Market Position:
The Mazda MX-5 (NA generation) is a landmark sports car renowned for its pure driving experience, lightweight design, and affordable price point. It revitalized the roadster segment and remains a beloved icon.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against cars like the Toyota MR2, Honda CR-X, and Alfa Romeo Spider, but distinguished itself with its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, excellent handling, and approachable usability.
Key Features:
Pop-up headlights, perfect 50/50 weight distribution, lively engine, engaging manual transmission, open-top motoring.
Systems Covered:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Control System, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Intake System, Clutch, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Driveshaft, Differential, Axles, Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Front & Rear), ABS (if equipped), Wheels & Tires, Chassis and Frame, Body Exterior, Body Interior, Climate Control (HVAC), Electrical System, Lighting, Instruments and Gauges, Audio System, Safety Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts), Wiring Diagrams
Electrical System Coverage:
Detailed coverage of all vehicle electrical components, including lighting, ignition, starting system, charging system, instruments, power windows, and control units, with comprehensive wiring diagrams.
Suspension System Coverage:
Detailed procedures for servicing and replacing front independent double wishbone suspension, rear independent multi-link suspension, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, and wheel alignment specifications.
Brake System Coverage:
Coverage of front disc brakes and rear drum brakes (or optional rear discs on some models), including brake pad replacement, caliper service, rotor replacement, brake bleeding, and ABS component troubleshooting if equipped.
Procedures Included:
Routine Maintenance, Scheduled Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Component Removal and Installation, Overhaul and Rebuilding, Repair Procedures, Adjustment Procedures, Specifications and Tolerances, Torque Specifications, Wiring Diagrams, Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) coverage (implied by WSM scope)
Engine Overhaul Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for engine disassembly, inspection, component replacement (pistons, rings, bearings, valves, seals), and reassembly, including critical torque sequences and clearances.
Wiring Diagram Utility:
Essential for diagnosing electrical faults, tracing circuits, and understanding system operation. These are often the most valuable part of a WSM.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive In-depth Repair and Service covering all aspects from basic maintenance to detailed component overhaul and electrical diagnostics.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Includes diagnostic flowcharts for common drivability issues, ignition system faults, fuel system problems, and electrical gremlins, aiding in accurate problem identification.
Primary Engine:
1.6L DOHC Inline-4 (B6ZE)
Horsepower 1 6L:
115 hp @ 6500 rpm (Early models, e.g., 1990-1991); 118 hp @ 6500 rpm (Later models, e.g., 1992-1998, due to minor updates)
Torque 1 6L:
100 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (Early models); 103 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (Later models)
Fuel Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Engine Codes Covered:
B6ZE (1.6L NA)
Engine Codes Covered Detail:
B6ZE (1.6L) variants specific to the 1990-1998 model years.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Approximately 30,000 miles (48,000 km), or as per manual specification.
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Crucial interval: Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4-5 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific climate recommendations).
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (e.g., Mazda FL22 or equivalent for later models, but typically a standard green coolant for this era) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
Dexron II or equivalent ATF.
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 1.7 US quarts (1.6 Liters).
Engine Oil Capacity With Filter:
Approx. 4.0 US quarts (3.8 Liters).
Known Issues:
Rust (especially sills, rear arches, rocker panels), cam angle sensor failure (leading to no-start), alternator failure, radiator leaks, clutch wear, window regulator issues, hardened rubber components (hoses, bushings).
Brand Heritage:
Mazda has a long history of producing sporty, driver-focused vehicles, exemplified by models like the RX-7. The MX-5 was designed to recapture the spirit of classic British roadsters.
Model Evolution:
The NA generation (1989-1997 in Japan, 1990-1997 in North America, with extended run in some markets to 1998) established the MX-5 formula. Key changes included minor engine power increases, introduction of ABS, updated styling cues, and special edition models.
Production Locations:
Hiroshima, Japan
Production Years:
1989-1997 (primarily), extended to 1998 in certain markets for the NA generation.
