Page 204 of 298

Black plate (204,1)
1. Park on a level surface off the right-of-way and firmly set the parking brake.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic transmission in Park (P), a manual
transmission in Reverse (R) or 1, and
turn off the engine.
3. Turn on the hazard warning flasher.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle and away from the vehicle and traffic.
5. Remove the jack, tool, and spare tire (page 7-3).
6. Block the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire. When blocking a wheel,
place a block both in front and behind
the tire.
NOTE
When blocking a tire, use rocks or
wood blocks of sufficient size to hold
the tire in place.
qRemoving a Flat Tire
1. Loosen the lug nuts by turning them
counterclockwise one turn each, but
don't remove any lug nuts until the tire
has been raised off the ground.
2. Place the jack under the jacking
position closest to the tire being
changed.
Jacking position
7-6
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
MX-5 Miata_8T72-EA-04G_Edition2 Page204
Tuesday, August 31 2004 11:25 AM
Form No.8T72-EA-04G
Page 209 of 298

Black plate (209,1)
Overheating
If the temperature gauge indicates
overheating, the vehicle loses power, or
you hear a loud knocking or pinging
noise, the engine is probably too hot.
WARNING
Cooling Fan and Engine
Inspection:
Inspecting the engine with the ignition
switch in the ON position is
dangerous. The cooling fan could turn
on unexpectedly even when the engine
isn't running. You could be seriously
injured by the fan. Turn the ignition
switch off and remove the key from the
ignition switch when you inspect the
engine.
Cooling System Cap:
When the engine and radiator are hot,
scalding coolant and steam may shoot
out under pressure and cause serious
injury. Don't remove the cooling
system cap when the engine and
radiator are hot.
Steam from Overheated Engine:
Steam from an overheated engine is
dangerous. The escaping steam could
seriously burn you. Open the hood
ONLY after steam is no longer
escaping from the engine. If the temperature gauge indicates
overheating:
1. Drive safely to the side of the road and
park off the right-of-way.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic transmission in park (P), a manual
transmission in neutral.
Apply the parking brake.
3. Turn off the air conditioner.
4. Check whether coolant or steam is escaping from under the hood or from
the engine compartment.
If steam is coming from the engine
compartment:
Don't go near the front of the vehicle.
Stop the engine.
Wait until the steam dissipates, then
open the hood and start the engine.
If neither coolant nor steam is
escaping:
Open the hood and idle the engine until
it cools.
CAUTION
If the cooling fan does not operate
while the engine is running, the engine
temperature will increase. Stop the
engine and call an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
5. Make sure the cooling fan is operating, then turn off the engine after the
temperature has decreased.
6. When cool, check the coolant level. If it's low, look for coolant leaks from
the radiator and hoses.
In Case of an Emergency
Overheating
7-11
MX-5 Miata_8T72-EA-04G_Edition2 Page209
Tuesday, August 31 2004 11:25 AM
Form No.8T72-EA-04G
Page 213 of 298
Black plate (213,1)
Push-Starting
WARNING
Towing a Vehicle to Start It:
Towing a vehicle to start it is
dangerous. The vehicle being towed
could surge forward when its engine
starts, causing the two vehicles to
collide. The occupants could be
injured. Never tow a vehicle to start it.
You can't start a vehicle with an automatic
transmission by pushing it.
CAUTION
You shouldn't push-start a vehicle that
has a manual transmission. It can
damage the emission control system.
In Case of an Emergency
Emergency Starting
7-15
MX-5 Miata_8T72-EA-04G_Edition2 Page213
Tuesday, August 31 2004 11:25 AM
Form No.8T72-EA-04G
Page 217 of 298

Black plate (217,1)
8Maintenance and Care
How to keep your Mazda in top condition.
Introduction .................................................................................. 8-2Introduction ............................................................................... 8-2
Scheduled Maintenance ................................................................ 8-3 Scheduled Maintenance (North America) ................................. 8-3
Scheduled Maintenance (Except North America) ..................... 8-8
Owner Maintenance ................................................................... 8-12 Owner Maintenance Schedule ................................................ 8-12
Owner Maintenance Precautions ............................................. 8-13
Engine Compartment Overview .............................................. 8-14
Engine Oil ............................................................................... 8-15
Engine Coolant ....................................................................... 8-18
Brake Fluid ............................................................................. 8-20
Clutch Fluid ............................................................................ 8-21
Power Steering Fluid ............................................................... 8-22
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ..................................... 8-23
Washer Fluid ........................................................................... 8-25
Body Lubrication .................................................................... 8-26
Air Filter .................................................................................. 8-26
Wiper Blades ........................................................................... 8-27
Battery ..................................................................................... 8-29
Tires ........................................................................................ 8-30
Light Bulbs ............................................................................. 8-34
Fuses ....................................................................................... 8-38
Appearance Care ........................................................................ 8-42 How to Minimize Environmental Paint Damage .................... 8-42
Exterior Care ........................................................................... 8-44
Interior Care ............................................................................ 8-48
8-1
MX-5 Miata_8T72-EA-04G_Edition2 Page217
Tuesday, August 31 2004 11:25 AM
Form No.8T72-EA-04G
Page 226 of 298

Black plate (226,1)
MaintenanceInterval Number of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96
×1000 km 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160
×1000 miles
6.25 12.5 18.752531.25 37.5 43.755056.25 62.5 68.757581.25 87.5 93.75100
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake pedals and clutch pedals I I I IIIIIIIIIIIII
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I I I I I I I
Clutch fluid I I IIIIIIIIIIIIII
Brake fluid
*6IIIRIIIRIIIRIIIR
Parking brake I I I IIIIIIIIIIIII
Power brake unit and hoses I I I I I I I I
Disc brakes I I IIIIIIIIIIIIII
Power steering fluid and lines I I I IIIIIIIIIIIII
Steering operation and gear housing I I I I I I I I
Steering linkages, tie rod ends and
arms IIIIIIII
Manual transmission oil R
Rear differential oil RR
Front and rear suspension and ball
joints IIII
Automatic transmission fluid level I I I I I I I I
Drive shaft dust boots IIII
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body T T T T T T T T
Body condition
(for rust, corrosion and perforation)
(except Australian model) Inspect annually
8-10
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
MX-5 Miata_8T72-EA-04G_Edition2 Page226
Tuesday, August 31 2004 11:25 AM
Form No.8T72-EA-04G
Page 228 of 298

Black plate (228,1)
Owner Maintenance Schedule
The owner or a qualified service technician should make these vehicle inspections at the
indicated intervals to ensure safe and dependable operation.
Bring any problem to the attention of an Authorized Mazda Dealer or qualified service
technician as soon as possible.
qWhen Refueling
lBrake and clutch fluid level (page 8-20)
lEngine coolant level (page 8-18)
lEngine oil level (page 8-16)
lWasher fluid level (page 8-25)
qAt Least Monthly
Tire inflation pressures (page 8-31)
qAt Least Twice a Year (For Example, Every Spring and Fall)
lAutomatic transmission fluid level (page 8-23)
lPower steering fluid level (page 8-22)
You can do the following scheduled maintenance items if you have some mechanical
ability and a few basic tools and if you closely follow the directions in this manual.
lAir filter (page 8-26)
lEngine coolant (page 8-18)
lEngine oil (page 8-16)
8-12
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
MX-5 Miata_8T72-EA-04G_Edition2 Page228
Tuesday, August 31 2004 11:25 AM
Form No.8T72-EA-04G
Page 230 of 298
Black plate (230,1)
Engine Compartment Overview
Fuse blockEngine oil-filler cap Cooling system cap Power steering fluid filler cap/dipstick Air filterClutch fluid reservoir
(Only for manual
transmission model)
Automatic transmission fluid-level dipstick
(Only for automatic transmission model)
Engine oil dipstickBrake fluid reservoir
Washer fluid reservoir
(TypeA)
Engine coolant
reservoir Washer fluid reservoir (TypeB)
The battery is in the trunk
8-14
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
MX-5 Miata_8T72-EA-04G_Edition2 Page230
Tuesday, August 31 2004 11:25 AM
Form No.8T72-EA-04G
Page 239 of 298

Black plate (239,1)
3. Remove the filler cap and attacheddipstick.
4. Wipe them clean and put them back.
5. Remove again and inspect the level.
6. It must be between H and L. Add fluid if necessary.
Don't overfill.
If new fluid is required frequently, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.Automatic Transmission
Fluid (ATF)
q Inspecting Automatic
Transmission Fluid Level
The automatic transmission fluid level
should be inspected regularly. Measure it
as described below.
The volume of fluid changes with the
temperature. For that reason, it is best to
examine the level after having driven the
vehicle for 15 minutes. If necessary,
however, it can also be inspected without
driving when the outside temperature is
above 20°C (70°F).
CAUTION
lLow fluid level causes transmission
slippage. Overfilling can cause
foaming, loss of fluid, and
transmission malfunction.
lUse specified fluid (page 10-4). A
nonspecified fluid could result in
transmission malfunction and failure.
lThe vehicle should not be driven if
the fluid level is below the bottom of
the dipstick and the outside
temperature is above 20°C (70°F), or
if evident automatic transmission
fluid leaks are found.
1. Park on a level surface and set the parking brake firmly.
2. Idle the engine. Push down on the brake pedal.
3. Move the shift lever through all ranges and set it at P.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-23
MX-5 Miata_8T72-EA-04G_Edition2 Page239
Tuesday, August 31 2004 11:25 AM
Form No.8T72-EA-04G