Mazda MX-5 Miata Workshop and Part Manual

1990-98 Mazda Miata 1996 Mazda Miata MX-5 Pricing Overview Class sports car Powertrain Layout longitudinal front- engine/rear-wheel drive Built In Japan 1994 $4,300-5,500 1995 $4,900-6,800 1996 $5,700-7,700 1997 $6,900-9,200 For Acceleration (w/manual transmission), Steering/handling, Antilock brakes (optional), Fuel economy Against Cargo room, Road noise Highlights The Miata performed an overnight resurrection in 1990 on what had previously been a virtually dead market--that of the affordable 2-seat roadster. Initial models arrived in one of three colors--red, white, or blue--with a powertrain consisting of a 116-horsepower, dual-cam 1.6-liter 4-cylinder and a 5-speed manual transmission. Late in the 1990 model year, a 4-speed automatic was added, which dropped the horsepower rating from 116 to 105. All models could be ordered with a removable hardtop. Standard first-year features included a driver-side airbag and a manual folding top. Year-to-Year Changes 1991: The most important change for 1991 was the availability of optional antilock brakes. ABS was offered as a stand-alone option and not part of any package. 1992: For 1992, mechanical and appearance changes were limited to a few convenience items. 1993: Minor trim and equipment revisions mark the fourth edition of the popular 2-seat convertible sports car. 1994: A larger engine, a passenger-side airbag, and some structural stiffening mark the first major changes to Mazda's popular roadster since the Miata made its debut in 1990. The 1.6-liter engine gives way to a 1.8-liter unit. While the standard 4-wheel disc brakes have been enlarged, antilock brakes remain optional. Structural stiffening consists of new braces placed in the front and rear suspensions, as well as between the shoulder-belt anchors. Other changes include a new 12.7-gallon fuel tank in place of the 11.9-gallon unit and a new 7-spoke design for the optional alloy wheels. Arriving in the spring were two new versions of the Miata. The M-edition features both leather seating surfaces and wood trim on interior panels. Select the extra-cost R-edition and you find such performance upgrades as a sport-tuned suspension, limited-slip differential, alloy wheels, front/rear spoilers, and an "aero" rear skirt. 1995: The 1995 Miata returns with only minor changes. 1996: Like many cars, Mazda made changes inside both doors in order to meet 1997 federal standard for side- impact protection a year early. Along with structural changes to the doors, there's a redesigned interior door panel with map pockets as an added feature. Underneath the hood, Mazda tinkered with the 1.8-liter engine to lower

emissions, and in the process managed to squeeze out some extra horsepower and torque. 1997: The popular Miata convertible shuffles a few optional features, but is otherwise unchanged for its eighth season in anticipation of the spring 1998 arrival of a new model. Road Test Evaluation The Miata is lively, agile, simple, and fun-to-drive. While off-the-line acceleration is not terrific (0-60 in about 8.3 seconds), it shows flashes of brilliance in 2nd and 3rd gear, and it gets great mileage, with 25-27 mpg possible on a regular basis. The Miata maneuvers beautifully, is easy to handle, and hugs the road snugly. The ride can be choppy at times, given the fact body flex is the bane of all convertibles. Extra bracing added for the 1994 model year seems to improve the situation, however. Though the prominent exhaust note isn't inappropriate given the Miata's mission, there are also above-average quantities of wind and road noise. The cozy cockpit has well-placed gauges and controls, plus enough space to give tall people adequate room, permitting full enjoyment of the car's attributes. This is true despite the lack of any steering-wheel adjustment. Leg room is not a problem, but head room is tight. One golf bag or a couple of gym bags and the tonneau cover are about all that will fit in the small trunk, which also holds the mini-spare. There's also usable storage behind the seats (perhaps as much as afforded by the trunk). Value for the Money Though the Miata has been around for eleven years now, the first-generation version still looks and feels as good as it did when it arrived in 1989. If you're looking for an affordable, fun-to-drive sports car, there's little need to search further. Each vehicle report contains one rating table for a representative model. We rate in seven key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Interior Noise, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings are given taking into account the "world" of vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "5" is the highest rating. Consumer Guide Road Test Ratings 1994 Mazda Miata Ratings Performance 4 Fuel Economy 3 Ride Quality 4 Quietness 2 Interior Room 3 Cargo Capacity 2 Insurance Costs 3 Total 21 Specifications Mazda Miata 2-door convertible Wheelbase, in. 89.2 Overall Length, in. 155.4 Overall Width, in. 65.9 Overall Height, in. 48.2 Curb Weight, lbs. 2293 Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 3.6 Standard Payload, lbs. -- Fuel Capacity, gals. 11.9

Seating Capacity 2 Front Head Room, in. 37.1 Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.7 Rear Head Room, in. -- Min. Rear Leg Room, in. -- Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. NHTSA Crash Test Results 1998 Miata 2-door convertible Crash Test Driver 4 Crash Test Passenger 3 The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's crashworthiness in front- and side- impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Their test results suggest the chance of serious injury, while rollover resistance ratings are based on how top heavy the vehicle is and indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway. Front crash test numbers indicate: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side impact numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21- 25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%. Powertrain Options and Availability The first Miatas arrived with an aggressive little 16-valve, 1.6-liter twin-cam 4-cylinder delivering 116 horsepower. While the power output seems small, so is the Miata--tipping the scales at just over 2100 lbs. Acceleration is lively, especially with the slick-shifting 5-speed. The automatic dropped both fuel economy and horsepower output for the 1.6-liter. The Miata also loses much of its spunk with the automatic. There's just not enough torque to compensate. A larger 1.8-liter engine replaces the original 1.6-liter unit in 1994. The optional automatic also incorporates electronic shift controls. With the new powertrains, both manual and automatic transmissions deliver the same horsepower ratings--128 at 6500 rpm. Engine tuning to reduce emissions adds five more horsepower and four more pound-feet of torque for 1996, resulting in respectable outputs of 133 and 114. Engines Size liters/ cu. in. Horsepower Torque EPA city/hgwy Consumer Guide Observed dohc I4 1.6 / 97 105-116 100 5-speed manual: 24/30 4-speed automatic: 24/28 5-speed manual: 26.7 4-speed automatic: -- dohc I4 1.8 / 112 128-133 110-114 5-speed manual: 23/29 4-speed automatic: 22/28 5-speed manual: 21.9 4-speed automatic: -- Engine Key: ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; H = horizontally opposed cylinders; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. Trouble Spots Audio system: If tapes get stuck in the Panasonic radio/tape player, the unit must be removed and sent to a factory service center. (1990) Engine noise: A ticking noise from the top of the engine is likely due to inadequate hydraulic lash adjusters for the valves. (1990-93) Oil leak: Early models often developed an oil leak at the plug in the drain pan Trouble Spots lists the many commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however we have

unless the plug was tightened by hand with the gasket squarely in place before snugging with a wrench. (1990) Timing belt: There is a revised, more-robust timing-belt tensioner pulley to replace the original. (1990-94) Windows: The windows may not fully open because a cable comes loose blocking the window's travel. (1992-94) our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems. This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher. Average Replacement Cost A/C Compressor $435 Alternator $245 Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $940 Brakes $245 Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $455 Exhaust System $290 Radiator $500 Shocks and/or Struts $645 Timing Chain or Belt $205 Universal Joints $380 NHTSA Recall History 1990-91 : Rear turn-signal lamps may have insufficient amount of reflecting paint on inner surface. 1990-93 w/optional hardtop : Plastic buckles on optional hoist accessory kit can break, causing hardtop to fall. 1991 w/ABS : Return-fluid line of front-brake system on some cars is misconnected to return; when antilock comes into use, all fluid from front brakes goes to rear system, which may lead to increased stopping distance. 1995 : Airbag could deploy as a result of minor undercarriage impact. Prices Good Average Poor 1990 Miata $2,600-3,200 $2,000-2,400 $600-700 1991 Miata $3,200-3,800 $2,500-3,000 $800-1,000 1992 M-Edition $4,100-4,700 $3,400-3,900 $1,400-1,600 Miata $3,800-4,500 $3,100-3,600 $1,200-1,400 1993 M-Edition $4,800-5,500 $4,000-4,600 $1,800-2,100 Miata $4,400-5,200 $3,700-4,300 $1,600-1,800 1994 M-Edition $5,700-6,400 $4,900-5,500 $2,400-2,600 Miata $5,000-5,800 $4,300-4,900 $2,000-2,300 1995 M-Edition $6,700-7,500 $6,000-6,800 $3,100-3,500 Miata $5,700-6,500 $4,900-5,600 $2,400-2,700

1996 M-Edition $7,600-8,500 $6,800-7,700 $3,700-4,200 Miata $6,500-7,500 $5,700-6,600 $2,900-3,400 1997 M-Edition $9,200-10,200 $8,300-9,200 $4,700-5,200 Miata $7,700-8,700 $6,900-7,800 $3,900-4,400 This chart details a range of average prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels: Good-a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair. Average-a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well. Poor-might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment-usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully-loaded vehicles may cost more. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary-especially from region to region. Copyright © 2002 Consumer Guide and Publications International, Ltd. Consumer Guide ® is a trademark of Publications International, Ltd.

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Mazda MX-5 Miata Workshop and Part Manual

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