Black plate (267,1)
qSchedule
Maintenance
IntervalNumber 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
Engine valve clearance Audible inspect every 120,000 km (75,000 miles), if noisy, adjust
Engine oil
*1RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter*1RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Drive belts*2IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Cooling systemIIIIIIII
Engine coolantFL22 type
*3R
Others Replace every 2 years
Air filter
*4CCRCCRCC
Fuel filter Replace every 60,000 km (37,500 miles)
Fuel lines and hosesIIIIIIII
Spark plugs Replace every 100,000 km (62,500 miles)
Evaporative system (if installed)IIIIIIII
Battery electrolyte level and
specific gravityIIIIIIII
Brake lines, hoses and
connectionsIIIIIIII
Brake fluid
*5IIIRIIIRIIIRIIIR
Parking brakeIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Power brake unit (Brake booster)
and hosesIIIIIIII
Disc brakesIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Power steering fluid, lines, hoses
and connectionsIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Steering operation and linkagesIIIIIIII
Manual transmission oil R
Rear differential oil R R
Front and rear suspension and
ball jointsIIII
Driveshaft dust bootsIIII
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 80,000 km (50,000 miles)
Bolts and nuts on chassis and
bodyTTTTTTTT
Body condition
(for rust, corrosion and perfora-
tion)Inspect annually
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
8-9
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page267
Monday, April 18 2005 4:20 PM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F
Black plate (268,1)
Maintenance
IntervalNumber 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
Tire
(with inflation pressure adjust-
ment)IIIIIIII
Flat tire repair kit (if installed)
*6Inspect annually
Chart symbols
I:Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R:Replace
T:Tighten
C:Clean
Remarks
*1 If the vehicle is operated under any of the following conditions, change the engine oil and oil filter more often
than recommended intervals.
a) Driving in dusty conditions
b) Extended periods of idling or low speed operation
c) Driving for long period in cold temperatures or driving regularly at short distance only
*2 Also inspect and adjust the power steering and air conditioner drive belts, if installed.
*3 Use FL22 type coolant in vehicles with the inscription“FL22”on the radiator cap itself or the surrounding
area. Use FL22 when replacing the coolant.
*4 If the vehicle is operated in very dusty or sandy areas, clean and if necessary, replace the air filter more often
than the recommended intervals.
*5 If the brakes are used extensively (for example, continuous hard driving or mountain driving) or if the vehicle
is operated in extremely humid climates, change the brake fluid annually.
*6 Check the tire repair fluid expiration date every year when performing the periodic maintenance. Replace the
tire repair fluid bottle with new one before the expiration date.
8-10
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page268
Monday, April 18 2005 4:20 PM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F
Black plate (269,1)
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 8-21)
lEngine coolant level (page 8-18)
lEngine oil level (page 8-15)
lWasher fluid level (page 8-22)
qAt Least Monthly
Tire inflation pressures (page 8-29)
qAt Least Twice a Year (For Example, Every Spring and Fall)
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 8-24)
lEngine coolant (page 8-18)
lEngine oil (page 8-16)
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-11
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page269
Monday, April 18 2005 4:20 PM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F
Black plate (274,1)
4. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and
reinsert it fully.
Full
OK
Low
5. Pull it out again and examine the level.
It's OK between Low and Full.
But if it's near or below Low, add
enough oil to bring the level to Full.
CAUTION
Don't add engine oil over Full. This
may cause engine damage.
6. Make sure the O-ring on the dipstick is
positioned properly before reinserting
the dipstick.
The distance between Low and Full on the
dipstick represents the following:
Oil capacity
L (US qt, Imp qt) 0.75 (0.79, 0.66)
qChanging Engine Oil and Filter
Change engine oil and filter according to
Scheduled Maintenance (page 8-3).
Please act responsibly―protect the
environment and take used oil to a
recycling facility. Ask your dealer or a
service station for information.
WARNING
Handling Used Engine Oil:
Continuous contact with used engine
oil is dangerous. It could cause skin
cancer. Always wash with soap and
water immediately after changing oil
and filter.
Changing engine oil
WARNING
Checking or Changing Engine Oil:
Hot engine oil is dangerous. If the
engine has been running, the engine
oil becomes very hot. You could be
seriously burned. Don't check or
change the engine oil when the engine
is hot.
1. Warm up the engine for a few minutes
and turn it off. Remove the oil-filler
cap.
2. Remove the drain plug and drain the
oil into a suitable container.
3. Replace the plug tightly after the oil
has thoroughly drained.
4. Fill the engine with new oil to the Full
mark on the dipstick.
8-16
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page274
Monday, April 18 2005 4:20 PM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F
Black plate (277,1)
CAUTION
Radiator coolant will damage paint.
Rinse it off quickly if spilled.
If the coolant reservoir is empty or new
coolant is required frequently, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qChanging Coolant
Change coolant according to Scheduled
Maintenance (page 8-3).
CAUTION
lUse only soft (demineralized) water
in the coolant mixture. Water that
contains minerals will cut down on
the coolant's effectiveness.
lDon't add only water. Always add a
proper coolant mixture.
lThe engine has aluminum parts and
must be protected by an ethylene-
glycol-based coolant to prevent
corrosion and freezing.
lDO NOT USE coolants Containing
Alcohol, methanol, Borate or
Silicate.
These coolants could damage the
cooling system.
lDO NOT MIX alcohol or methanol
with the coolant. This could damage
the cooling system.
lDon't use a solution that contains
more than 60% antifreeze.
This would reduce effectiveness.
NOTE
If the“FL22”mark is shown on or near
the cooling system cap, use FL22 type
engine coolant. If engine coolant other
than FL22 type is used, the engine
coolant must be replaced earlier than
the specified replacement interval
indicated in the scheduled maintenance
(page 8-3).
Except FL22 type
For mixture percentage:
ProtectionVolume
Antifreeze
solutionDemineral-
ized water
Above_
16°C (3°F) 35% 65%
Above_
26°C (_
15°F) 45% 55%
Above_
40°C (_
40°F) 55% 45%
FL22 type
FL22 type engine coolant concentration is
factory adjusted. Use the product as it is
without diluting it.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-19
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page277
Monday, April 18 2005 4:20 PM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F
Black plate (282,1)
Air Filter
CAUTION
Don't drive without an air filter. This
could result in excessive engine wear.
This air filter may be cleaned with
compressed air and reused, or replaced,
depending on its condition. Unless it is
very dirty, simply shake it to remove
foreign particles. Each time you inspect it,
wipe inside the air cleaner housing with a
damp cloth.
qReplacing the Air Filter
NOTE
If the vehicle is operated in very dusty
or sandy areas, replace the filter more
often than recommended intervals.
1. Make sure the ignition switch is turned
off.
2. Disconnect the electrical connector.
3. Unfasten the clamps.
4. Lift off the air filter cover and remove
the filter.
Air filter cover
Air filter
5. Wipe inside the air cleaner housing
with a damp cloth.
6. Clean or replace the filter.
7. Install in the reverse order of removal.
Replace the filter according to Scheduled
Maintenance (page 8-3).
NOTE
After installing the air filter cover, make
sure the electrical connector is securely
connected.
8-24
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page282
Monday, April 18 2005 4:20 PM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F
Black plate (364,1)
F
Fuses ................................................. 8-41
Panel description ........................ 8-43
Replacement ............................... 8-41
G
Glove Box ............................... 6-41, 6-42
H
Hazard Warning Flasher .................... 5-56
Hazardous Driving .............................. 4-8
Headlights
Control ....................................... 5-51
Flashing ...................................... 5-52
High-low beam .......................... 5-52
On reminder ............................... 5-51
Hood Release .................................... 3-38
Horn .................................................. 5-56
I
Ignition
Switch .......................................... 5-2
Immobilizer System
(with Advanced Key) ........................ 3-45
Immobilizer System
(without Advanced Key) ................... 3-48
Indicator Lights ................................. 5-37
Cruise ......................................... 5-49
DSC OFF .................................... 5-48
Headlight high-beam .................. 5-47
Security ...................................... 5-47
Shift position .............................. 5-48
TCS/DSC ................................... 5-48
Turn-signal/hazard warning ....... 5-49
Instrument Cluster ............................. 5-32
Interior Care ...................................... 8-52
I
Interior Lights ................................... 6-39
J
Jump-Starting .................................... 7-22
K
Keyless Entry System ....................... 3-23
L
Label Information ............................. 10-2
Lane-Change Signals ........................ 5-53
Light Bulbs
Replacement ............................... 8-34
Specifications ............................. 10-6
Lighting Control ............................... 5-51
Lubricant Quality .............................. 10-4
M
Maintenance
Introduction .................................. 8-2
Owner maintenance
precautions ................................. 8-12
Owner maintenance schedule ..... 8-11
Scheduled ..................................... 8-3
Manual Transmission Operation ......... 5-9
Recommendations for shifting.... 5-10
Mesh Pocket ..................................... 6-42
Mirrors
Outside mirrors .......................... 3-53
Rearview mirror ......................... 3-54
Money-Saving Suggestions ................ 4-7
11-4
Index
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page364
Monday, April 18 2005 4:20 PM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F