1997 MAZDA MX-5 charging

1. Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove meter
hood. Ensure instrument cluster 12 pin connector is securely connected and that terminal No. 1 E is not
damaged. Check continuity between terminal No. 1E of 12 pin cluster connector and terminal No. 2K of
print plate of instrument cluster. If there is continuity, go to next step. If there is no continuity, replace
print plate and then go to next step.
2. Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
. Check if terminal
No. Q of 21 pin SAS unit connector is securely connected and is not damaged. If ok, go to next step. If
terminal Q is not securely connected or is damaged, replace air bag harness, then go to next step.
3. Disconnect 21 pin SAS unit connector and 12 pin instrument cluster connector. Check continuity between
terminal No. Q of SAS unit connector and terminal No. 1 E of instrument cluster connector. If there is
continuity, replace SAS unit and then go to next step. See SAS UNIT
under REMOVAL &
INSTALLATION. If there is no continuity, go to next step.
4. Activate air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
. Check AIR BAG
warning light for proper system function. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
WARNING LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON
Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
. Remove meter hood.
Ensure instrument cluster 12 pin connector is securely connected and that terminal No. 1 E is not damaged.
Check continuity between terminal No. 1E of 12 pin cluster connector and terminal No. 2K of print plate of
instrument cluster. If there is continuity, go to next step. If there is no continuity, replace print plate and then go
to next step.
WARNING LIGHT REMAINS ON
1. Measure battery voltage. If voltage is more than 9 volts, go to next step. If voltage is not more than 9
volts, check charging system.
2. Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
. Remove dashboard.
Remove heater unit. Check if SAS unit connector is securely connected. Check short bar between SAS
unit terminal No. Q and terminal No. S. If short bar is bent, replace wiring harness and then go to next
step. If short bar is OK, go to next step.
3. Check short bar hook on SAS unit. If hook is OK, go to next step. If hook is damaged, replace SAS unit.
See SAS UNIT
under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
4. Disconnect SAS unit 21 pin connector and instrument panel 12 pin connector. Carefully insert an
insulation material between terminal No. Q and terminal No. S of SAS unit so short bar cannot move. NOTE: For connector terminal identification, see WIRING DIAGRAM
.
NOTE: For connector terminal identification, see WIRING DIAGRAM
.
NOTE: For connector terminal identification, see WIRING DIAGRAM
.
NOTE: Use care not to damage short bar when inserting insulation material.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 1997 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mazda - Air Bag Restraint System
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5. Check continuity between terminal No. Q and ground. If continuity exists, replace or repair wiring
harness between instrument cluster and SAS unit. If no continuity exists, replace SAS unit. See SAS
UNIT under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
6. Activate air bag system and perform SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
. Check that AIR BAG warning
light is operating properly. If not, reconfirm malfunction symptoms.
DTC 0 - SAS UNIT
1. Disable system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
. Remove dashboard.
Remove heater unit. Check if SAS unit connector is securely connected. If not, reconnect connector and
go next step. If ok, go to next step.
2. Disconnect SAS unit connector and check for continuity between terminal No. V and terminal No. Y of
SAS unit connector. If there is continuity, replace SAS unit. If there is no continuity, replace wiring
harness. Perform SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
DTC 3 - BATTERY
1. Check that battery voltage is at least 8 volts. If not, check battery and/or charging system. Turn ignition
on and check voltage at joint connector terminals A or E (X-33).
2. If voltage is over 8 volts, replace SAS unit. See SAS UNIT
under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. If
voltage is not over 8 volts, replace wiring harness from battery to fuse box. Perform SYSTEM
OPERATION CHECK .
DTC 6 - DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE
1. Disable air ba
g system. See procedures under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. NOTE: When air bag warning light remains on, it can indicate a DTC 0 caused by no
continuity between terminal No. V and terminal No. Y of SAS unit This can be
due to a damaged SAS unit, an open or short circuit in wiring harness or poor
connections.
NOTE: For connector terminal identification, see WIRING DIAGRAM
.
NOTE: When voltage supplied to SAS unit is less than 1 volt due to weak battery, open
or short in wiring harness, poor connection of connector or damaged SAS unit,
DTC 3 will set
NOTE: For connector terminal identification, see WIRING DIAGRAM
.
NOTE: When resistance Is detected between terminals M-O of SAS unit is NOT 2 ohms,
DTC 6 will set.
NOTE: For connector terminal identification, see WIRING DIAGRAM
.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 1997 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mazda - Air Bag Restraint System
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GENERAL NOTE
ABS CONTROL MODULE
Turn ignition off. Test ABS Control Module (ABS CM) using DVOM and Adapter Harness (49-F066-002)
connected to ABS CM connector. See Fig. 3
. Measure resistance, continuity or voltage as specified. See Fig. 3
-7. If checking voltage, measure between applicable terminal and GND terminal (AB, AC or AM) of ABS CM
connector. If voltage, continuity or resistance is not as specified, replace ABS CM.
Fig. 3: Identifying ABS Control Module Connector Terminals

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Fig. 4: Testing ABS Control Module (1 Of 3)

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. NOTE: Before testing ABS components, ensure battery and charging system are
functioning properly.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM 1997 BRAKES Mazda - Anti-Lock
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GENERATOR & REGULATOR
1997 STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS Mazda - Generators & Regulators
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
Generator is a conventional 3-phase, self-rectifying type with 6 diodes (3 positive and 3 negative) that rectify
current. Internal regulator is solid-state type.
ADJUSTMENTS
BELT DEFLECTION
Measure belt deflection in center of longest pulley-to-pulley span. See BELT DEFLECTION
SPECIFICATIONS table. If belt deflection is not as specified, adjust as necessary.
BELT DEFLECTION SPECIFICATIONS
TROUBLE SHOOTING
TROUBLE SHOOTING PRECAUTIONS
Observe the following precautions when trouble shooting or testing charging system:
Obtain code number and deactivate audio anti-theft system before disconnecting battery (if equipped).
DO NOT reverse battery cable connections. Rectifier will be damaged.
DO NOT use high voltage type testers.
Battery voltage should always exist at generator terminal "B".
DO NOT ground generator terminal "L" while engine is running.
DO NOT start engine with connector disconnected from generator terminals "L" and "S".
DO NOT apply battery voltage to terminal "L".
ON-VEHICLE TESTING
* PLEASE READ FIRST *
Application(1) Deflection - In. (mm)
New Belt0.22-0.28 (5.5-7.0)
Used Belt0.24-0.30 (6.0-7.5)
(1)With 22 lbs. (10 kg) applied to belt.
NOTE: See TROUBLE SHOOTING article in GENERAL INFORMATION.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
GENERATOR & REGULATOR 1997 STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS Mazda - Generators & Regulators

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
GENERATOR & REGULATOR 1997 STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS Mazda - Generators & Regulators
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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
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Fig. 1: Identifying Generator Terminals
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
BENCH TESTING

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
GENERATOR & REGULATOR 1997 STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS Mazda - Generators & Regulators
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RECTIFIER/DIODE ASSEMBLY
1. Using an ohmmeter, check continuity of each diode in both directions (polarity). See Fig. 2
thru Fig. 4. If
diode shows high resistance in one direction and low resistance in other direction, diode is okay.
2. If diode shows low resistance in both directions, diode is shorted. If diode shows high resistance in both
directions, diode is open. If any diode is defective, replace rectifier assembly.
ROTOR & SLIP RINGS
Measure resistance between rotor slip ring contacts. See Fig. 5
thru Fig. 9 . If resistance is not within
specification, replace rotor. See ROTOR RESISTANCE SPECIFICATIONS
table. Check continuity
between individual slip rings and rotor core/shaft. If continuity exists, replace rotor.
ROTOR RESISTANCE SPECIFICATIONS
STATOR
Check continuity between stator coil leads and stator core. See Fig. 5
thru Fig. 9 . If continuity exists, replace
stator. Check continuity between leads of stator coil. If continuity does not exist, replace stator.
BRUSHES
Replace brushes if worn to limit line. See Fig. 5
thru Fig. 9 . Replace brush springs if corroded. For brush
replacement procedure, see OVERHAUL
.
Application(1) Ohms
Miata3.5-4.5
(1)If continuity does not exist, replace rotor.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
GENERATOR & REGULATOR 1997 STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS Mazda - Generators & Regulators
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Fig. 2: Testing Rectifier Diodes
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
GENERATOR & REGULATOR 1997 STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS Mazda - Generators & Regulators
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Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:53:16 PMPage 5 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.