Positioning:
The Mazda MX-5 (ND) is a dedicated, lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports car, focused on driver engagement and affordability.
Competitors:
Primarily competes with other affordable roadsters such as the Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ, Fiat 124 Spider (discontinued but relevant for comparison).
Focus:
Jinba-Ittai ('horse and rider as one') philosophy, emphasizing driver connection, balanced chassis, and lightweight construction.
Manual Value:
Essential resource for owners and independent technicians seeking factory-accurate procedures, specifications, and diagnostic data.
Engine:
Skyactiv-G 2.0L (P5-VP) engine: disassembly, assembly, diagnosis, fuel system, ignition, lubrication, cooling, emissions, timing
Transmission:
Manual (MX-5): clutch, gearbox, driveshafts, differentials; Automatic: torque converter, gearbox, hydraulics, electronics
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, EBD, traction control, stability control, brake calipers, rotors, pads, parking brake
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, steering knuckles, wheel bearings
Steering:
Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system, steering column, rack and pinion, tie rods
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, gauges, body electrical, infotainment, power accessories, CAN bus communication
Body:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, convertible top (soft-top and RF retractable fastback) operation and repair, chassis
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heating, ventilation, controls, refrigerant handling
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, pre-tensioners, SRS system diagnosis
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, brake inspections, tire rotation, battery maintenance
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation (DTCs), electrical system diagnosis
Repair:
Component replacement, adjustments, calibrations, rebuilding procedures for major systems
Diagnostics:
Engine management system diagnosis, transmission control diagnosis, ABS/DSC diagnosis, EPAS diagnosis, HVAC diagnosis
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of required factory special tools and equipment
Depth:
Complete: from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, detailed electrical schematics, and body repair procedures
Electrical Schematics:
Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, including power distribution, grounds, and signal paths.
Engine Code:
P5-VP (Skyactiv-G 2.0L)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 4-Cylinder DOHC
Horsepower Hp:
181 hp @ 7,000 RPM (for 2019 models)
Torque Lb Ft:
151 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM (for 2019 models)
Injection Type:
Direct Injection (DI) with Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (S-MPI)
Fuel Octane Rating:
Premium Unleaded 91 Octane Recommended
Bore X Stroke:
83.5 mm x 91.2 mm
Compression Ratio:
13.0:1
Valve Train:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC) with Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
Type:
6-Speed Manual (MX-5 Sport/Club)
Type:
6-Speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE Automatic (MX-5 Grand Touring/RF)
Manual Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific ratios (e.g., 3.760:1 1st, 2.024:1 2nd, 1.370:1 3rd, 1.000:1 4th, 0.815:1 5th, 0.712:1 6th, 4.100:1 Reverse)
Automatic Features:
Sport mode, paddle shifters (on some trims), adaptive shift control
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Mazda GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (or equivalent)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF-FZ (or equivalent)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (for models equipped with specific safety features)
Driver Assistance:
Available: Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS)
Traction Control:
Standard: Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, driver's knee airbag
Body Structure:
Advanced impact-absorbing body structure
System Name:
Mazda Connect Infotainment System
Features:
7-inch touchscreen (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto optional/added in later revisions), Commander Control knob, Bluetooth, HD Radio, Satellite Radio.
Advanced Features:
Optional driver assistance suite includes BSM, RCTA, SCBS, LDW. Manual covers their operation, calibration, and diagnosis.
Bluetooth Spec:
Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming
OBD Ii:
Full OBD-II diagnostic capabilities, including live data, freeze frame data, and P-codes. Manual details specific Mazda PIDs and data streams.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe conditions may require more frequent changes).
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Brake Fluid:
Replace every 3 years, regardless of mileage.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 75,000 miles (120,000 km) (Iridium type).
Engine Oil Type:
0W-20 Synthetic (Mazda Genuine Oil or API SN/ILSAC GF-5 compliant)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.8 US quarts (4.5 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 5.2 US quarts (4.9 liters)
Soft Top Wear:
Potential wear on soft top seals and fabric over time; manual covers inspection and adjustment.
Rattles Creaks:
Common in lightweight sports cars; manual details interior trim removal and chassis component checks for diagnosis.
Rf Mechanism:
Retractable hardtop mechanism requires proper lubrication and adjustment; manual provides detailed service procedures.
Heritage:
Mazda has a long lineage of affordable, fun-to-drive sports cars, famously starting with the original Mazda Cosmo Sport and continuing with the iconic Mazda RX-7 and the legendary Mazda Miata (MX-5).
Nd Generation Start:
The fourth generation (ND) was introduced for the 2016 model year, marking a return to the lightweight philosophy of the original NA generation.
Nd2 Updates:
The 2019 model year (ND2 update) brought significant revisions, including an updated engine with more power and torque, revised suspension tuning, and minor interior/exterior styling enhancements.
Manufacturing Location:
Mazda's Hofu Plant, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan