Segment:
Lightweight, affordable sports car.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops seeking factory-level information.
Competitors 2006-2009:
Honda S2000, BMW Z4, Porsche Boxster (higher end), Nissan 350Z (different segment but similar price point for some trims).
Vehicle Philosophy:
Jinba Ittai (horse and rider as one) - driver-centric, pure driving experience, lightweight handling.
Manual Value Proposition:
Offers complete factory-level repair information, enabling owners and technicians to maintain and repair the vehicle to original specifications, avoiding costly dealer repairs or inferior third-party guides.
General Coverage:
Comprehensive service and repair procedures for the specified Mazda MX-5 Miata model years.
Specific Areas:
Engine, transmission, drivetrain, suspension, steering, brakes, electrical systems, body, interior, HVAC, emissions.
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, lubrication, cooling system, engine management (ECU/ECM), manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch, differential, drive axles.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system (power steering, steering column), braking system (ABS, brake components, hydraulic lines), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instruments and gauges, wipers and washers, horn, power windows, power locks, audio system, SRS (Airbag) system, fuses and relays, wiring diagrams.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, seats, interior trim, convertible top mechanisms (if applicable), climate control (HVAC).
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, fluid checks and replacements, filter replacements (air, cabin, fuel), spark plug replacement, tire rotation, brake inspection.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Component testing, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring harness inspection.
Repair And Replacement:
Engine component overhaul (e.g., cylinder head, pistons), transmission disassembly and reassembly, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair and replacement, convertible top repair.
Special Procedures:
Wheel alignment specifications, torque specifications for critical fasteners, diagnostic tool usage, reset procedures (e.g., service interval light), convertible top adjustment and repair.
Depth:
Factory-level detail covering basic maintenance to complete overhaul and complex diagnostics. Includes detailed step-by-step instructions, exploded views, and component diagrams.
Engine Code:
LF-DE (2.0L MZR)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Bore X Stroke:
87.5 mm x 83.1 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.8:1
Horsepower 2006-2008:
170 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque 2006-2008:
140 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Horsepower 2009:
167 hp @ 7000 rpm (NC2 minor tuning)
Torque 2009:
140 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (NC2 minor tuning)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane recommended)
Emissions Control:
Catalytic Converter, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), Secondary Air Injection (on some models/regions)
Transmission Type Manual:
6-speed Manual Transmission (Mazda 'Type B' gearbox)
Transmission Type Automatic:
6-speed Automatic Transmission (with Paddle Shifters on some trims/options)
Manual Clutch Type:
Hydraulic, Dry Single Plate
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
GL-4 Hypoid Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 (e.g., Mazda GL-4 75W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Mazda ATF-J2 or equivalent Dexron-III/Mercon
NHTSA Front Impact:
5 Stars (2006)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5 Stars (2006)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (2006-2009)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with TCS
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags, Side-impact Airbags (in seats)
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and pop-up rollover hoops (behind seats)
Seatbelts:
Pretensioner and load-limiter equipped seatbelts
Audio System:
Standard CD player with AM/FM radio, auxiliary input. Optional Bose premium audio system. Higher trims may feature Bluetooth connectivity and steering wheel audio controls.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on some trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Keyless Entry Start:
Available on higher trims (Smart Key System).
Bluetooth:
Optional on select trims for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (or follow Oil Maintenance Monitor).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Iridium spark plugs typically last 100,000 miles, but refer to manual for specific recommendations.
Coolant Replacement:
First replacement at 10 years or 100,000 miles, then every 5 years or 50,000 miles thereafter.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0 US quarts (3.8 liters) with filter change (LF-DE engine).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30, API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified (check manual for latest specs).
Coolant Type:
Mazda Genuine Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent HOAT, pink color).
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, brake pad/rotor wear, suspension bushings, convertible top fabric/motors (early NCs), starter motor (rare), catalytic converter.
Oil Consumption:
Some early NC models reported minor oil consumption, monitor oil levels regularly.
Maintenance Schedule Highlight
Comprehensive Schedule Provided:
Yes, the manual details schedules for various mileages and time intervals.
Mazda Roadster Legacy:
Builds upon the legacy of the iconic Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA and NB generations), emphasizing lightweight sports car principles.
Nc Generation Introduction:
Introduced for the 2006 model year, the NC generation marked a significant redesign with a larger chassis, increased safety features, and updated styling.
Nc2 Facelift:
For the 2009 model year, the NC received a mid-cycle refresh (NC2) with revised front and rear styling, updated interior trim, and minor mechanical tweaks.
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
Production Period Nc:
2005-2015
Car And Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times during its production run, including for the NC generation.
World Car Of The Year Nominations:
Often a finalist or strong contender in various international automotive awards.
Automotive Journalist Consensus:
Universally praised for its handling, steering feel, and driver engagement.