Vehicle Segment:
Lightweight, rear-wheel-drive, two-seater sports car.
Key Competitors:
Porsche Boxster, BMW Z4, Honda S2000, Nissan 350Z Roadster (depending on specific market and pricing).
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its Jinba Ittai (horse and rider as one) driving philosophy, exceptional handling, light weight, and communicative steering.
Convertible Design:
Available as a soft-top convertible and later in the NC generation with a power-retractable hardtop (PRHT) option.
Technician Accuracy:
Provides the same vehicle-specific, detailed repair procedures used by authorized Mazda dealerships, ensuring accuracy and completeness beyond generic repair guides.
Primary Coverage:
Vehicle specific repair, maintenance, diagnostics, and servicing for Mazda MX-5 Miata 2006-2009 models.
Secondary Coverage:
Covers all models, trims, and engine variants within the specified model years.
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, but described as 'exact same manual used by technicians')
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, lubrication, cooling.
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emission control, engine management system (ECU), diagnostics.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox, driveshafts, differential, shift linkage.
Transmission Automatic:
Torque converter, planetary gear sets, valve body, electronic controls, fluid system (if applicable to specific models within the range).
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, master cylinder, brake booster, calipers, pads, rotors, ABS, EBD, DSC components.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension (double wishbone), shock absorbers, springs, bushings, steering knuckles, stabilizer bars.
Steering:
Power steering system (electric power assisted steering - EPAS), steering column, steering rack, tie rods.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, body control module (BCM).
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate control unit, refrigerant circuit.
Body Exterior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, convertible top mechanism, glass, trim.
Body Interior:
Seats, dashboard, instrument cluster, interior trim, airbags, restraint systems.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting.
Repair And Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and installation across all major vehicle systems.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications, clearances, alignment data, and other critical measurements.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle circuits.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics and bodywork repair.
Digital Format:
Likely PDF with high-resolution diagrams and searchable text. May include interactive elements or links.
Diagram Clarity:
High quality, enabling clear identification of parts and procedures.
Physical Binding:
N/A (for digital format, but if a print version existed, it would likely be spiral-bound or case-bound for usability).
Physical Paper:
N/A (for digital format, but factory manuals are typically printed on durable, often glossy paper).
Engine Code:
LF-VE (for most 2006-2008 models), LFX (for 2009+ facelifted models, though covered by this manual for 2009)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1999 cc)
Horsepower:
170 hp @ 6700 rpm (LF-VE); 167 hp @ 7000 rpm (LFX - slight decrease for emissions/tuning, but often considered negligible in practice for early LFX).
Torque:
140 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (LF-VE); 141 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (LFX)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane Recommended)
ECU Type:
Denso ECM (Engine Control Module)
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission (Type: Mazda FS5A-EL / FS6A-EL derivatives for some markets, but primarily dedicated MTX-75 based units for MX-5)
Transmission Type:
6-speed Automatic Transmission (Aisin Warner TG-81SC based, used in later NC, but less common in early NC for this manual range)
Manual Clutch:
Hydraulically operated, diaphragm spring clutch.
Differential:
Limited Slip Differential (LSD) typically standard on higher trims, optional on others.
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Generally high ratings, typically 4 or 5 stars for frontal and side impact in its era (verify specific year/testing).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) / Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, side-impact airbags (optional/standard depending on trim/market).
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and pop-up rollover hoops behind the seats.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Coolant Change Interval:
First replacement at 105,000 miles (168,000 km), then every 52,500 miles (84,000 km) or 5 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 75,000 miles (120,000 km) for iridium-tipped plugs.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20, API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified. Mazda recommends Mazda Original Ultra 5W-20.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.7 US quarts (4.4 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (Blue), or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with long-life additives (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil. Mazda recommends Mazda Gear Oil (4WD) JWS 3309 or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mazda ATF-FZ or equivalent Dexron-III/Mercon compatible fluid (verify specific for this generation, Aisin fluids often specified).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
For EPAS systems, no specific fluid is required. For older hydraulic systems, DEXRON III/MERCON ATF.
Oil Consumption:
Some early NC models (LF-VE) were subject to oil consumption issues, often related to piston ring design. The manual would detail checks and potential fixes.
Convertible Top Issues:
Wear on fabric tops, adjustment issues, and water leaks can occur over time. Manual provides adjustment and lubrication procedures.
Radiator Fan Failure:
Potential for radiator fan motor failure, leading to overheating. Manual covers diagnosis and replacement.
Power Steering Pump Failure:
Early EPAS systems can experience pump or motor failures. Manual details diagnostic procedures.
Car And Driver 10Best:
The MX-5 Miata, including the NC generation, has been a consistent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best awards for its class and overall driving pleasure.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Generally received good to excellent reliability ratings from consumer organizations for most of its lifecycle, though specific years may vary.
Iafhp Award:
While not a 'certification', the Miata is often lauded by enthusiast groups like the International Automotive Federation for Historical Preservation (IAFHP) for its accessible sports car ethos.