MAZDA MX-5 1997 Factory Repair Manual

MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
1997 MAINTENANCE Mazda Maintenance Information
MODEL IDENTIFICATION
VIN LOCATION
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the left side of the dash panel at the base of the
windshield. The VIN chart explains the code characters.
VIN CODE ID EXPLANATION
Numbers preceding the explanations in the legend below refer to the sequence of characters as listed on VIN
identification label. See VIN example below.
Fig. 1: VIN Code ID Explanation


1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
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MAINTENANCE SERVICE INFORMATION
SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS
Service is recommended at mileage intervals based on vehicle operation. Service schedules are based on
following primary operating conditions:
Normal Service
Driven More Than 10 Miles Daily
No Operating Conditions From Severe Service Schedule
Severe Service (Unique Driving Conditions)
Repeated Short Distance Driving
Dusty Conditions
Extended Use Of Brakes
Salt Or Other Corrosive Materials On The Roads
Rough Or Muddy Roads
Extended Idling Or Low Speed Operation
Extended Operation In Extreme Temperatures
CAMSHAFT TIMING BELT
Replace camshaft timing belt at 60,000 mile intervals.
The condition of camshaft drive belts should always be checked on vehicles which have more than 50,000
miles. Although some manufacturers do not recommend belt replacement at a specified mileage, others require
it at 60,000-100,000 miles. A camshaft drive belt failure may cause extensive damage to internal engine
components on most engines, although some designs do not allow piston-to-valve contact. These designs are
often called "Free Wheeling".
Many manufacturers changed their maintenance and warranty schedules in the mid-1980's to reflect timing belt
inspection and/or replacement at 50,000-60,000 miles. Most service interval schedules in this manual reflect
these changes.
Belts or components should be inspected and replaced if any of the following conditions exist: NOTE: Use the Severe Service schedule if the vehicle to be serviced is operated under
ANY (one or more) of these conditions:
CAUTION: Failure to replace a faulty camshaft timing belt may result in serious
engine damage.

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Cracks Or Tears In Belt Surface
Missing, Damaged, Cracked Or Rounded Teeth
Oil Contamination
Damaged Or Faulty Tensioners
Incorrect Tension Adjustment
SERVICE POINT LOCATIONS
Fig. 2: Service Point Locations
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTOR OF AMERICA, INC.
LUBRICATION SPECIFICATIONS
LUBRICATION SPECIFICATIONS
MaterialConditionSpecification
Engine Oil (1) Ambient Temperature Above -10°
F (-23°C) To Over 100°F (38°C)SAE 10W-30
Engine Oil (1) Ambient Temperature Less Than -
10°F (-23°C) To 60°F (16°C)SAE 5W-30
Engine CoolantAbove 3°F (-16°C) Above -15°F
(-26°C) Above -40°F (-40°C)35/65 Mixture 45/55 Mixture
55/45 Mixture Distilled Water
Ethylene Glycol
Brake FluidAllDOT 3
Automatic Transaxle FluidAllATF M-III or DEXRON II
Manual Transaxle FluidAllHypoid Gear Oil API
Classification GL-4 or GL-5 SAE
75W-90 Above 50°F (10°C):
80W-90
A/C RefrigerantAllR-134a

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FLUID CAPACITIES
FLUID CAPACITIES
WHEEL & TIRE SPECIFICATIONS
WHEEL TIGHTENING
Tighten wheel lug nuts to 65-87 ft. lbs. (88-118 N.m).
BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS
Vehicle is equipped with a special 9 9/16" x 4 3/4" x 7 3/8" 12-volt battery that is vented to outside of vehicle.
CAUTIONS & WARNINGS
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (AIR BAG)
Modifications or improper maintenance, including incorrect removal and installation of the Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS), can adversely affect system performance. DO NOT cover, obstruct or change the
steerin
g wheel horn pad in any way, as such action could cause improper function of the system. Use only plain
(1)Energy conserving oils are recommended, API classification SG", "SH".
ItemConditionSpecification (1)
Engine OilDrained, With Filter4.0 Qts. (3.8L)
Engine OilDrained3.8 Qts. (3.6L)
Engine CoolantDrained6.3 Qts. (6.0L)
Automatic Transaxle FluidCapacity7.1 Qts. (6.7L)
Manual Transaxle FluidCapacity2.1 Qts. (2.0L)
Rear Axle OilCapacity1.1 Qts. (l.0L)
A/C RefrigerantEvacuated1 lb. 3.4 oz. (0.6kg)
Fuel TankCapacity12.6 Gal. (48.0L)
(1)Capacities are recommended or calculated levels. Always use dipstick (if available) to measure level.
CAUTION: When battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with computers may
lose memory data. When battery power is restored, driveability problems
may exist on some vehicles. These vehicles may require a relearn
procedure. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in the
GENERAL INFORMATION Section.
NOTE: See the AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY
EQUIPMENT Section.

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water when cleaning the horn pad. Solvents or cleaners could adversely affect the air bag cover and cause
improper deployment of the system.
AIR CONDITIONING SERVICING
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
On models equipped with anti-lock brake systems, ALWAYS observe the following cautions:
DO NOT attempt to bleed hydraulic system without first referring to the appropriate ANTI-LOCK
BRAKE SYSTEM article in the BRAKES Section.
DO NOT mix tire sizes. As long as tires remain close to the original diameter, increasing the width is
acceptable. Rolling diameter must be identical for all 4 tires. Some manufacturers recommend tires of the
same brand, style and type. Failure to follow this precaution may cause inaccurate wheel speed readings.
Use ONLY recommended brake fluids. DO NOT use silicone brake fluids in an ABS-equipped vehicle.
BATTERY WARNING WARNING:To avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and carefully
follow all warnings and service precautions. See appropriate AIR BAG
RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT.
CAUTION: Disconnect negative battery cable before servicing any air bag system,
steering column or passenger side dash component. After any repair, turn
ignition key to the ON position from passenger's side of vehicle in case of
accidental air bag inflation
CAUTION: Avoid breathing R-134a refrigerant and PAG lubricant vapors, exposure
may irritate eyes, nose and throat. To remove R-134a from system use R-
134a recycling equipment that meets SAE J2210 specifications. If
accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate work area before resuming
service.
WARNING:R-134a service equipment or vehicle A/C systems SHOULD NOT be
pressure tested or leak tested with compressed air. Some mixtures of
air/R134a have shown to be combustible at elevated pressures. These
mixtures are dangerous and may cause fire and/or explosions. See AIR
CONDITIONING SERVICE article in GENERAL INFORMATION section.
CAUTION: The anti-lock brake system contains electronic equipment that can be
susceptible to interference caused by improperly installed or high output
radio transmitting equipment. Since this interference could cause the
possible loss of the anti-lock braking capability, such equipment should
be installed by qualified professionals.

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REPLACING BLOWN FUSES
BRAKE PAD WEAR INDICATOR
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE SENSITIVE (ESD) PARTS
ENGINE OIL
FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE WARNING:When battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with computers may
lose memory data. When battery power is restored, driveability problems
may exist on some vehicles. These vehicles may require a relearn
procedure. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL
INFORMATION section.
CAUTION: Before replacing a blown fuse, remove ignition key, turn off all lights and
accessories to avoid damaging the electrical system. Be sure to use fuse
with the correct indicated amperage rating. The use of an incorrect
amperage rating fuse may result in a dangerous electrical system
overload.
CAUTION: Indicator will cause a squealing or scraping noise, warning that brake
pads need replacement.
CAUTION: Continued operation of vehicle with a severe malfunction could cause
converter to overheat, resulting in possible damage to converter and
vehicle.
CAUTION: Any modification to the exhaust system on turbo models, which reduces
exhaust backpressure, will lead to lean fuel mixtures and excessive spark
advance. This could cause serious engine damage.
WARNING:Many solid state electrical components can be damaged by static
electricity (ESD). Some will display a warning label, but many will not.
Discharge personal static electricity by touching a metal ground point on
the vehicle prior to servicing any ESD sensitive component.
CAUTION: Never use non-detergent or straight mineral oil.

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HALOGEN BULBS
HEADLIGHT RETRACTOR
RADIATOR CAP
RADIATOR FAN
WARRANTY INFORMATION
BASIC NEW CAR WARRANTY
Basic components are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for 36 months or 50,000 miles,
whichever occurs first. Tires are covered by a separate warranty offered by tire manufacturer.
ANTI-PERFORATION WARRANTY
Covers body sheet metal panels for 60 months, regardless of mileage, against perforation due to corrosion.
SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM WARRANTY WARNING:Relieve fuel system pressure prior to servicing any fuel system
component (fuel injection models).
WARNING:Halogen bulbs contain pressurized gas which may explode if overheated.
DO NOT touch glass portion of bulb with bare hands. Eye protection
should be worn when handling or working around halogen bulbs.
CAUTION: If headlight retractor freezes during cold weather operation, DO NOT
attempt to force mechanism. Headlights should be kept raised at all times
in cold weather. To raise them, use only headlight retractor switch. DO
NOT use headlight switch.
CAUTION: Always disconnect the fan motor when working near the radiator fan. The
fan is temperature controlled and could start at any time even when the
ignition key is in the OFF position. DO NOT loosen or remove radiator cap
when cooling system is hot.
WARNING:Keep hands away from radiator fan. Fan is controlled by a thermostatic
switch which may come on or run for up to 15 minutes even after engine
is turned off.
CAUTION: Always refer to customer's copy of warranty information for specific
model application and/or coverage limitations.

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Supplemental air bag system, seat belts and related components are warranted for 5 years or 60,000 miles,
whichever comes first, against defects in materials and workmanship.
REPLACEMENT PARTS & ACCESSORIES
Manufacturer-supplied parts and accessories are warranted against defects in material or workmanship for 12
months without regard to mileage. If installed by a Mazda dealer, part or accessory will be repaired or replaced
without charge during warranty period. If not installed by a dealer, part or accessory will be repaired or replaced
without charge for parts, but labor cost will be responsibility of owner.
EMISSION DEFECT WARRANTY (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA)
Warrants that vehicle was designed, built and equipped to conform with applicable Federal emission regulations
at time of sale and that vehicle is free of defects in materials and workmanship which may cause vehicle to fail
to conform with applicable regulations for 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
EMISSION PERFORMANCE WARRANTY (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA)
Covers all repairs, adjustments and replacements if vehicle fails to conform to applicable emission standards
and such failure results in vehicle owner bearing a penalty or other sanction under local, state or Federal law.
Warranty period is 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. After 2 years or 24,000 miles, manufacturer
will make necessary adjustments, repairs and replacements at no cost to owner only when noncompliance is
caused by failure of components which have been installed in vehicle for sole or primary purpose of reducing
vehicle emissions. See copy of warranty for specific components covered.
EMISSION DEFECT WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)
For 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first, any defective emission-related part on vehicle will be
repaired or replaced by manufacturer at no cost to owner. Certain emission-related parts are covered for repair
or replacement for 7 years or 70,000 miles, whichever occurs first. See copy of warranty for specific
components covered.
EMISSION PERFORMANCE WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)
For 3 years or 50,000 miles, manufacturer will make all necessary repairs and adjustments to ensure vehicle
passes a required Smog Check inspection.
FUSES & CIRCUIT BREAKERS
FUSE PANEL LOCATION
Fuse box is located above driver's left knee, accessible through a removable cover. The main fuse block is
located at the right rear of the engine compartment.
The Trunk Mounted Fuse Panel is located on the ri
ght side of the trunk, near the trunk hinge.

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MAIN FUSE BLOCK IDENTIFICATION
Fig. 3: Main Fuse Block Identification

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTOR OF AMERICA, INC.
Fuse & Circuit Breaker Identification
1 - 30 Amp (Pink) Headlights
2 - 30 Amp (Pink) Fuel Injection, Alternator
3 - 80 Amp (Black) Protection Of All Circuits
4 - 40 Amp (Green) Refer to HAZARD (15A), STOP (15A), ROOM (10A), TAIL (15A)
5 - 30 Amp (Pink) Anti-Lock Brake System
6 - 30 Amp (Pink) Cooling Fan
7 - Empty
8 - 20 Amp (Yellow) A/C Additional Fan
9 - 10 Amp (Red) Fuel Injection
10 - 30 Amp (Green) Headlight Retractor
WARNING:Always disconnect battery ground cable before servicing "high-current
fuses. It is recommended that "high-current" fuses be replaced by a
qualified technician.

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TRUNK MOUNTED FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION
Fig. 4: Trunk Mounted Fuse Panel Identification

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTOR OF AMERICA, INC.
Fuse & Circuit Breaker Identification
1 - 10 Amp (Red) Rear Defroster
2 - 10 Amp (Red) Auto Antenna

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