1997 MAZDA MIATA service

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.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
MAINTENANCE INFORMATION 1997 MAINTENANCE Mazda Maintenance Information
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1997-98 MANUAL TRANSMISSION SERVICING
Mazda
APPLICATION
TRANSMISSION APPLICATIONS
LUBRICATION
SERVICE INTERVALS
Fluid Inspection & Replacement
Check fluid level(s) at least once a year. Change transmission/transaxle and transfer case fluids every 60,000
miles for normal driving conditions and every 30,000 miles for severe driving conditions.
CHECKING FLUID LEVEL
Transaxle Fluid
Remove fill plug from transaxle. Fluid should be up to bottom of fill hole on side of case.
Transmission Fluid (RWD Models)
Remove fill plug from transmission. Fluid should be up to bottom of fill hole on side of case.
Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)
Remove fill plug from transfer case. Fluid should be up to bottom of fill hole on side of transfer case.
RECOMMENDED FLUID
FLUID SPECIFICATIONS
Vehicle ApplicationTransmission/Transaxle Model
B2300, B2500, B3000 & B4000M50D-R1
MiataM15M-D
MX-6 & 626G25M-R
ProtegeF25M-R
NOTE: Mazda B2300, B2500, B3000 and B4000 are referred to as B-Series throughout
this article.
ApplicationRecommended Fluid
Transmission

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 MANUAL TRANSMISSION SERVICING Mazda

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 MANUAL TRANSMISSION SERVICING Mazda
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STEERING COLUMN
1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
Steering columns are designed to be collapsible upon impact. The steering column consists of solid steering
shaft with a lower joint assembly. Some models are equipped with tilt steering. Turn signal, headlight, ignition
and windshield washer/wiper switches are mounted on column. Switches can be serviced by removing steering
wheel and column covers. All models are equipped with air bag restraint system consisting of an driver air bag
module, passenger air bag module (except 1995 MPV and 1995 Protege) and clockspring connector assembly
located in the steering column.
SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
1. Turn ignition switch to ON or START position. AIR BAG warning light in instrument cluster should
illuminate for about 4-8 seconds, and then turn off. This indicates air bag system is functioning properly.
2. If any of the following conditions exists, air bag system is malfunctioning and requires servicing.
AIR BAG warning light does not illuminate as specified.
AIR BAG warning light remains illuminated for more than 8 seconds.
AIR BAG warning light illuminates while driving.
3. If air bag system components are replaced for any reason, air bag system must be checked for proper
function after repair. Repeat step 1). If AIR BAG warning light does not illuminate as specified, air bag
system is malfunctioning and servicing is required. See AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article.
SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
Observe the following precautions when servicing air bag system.
Disable air bag system before servicing any air bag system or steering column component. See AIR BAG
DISABLING & ACTIVATING .
After disabling air bag system, wait at least one minute before servicing. Air bag system voltage is
maintained for approximately one minute after system is disabled. Failure to wait one minute before
servicing system may cause accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.
Obtain radio code number from customer and deactivate radio anti-theft function (if equipped) before
disconnecting battery.
Because of the critical operation requirements of system, DO NOT service any air bag system
component. Repairs are made by replacement only.
DO NOT use an ohmmeter to check resistance of air bag module, as it may cause air bag deployment.
When carrying a live (undeployed) air bag module, ensure trim cover is pointed away from your body. WARNING:To avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and carefully
follow all WARNINGS and SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns
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Fig. 4: Centering Clockspring
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE
Removal
Before proceeding, follow air bag service precautions. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag
system. Refer to AIR BAG DISABLING & ACTIVATING
. Remove air bag module bolts or nuts from back
of steering wheel. Disconnect driver air bag module harness connector(s) and support rope. Remove driver air
bag module.
Installation
WARNING:To avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and carefully
follow all WARNINGS and SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns
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To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten driver air bag module bolts or nuts to specification. See
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
table. Activate air bag system. See AIR BAG DISABLING &
ACTIVATING . Check AIR BAG warning light to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM
OPERATION CHECK .
STEERING WHEEL
Removal
Set front wheels in straight-ahead position. Disconnect negative battery cable. Disable air bag system. See AIR
BAG DISABLING & ACTIVATING . Remove driver air bag module. See DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE .
Mark steering wheel and shaft for reassembly reference. Remove steering wheel nut. Using appropriate puller,
remove steering wheel.
Installation
Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position. Install steering wheel, ensuring reference marks are aligned.
Tighten steering wheel nut to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
table. To install remaining
components, reverse removal procedure.
COMBINATION SWITCH
Removal
1. Before proceeding, follow air bag service precautions. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS. Disable air bag
system. See AIR BAG DISABLING & ACTIVATING
.
2. Remove driver air bag module. See DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE
. Remove steering wheel. See
STEERING WHEEL
. Remove upper and lower steering column covers. Disconnect combination
switch electrical connectors. Remove combination switch screws.
3. Remove clockspring and combination switch as an assembly. Separate clockspring from combination
switch.
Installation
1. To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position. Before
installing steering wheel, center clockspring. See CLOCKSPRING CENTERING
under
ADJUSTMENTS. Tighten steering wheel nut to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
table.
2. After installation, activate air bag system. See AIR BAG DISABLING & ACTIVATING
. Check AIR
BAG warning light to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
IGNITION SWITCH/STEERING LOCK ASSEMBLY
Removal & Installation
1. Remove driver air bag module, steering wheel and combination switch. See the following:
DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns
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STEERING WHEEL .
COMBINATION SWITCH .
Disconnect ignition switch connectors. Remove key interlock cable from ignition switch/steering lock
assembly (if equipped).
2. Using a hammer and chisel, make a groove in ignition switch/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 heads break off.
STEERING COLUMN
Removal & Installation
1. Remove driver air bag module, steering wheel and combination switch. See the following:
DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE .
STEERING WHEEL .
COMBINATION SWITCH .
See Fig. 5
-11 . Remove ignition switch/steering lock assembly. See IGNITION SWITCH/STEERING
LOCK ASSEMBLY under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
2. Remove lower panel. Remove air duct (if equipped). Remove "U" joint dust cover (if equipped). Remove
steering shaft assembly-to-intermediate shaft "U" joint bolt. Mark steering shaft assembly-to-intermediate
shaft for installation reference. On MPV, disconnect shift lever mechanism.
3. On all models, remove steering column lower mounting bolts. Separate steering shaft from intermediate
shaft. Remove steering column upper bracket bolts. Remove steering column.
4. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts and nuts to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS table. CAUTION: Excessive pressure or impact to steering shaft assembly during service
may cause column to collapse.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns
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