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23 - Empty
24 - 10 Amp (Red) Interior Lights, Warning Buzzers, Radio/Cassette, Compact Disc Player, Clock
25 - 15 Amp (Blue) Radio/Cassette, Compact Disc Player, Clock, Cigarette Lighter
26 - Empty
27 - Empty
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
steering wheel horn pad in any way, as such action could cause improper function of the system. Use only plain
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 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 BAGS article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Section.
WARNING:To avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and carefully
follow all warnings and service precautions. See appropriate AIR BAGS
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
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
FUSES & CIRCUIT BREAKERS Fuses & Circuit Breakers 1990-95 Mazda
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Page 368 of 392

STEERING COLUMN
1991 STEERING Mazda - Steering Columns
DESCRIPTION
The steering column consists of solid steering shaft with a lower joint assembly. Miata and RX7 convertible
models are equipped with Air Bag Restraint System consisting of an air bag module and clockspring connector
assembly located in the steering column.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD
Removal & Installation (B2200, B2600i, MPV & 929)
Unsnap horn pad cover. Remove steering wheel lock nut. Use a puller to remove steering wheel. To install,
reverse removal procedure.
Removal & Installation (Miata & RX7)
1. On Miata and RX7 convertible models, remove air bag module. See AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM
article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT section. For all models, remove horn cap (if
equipped).
2. Remove steering wheel nut. Remove steering wheel with steering wheel puller. To install, reverse
removal procedure. Tighten steering wheel nut and air bag nuts to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS TABLE at end of article. WARNING:Wait about 10 minutes after disabling air bag system before servicing. Air
bag system voltage is maintained for about 10 minutes after system is
disabled. Failure to wait 10 minutes before servicing system may cause
accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.
CAUTION: DO NOT strike steering shaft with a hammer as it may collapse.
WARNING:Before servicing Miata and RX7 convertible models, disconnect and
shield battery ground. Use caution when working around steering column
as air bag could deploy.
WARNING:Wait about 10 minutes after disabling air bag system before servicing. Air
bag system voltage is maintained for about 10 minutes after system is
disabled. Failure to wait 10 minutes before servicing system may cause
accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1991 STEERING Mazda - Steering Columns
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1991 STEERING Mazda - Steering Columns
Microsoft
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Removal & Installation (MX-6 & 626)
Pry ornament cap from horn pad with wide-blade screwdriver. Remove steering wheel nut. Use a puller to
remove steering wheel. To install, reverse removal procedure.
Removal & Installation (Protege & 323)
Remove 2 horn pad screws from behind steering wheel. Remove horn pad. Remove steering wheel nut. Use a
puller to remove steering wheel. To install, reverse removal procedure.
COMBINATION SWITCH
Removal (Miata & RX7 Convertible)
See STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Remove steering wheel.
Remove column covers. Remove screws and remove combination switch with clockspring connector assembly.
Installation
1. Install combination switch and clockspring assembly. Before installing steering wheel, center
clockspring. To center clockspring, set front wheels straight ahead. Turn clockspring connector clockwise
until it stops. DO NOT force it.
2. Return connector 2 3/4 turns (counterclockwise). Rotate clockspring connector further (if necessary) to
align marks on connector and outer housing. See Fig. 1
.
3. Install steering wheel. Tighten steering wheel nut to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TABLE at end of article. Install air bag module. See AIR BAG article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY
EQUIPMENT section.
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1991 STEERING Mazda - Steering Columns
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Fig. 1: Aligning Clockspring Connector Alignment Marks
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Removal & Installation (All Others)
Remove steering wheel. See STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
Remove steering column covers. Disconnect combination switch connectors. Remove combination switch. To
install, reverse removal procedure.
IGNITION SWITCH & STEERING LOCK
Removal & Installation (All Models)
1. Remove steering wheel and combination switch. See STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD and
COMBINATION SWITCH.
2. Remove ignition switch connectors. Remove ignition switch-to-steering lock screw. Remove ignition
switch.
3. With a hammer and chisel, make a groove on steering lock assembly shear screws. Remove 2 shear
screws with screwdriver. Remove ignition switch/steering lock assembly. To install, reverse removal
procedure. Tighten NEW shear screws until head breaks off.
STEERING COLUMN
CAUTION: Excessive pressure or impact to mainshaft during service may cause
column to collapse.
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1991 STEERING Mazda - Steering Columns
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Check timing belt for cracks, peeling, abrasion or other damage. Check tensioner bearing for looseness or
roughness of rotation. Inspect tensioner spring for stretching. Replace parts as necessary.
Installation (All Models)
1. Position notch on crankshaft sprocket to 12 o'clock position (aligned with mark on oil pump). Align
timing marks on camshaft sprocket(s). For SOHC, see Fig. 4
. For DOHC, see Fig. 5 or Fig. 7 . Ensure
crankshaft timing mark is at TDC. Install belt around crankshaft sprocket, then working in a
counterclockwise direction, route belt around camshaft sprocket(s).
2. Loosen timing belt tensioner lock bolt, and allow spring to apply tension on belt. Snug tensioner lock
bolt. Rotate crankshaft 2 complete turns in direction of normal engine rotation. Ensure timing marks
align. If timing marks are not aligned, remove belt, realign all timing marks, and repeat installation
procedure.
3. On all engines, check timing belt deflection with 22 lbs. (10 kg) of pressure applied to belt. See Fig. 8
.
Ensure timing belt deflection is within specification. See TIMING BELT DEFLECTION
table. Adjust
drive belts to proper tension.
TIMING BELT DEFLECTION
Application(1) Deflection - In. (mm)
1986-89.47-.51 (11.9-13.0)
1990-95
DOHC.35-.45 (9.0-11.5)
SOHC.43-.51 (11.0-13.0)
(1)Deflection measurement is with 22 lbs. (10 kg) of pressure applied to timing belt. See Fig. 8.
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
MAZDA 1.6L & 1.8L 4-Cylinder - 1986-95
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