🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

MX-5

Generation:

1st Generation (NA)

Engine Code Primary:

B6ZE (1.6L DOHC)

Body Style:

2-door convertible roadster

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Mazda MX-5 (NA) revolutionized the affordable sports car market, offering pure driving enjoyment with exceptional handling and reliability.

Competition:

Competed against cars like the Toyota MR2, Nissan 240SX, and Alfa Romeo Spider, often lauded for its accessible price point and driver-focused design.

Design Philosophy:

Jinba Ittai (horse and rider as one) design philosophy emphasizing driver connection and agility.

Powertrain:

Lightweight chassis and a peppy, rev-happy 1.6-liter engine.

Body Type:

Iconic pop-up headlights and a classic roadster silhouette.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Print

Coverage Scope:

All Models & All Repairs A-Z

Authenticity:

Dealer-Technician Specific

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Comprehensive diagnosis, repair, and overhaul of the B6ZE 1.6L DOHC engine.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, and fuel lines.

Ignition System:

Ignition coil, spark plugs, ignition timing, ECU control.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, coolant hoses, and pressure cap.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, muffler, and emissions control components.

Transmission Manual:

Detailed procedures for the 5-speed manual transmission, clutch system, and driveline.

Transmission Automatic:

Coverage for the optional 4-speed automatic transmission.

Suspension:

Front and rear independent suspension, control arms, springs, shock absorbers, and sway bars.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, and steering column.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), brake pads, rotors, and calipers.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, fuses, relays, and accessory circuits.

Body And Frame:

Body panel repair, rust prevention, convertible top mechanism, chassis alignment.

Interior:

Dashboard, seats, trim panels, HVAC controls, and interior lighting.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting procedures, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and diagnostic flowcharts.

Maintenance:

Regular maintenance procedures: oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and belt inspections.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems.

Overhaul:

Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures with torque specifications.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon problems.

Specifications:

Torque specifications, fluid capacities, clearances, and electrical values.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all circuits.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

Professionally printed book with durable binding.

Quality:

High-quality paper and printing for clarity and longevity.

Binding:

Stitched and glued binding for durability in a workshop environment.

Paper:

Durable, semi-gloss paper to resist grease and workshop conditions.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Name:

B6ZE

Displacement:

1597 cc (1.6 Liters)

Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft), 16 valves

Horsepower Est 1991:

113 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque Est 1991:

100 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm

Redline Est:

7000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Mazda FL22 or equivalent)

Oil Capacity With Filter:

3.7 US Quarts (3.5 Liters)

Oil Viscosity SAE:

10W-30 (preferred in most climates)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (M5)

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated, single dry plate

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

API GL-4, 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil recommended

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III or equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Length:

157.3 inches (3995 mm)

Width:

66.1 inches (1680 mm)

Height:

48.2 inches (1225 mm)

Wheelbase:

89.2 inches (2265 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 4.7 inches (120 mm)

Curb Weight Est Manual:

2160 lbs (980 kg)

Curb Weight Est Automatic:

2190 lbs (995 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 2734 lbs (1240 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Side Impact 1991:

4 Stars (estimated based on similar vehicles of the era)

IIHS Side Impact 1991:

Not Rated (vehicle pre-dates standardized IIHS side impact testing)

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on front wheels (and rear on some later models).

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard from 1990 model year onwards.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia reel seatbelts.

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced A-pillars and optional roll bar.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-fitted AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configuration varies by trim.

Cruise Control:

Available on most models.

Diagnostic Tools:

OBD-I diagnostic port for early emission and system checks.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (refer to manual for specific type and gap).

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles or 48 months (critical component, DO NOT skip).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Mazda ATF D-III or equivalent.

Rust Prone Areas:

Rocker panels, rear quarter panels behind the wheels, sills, and chassis rails.

Engine Oil Consumption:

Some engines may experience increased oil consumption over time; regular checks are crucial.

Radiator Failure:

Plastic-tank radiators can degrade and leak over time.

Window Regulator Issues:

Window regulators can become stiff or fail.

Convertible Top Leaks:

Weatherstripping and drain tubes require maintenance to prevent leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Sports Car Legacy:

Mazda has a history of producing lightweight, driver-focused sports cars, including the Mazda Cosmo Sport and Mazda RX-7.

Naclass Launch:

Launched in 1989 (as a 1990 model year vehicle) in North America, inspired by the classic British roadsters of the 1960s.

Naclass Facelift 1994:

Received a minor facelift for the 1994 model year (part of the NA generation), including a more powerful 1.8L engine (BP-ZE) for some markets, revised suspension, and a Torsen limited-slip differential option. This manual covers the pre-facelift 1991 model.

Production Period:

1989-1997 (NA generation)

Manufacturing Location:

Hofu, Yamaguchi, Japan

Global Sales Na Generation:

Over 400,000 units produced worldwide.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times during its production run.

Popular Mechanics Car Of The Year:

Recipient of various automotive journalism awards for its driving dynamics and value.