Vehicle Type:
Lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports car / roadster.
Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers, DIY mechanics, owners seeking cost-effective maintenance and repair solutions.
Key Competitors:
Honda S2000, BMW Z3/Z4, Porsche Boxster, Toyota MR2 Spyder.
Unique Selling Proposition:
Affordability, legendary handling, balanced chassis, reliable powertrain, strong aftermarket support.
Manual Advantage:
Enables owners to perform professional-level maintenance and repairs, saving significant money on labor costs.
Manual Benefit:
Provides clear, step-by-step instructions, detailed diagrams, and essential technical data for accurate and efficient work.
Technical Accuracy:
Professional quality, in-depth service and repair information.
Model Years Covered:
1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Regions Covered:
North America (USA, Canada), Europe, Japan, Australia (implied by common specifications)
Estimated Page Count:
Thousands (comprehensive workshop manual)
Manual Classification:
Workshop Repair Manual / Service Manual
Primary Language:
English
Delivery Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Device Compatibility:
PC, MAC, Tablets, Smartphones
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine control, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, starting system, charging system.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (all gears, clutch, shift linkage), Automatic transmission (if applicable to specific models within range).
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, differentials, axles, wheel bearings.
Suspension:
Front suspension (double wishbone), rear suspension (multi-link), shock absorbers, springs, anti-roll bars, steering knuckles, bushings.
Steering:
Power steering system (hydraulic, electric assist if applicable), steering column, steering rack/box, tie rods.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes, ABS system, brake lines, master cylinder, calipers, pads, rotors, parking brake.
Electrical:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, power locks, mirrors, horn, wipers, washers, fuse box, relays, wiring diagrams.
Body:
Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, convertible top (mechanism, seals), interior trim, seats, dashboard, instrument cluster.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate controls, refrigerant lines, evaporator, condenser.
Safety Systems:
Airbags (SRS system), seat belts, interior safety components.
Maintenance Tasks:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, brake pad inspection/replacement, coolant flush, belt inspection/replacement.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting common problems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing, component testing.
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical system troubleshooting and repair, body panel repair and replacement, convertible top repair.
Disassembly Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for removing and reinstalling all major and minor components.
Adjustment Calibration:
Steering wheel alignment, clutch adjustment, throttle cable adjustment, headlight aiming.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics).
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, circuit diagrams, component specifications for testing.
Rebuild Instructions:
Detailed instructions for overhauling engines, transmissions, and other major components, including torque specifications and clearances.
Engine Code Early:
BP-Z3 (1.8L)
Engine Code Late:
Y8 (2.0L - Japan/Europe), BP-4W (2.0L - North America/Australia)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement Early:
1839 cc (1.8 Liters)
Displacement Late:
1998 cc (2.0 Liters)
Horsepower Early:
140 hp @ 6500 rpm (approx.)
Horsepower Late North America:
142 hp @ 6000 rpm (BP-4W)
Horsepower Late Europe Japan:
145 hp @ 6000 rpm (Y8, higher compression)
Torque Early:
119 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (approx.)
Torque Late North America:
125 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (BP-4W)
Torque Late Europe Japan:
122 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (Y8)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (SMPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Recommended Octane:
91 or higher
ECU Type:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) with OBD-II diagnostics.
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission (M5)
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (4-speed Auto)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated, dry single-plate clutch.
Transmission Fluid Manual Spec:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (or equivalent GL-5 if specified, but GL-4 is preferred for synchronizers).
Transmission Fluid Automatic Spec:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF.
Differential Type:
Open differential (standard), Helical Limited Slip Differential (LSD) optional on some sportier trims/packages.
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4-star (for comparable models of the era, specific NB ratings may vary slightly).
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4-star (for comparable models of the era, specific NB ratings may vary slightly).
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable/Good (for comparable models of the era, specific NB ratings may vary slightly).
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (standard on most models, optional on early base models).
TCS:
Traction Control System (TCS) - optional on some later models, particularly with the 6-speed manual.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags (standard).
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and pop-up hoop behind headrests (standard).
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player with 4 or 6 speakers, optional Bose audio system.
Display:
Digital odometer, trip meter, analog gauges for tachometer, speedometer, fuel, and temperature.
Cruise Control:
Optional on most models, standard on higher trims.
Security System:
Factory immobilizer and alarm system (standard on later models).
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically standard, often added aftermarket.
Bluetooth:
Not standard, requires aftermarket installation.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions and oil type).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type - iridium plugs recommended for longer life).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years regardless of mileage (hygroscopic nature).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not applicable, uses a timing chain.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.2 Liters (4.4 US Quarts) with filter change (for 1.8L and 2.0L engines).
Engine Oil Viscosity:
5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific climate recommendations).
Engine Oil Type:
API SN/SP, ILSAC GF-6 or higher recommended (or equivalent meeting Mazda's specifications).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based, Mazda FL22 Long Life Coolant or equivalent (typically blue or green).
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF.
Engine Oil Consumption:
Some early 1.8L engines could consume oil if not properly maintained; ring wear is a possibility with high mileage.
Cooling System:
Radiator end tanks can crack with age; thermostat housing seals can leak.
Convertible Top:
Fabric tops can wear, seals can degrade leading to leaks; rear window defroster connection issues.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear on control arm bushings and sway bar bushings can lead to knocking noises and degraded handling.
ABS Sensors:
ABS wheel speed sensors can fail, triggering ABS warning lights.
Cv Joints:
Front CV joint boots can tear, leading to joint failure and clicking noises during turns.
Window Regulators:
Power window regulators can fail over time.
Brand Philosophy:
Mazda's commitment to driving pleasure, Jinba Ittai (horse and rider as one) philosophy.
Predecessor:
Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA) generation (1989-1997).
Key Changes From Na:
Larger engines (1.8L to 2.0L), redesigned exterior and interior, improved chassis rigidity, introduction of a factory hardtop option, improved aerodynamics, 6-speed manual on later models.
Manufacturing Location:
Mazda Hiroshima Plant, Japan.
Production Start Year:
1998
Production End Year:
2005
Special Editions:
Various limited editions (e.g., M Edition, Shinsen, etc.) often featuring unique paint colors, wheels, and interior trims.