1997 MAZDA MX-5 hood release

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
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:55:15 PMPage 1 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:55:19 PMPage 1 © 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.

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.