unleaded (91 octane recommended)
Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS)
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
4 Stars (Driver), 5 Stars (Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
Not Rated/Available
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Seat Belts:
3-Point Seat Belts with Pretensioners
Roll Bar:
Reinforced windshield frame and integrated roll bar
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles
Engine Oil:
API SN or SP, SAE 5W-30 (e.g., Mazda Genuine Oil 0W-20 or 5W-30)
Coolant:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with silicate)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III/Mercon ATF or Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid
Engine:
Oil consumption (in some early NB models), occasional oil pressure sensor failures.
Cooling System:
Plastic radiator end tanks can become brittle and leak over time.
Suspension:
Wear in bushings, especially control arm bushings, leading to vague steering feel.
Electrical:
Power window motors can fail, convertible top microswitches can be problematic.
Marque Focus:
Mazda is known for its focus on driver engagement, lightweight vehicles, and rotary engine technology (though not in the MX-5 of this era).
Generation:
NB (Second Generation, 1998-2005)
2002 Updates:
Minor styling tweaks, introduction of optional Bose audio system.
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan