🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

MX-5 Miata

Generation:

NC (Second Generation)

Chassis Code:

NC1

Engine Code Primary:

MZR LF-VE

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Lightweight sports car, roadster

Philosophy:

Jinba-Ittai (Horse and Rider as One) - focused on driver engagement and pure driving pleasure.

Competitors 2008-2009:

Porsche Boxster, BMW Z4, Honda S2000, Audi TT, Nissan 350Z Roadster.

Design:

Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, compact dimensions, near-perfect weight distribution, available soft-top and power-retractable hardtop (PRHT).

Driving Dynamics:

Exceptional handling, responsive steering, balanced chassis, lightweight construction.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Years:

2008, 2009

Trim Levels Covered:

All trim levels (e.g., Sport, Touring, Grand Touring)

Region Applicability:

Primarily North America (USDM/CADM), with applicable sections for global variations.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 2000-3000 pages (common for comprehensive factory-level service manuals).

Type:

Full Service & Repair Manual

Content Focus:

Diagnostic, repair, maintenance, overhaul, and technical specifications.

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF), Searchable, Printable

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, engine management (ECM), fuel injection, ignition, exhaust, cooling, lubrication, transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, driveline, differentials.

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (hydraulic, ABS, EBD), wheel alignment specifications.

Electrical:

Power distribution, grounds, lighting, instrumentation, body electrical, comfort systems (HVAC, power accessories), audio system, diagnostic connector (OBD-II).

Body And Trim:

Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, convertible top operation and repair, seals, weatherstripping.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, differential fluid), filter replacement, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.

Repair Overhaul:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul (e.g., engine rebuild, transmission repair, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement).

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component testing procedures, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with descriptions and potential causes.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair and maintenance procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic fluid checks and tire rotations to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and body panel repair.

Diagnostic Level:

Factory-level diagnostic procedures, including wiring schematics and troubleshooting trees.

Torque Specs:

Explicit torque specifications for all fasteners, critical for proper assembly and safety.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Full text search capability for quick access to information.

Resolution:

High-resolution graphics, diagrams, and photos suitable for printing.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family:

Mazda MZR (L-Engine)

Engine Code:

LF-VE

Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves

Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1999 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

87.5 mm x 83.1 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.8:1

Horsepower Peak 2008:

167 hp @ 6700 rpm (Manual Transmission)

Horsepower Peak 2009:

167 hp @ 6700 rpm (Manual Transmission), 158 hp @ 6700 rpm (Automatic Transmission)

Torque Peak 2008:

140 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (Manual Transmission)

Torque Peak 2009:

140 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (Manual Transmission), 133 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (Automatic Transmission)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (SFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (91 octane recommended for optimal performance)

Coolant Type:

Mazda FL22 Long Life Coolant (or equivalent silicate-free, OAT coolant)

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.8 US quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter change

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-20 API SN/SM/SL or ILSAC GF-5/GF-4

🔧 Transmission

Type 2008:

6-Speed Manual Transmission (MX-5)

Type 2009:

6-Speed Manual Transmission (MX-5)

Type 2008:

6-Speed Automatic Transmission (MX-5)

Type 2009:

6-Speed Automatic Transmission (MX-5)

Manual Transmission Notes:

Close-ratio gearing for sporty feel, lightweight and precise clutch operation.

Automatic Transmission Notes:

Adaptive shift control, paddle shifters available on some trims.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (Mazda specifies MAZDA GEAR OIL SG1 or equivalent)

Manual Transmission Capacity:

Approximately 1.9 US quarts (1.8 Liters)

Automatic Transmission Capacity:

Approximately 7.0 US quarts (6.6 Liters) for a complete drain and fill (ATF)

Rear Differential Fluid:

API GL-5 SAE 80W-90 Hypoid Gear Oil (Mazda specifies MAZDA GEAR OIL SG1 or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

157.3 inches (4000 mm)

Width:

67.7 inches (1720 mm)

Height Soft Top:

49.1 inches (1248 mm)

Height Prht:

49.2 inches (1250 mm)

Wheelbase:

90.2 inches (2290 mm)

Front Track:

58.7 inches (1490 mm)

Rear Track:

59.1 inches (1500 mm)

Ground Clearance:

4.5 inches (115 mm)

Seating Capacity:

2

Trunk Volume:

4.5 - 5.3 cubic feet (depending on soft-top or PRHT and roof position)

Curb Weight Manual:

2470 - 2515 lbs (1120 - 1141 kg)

Curb Weight Automatic:

2535 - 2555 lbs (1150 - 1159 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

3230 - 3260 lbs (1465 - 1479 kg)

Front Axle Weight Rating Fawr:

1543 lbs (700 kg)

Rear Axle Weight Rating Rawr:

1698 lbs (770 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver:

5 Stars

NHTSA Frontal Passenger:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Driver:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Passenger:

5 Stars

NHTSA Rollover:

4 Stars

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Ebd:

Standard Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)

TCS:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS)

Dsc:

Available Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) - standard on some trims.

Airbags Front:

Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags

Airbags Side:

Standard Side-Impact Airbags (mounted in seats)

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced A-pillars and pop-up rollover hoops behind headrests (standard)

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System Standard:

6-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary input jack.

Audio System Optional:

Optional Bose premium audio system, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

Navigation:

Optional touch-screen navigation system available on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Keyless Entry:

Standard keyless entry and ignition (push-button start on some trims).

Bluetooth:

Not typically available from the factory for these model years, aftermarket solutions are common.

Usb Port:

Not typically available from the factory.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. 7,500 miles (12,000 km) if using synthetic oil and driving under favorable conditions (refer to manual for specifics).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 75,000 miles (120,000 km) (for iridium-tipped spark plugs).

Coolant Flush:

Every 60,000 miles (100,000 km) or 4 years, whichever comes first (using Mazda FL22 or equivalent).

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Every 60,000 miles (100,000 km) or 4 years.

Differential Fluid Change:

Every 60,000 miles (100,000 km) or 4 years.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (check manual for specific type recommendation).

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or equivalent.

Common Issues 2008-2009:

Early NC models (including these years) may experience some oil consumption, particularly if driven hard. Some owners report minor wear on seat bolsters and potential for water intrusion around the convertible top seals if not maintained. Clutch release bearing noise (throw-out bearing squeal) can sometimes occur.

Maintenance Tips:

Regularly inspect and clean the convertible top drains to prevent water buildup. Ensure proper torque on lug nuts during wheel rotations. Pay attention to clutch pedal feel and any unusual noises from the transmission.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mazda's heritage is rooted in creating driver-focused, fun-to-drive vehicles, exemplified by the iconic Mazda Cosmo Sport and the legendary RX-7. The Miata (MX-5) continues this tradition, becoming the best-selling two-seat convertible sports car of all time.

Nc Generation Launch:

The NC generation debuted for the 2006 model year, representing a significant redesign from the NB generation. The 2008-2009 models fall within the early phase of this generation, featuring a larger engine than its predecessors.

Powertrain Changes Nc Vs Nb:

The NC generation introduced a larger 2.0L MZR engine, replacing the 1.8L of the NB, offering increased power and torque. It also featured a revised chassis for improved rigidity and handling.

Manufacturing Location:

Ujina Plant No. 1, Hiroshima, Japan

Production Years Nc Generation:

2006 - 2015

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

Car and Driver magazine's 10Best list multiple times in previous generations, setting a precedent for the NC generation's performance.

World Car Of The Year:

The Mazda MX-5 Miata has been a finalist and winner in various categories of World Car of the Year awards in its history.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Historically good reliability ratings, though specific year ratings can vary. This manual aids in maintaining that reliability.

Federal Certification:

Compliant with all applicable US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for the model years 2008-2009.