steering MAZDA MIATA 1997 Factory Repair Manual

SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
Turn ignition on. AIR BAG warning light in instrument cluster should glow for 6 seconds and then turn off. If
AIR BAG warning light does not function as described, a failure has occurred in Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS). Repair malfunctioning SRS. See DIAGNOSIS
. Also, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS .
SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
The following precautions should be observed when working with air bag systems:
Disable air bag before servicing any air bag system/steering column component. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
Because of critical system operating requirements, DO NOT service any air bag system component or
wiring harness. Corrections are made by replacement only.
DO NOT use an ohmmeter to check resistance of air bag module, as it may cause air bag deployment.
When carrying a live (undeployed) module, ensure trim cover is pointed away from your body. This
minimizes chance of injury in event of accidental air bag deployment.
When placing a live air bag module on any surface, always face trim cover upward to reduce motion of
module if it is accidentally deployed.
SAS unit must always be installed with arrow facing the front of the vehicle.
DO NOT disconnect SAS unit until unit is firmly mounted in vehicle.
Disconnecting or removing SAS unit with ignition switch in ON position can cause accidental
deployment and serious personal injury. Before disconnecting or removing SAS unit connector or
removing SAS unit, turn ignition to LOCK position.
Air bag system clockspring MUST be aligned in neutral position, since its rotation ability is limited. DO
NOT turn steering wheel or column after removal of steering gear.
A double-lock mechanism is used on clockspring connectors. DO NOT use excessive force when
disconnecting connectors, as damage to connector may occur.
ADJUSTMENTS
CLOCKSPRING CENTERING
Turn clockspring clockwise until it stops, then turn clockspring counterclockwise 2.75 turns. Align marks on
clocksprin
g with marks on outer housing. See Fig. 2.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 1997 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mazda - Air Bag Restraint System
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REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE
Removal
Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove driver-side air bag module nuts. Disconnect driver-side air bag
module connector. Disconnect support rope. See Fig. 6
. Remove driver-side air bag module.
If Air Bag Did Not Deploy)Steering Column, Steering Wheel, Wiring Harness
CommentsDO NOT attempt wiring harness repairs. Replace
entire harness. Impact sensors must always be
installed with arrow on sensor facing front o
f
vehicle.
WARNING:Follow air bag service precautions to prevent accidental air bag
deployment and personal injury. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
.
WARNING:DO NOT install driver-side air bag module unless DTC 6 is set. This can
cause accidental deployment of the air bag. Verify DTC 6 is indicated
before installing driver-side air bag module.
NOTE: After replacing components, check system to ensure proper operation. See
SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
.

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AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 1997 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mazda - Air Bag Restraint System
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2. Drain cooling system. Remove dashboard. Remove heater unit. SAS unit connectors. Remove 4 SAS unit
mounting bracket nuts. Remove 2 SAS unit retaining screws. Remove SAS unit. See Fig. 9
.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Position SAS unit and bracket with arrow toward front of vehicle.
Tighten fasteners to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
. After SAS unit is installed, activate air
bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
. Check AIR BAG warning light to
ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
CLOCKSPRING
Removal
1. Set front wheels in straight-ahead position. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS .
Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
.
2. Remove driver-side air bag module. See DRIVER
-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE . Remove steering wheel
nut. Using a puller, remove steering wheel. Remove steering column covers. Remove clockspring screws.
Remove clockspring and combination switch as an assembly.
Installation
1. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten steering wheel nut to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS .
2. After installation, activate air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
.
Check AIR BAG warning light to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION
CHECK .
SAS UNIT
Removal
1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
2. SAS unit is located under center of dashboard. See Fig. 1
. Remove dashboard. Remove heater assembly.
Disconnect SAS unit connectors. Remove 4 SAS unit mounting bracket nuts. Remove 2 SAS unit
retainin
g screws. Remove SAS unit. See Fig. 9. NOTE: Clockspring is part of combination switch. When replacing clockspring, replace
the clockspring and combination switch as an assembly.

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AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 1997 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mazda - Air Bag Restraint System
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4. Disconnect SAS unit connector. Check wiring between terminal K of SAS unit connector and terminal C
of passenger-side air bag module connector for short to ground, short to power or open circuit. If wiring
is OK, replace SAS unit. See SAS UNIT
under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. If wiring is not OK,
replace wiring harness between passenger-side air bag module and SAS unit. Perform SYSTEM
OPERATION CHECK .
WIRE REPAIR
DO NOT repair air bag system wiring. If a problem is found with air bag system wiring, replace faulty wiring.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
WIRING DIAGRAM
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Passenger-Side Air Bag Module Retaining Bolts13-20 (18-27)
Steering Wheel Nut29-36 (39-49)
INCH Lbs. (N.m)
Driver-Side Air Bag Module Retaining Nuts35-52 (4.0-5.8)
SAS Unit Retaining Nuts61-86 (6.7-9.8)

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 1997 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mazda - Air Bag Restraint System
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ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
1997 BRAKES Mazda - Anti-Lock
DESCRIPTION
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) control module senses reductions in front and rear wheel speed and
modulates hydraulic pressure to the brakes to prevent wheel lock-up. The ABS consists of a hydraulic unit, 4
wheel speed sensors and sensor rotors, valve relay, motor relay, pump motor and ABS control module. An ABS
warning light is located on the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
Under normal driving conditions, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) functions like a standard brake system. When
vehicle speed reaches 3.8 MPH, ABS will diagnose pump motor by briefly operating motor. Pump motor
operation may be heard inside vehicle.
ABS control module controls ABS by detecting speed sensor signals and activating solenoid valve in hydraulic
unit. Control module also controls pump motor and self-diagnostic function. If a problem is detected in ABS,
ABS will function like a conventional brake system. ABS warning light will also come on.
With detection of wheel lock-up, short pedal pulsations, occurring in rapid succession, will be felt in brake
pedal and steering wheel. Vehicle body may also vibrate slightly. These conditions are normal. Pedal pulsation
will continue until there is no longer a need for anti-lock function or until vehicle is stopped.
COMPONENT LOCATIONS
COMPONENT LOCATIONS CAUTION: See ANTI
-LOCK BRAKE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS article in GENERAL
INFORMATION.
NOTE: For more information on brake system, see BRAKE SYSTEM article.
ApplicationLocation
ABS Control ModuleUnder Carpet, Behind Passenger Seat
Data Link ConnectorLeft Side Of Engine Compartment
Front Sensor RotorOn Front Wheel Hub
Hydraulic UnitRight Rear Of Engine Compartment
Motor & Valve RelaysOn Hydraulic Unit
Pump MotorOn Hydraulic Unit
Rear Sensor RotorOn Rear Drive Axle
Wheel Speed SensorOn Knuckle

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM 1997 BRAKES Mazda - Anti-Lock

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM 1997 BRAKES Mazda - Anti-Lock
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2. Disconnect ABS control module electrical connector. Remove ABS control module mounting bolts/nuts.
Remove ABS control module. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten ABS control module
mounting bolts/nuts to 61-87 INCH lbs. (6.9-9.8 N.m).
HYDRAULIC UNIT
Removal & Installation
1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect hydraulic unit electrical connector. Using Flare Nut
Wrench (49-0259-770B), disconnect brakelines from hydraulic unit. Note location of brakelines for
installation reference. Disconnect electrical connectors. Remove hydraulic unit mounting bolts and nuts.
2. Remove hydraulic unit. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten mounting bolts and nuts to
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
. Add fluid and bleed air from system. See
BLEEDING BRAKE SYSTEM
.
FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR ROTOR
Removal
Raise and support vehicle. Remove front wheel assemblies. Remove brake caliper and wire aside. Remove
rotor. Remove grease cap and wheel bearing lock nut. Remove wheel hub. Using Puller (49-0839-425C) and
Attachment (49-F027-007), remove wheel speed sensor rotor from hub.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts and nuts to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS .
REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR ROTOR
Removal
Raise and support vehicle. Remove rear wheel assemblies. Remove brake caliper and wire aside. Remove wheel
bearing lock nut. Remove lower control arm-to-rear steering knuckle bolt and nut. Remove drive axle. DO NOT
disassemble drive axle assembly to remove sensor rotor. Replace drive axle assembly.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts and nuts to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS .
WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
Removal & Installation
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assemblies. Disconnect wheel speed sensor electrical connector.
Remove wheel speed sensor mounting bolt. Remove wheel speed sensor from vehicle. To install, reverse

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ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM 1997 BRAKES Mazda - Anti-Lock
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With engine off, depress pedal a few times to eliminate vacuum. Depress brake pedal by hand and check pedal
free play. See BRAKE PEDAL FREE PLAY SPECIFICATIONS
table. Adjust play by loosening push rod
lock nut. Turn push rod until correct free play is obtained. Tighten push rod lock nut to 18-25 ft. lbs. (24-34
N.m).
BRAKE PEDAL FREE PLAY SPECIFICATIONS
PARKING/EMERGENCY BRAKE
1. Depress brake pedal several times. Pull parking brake lever with a force of 44 lbs. (20 kg). If stroke is 7-9
notches, parking brake is properly adjusted. If stroke is not 7-9 notches, raise and support rear of vehicle.
Release parking brake lever.
2. Rotate cable adjusting nut at lever end of cable, located under console cover, until stroke is within
specification. Ensure rear brakes do not drag. Ensure parking brake warning light illuminates when brake
lever is pulled one notch.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
WIRING DIAGRAMS
ApplicationIn. (mm)
Miata.16-.28 (4-7)
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Brake Caliper Mounting Bolts37-50 (50-68)
Brakeline Nuts10-16 (14-22)
Hydraulic Unit Brakeline Union Bolts18-26 (24-35)
Hydraulic Unit Mounting Bolts/Nuts14-18 (19-24)
I-Arm-To-Rear Steering Knuckle Bolt (RX7)44-54 (59-73)
Lower Control Arm-To-Rear Steering Knuckle Nut47-54 (64-73)
Push Rod Lock Nut18-25 (24-34)
Stoplight Switch Lock Nut10-13 (14-18)
Wheel Bearing Lock Nut
Front123-159 (167-216)
Rear159-217 (216-294)
Wheel Lug Nuts66-86 (89-117)
Wheel Speed Sensor Mounting Bolt12-16 (16-22)
INCH Lbs. (N.m)
ABS Control Unit Mounting Bolts/Nuts61-87 (6.9-9.8)

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM 1997 BRAKES Mazda - Anti-Lock
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1997 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS
NC4A-EL Electronic Controls
APPLICATION
TRANSMISSION APPLICATION
DESCRIPTION
The NC4A-EL series is a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. Five solenoids attached to
valve body control shift changes. Solenoids are controlled by the Transmission Control Module (TCM).
The TCM receives information from various input devices. The TCM uses this information to control following
solenoids:
Shift solenoids for transmission shifting.
Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) solenoid for torque converter clutch lock-up.
3-2 control solenoid for downshift timing control.
A HOLD switch is mounted on the shift lever. HOLD function may be activated in "D", "S" or "L" gears by
pressing HOLD button. In "L" and "S" positions, vehicle is held in selected gear and no upshift or downshift
takes place. This function is used for driving up steep inclines or for engine braking assistance when descending
steep grades. If activated in "D" position a 1-2 and 2-3 upshift is permitted when starting from a stop, but after
the 2-3 upshift the vehicle is locked in "D" until it comes to a complete stop. The 1-2 and 2-3 upshift pattern is
changed to a "short shift" specification. This function is used for starting off or driving on slippery surfaces.
Pushin
g HOLD button again deactivates system.
VehicleTransmission Model
MiataNC4A-EL
CAUTION: Vehicle is equipped with Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). When
servicing vehicle, use care to avoid accidental air bag deployment. SRS-
related components are located in steering column, center console and
instrument panel. DO NOT use electrical test equipment on these circuits.
If necessary, deactivate SRS before servicing components. See AIR BAG
DEACTIVATION PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION.
CAUTION: Disconnecting battery on models equipped with anti-theft radio require
canceling of anti-theft operation. See appropriate AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION SERVICING article in TRANSMISSION SERVICING. Refer
to vehicle owner's manual to identify radio type.
NOTE: Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) solenoid is also known as lock-up solenoid,
TCC lock-up or 4th gear solenoid.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS NC4A-EL Electronic Controls

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS NC4A-EL Electronic Controls
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SOLENOIDS & SOLENOID VALVES
SOLENOIDS & SOLENOID VALVES
SWITCHES
SWITCHES
MISCELLANEOUS
MISCELLANEOUS
Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS)On speedometer assembly.
Water Temperature Sender UnitOn center of engine. See Fig. 1 .
Washer Fluid Level SensorOn washer fluid reservoir. See Fig. 1 .
ComponentComponent Location
AT Interlock SolenoidIn steering column, near ignition switch. See Fig. 2 .
EC-AT Solenoid ValveOn left side of transmission.
EGR Solenoid Valve (Vacuum)On right side of engine compartment. See Fig. 1 .
EGR Solenoid Valve (Vent)On right side of engine compartment. See Fig. 1 .
Fourth Gear Solenoid ValveOn left side of transmission.
Idle Air Control ValveOn right side, front of engine compartment. See Fig. 1 .
PRC Solenoid ValveOn right side, front of engine. See Fig. 1 .
Purge Solenoid ValveOn right strut tower. See Fig. 1 .
ComponentComponent Location
Back-Up Lamp Switch (M/T)On right side of transmission. See Fig. 1 .
Brake SwitchOn bracket, above brake pedal. See Fig. 2 .
Buckle SwitchOn driver side seat belt buckle. See Fig. 3 .
Clutch Switch (M/T)On bracket, above clutch pedal. See Fig. 2 .
Hold SwitchUnder right side of center console.
Key Reminder SwitchIn steering column, near ignition switch.
Neutral Switch (M/T)On right side of transmission. See Fig. 1 .
Oil Pressure SwitchOn right side of engine. See Fig. 1 .
"P" Range SwitchUnder center console, on base of gear selector.
Parking Brake SwitchOn base of parking brake lever. See Fig. 4 .
Power Steering Pressure SwitchOn power steering pump assembly.
Refrigerant Pressure SwitchIn front of engine compartment, near radiator support. See Fig. 1 .
Starter Interlock Switch (M/T)On bracket, above clutch pedal. See Fig. 2 .
ThermoswitchUnder right side of dash.
Transmission Range SwitchOn left side of transmission.
ComponentComponent Location

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997 MAZDA MX-5 Miata
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1997-98 ENGINES
1.8L 4-Cylinder
ENGINE IDENTIFICATION
Engines can be identified by engine model and number. See ENGINE IDENTIFICATION CODE. On Miata,
engine model and number are stamped on flange at upper right rear of cylinder block deck, as viewed from
flywheel. On Protege, engine model and number are stamped on flange at upper left rear of cylinder block deck,
as viewed from flywheel.
ENGINE IDENTIFICATION CODE
ADJUSTMENTS
VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE & PRIMING
Releasing Pressure (Miata)
Locate and remove fuel pump relay from under left side of dash, near steering column. Start engine and allow to
stall. After engine stalls, attempt to restart engine to ensure no residual pressure exists. Turn ignition off and
reinstall fuel pump relay. When disconnecting fuel hoses, cover connection with shop rag to catch fuel leakage.
To avoid excessive cranking after servicing, prime fuel system before starting engine.
Releasing Pressure (Protege)
NOTE: For repair procedures not covered in this article, see ENGINE OVERHAUL
PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION.
ApplicationCode
Miata & Protege (1.8L DOHC)BP
NOTE: Valve clearance is not adjustable. Some Hydraulic Lash Adjuster (HLA) noise
may occur during engine start-up. Noise should disappear after engine reaches
normal operating temperature. If noise persists and oil level is okay, change
engine oil. If oil change does not reduce noise, check with manufacturer for
modified HLA.
NOTE: For reassembly reference, label all electrical connectors, vacuum hoses and
fuel lines before removal. Also place mating marks on engine hood and other
major assemblies before removal.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 ENGINES 1.8L 4-Cylinder

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 ENGINES 1.8L 4-Cylinder
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