Page 138 of 514

GENERATOR OUTPUT
1. Connect an ammeter (100-amp minimum) in-line between generator terminal "B" connector and terminal
"B" of wiring harness connector. See Fig. 1
. Turn headlights and all accessories on. Depress brake pedal.
Operate engine at 2500-3000 RPM.
2. Measure and record generator output. See GENERATOR MAXIMUM RATED OUTPUT
table. If
amperage is as specified, go to next step. If amperage is not as specified, repair or replace generator.
3. Turn off headlights and all accessories. Release brake pedal. Operate engine at 2500-3000 RPM and
measure amperage under no-load condition. No-load amperage should be 5 amps or greater. If amperage
is as specified, go to next step. If amperage is not as specified, repair or replace generator.
4. Operate engine at 2500-3000 RPM. Measure voltage between ground and terminals "S" and "L". If 14.1-
14.7 volts does not exist, repair or replace generator. If 14.1-14.7 volts exists, generator output is okay.
GENERATOR MAXIMUM RATED OUTPUT NOTE: Check generator wiring harness connections and drive belt tension. Battery
must be fully charged before testing. Wait at least 30 seconds after starting
engine before measuring system voltage.
CAUTION: Ensure generator terminal "B" does not contact ground.
ApplicationAmps
A/T70
M/T65
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
GENERATOR & REGULATOR 1997 STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS Mazda - Generators & Regulators
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:53:16 PMPage 2 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
Page 327 of 514

HALOGEN BULBS
HEADLIGHT RETRACTOR
RADIATOR CAP
RADIATOR FAN
WARRANTY INFORMATION
BASIC NEW CAR WARRANTY
Basic components are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for 36 months or 50,000 miles,
whichever occurs first. Tires are covered by a separate warranty offered by tire manufacturer.
ANTI-PERFORATION WARRANTY
Covers body sheet metal panels for 60 months, regardless of mileage, against perforation due to corrosion.
SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM WARRANTY WARNING:Relieve fuel system pressure prior to servicing any fuel system
component (fuel injection models).
WARNING:Halogen bulbs contain pressurized gas which may explode if overheated.
DO NOT touch glass portion of bulb with bare hands. Eye protection
should be worn when handling or working around halogen bulbs.
CAUTION: If headlight retractor freezes during cold weather operation, DO NOT
attempt to force mechanism. Headlights should be kept raised at all times
in cold weather. To raise them, use only headlight retractor switch. DO
NOT use headlight switch.
CAUTION: Always disconnect the fan motor when working near the radiator fan. The
fan is temperature controlled and could start at any time even when the
ignition key is in the OFF position. DO NOT loosen or remove radiator cap
when cooling system is hot.
WARNING:Keep hands away from radiator fan. Fan is controlled by a thermostatic
switch which may come on or run for up to 15 minutes even after engine
is turned off.
CAUTION: Always refer to customer's copy of warranty information for specific
model application and/or coverage limitations.
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
MAINTENANCE INFORMATION 1997 MAINTENANCE Mazda Maintenance Information
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:41:19 PMPage 7 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
Page 329 of 514
MAIN FUSE BLOCK IDENTIFICATION
Fig. 3: Main Fuse Block Identification
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTOR OF AMERICA, INC.
Fuse & Circuit Breaker Identification
1 - 30 Amp (Pink) Headlights
2 - 30 Amp (Pink) Fuel Injection, Alternator
3 - 80 Amp (Black) Protection Of All Circuits
4 - 40 Amp (Green) Refer to HAZARD (15A), STOP (15A), ROOM (10A), TAIL (15A)
5 - 30 Amp (Pink) Anti-Lock Brake System
6 - 30 Amp (Pink) Cooling Fan
7 - Empty
8 - 20 Amp (Yellow) A/C Additional Fan
9 - 10 Amp (Red) Fuel Injection
10 - 30 Amp (Green) Headlight Retractor
WARNING:Always disconnect battery ground cable before servicing "high-current
fuses. It is recommended that "high-current" fuses be replaced by a
qualified technician.
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
MAINTENANCE INFORMATION 1997 MAINTENANCE Mazda Maintenance Information
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:41:19 PMPage 9 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
Page 399 of 514

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
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:40:02 PMPage 1 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:40:07 PMPage 1 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
Page 476 of 514
Fig. 13: Ground Distribution Circuit
HEADLIGHTS
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997 System Wiring Diagrams Mazda - Miata
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:31:52 PMPage 27 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
Page 478 of 514
Fig. 14: Headlight Circuit, W/ DRL
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997 System Wiring Diagrams Mazda - Miata
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:31:52 PMPage 29 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
Page 480 of 514
Fig. 15: Headlight Circuit, W/O DRL
HORN
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997 System Wiring Diagrams Mazda - Miata
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:31:52 PMPage 31 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.