🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

MX-5 Miata

Model Code:

NC

Chassis Code:

NC1

Generation:

Third Generation (NC)

Production Years Covered By Manual:

2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Mazda MX-5 Miata (NC generation) is a quintessential lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports car, celebrated for its accessible performance, engaging driving dynamics, and convertible top. It occupies a unique niche as an affordable, pure driving experience, appealing to enthusiasts who prioritize handling and driver connection over outright power or luxury.

Competitive Analysis:

Competitors during the 2006-2009 model years included vehicles like the Nissan 350Z (though generally more powerful and expensive), Porsche Boxster (premium segment), and the less direct but conceptually similar Toyota MR2 Spyder. The Miata's strength lies in its balanced chassis, communicative steering, and reliability, offering a strong value proposition in the affordable sports car market.

Key Features:

Lightweight construction, rear-wheel drive, near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution, independent double wishbone suspension, responsive steering, convertible soft-top (or optional power-retractable hardtop), and a focus on driver engagement.

Engine Design Philosophy:

Naturally aspirated, lightweight inline-four with a focus on throttle response and rev-ability, characteristic of Mazda's 'Zoom-Zoom' driving philosophy.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Complete Service and Repair

Model Variants Covered:

Includes all Mazda MX-5 Miata NC models manufactured between 2006 and 2009, regardless of trim level (e.g., Sport, Touring, Grand Touring) or transmission type (manual or automatic).

Page Count:

Extensive (precise count not specified, but indicative of a factory service manual)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Manual Origin:

Directly derived from Mazda's official factory service documentation, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Control System (ECU/ECM), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission (if applicable to certain trims), Drive Shaft, Axles, Suspension (Front and Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Hydraulic and ABS), Body Structure, Exterior and Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, Air Conditioning (HVAC), Electrical System (Wiring Diagrams, Fuses, Relays), Lighting, Instruments and Gauges, Audio System, Safety Restraints (Airbags), Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)

Body And Chassis:

Frame structure, body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, glass, convertible top mechanisms, interior trim, seats, carpeting.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instrumentation, gauges, power accessories (windows, mirrors, locks), audio system, security system, airbag system wiring, ECU/PCM wiring diagrams.

Procedures Included:

Routine Maintenance, Scheduled Maintenance, Inspections, Diagnosis and Troubleshooting, Repair Procedures, Component Removal and Installation, Adjustments, Torque Specifications, Special Tool Requirements, Wiring Harness Repair, Body Panel Replacement, Interior Component Servicing, HVAC System Servicing, Brake System Bleeding and Service, Suspension Component Replacement, Engine Rebuilds (major and minor), Transmission Overhaul, Drivetrain Component Repair

Engine Repair:

Engine removal/installation, cylinder head removal/installation, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft service, camshaft timing, valve adjustment, oil pump service, cooling system flush and repair, fuel injector service, throttle body cleaning/replacement.

Brake System Service:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, brake line bleeding, ABS component testing and replacement, parking brake adjustment.

Suspension Steering Service:

Shock absorber and strut replacement, coil spring replacement, control arm and ball joint replacement, wheel bearing replacement, steering rack removal/installation, power steering pump service, alignment procedures.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, ranging from basic owner-level maintenance checks to advanced diagnostic procedures and complete mechanical overhauls. Includes detailed diagrams, schematics, and step-by-step instructions as used by certified Mazda technicians.

Diagnostic Tools:

Details on using Mazda's GDS (Global Diagnostic System) or equivalent OBD-II scanners, reading live data, performing actuator tests, and clearing fault codes.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all critical fasteners, from engine components to suspension and bodywork.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive color-coded wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, illustrating component locations, wire colors, and connector pinouts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Print Quality:

High Resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or sections.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

2.0L DOHC 16-Valve Inline-4 (MZR-CD LF-VE)

Horsepower:

Approximately 167 hp @ 6700 rpm (specific output can vary slightly by market/year)

Torque:

Approximately 140 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (specific output can vary slightly by market/year)

Fuel System:

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

Engine Management System:

Mazda Electronic Control Unit (ECU) / Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

Variable Valve Timing:

Variable Valve Timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts for optimized performance across the RPM range.

Engine Block Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Ignition System Type:

Coil-on-plug electronic ignition

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

6-speed Manual Transmission (MX-5 MX-5 GT)

Optional Transmission:

6-speed Automatic Transmission (with paddle shifters on some models)

Transmission Features Manual:

Close-ratio gearing, light clutch pedal, short shifter throw

Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:

GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (e.g., Mazda Genuine Gear Oil JWS3309 or equivalent)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:

Mazda ATF FZ or equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 167.5 inches (4255 mm)

Width:

Approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm)

Height:

Approx. 49.4 inches (1255 mm) (soft top)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 91.7 inches (2330 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 4.7 inches (120 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2500 - 2600 lbs (1134 - 1179 kg), varies by trim and top type

Cargo Volume:

Approx. 4.4 cubic feet (125 liters)

Wheelbase Bolt Pattern:

5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)

Wheel Size Standard:

17-inch alloy wheels

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Rating:

5-star (for driver and passenger)

NHTSA Side Impact Rating:

4-star (for front passenger)

IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:

Good

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS)

Passive Safety Features:

Driver and front passenger airbags, side-impact airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, reinforced body structure, rollover protection hoops

Rollover Protection:

Integrated hoops behind the headrests for enhanced rollover protection.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Standard CD player with AM/FM radio, auxiliary audio input. Optional Bose premium audio system. Navigation system was an option on some trims.

Driver Assistance Features:

Traction Control System (TCS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) - standard on most models.

ABS Brake System:

Four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

Connectivity Options:

Auxiliary audio input jack, Bluetooth connectivity was an option on later models or via aftermarket integration.

Lighting Type:

Halogen projector headlights standard, Xenon HID headlights available on higher trims. LED taillights on some later NC models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil)

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Recommended replacement every 30,000 miles.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Recommended replacement every 15,000-30,000 miles based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically around 75,000 miles (Iridium type)

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-20, API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified synthetic oil

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 5.7 US quarts (5.4 liters) with filter change

Coolant Specification:

Mazda Genuine Super Long Life Coolant (Green) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors. Mix 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid

Power Steering Fluid Specification:

ATF Dexron III or equivalent (if hydraulic power steering, check manual for specific type)

Clutch Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid

Known Issues Common:

Oil consumption (can be mild in some engines), potential for clutch wear (depending on driving style), infotainment system glitches (minor), interior trim rattles (can occur with age), soft top mechanism wear (for soft tops).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mazda has a long history of producing affordable, fun-to-drive sports cars, dating back to the iconic Mazda Cosmo Sport and the original Mazda RX-7. The Miata ( 출시 in 1989 as the NA generation) revived the concept of the classic British roadster for the modern era, emphasizing lightweight design and driver feedback.

Model Evolution Nc Generation:

The NC generation, introduced for the 2006 model year, represented a significant redesign from the previous NB generation. It was larger, heavier, and featured a more powerful engine, modern safety features, and improved aerodynamics. The NC also offered a power-retractable hardtop (PRHT) for the first time, catering to a broader audience.

Production Location:

Hiroshima, Japan

Production Period:

2005-2015 (NC generation, this manual covers 2006-2009)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

Mazda MX-5 Miata (including NC generation) has been a perennial recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' list for its exceptional driving dynamics and value.

World Car Of The Year:

Nominated for World Car of the Year in 2006.