🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

MX-5

Year:

2010

Generation Name:

3rd Generation (NC)

Chassis Code:

NC1

Engine Codes Covered:

LF-VE, L3-VE

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports car / roadster.

Key Competitors:

Honda S2000 (discontinued end of 2009, but relevant comparison), Porsche Boxster, BMW Z4, Audi TT Roadster, Nissan 370Z Roadster.

Handling Focus:

Renowned for its Jinba-Ittai (horse and rider as one) driving dynamics, balanced chassis, and lightweight construction.

Body Styles:

Offered in both soft-top convertible and Retractable Hardtop (PRHT) variants.

Target User:

Professional technicians, experienced DIY enthusiasts, and owners seeking in-depth knowledge for maintenance and repair.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

All Models & All Repairs A-Z

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 2000-3000 pages (typical for a comprehensive dealer service manual)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely Digital (PDF) based on common industry practice for sales, though physical copies were originally available.

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (LF-VE 2.0L, L3-VE 2.3L - though the NC primarily used the LF-VE for 2010), Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Clutch, Drivetrain, Fuel System, Exhaust System.

Chassis:

Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Braking System (ABS, EBD), Wheels & Tires.

Electrical:

Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Mirrors), Wiper/Washer System, Ignition System, Charging System.

Body And Interior:

Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Seats, Interior Trim, Convertible Top (Soft Top & Retractable Hardtop - PRHT) Operation and Service.

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance (Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks/Changes), Inspections, Lubrication.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-based Diagnostics, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Wiring Diagrams, Component Testing Procedures.

Repair And Rebuild:

Engine Rebuilding (Top End, Bottom End), Transmission Overhaul, Brake System Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering System Repair, Electrical Component Replacement, Body Panel Repair.

Special Procedures:

Wheel Alignment Specifications, Torque Specifications for critical fasteners, Airbag System Service Precautions, Convertible Top Actuation and Adjustment.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (typically optimized for searchability and printing)

Print Readability:

High resolution, ensuring clear diagrams, schematics, and text for printing.

Physical Binding:

N/A (if digital); Original OEM manual would have been saddle-stitched or perfect bound.

Physical Paper:

N/A (if digital); Original OEM manual typically printed on high-quality, durable paper stock.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Name:

LF-VE

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline 4-cylinder

Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1999 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

87.5 mm x 83.1 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.8:1

Horsepower Us Spec:

167 hp @ 7000 rpm

Torque Us Spec:

140 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

ECU Type:

Denso (specific model number would be in the manual)

Timing System:

Variable Valve Timing (VVT) on intake camshaft.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

6-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Opt:

6-Speed Automatic Transmission with Sequential Sport Shift

Clutch Type:

Hydraulic Control, Dry Single Plate

Final Drive Ratio:

4.10:1 (for manual transmission, check specific trim/options)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Mazda Gear Oil Premium (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W-90)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mazda ATF-MV (or equivalent Dexron-VI compatible)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

167.7 inches (4260 mm)

Width:

68.1 inches (1730 mm)

Height Soft Top:

50.4 inches (1280 mm)

Height Prht:

50.6 inches (1285 mm)

Wheelbase:

91.1 inches (2315 mm)

Headroom:

Approx. 37.2 inches (945 mm)

Legroom:

Approx. 42.3 inches (1074 mm)

Trunk Volume Soft Top:

Approx. 4.4 cu ft (125 L)

Trunk Volume Prht:

Approx. 4.4 cu ft (125 L) when roof is down/stored.

Curb Weight Manual:

Approx. 2500-2600 lbs (1134-1180 kg) depending on trim.

Curb Weight Automatic:

Approx. 2550-2650 lbs (1157-1202 kg) depending on trim.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4-Star (for convertible models)

IIHS Crash Test Results:

Generally rated 'Good' in frontal offset, side impact, and rear impact tests (refer to specific year/test for precise details).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Ebd:

Standard Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)

TCS:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS)

Dsc:

Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Front Airbags, Side Airbags (in seat bolsters).

Seatbelts:

Three-point Seatbelts with Pretensioners and Load Limiters, Active Roll Bar System (behind seats).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Available Bose premium audio system (optional), standard CD player with MP3 capability, auxiliary audio input.

Navigation:

Optional factory-installed GPS navigation system.

Stability Control:

Standard DSC and TCS, enhancing vehicle stability and traction.

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and audio streaming.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions may require more frequent changes.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

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

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically around 75,000 miles (120,000 km) for iridium-tipped plugs.

Coolant:

Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life OAT coolant.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid (check manual for precise recommendation).

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF-based (refer to manual for specific type, likely Dexron-III or similar).

Common Nc Concerns:

Oil consumption (especially in early NC models), soft top fabric degradation (UV damage), potential for water ingress around door seals and window frames, occasional ECU glitches (less common on later models).

Oil Capacity W Filter:

Approx. 4.7 US quarts (4.5 Liters) for the 2.0L engine.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Sportscar Legacy:

Mazda's long history of producing engaging and affordable sports cars, notably the Mazda Cosmo Sport and the iconic RX-7.

Mx5 Lineage:

The NC generation is the third iteration of the MX-5 Miata, succeeding the highly successful NA and NB generations. It represents a significant evolution in size, refinement, and technology while retaining the core philosophy.

Production Period Nc:

2005-2015 (with a facelift for the 2009 model year which introduced minor cosmetic and mechanical updates relevant to the 2010 model).

Manufacturing Location:

Mazda's Ujina Plant No. 1 in Hiroshima, Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The MX-5 (across generations) has been a perennial recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best awards, celebrating its driving purity.

World Car Of The Year:

NC generation was a finalist for World Car of the Year in 2006.

Customer Satisfaction:

Consistently high customer satisfaction ratings for reliability and driving enjoyment.