Removal
1. Before proceeding, follow air bag service precautions. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS. Disable air bag
system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.
2. Clockspring connector assembly is located under steering wheel, in steering column. See Fig. 4
or Fig. 5.
Remove air bag module. See AIR BAG MODULE. Remove steering wheel nut and remove steering
wheel with steering wheel puller. Remove column covers. Remove screws. Remove clockspring
connector and combination switch as an assembly.
DIAGNOSTIC MODULE & BACK-UP BATTERY
Removal & Installation
1. Before proceeding, follow air bag service precautions. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS. Disable air bag
system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.
2. Diagnostic module and back-up battery is located under left side of instrument panel. See Fig. 4
or Fig.
5 . Disconnect diagnostic module and back-up battery connectors. Remove nuts. Remove diagnostic
module and back-up battery as an assembly. To install, reverse removal procedure. After diagnostic
module and back-up battery are installed, reactivate air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING
AIR BAG SYSTEM. Check AIR BAG indicator light to ensure system is functioning properly. See
SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK.
SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
Turn ignition switch to the ON or START position. AIR BAG warning light in instrument cluster should
illuminate for approximately 6 seconds then go out. This indicates that the air bag system is functioning
properly. If any of the following conditions exists, air bag system is malfunctioning and needs repair.
AIR BAG warning light does not illuminate as described.
AIR BAG warning light stays on for more than 6 seconds.
AIR BAG warning light illuminates while driving.
If air bag system components are replaced for any reason, air bag system must be checked for proper function
after repair. Turn ignition on. AIR BAG warning light should illuminate for approximately 6 seconds then go
out. If AIR BAG warning light does not illuminate as described, air bag system is malfunctioning and needs
repair. If warning light functions as described, check horn operation. If horn does not sound, remove air bag
module and check air bag module and horn switch connections. Always follow service precautions and
deactivate air bag system before performing repairs. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG
SYSTEM .
WIRE REPAIR
DO NOT repair air bag system wiring. If air bag harness connectors are faulty, replace faulty wiring harness.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAZDA 1990-91 AIR BAGS
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OPERATION
Under normal driving conditions, the anti-lock brake system functions as a standard brake system. When
vehicle speed reaches 3.8 MPH, the ABS system will diagnose pump motor by briefly operating motor. Pump
motor operation may be heard inside vehicle.
The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) controls ABS by detecting speed sensor signals and activating solenoid
valve in hydraulic unit. Control unit also controls pump motor and self-diagnostic function. If a problem in the
ABS system is detected, ABS system functions as a conventional brake system. The ANTI-LOCK brake
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.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
NEVER open a bleeder valve or loosen a hydraulic line while ABS is pressurized.
NEVER disconnect or reconnect any electrical connectors while ignition is on. Damage to ABS control
unit may result.
DO NOT attempt to bleed hydraulic system without first referring to the appropriate article.
Only use specially designed brake hoses/lines on ABS-equipped vehicles.
DO NOT tap on speed sensor components (sensor, sensor rings). Speed rings must be pressed, NOT
hammered into hubs. Striking these components can cause demagnetization or a loss of polarization,
affecting the accuracy of the speed signal returning to the ABS control unit.
DO NOT mix tire sizes. Increasing the width, as long as tires remain close to the original diameter, 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.
DO NOT contaminate speed sensor components with grease. Only use recommended anti-corrosion
coating.
When speed sensor components have been removed, ALWAYS check sensor-to-ring air gaps when
applicable. These specifications can be found in each appropriate article.
ONLY use recommended brake fluids. DO NOT use silicone brake fluids in an ABS-equipped vehicle.
When installing transmitting devices (CB's, telephones, etc.) on ABS-equipped vehicles, DO NOT locate
the antenna near the ABS control unit (or any control unit).
Disconnect all on-board computers, when using electric welding equipment. CAUTION: See ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS below.
WARNING:Refer to appropriate Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) article for description,
operation, depressurizing, testing, system bleeding, trouble shooting and
system service. Failure to depressurize ABS could lead to physical injury.
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM 1988-91 BRAKES Mazda Anti-Lock Brake System
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Fig. 4: Adjusting Parking Brake (Navajo)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
3. Release pedal, and check rear wheel drag. If drag is noted, remove drums, and check for clearance
between parking brake lever and cam plate. Cables should be tight enough to allow full application of rear
brakes and loose enough to allow full release of rear brakes.
929
1. Depress brake pedal several times. Pull parking brake lever with a force of 44 lbs. (20 kg). If stroke is 6-8
notches, parking brake is properly adjusted. If stroke is not 6-8 notches, adjust parking brake shoes. See
PARKING BRAKE SHOES under ADJUSTMENTS
.
NOTE: Tension limiter will reset parking brake tension any time system is
disconnected if distance between bracket and cinch strap hook is reduced
during adjustment. When adjustment has been performed so cinch strap
contacts bracket, system tension will increase greatly. This may cause an over-
tension condition. When available adjustment travel has been used, replace
tension limiter.
NOTE: If rear brake shoes are removed for any reason, parking brake cable
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
BRAKE SYSTEM 1991 BRAKES Mazda Brake System
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CHARGING SYSTEM TROUBLE SHOOTING
TROUBLE SHOOTING PRECAUTIONS
Miata
Obtain code number and deactivate audio anti-theft system before disconnecting battery.
All Models
DO NOT reverse battery cable connections. Rectifier will be damaged.
DO NOT use high voltage type testers.
PROBLEM Possible CauseAction
NO START CONDITION
Dead BatteryCheck/Replace Battery
Bad Cable ConnectionsClean/Replace Cables
Ignition Switch/Circuit FaultCheck Switch/Circuit
CHARGING SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON
Loose/Worn Alternator BeltTighten/Replace Belt
Loose Alternator ConnectionsCheck/Repair
Connections
Warning Light WiringCheck/Repair Wiring
Faulty Stator/DiodesTest/Repair Alternator
Faulty Voltage RegulatorTest/Repair Regulator
WARNING LIGHT OFF WITH IGNITION SWITCH ON
Blown FuseCheck/Replace Fuse
Faulty AlternatorTest Alternator
Bad Warning Light BulbTest/Replace Bulb
WARNING LIGHT ON WITH IGNITION SWITCH OFF
Alternator Wiring ShortCheck/Repair Wiring
Faulty Rectifier BridgeTest/Repair Alternator
AMMETER INDICATES DISCHARGE
Loose/Worn Alternator BeltTighten/Replace Belt
Loose Alternator ConnectionsCheck/Repair
Connections
Faulty AmmeterTest/Replace Ammeter
NOISY Defective BatteryReplace Battery
Defective AlternatorTest/Repair Alternator
Defective RegulatorTest/Repair Regulator
NOTE: Observe the following precautions when trouble shooting or testing charging
system:
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
ALTERNATOR & REGULATOR 1990-92 ELECTRICAL Alternators & Regulators - Mitsubishi
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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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ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
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.
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
REPLACING BLOWN FUSES
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.
BRAKE PAD WEAR INDICATOR
Indicator will cause a squealing or scraping noise, warning that brake pads need replacement.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
Continued operation of vehicle with a severe malfunction could cause converter to overheat, resulting in
possible damage to converter and vehicle. 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.
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.
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
FUSES & CIRCUIT BREAKERS Fuses & Circuit Breakers 1990-95 Mazda
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