check engine MAZDA MX-5 1997 Factory Workshop Manual

COMPRESSOR
Removal & Installation
1. Before disconnecting negative battery cable, obtain radio anti-theft code from vehicle owner. Disconnect
negative battery cable.
2. Raise and support front of vehicle with safety stands. Discharge A/C system using approved refrigerant
recovery/recycling equipment. Remove splash shield and air guide.
3. Disconnect compressor clutch connector. Disconnect refrigerant lines from compressor, and plug open
fittings. Remove compressor drive belt. Remove compressor bolts and compressor. To install, reverse
removal procedure. Adjust drive belt deflection. Apply clean compressor oil to "O" ring before
connecting fittings. DO NOT apply compressor oil to fitting nuts. Evacuate and charge A/C system.
Check for leaks.
CONDENSER & RECEIVER-DRIER
Removal
Raise and support front of vehicle with safety stands. Discharge A/C system using approved refrigerant
recovery/recycling equipment. Remove splash shield and air guide. Remove condenser. Remove receiver-drier.
Plug open fittings.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Apply clean compressor oil to "O" rings before connecting fittings. DO
NOT apply compressor oil to fitting nuts. If installing new condenser, add 1.0 ounce of compressor oil to A/C
compressor. If installing new receiver-drier, add .3 ounce of compressor oil to A/C compressor. Evacuate and
charge A/C system. Check for leaks.
EVAPORATOR UNIT
Removal
1. Discharge A/C system using approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment. Disconnect refrigerant
pipes from evaporator tubes at engine compartment firewall and plug open fittings. Remove passenger-
side instrument panel undercover. Remove glove box.
2. Disconnect electrical connectors. Loosen seal plates between evaporator unit, heater unit and blower unit.
Remove evaporator unit. Disassemble evaporator unit to remove evaporator core and thermo-switch. See WARNING:To avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and follow all
SERVICE PRECAUTIONS and DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG
SYSTEM procedures in AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in the
ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT section.
NOTE: For removal and installation procedures not covered in this article, see HEATER
SYSTEM article.

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A/C-HEATER SYSTEM - MANUAL 1997 Manual A/C-Heater System
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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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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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LUBRICATION
FLUID CAPACITY
POWER STEERING FLUID CAPACITY
FLUID TYPE
Dexron-II or Mazda M-III fluid is recommended for all models.
FLUID LEVEL CHECK
Check fluid level on oil pump dipstick (if equipped) or reservoir. Fluid should be between marks on level gauge
dipstick (if equipped) or reservoir. If fluid level is low, fill as necessary. Recheck fluid level. DO NOT overfill.
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BLEEDING
1. Raise and support front of vehicle. With ignition off, turn steering wheel from lock to lock several times.
Check fluid level. Add fluid as necessary. Repeat procedure until fluid level no longer decreases.
2. Start engine and operate at idle. Turn steering wheel from lock to lock 5 times. Check fluid level. Add
fluid as necessary. Continue procedure until fluid is clear of air bubbles and does not decrease in level.
ADJUSTMENTS
PINION PRELOAD
Miata & Protege
1. Ensure steering rack is in center position. Using Protractor (49-D032-316 ) and a torque wrench, tighten
adjusting cover to 43 INCH lbs. (4.9 N.m), then loosen adjusting cover. See Fig. 2
. Repeat loosening and
ti
ghtening procedure 3 times. After tightening adjusting cover the third time, loosen adjusting cover 25
ApplicationQts. (L)
Miata & Protege.85 (.80)
MPV.95 (.90)
MX-3
4-Cylinder.85 (.80)
V61.27 (1.20)
Millenia, MX-6 & 6261.32 (1.25)
RX71.01 (.96)
9291.80 (1.70)
NOTE: Pinion preload should be checked when steering gear assembly has been
disassembled or overhauled. Check preload after steering gear assembly has
been reassembled, but tie rods have not yet been installed.

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STEERING SYSTEM - POWER RACK & PINION 1997 STEERING Mazda Power Rack & Pinion
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frame mounting bolts. Remove steering gear and linkage from vehicle. On MPV, remove steering gear
bracket-to-frame mounting bolts. Remove steering gear and linkage with steering bracket from vehicle.
Remove 4 steering gear-to-bracket bolts and separate gear from bracket.
4. On all models, to install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS table. On MPV, tighten steering gear-to-bracket bolts in sequence: left front, right
front, left rear, right rear. On all models, fill and bleed power steering system. Check and adjust front
wheel alignment. See SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT.
Removal & Installation (Millenia)
1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Support engine using Engine Support (49-G017-5A0 ). Raise and
support front of vehicle. Remove front wheel assemblies. Remove cotter pins and castle nuts from tie rod
ends.
2. Using Puller Set (49-T028-3A0 ), separate tie rod ends from steering knuckles. Remove transverse
member bolts and remove transverse member. See Fig. 6
Disconnect pressure and return line connections
from steering gear. Remove intermediate shaft pinch bolt.
3. Reference mark lower steering column-to-intermediate shaft. Remove engine mount member. Remove
No. 1 engine mount bolts. Remove upper lateral link bolt and separate upper lateral link from
crossmember. Remove lower control arm-to-crossmember mounting bolt and gusset. Separate lower
control arm from crossmember.
4. Remove stabilizer link-to-lower control arm nut. Separate stabilizer link from lower control arm. Using a
jack, support front suspension crossmember. Remove crossmember retaining nuts. Carefully lower
crossmember. Disconnect stabilizer link from stabilizer bar. Remove stabilizer bar brackets, bushings and
stabilizer bar. Remove steering gear mounting nuts. Remove steering gear assembly.
5. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
table. Tighten steering gear mounting nuts in sequence: right front, left rear, right rear, left front. Fill and
bleed power steering system. Check and adjust front wheel alignment. See SPECIFICATIONS &
PROCEDURES article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT.

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vehicle through passenger side wheelwell.
5. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts and nuts to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS table. Tighten steering gear mounting nuts in sequence: left rear, right rear, left
front, right front. Fill and bleed power steering system. Check and adjust front wheel alignment. See
SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT.
Removal & Installation (MX-6 & 626)
1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Raise and support front of vehicle. Remove front wheel assemblies.
Remove cotter pins and castle nuts from tie rod ends.
2. Using Puller Set (49-T028-3A0 ), separate tie rod ends from steering knuckles. On 2.5L engines, remove
transverse member bolts and remove transverse crossmember. Remove front exhaust pipe and catalytic
converter assembly nuts and remove assembly.
3. On all models, support engine using Engine Support (49-G017-5A0 ), and remove engine mount. Mark
steering column intermediate shaft-to-steering column gear pinion for installation reference. Remove
steering column intermediate shaft-to-steering gear pinion shaft bolt.
4. Disconnect pressure and return line connections from steering gear. Remove steering gear mounting nuts.
Remove steering gear and linkage from vehicle through passenger's side wheelwell.
5. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
table. Tighten steering gear mounting nuts in sequence: left front, right front, right rear, left rear. Fill and
bleed power steering system. Check and adjust front wheel alignment. See SPECIFICATIONS &
PROCEDURES article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT.
Removal & Installation (RX7)
1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Raise and support front of vehicle. Remove front wheel assemblies.
Remove engine undercover. Remove cotter pins and castle nuts from tie rod ends. Using Puller Set (49-
T028-3A0 ), separate tie rod ends from steering knuckles.
2. Remove stabilizer bar-to-frame bolts and brackets. Disconnect pressure and return line connections from
steering gear. Mark steering column intermediate shaft-to-steering column gear pinion for installation
reference.
3. Remove steering column intermediate shaft-to-steering gear pinion shaft bolt. Remove steering gear
mounting bolts. Support crossmember with jack and remove crossmember nuts and bolts. Slowly lower
jack and remove steering gear and linkage from vehicle.
4. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts and nuts to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS table. Tighten steering gear mounting bolts in sequence: left rear, right rear, left
front, right front. Fill and bleed power steering system. Check and adjust front wheel alignment. See
SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT.
Removal & Installation (929)
1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Raise and support front of vehicle. Remove front wheel assemblies.
Remove engine undercover. Remove cotter pins and castle nuts from tie rod ends. Using Puller Set (49-
T028-3A0 ), separate tie rod ends from steering knuckles.
2. Disconnect pressure and return line connections from steerin
g gear. Mark steering column intermediate

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STARTER - DIRECT DRIVE
1997 STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS Mazda - Starters - Direct Drive
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
Direct drive starter is a conventional 12-volt, 4-pole, brush-type starter. The integral solenoid is attached to the
drive housing. The overrunning clutch pinion drive is mounted directly on end of armature shaft drive.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
ON-VEHICLE TESTING
* PLEASE READ FIRST *
CIRCUIT TESTING
If starter does not operate, check voltage at starter "S" terminal with ignition switch in START position (and
clutch depressed on M/T). See Fig. 1
. If voltage is greater than 8 volts, repair or replace starter as required. If
volta
ge is 8 volts or less, check ignition switch, park/neutral switch (A/T), interlock switch (M/T) and wiring. NOTE: See TROUBLE SHOOTING article in GENERAL INFORMATION.
NOTE: On all models with anti-theft system, obtain code number and deactivate audio
anti-theft system before disconnecting battery.
NOTE: Before testing, ensure battery is fully charged, battery cables and terminals are
clean and tight, and engine grounds are good.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STARTER - DIRECT DRIVE 1997 STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS Mazda - Starters - Direct Drive

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STARTER - DIRECT DRIVE 1997 STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS Mazda - Starters - Direct Drive
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FIELD WINDING TEST
1. Connect one ohmmeter lead to field coil lead ("M" terminal wire). Connect other lead of ohmmeter to
soldered portion of brush lead. If continuity does not exist, repair or replace field coil.
2. Check field coil for short to ground by connecting one ohmmeter lead to field coil lead ("M" terminal
wire) and other ohmmeter lead to field coil housing. If continuity exists, repair or replace field coil.
OVERRUNNING CLUTCH PINION DRIVE
Hold overrunning clutch housing and turn pinion gear by hand. If pinion turns in both directions or does not
turn at all, clutch is faulty. Replace clutch. DO NOT clean overrunning clutch with solvent, as it is packed with
grease and sealed by manufacturer.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
Removal & Installation
Disconnect negative battery cable. Raise vehicle on hoist. Remove engine undercover (if equipped). Disconnect
wiring from starter. Remove starter mounting bolts and starter. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten
starter mounting bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
.
OVERHAUL
(1)Information is not available at time of publication.
NOTE: On models with anti-theft system, obtain code number and deactivate audio
anti-theft system before disconnecting battery.
NOTE: Overhaul procedures are not available at time of publication. See illustration for
exploded view of starter. See Fig. 4
.

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STARTER - DIRECT DRIVE 1997 STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS Mazda - Starters - Direct Drive
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ON-VEHICLE TESTING
* PLEASE READ FIRST *
CIRCUIT TEST
If starter does not operate, check voltage at starter "S" terminal with ignition switch in START position. See
Fig. 2
. If voltage is greater than 8 volts and vehicle does not crank, repair or replace starter as required. If
volta
ge is 8 volts or less, check ignition switch, park/neutral switch (A/T) and wiring. NOTE: See TROUBLE SHOOTING - BASIC PROCEDURES article.
NOTE: On models with anti-theft system, obtain code number and deactivate audio
anti-theft system before disconnecting battery.
NOTE: Before testing, ensure battery is fully charged, battery cables and terminals are
clean and tight, and engine grounds are good.

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STARTER - REDUCTION GEAR 1997 STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS Mazda - Starters - Reduction Gear
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FIELD WINDING TEST
1. Connect one ohmmeter lead to field coil lead ("M" terminal wire). Connect other lead of ohmmeter to
soldered portion of brush lead. If continuity does not exist, repair or replace field coil.
2. Check field coil for short to ground by connecting one ohmmeter lead to field coil lead ("M" terminal
wire) and other ohmmeter lead to field coil housing. If continuity exists, repair or replace field coil.
OVERRUNNING CLUTCH PINION DRIVE
Hold overrunning clutch housing and turn pinion gear by hand. If pinion turns in both directions or does not
turn at all, clutch is faulty. Replace clutch. DO NOT clean overrunning clutch with solvent, as it is packed with
grease and sealed by manufacturer.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
Removal & Installation
Disconnect negative battery cable. Raise vehicle on hoist. Remove engine undercover (if equipped). Disconnect
wiring from starter. Remove starter mounting bolts and starter. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten
starter mounting bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
.
OVERHAUL
Fig. 4: Exploded View Of Coaxial Planetary Gear Type Starter
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. NOTE: On models with anti-theft system, obtain code number and deactivate audio
anti-theft system before disconnecting battery.
NOTE: Overhaul procedures are not available at time of publication. See illustrations
for exploded views of starters. See Fig. 4
.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STARTER - REDUCTION GEAR 1997 STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS Mazda - Starters - Reduction Gear
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