1997 MAZDA MX-5 engine

Bushing Replacement
Cut or press old bushing from control arm. Coat new bushing with paraffin-based oil. Press new bushing into
control arm.
Installation (All Models)
To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten upper control arm pivot bolts to specification with vehicle
resting on ground and suspension unloaded. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
.
SHOCK ASSEMBLY
Removal (1997)
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove engine splash shield. Remove wheel speed sensor
harness band. Remove stabilizer link bolt. Remove upper control arm ball joint cotter pin and nut. Separate
upper control arm ball joint stud from knuckle using Puller (49-0118-850C). Loosen lower control arm pivot
bolts. Remove shock upper mount nuts and lower bolt. Move lower control arm just enough to remove shock
assembly. DO NOT damage brake line.
Removal (1999 & 2000)
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove engine splash shield. Remove wheel speed sensor.
Remove stabilizer link bolt. Separate lower control arm ball joint stud from knuckle using Puller (49-T028-
3A0). Loosen lower control arm pivot bolts. Inside engine compartment, on 1999 models, remove strut bar. See
FRONT STRUT BAR (1999)
. On 2000 models, remove shock upper mount nuts. On all models, under car,
remove lower bolt. Move lower control arm just enough to remove shock assembly. DO NOT damage brake
line.
Disassembly
Clamp upper shock mount in vise. Loosen piston lock nut 2 turns only. Compress coil spring using coil spring
compressor. Remove piston lock nut. Slowly release compressor tension. Remove components. Remove coil
spring. Remove shock from vise.
Inspection
Check shock tube for damage, oil leakage and abnormal noise. Check rubber components for deterioration or
damage. Inspect coil spring for signs of fatigue or damage. Replace components as necessary.
Reassembly (1997)
Clamp shock in vise. Install coil spring and components in reverse order of disassembly. Ensure coil spring is
well seated in upper and lower spring seats. See Fig. 2
. Tighten piston rod nut. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS .

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-2000 SUSPENSION Front - Miata
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Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Fully tighten all bolts with vehicle resting on ground and suspension
unloaded. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
. Check front wheel alignment. See SPECIFICATIONS &
PROCEDURES article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT.
STABILIZER BAR
Removal & Installation
Raise and support vehicle. Remove engine splash shield. Remove frame brackets and bushings. Remove
stabilizer control links. Align bushing with installation mark on stabilizer. Reverse removable procedure for
installation. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
.
FRONT STRUT BAR (1999)
Removal & Installation
1. To remove strut bar located in engine compartment mounted on top of shock towers, loosen lock nuts on
joint bolt and loosen joint bolt. Remove nut, washer and bolt retaining strut bar to strut plate. Remove
strut bar from vehicle.
2. To install, reverse removal procedure. Rotate joint bolt counterclockwise to 3.5-5.2 INCH lbs. (.4-.6 N.m)
to set tension. Tighten lock nuts to 87-121 INCH lbs. (10-14 N.m). Tighten strut bar-to-strut plate nut.
See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Axle Lock Nut123-159 (167-215)
Brake Caliper Bracket Bolts37-50 (50-68)
Lower Ball Joint-To-Knuckle Nut42-57 (57-77)
Lower Ball Joint-To-Lower Control
199754-69 (73-94)
1999 & 2000
Bolt & Nut69-86 (94-117)
Bolt54-69 (73-94)
Lower Control Arm-To-Frame
1997
Front Adjusting Bolt Lock Nut69-83 (94-112)
Rear Adjusting Bolt Lock Nut62-75 (84-102)
1999 & 200069-83 (94-112)
Shock Assembly-To-Lower Control Arm Bolt/Nut
199754-68 (73-93)

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-2000 SUSPENSION Front - Miata
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1997 ELECTRICAL
Fuses & Circuit Breakers - MX-5 Miata
IDENTIFICATION
MAIN FUSE BLOCK
Main fuse block is located on passenger's side of engine compartment. See Fig. 1
.
Fig. 1: Locating Main Fuse Block
CAUTION: When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory systems
may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer
systems have completed a relearn cycle. See COMPUTER RELEARN
PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION before disconnecting
battery.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997 ELECTRICAL Fuses & Circuit Breakers - MX-5 Miata

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997 ELECTRICAL Fuses & Circuit Breakers - MX-5 Miata
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Drain coolant. Disconnect heater hoses at engine compartment firewall. Remove grommets from holes (if
equipped). Remove instrument panel. See INSTRUMENT PANEL
. Remove heater unit. Disassemble heater
unit to remove heater core. See Fig. 1
. To install, reverse removal procedure. Fill cooling system.
INSTRUMENT PANEL
Removal & Installation
Before disconnecting negative battery cable, obtain radio anti-theft code from vehicle owner. Disconnect
negative battery cable. Remove components in the order listed in illustration. See Fig. 3
. To install, reverse
removal procedure.
Fig. 3: Exploded View Of Instrument Panel

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
WIRING DIAGRAM

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
HEATER SYSTEM 1997 Heater System
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ELECTRICAL COMPONENT LOCATIONS
OPERATION
All air control doors are controlled manually by cable from control panel. Blower resistor determines blower
speed. With blower switch in high position, blower motor is grounded directly through blower switch. With
blower switch in all other positions, blower motor is grounded through blower resistor and blower switch.
A/C compressor clutch circuit is completed when A/C relay is energized and pressure switch is closed. A/C
relay is energized when Powertrain Control Module (PCM) grounds the solenoid circuit of the relay. The PCM
energizes A/C relay if evaporator thermoswitch is closed and A/C and blower switches are on. The PCM also
controls A/C relay operation according to engine load.
ADJUSTMENTS
TESTING
A/C SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
1. Connect manifold gauge set. Operate engine at 1500 RPM. Operate A/C at maximum cooling, recirculate,
fan on high, vent mode. Close all doors and windows. Place thermometer at center vent outlet.
2. Allow A/C to stabilize. Ensure high pressure is 200-227 psi (14.0-16.0 kg/cm
2 ). Read temperature at
center vent outlet. Ensure temperature is within 39-43°F (3-6°C)
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH CIRCUIT
ComponentLocation
A/C RelayRight Front Corner Of Engine Compartment
Condenser FanRight Front Corner Of Engine Compartment
Blower ResistorBottom Of Blower Case
Evaporator ThermoswitchOn Evaporator Upper Case
Pressure SwitchIn High-Pressure Line, Between Receiver-Drier &
Evaporator
NOTE: For door control cable adjustments, see ADJUSTMENTS in HEATER SYSTEM

article.
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 test procedures not covered in this article, see TESTING in HEATER
SYSTEM article.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
A/C-HEATER SYSTEM - MANUAL 1997 Manual A/C-Heater System
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1. Check WIPER fuse (20-amp) in passenger compartment fuse block. Check AD FAN (additional fan) fuse
(20-amp) in engine compartment fuse block. If fuses are okay, go to next step. If either fuse is blown,
check for shorted wiring harness before replacing fuse.
2. Operate engine at idle. Turn A/C and blower on. Using voltmeter, backprobe Black/Red wire terminal of
compressor clutch connector. If battery voltage exists, replace compressor clutch. If battery voltage is not
present, go to next step.
3. Ensure engine is running. Ensure A/C and blower are on. Using a voltmeter, backprobe Blue/Yellow wire
terminal of the A/C relay connector. If battery voltage exists, go to next step. If battery voltage does not
exist, repair open Blue/Yellow wire between AD FAN fuse and A/C relay.
4. Backprobe Blue wire terminal of A/C relay connector. If battery voltage exists, go to next step. If battery
voltage is not present, repair open Blue wire between WIPER fuse and A/C relay.
5. Backprobe Black/Red wire terminal of A/C relay connector. If battery voltage exists, repair open
Black/Red wire between A/C relay and compressor clutch. If battery voltage is not present, go to next
step.
6. Backprobe Blue/Black wire terminal of A/C relay connector. If voltage is Zero volts, replace A/C relay. I
f
voltage is not Zero volts, repair open Blue/Black wire between A/C relay and PCM. If wire is okay, check
PCM operation.
CONDENSER (ADDITIONAL) FAN CIRCUIT
1. Check ENGINE fuse (30-amp) in passenger compartment fuse block. Check AD FAN fuse (20-amp) in
engine compartment fuse block. If fuses are okay, go to next step. If either fuse is blown, check for
shorted wiring harness before replacing fuse.
2. Start engine. Turn A/C and blower switches on. Using voltmeter, backprobe Black/Yellow wire terminal
of condenser fan motor. If battery voltage exists, go to next step. If battery voltage is not present, go to
step 4).
3. Turn ignition switch off. Disconnect condenser fan connector. Using ohmmeter, check continuity
between Black wire of condenser fan connector and ground. If continuity exists, replace condenser fan. If
continuity is not present, repair open Black wire between condenser fan and ground.
4. Turn ignition on. Ensure A/C and blower switches are on. Using voltmeter, backprobe Black/White wire
terminal of condenser fan relay connector. If battery voltage exists, go to next step. If battery voltage is
not present, repair open Black/White wire between ENGINE fuse and condenser fan relay.
5. Backprobe Blue/Yellow wire terminal of condenser fan relay connector. If battery voltage exists, go to
next step. If battery voltage is not present, repair open Blue/Yellow wire between AD FAN fuse and
condenser fan relay.
6. Backprobe Black/Yellow wire terminal of condenser fan relay connector. If battery voltage exists, repair
open Black/Yellow wire between condenser fan relay and condenser fan. If battery voltage is not present,
go to next step.
7. Backprobe Blue/White wire terminal of condenser fan relay connector. If battery voltage exists, repair
Blue/White wire between condenser fan relay and PCM. If wire is okay, check PCM operation. If battery
voltage is not present, replace condenser fan relay.
A/C SWITCH

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
A/C-HEATER SYSTEM - MANUAL 1997 Manual A/C-Heater System
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Fig. 3: Identifying Condenser Fan Relay Terminals
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
CONDENSER FAN MOTOR
Disconnect condenser fan motor connector. Connect positive battery lead to condenser fan motor Black/Yellow
wire terminal, and ground Black wire terminal. Replace condenser fan motor if it does not operate.
EVAPORATOR THERMOSWITCH
1. Remove glove box. Operate engine at idle. Turn A/C off. Turn blower switch to 4th position (high) for a
few minutes to ensure evaporator temperature is greater than 32°F (0°C). Turn blower switch and engine
off.
2. Disconnect evaporator thermoswitch connector. Check continuity between thermoswitch terminals. If
continuity exists, go to next step. If there is no continuity, replace thermoswitch.
3. Submerge thermoswitch sensing bulb in ice cold water of less than 32°F (0°C). Ensure continuity does
not exist between thermoswitch terminals. Replace thermoswitch if continuity is not as specified.
PRESSURE SWITCH
1. Turn ignition off. Connect manifold pressure gauge set to system. If high-side pressure is 37-310 psi (2.6-
22.0 kg/cm
2 ), go to next step. If pressure is not as specified, check refrigerant level.
2. Disconnect pressure switch connector. Check continuity between switch terminals. If continuity exists,
pressure switch is okay. If there is no continuity, replace pressure switch.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
A/C-HEATER SYSTEM - MANUAL 1997 Manual A/C-Heater System
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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.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
A/C-HEATER SYSTEM - MANUAL 1997 Manual A/C-Heater System
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:41:48 PMPage 7 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.