1997 MAZDA MX-5 fuel pressure

Sensor is a cable driven pulse generator that is part of speedometer. Pulse signals are sent to TCM.
TCM OUTPUT DEVICES
HOLD Indicator Light
Receives signal from TCM to indicate switch position.
Inhibitor Signal
When shift selector lever is moved from Park or Neutral to another gear, signal is sent from TCM to ECM to
regulate fuel injection volume for shift shock prevention.
Shift Solenoids & 3-2 Control Solenoid
The TCM controls transmission shifting by delivering an output signal to operate proper solenoid. 3-2 control
solenoid affects downshift timing. See SOLENOID OPERATION
table. Hydraulic pressure is retained when
solenoid is off and drained when solenoid is on. Solenoids are located on transmission valve body. See Fig. 1
.
SOLENOID OPERATION
TCC Solenoid Valve
Solenoid valve is ON/OFF type controlled by TCM. Solenoid regulates pilot pressure to applied to lock-up
control plug. Hydraulic pressure is retained when solenoid is on and drained when solenoid is off. Solenoid is
located on side of case. See Fig. 1
.
Shift Lever Position1-2 Shift Solenoid2-3 Shift Solenoid
3-4 Shift
Solenoid
"D" (Drive)
1st GearOnOnOn
2nd GearOffOnOn
3rd GearOffOffOn
4th GearOffOffOff
"2" (Second)
1st GearOnOnOn
2nd GearOffOnOn
"L" (Low)
1st GearOnOnOn
"R" (Reverse)OffOffOn
"N" or "P"OnOnOn

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS NC4A-EL Electronic Controls
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Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:35:03 PMPage 3 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

1997-98 ENGINES
1.8L 4-Cylinder
ENGINE IDENTIFICATION
Engines can be identified by engine model and number. See ENGINE IDENTIFICATION CODE. On Miata,
engine model and number are stamped on flange at upper right rear of cylinder block deck, as viewed from
flywheel. On Protege, engine model and number are stamped on flange at upper left rear of cylinder block deck,
as viewed from flywheel.
ENGINE IDENTIFICATION CODE
ADJUSTMENTS
VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE & PRIMING
Releasing Pressure (Miata)
Locate and remove fuel pump relay from under left side of dash, near steering column. Start engine and allow to
stall. After engine stalls, attempt to restart engine to ensure no residual pressure exists. Turn ignition off and
reinstall fuel pump relay. When disconnecting fuel hoses, cover connection with shop rag to catch fuel leakage.
To avoid excessive cranking after servicing, prime fuel system before starting engine.
Releasing Pressure (Protege)
NOTE: For repair procedures not covered in this article, see ENGINE OVERHAUL
PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION.
ApplicationCode
Miata & Protege (1.8L DOHC)BP
NOTE: Valve clearance is not adjustable. Some Hydraulic Lash Adjuster (HLA) noise
may occur during engine start-up. Noise should disappear after engine reaches
normal operating temperature. If noise persists and oil level is okay, change
engine oil. If oil change does not reduce noise, check with manufacturer for
modified HLA.
NOTE: For reassembly reference, label all electrical connectors, vacuum hoses and
fuel lines before removal. Also place mating marks on engine hood and other
major assemblies before removal.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 ENGINES 1.8L 4-Cylinder

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 ENGINES 1.8L 4-Cylinder
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Remove rear seat cushions. Disconnect fuel pump connector. Start engine and allow to stall. After engine stalls,
attempt to restart engine to ensure no residual pressure exists. Turn ignition off and reconnect fuel pump
connector. When disconnecting fuel hoses, cover connection with shop rag to catch fuel leakage. To avoid
excessive cranking after servicing, prime fuel system before starting engine.
Priming System
Ensure fuel system is closed. Connect jumper wire between F/P and GND terminals of data link connector. See
Fig. 1
. Turn ignition on for about 10 seconds and check for fuel leaks. Turn ignition off and disconnect jumper
wire.
Fig. 1: Identifying Data Link Connector Terminals (Typical)

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
COOLING SYSTEM BLEEDING
1. Slowly pour coolant into radiator at a rate of 1.1 qt. (1.0L) per minute maximum until coolant is level
with filler port. Fill coolant reservoir to "F" mark. Securely install radiator cap. Start engine.
2. Operate engine at idle until normal operating temperature is reached. If coolant level warning light
illuminates during warm-up, turn engine off and check drain plug and coolant hoses for leaks. Operate
engine at 2200-2800 RPM for 5 minutes. Stop engine and allow to cool.
3. Repeat steps 1) and 2). Check coolant level. If engine coolant is not level with filler neck, repeat entire
procedure. If engine coolant is level with filler neck, fill reservoir to "F" mark.
CAUTION: If engine overheats during procedure, system contains excessive air. Stop
engine and allow it to cool, then repeat step 1).

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 ENGINES 1.8L 4-Cylinder
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:55:15 PMPage 2 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

ENGINE
Removal (Miata)
1. Release residual pressure from fuel system. See FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE & PRIMING .
Disconnect negative battery cable from trunk-mounted battery. Reference mark and remove hood. Raise
vehicle and remove engine undercover. See Fig. 2
. Drain engine, transmission and cooling system fluids.
2. Remove transmission. For automatic transmission removal procedure, see REMOVAL &
INSTALLATION article in TRANSMISSION SERVICING. For manual transmission removal
procedure, see appropriate article in CLUTCHES. NOTE: On Miata with audio anti-theft system, radio will not operate if power to radio is
cut. Obtain code from customer to reactivate radio. To reactivate radio after
reconnecting power supply, turn ignition switch to ACC position. Press and
hold FF and REW buttons until CODE is displayed. Again press and hold FF and
REW buttons until bars (----) are displayed. Use preset button No. 1 to enter first
number. Use preset buttons No. 2 to enter second number, 3 for third number,
etc. Press FF and REW buttons for about 1.5 seconds until a beep is heard.
After 5 seconds, flashing CODE will disappear and radio will operate.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 ENGINES 1.8L 4-Cylinder
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:55:15 PMPage 3 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

differential housing block.
2. Tighten PPF/differential mounting spacer bolts to 28-38 ft. lbs. (38-52 N.m). See Fig. 4
. Install PPF to
differential. Hand-tighten long bolts. Ensure PPF-to-differential large shank reamer bolt and spacer are
properly installed.
3. When PPF is properly aligned between transmission and differential, tighten all long mounting bolts to
specification. Install rear transmission-to-PPF bracket and tighten to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS . To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Before installing M/T shift
lever, add gear oil to transmission through shifter hole. Fill all fluids to correct level. Prime fuel system
before attempting to start engine. See FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE & PRIMING. Bleed cooling system.
See COOLING SYSTEM BLEEDING.
Fig. 4: Locating PPF
-To-Differential Reamer Bolt, Sleeve & Spacer
NOTE: Reamer bolt is the front long bolt attaching PPF to differential. This bolt
aligns PPF with drive train.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 ENGINES 1.8L 4-Cylinder
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:55:15 PMPage 6 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Removal & Installation (Protege)
1. Release residual pressure from fuel system. See FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE & PRIMING .
Disconnect negative battery cable. Reference mark and remove hood. Raise vehicle. Remove engine
undercover and side covers. See Fig. 5
. Drain engine, transaxle and cooling system fluids. Remove front
wheels.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 ENGINES 1.8L 4-Cylinder
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:55:15 PMPage 7 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 5: Removing Engine Components (Protege)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
2. Lower vehicle. Remove air cleaner assembly. Remove battery/carrier assembly. Remove throttle cable
and air intake duct across radiator (if equipped).
3. Remove all drive belts. DO NOT disconnect power steering hoses or A/C compressor hoses. Unbolt
power steering pump and A/C compressor from engine, and wire aside.
4. Note locations and disconnect all necessary electrical connectors, ground wires, vacuum hoses, fuel
hoses, coolant hoses and control cables for engine removal.
5. Plug all fuel hoses to avoid leakage. Attach engine support bar or engine hoist to secure engine. Raise
vehicle. Disconnect exhaust manifold down pipe and exhaust brackets from engine. On A/T models,
remove shift control cable.
6. On M/T models, remove shift control linkage and extension bar. Remove clutch release cylinder and fluid
line bracket from transaxle housing, leaving fluid line connected to cylinder. Secure cylinder away from
transaxle.
7. On all models, remove transmission wiring harness connectors and speedometer cable. Remove axle shaft
nuts from hubs. Disconnect stabilizer bar from lower control arms. Separate lower ball joints and steering
tie-rod ends from steering knuckles.
8. Pry axle shafts out of transaxle. Remove and discard circlip from axle shafts. For further information on
axle shafts, see appropriate article in DRIVE AXLES.
9. Remove transaxle mount nuts from crossmember and loosen crossmember bolts. See Fig. 6
. Lower
vehicle and attach engine hoist for engine removal. Remove engine front mount and transaxle top mount
from inner fender panels. Remove transaxle crossmember. Remove engine and transaxle assembly from
top of vehicle.
10. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts and nuts to specifications. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS . Fill all fluids to correct level. Prime fuel system before attempting to start engine.
See FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE & PRIMING
. Bleed cooling system. See COOLING SYSTEM
BLEEDING.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 ENGINES 1.8L 4-Cylinder
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:55:15 PMPage 8 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 6: Removing Engine Mounts (Protege)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
INTAKE MANIFOLD
Removal
1. Release residual pressure from fuel system. See FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE & PRIMING .
Disconnect negative battery cable. Drain cooling system. Remove air cleaner assembly and ducting. See
Fig. 3
or Fig. 5 . Mark and disconnect coolant hoses, vacuum hoses and electrical connectors from intake
manifolds.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 ENGINES 1.8L 4-Cylinder
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:55:15 PMPage 9 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.