1997 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS
NC4A-EL Electronic Controls
APPLICATION
TRANSMISSION APPLICATION
DESCRIPTION
The NC4A-EL series is a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. Five solenoids attached to
valve body control shift changes. Solenoids are controlled by the Transmission Control Module (TCM).
The TCM receives information from various input devices. The TCM uses this information to control following
solenoids:
Shift solenoids for transmission shifting.
Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) solenoid for torque converter clutch lock-up.
3-2 control solenoid for downshift timing control.
A HOLD switch is mounted on the shift lever. HOLD function may be activated in "D", "S" or "L" gears by
pressing HOLD button. In "L" and "S" positions, vehicle is held in selected gear and no upshift or downshift
takes place. This function is used for driving up steep inclines or for engine braking assistance when descending
steep grades. If activated in "D" position a 1-2 and 2-3 upshift is permitted when starting from a stop, but after
the 2-3 upshift the vehicle is locked in "D" until it comes to a complete stop. The 1-2 and 2-3 upshift pattern is
changed to a "short shift" specification. This function is used for starting off or driving on slippery surfaces.
Pushin
g HOLD button again deactivates system.
VehicleTransmission Model
MiataNC4A-EL
CAUTION: Vehicle is equipped with Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). When
servicing vehicle, use care to avoid accidental air bag deployment. SRS-
related components are located in steering column, center console and
instrument panel. DO NOT use electrical test equipment on these circuits.
If necessary, deactivate SRS before servicing components. See AIR BAG
DEACTIVATION PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION.
CAUTION: Disconnecting battery on models equipped with anti-theft radio require
canceling of anti-theft operation. See appropriate AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION SERVICING article in TRANSMISSION SERVICING. Refer
to vehicle owner's manual to identify radio type.
NOTE: Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) solenoid is also known as lock-up solenoid,
TCC lock-up or 4th gear solenoid.
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS NC4A-EL Electronic Controls
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS NC4A-EL Electronic Controls
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CLEARING CODES
To clear DTC stored in TCM, use scan tool. See scan tool instruction manual. Road test vehicle.
COMPONENT LOCATION
COMPONENT LOCATION
COMPONENT CONNECTOR IDENTIFICATION
P0706 Transmission Range Sensor Range/Performance
P0710 (2) TFT Sensor Malfunction
P0711 (2) TFT Sensor Range/Performance
P0715 Input/Turbine Speed Sensor
P0725 Engine Speed Input Circuit Malfunction
P0731 Incorrect 1st Gear Ratio
P0732 Incorrect 2nd Gear Ratio
P0733 Incorrect 3rd Gear Ratio
P0734 Incorrect 4th Gear Ratio
P0740 TCC System Malfunction
P0750 1-2 Shift Solenoid
P0755 2-3 Shift Solenoid
P0760 3-4 Shift Solenoid
P1720 Vehicle Speed Sensor
P1743 Lock-Up Solenoid Valve
P1765 3-2 Timing Control Solenoid Valve
P1790 Throttle Position Sensor
P1795 Idle Switch
(1)Check listed component for probable cause. Check wiring and connection of specified component.
(2)Transmission Fluid Temperature.
DescriptionLocation
Engine Control ModuleBehind Passenger Seat
Input/Turbine Speed SensorMounted To 4th Gear Case
Shift SolenoidsSee Fig. 1
TCC Lock-Up SolenoidSee Fig. 1
Transmission Control UnitAbove Fuse Box
3-2 Control ValveSee Fig. 1
TFT SensorMounted In-Line To Cooler Line
Vehicle Speed SensorMounted In Speedometer
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS NC4A-EL Electronic Controls
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Manual Transmission
Place transmission in Neutral position.
Ensure emergency brake has been set and all accessories are turned off.
Start engine and bring to normal operating temperature.
Allow vehicle to idle in Neutral for one minute.
Initial relearn is complete, and process will be completed during normal driving.
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
GENERAL INFORMATION Computer Relearn Procedures
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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
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Fig. 13: Camshaft Bearing Cap Bolt Removal & Installation Sequence (Protege) Installation
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
CRANKSHAFT REAR OIL SEAL
Removal & Installation
1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove transmission/transaxle and flywheel. For automatic
transmission removal procedure, see REMOVAL & INSTALLATION article in TRANSMISSION
SERVICING. For manual transmission removal procedure, see appropriate article in CLUTCHES. On all
models, pry out rear oil seal.
2. To install, apply light coat of oil to seal lip and push seal over crankshaft. Tap seal into rear cover until it
is flush with edge of rear cover. DO NOT bottom seal in cover.
3. Completely remove used sealant from flywheel bolts. Apply lock-type sealant to bolts and install
flywheel to crankshaft. Tighten bolts to 71-76 ft. lbs. (96-103 N.m) in a star-pattern sequence. Install
clutch assembly (if equipped) and tighten cover bolts to 13-20 ft. lbs. (18-26 N.m) in a star-pattern
sequence. Install transmission/transaxle. See appropriate article in TRANSMISSION SERVICING or
CLUTCHES.
WATER PUMP
Removal & Installation
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 ENGINES 1.8L 4-Cylinder
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1997-98 MANUAL TRANSMISSION SERVICING
Mazda
APPLICATION
TRANSMISSION APPLICATIONS
LUBRICATION
SERVICE INTERVALS
Fluid Inspection & Replacement
Check fluid level(s) at least once a year. Change transmission/transaxle and transfer case fluids every 60,000
miles for normal driving conditions and every 30,000 miles for severe driving conditions.
CHECKING FLUID LEVEL
Transaxle Fluid
Remove fill plug from transaxle. Fluid should be up to bottom of fill hole on side of case.
Transmission Fluid (RWD Models)
Remove fill plug from transmission. Fluid should be up to bottom of fill hole on side of case.
Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)
Remove fill plug from transfer case. Fluid should be up to bottom of fill hole on side of transfer case.
RECOMMENDED FLUID
FLUID SPECIFICATIONS
Vehicle ApplicationTransmission/Transaxle Model
B2300, B2500, B3000 & B4000M50D-R1
MiataM15M-D
MX-6 & 626G25M-R
ProtegeF25M-R
NOTE: Mazda B2300, B2500, B3000 and B4000 are referred to as B-Series throughout
this article.
ApplicationRecommended Fluid
Transmission
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 MANUAL TRANSMISSION SERVICING Mazda
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 MANUAL TRANSMISSION SERVICING Mazda
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FLUID CAPACITIES
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE REFILL CAPACITIES
TRANSFER CASE REFILL CAPACITY
ADJUSTMENTS
GEARSHIFT LINKAGE
No external linkage adjustment is required.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
B-SeriesMERCON Or M-III
ATF
All Other Models
All-Season Usage(1) SAE 75W-90
Temp. Greater Than 50°F (10°C)(1) SAE 80W-90
Transfer Case
B-SeriesDexron-II Or MERCON
ATF
(1)API GL-4 or GL-5.
ApplicationQts. (L)
B-Series2.8 (2.6)
Miata2.1 (2.0)
MX-6 & 6262.9 (2.7)
Protege2.9 (2.7)
ApplicationQts. (L)
B-Series1.3 (1.2)
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Drain Plug (1)
B-Series30-43 (40-58)
Miata, MX-6, Protege & 62630-43 (40-58)
Fill Plug
B-Series30-43 (40-58)
Miata18-29 (24-39)
MX-6, Protege & 62630-43 (40-58)
Transfer Case Plug (B-Series)14-22 (19-30)
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 MANUAL TRANSMISSION SERVICING Mazda
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INCH Lbs. (N.m)
Speedometer Gear Bolt (FWD)69-95 (8-11)
(1)Install NEW washer.
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 MANUAL TRANSMISSION SERVICING Mazda
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