Black plate (292,1)
Maintenance IntervalNumber of months or kilometers, whichever comes first
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72
×1000 km 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections IIIIII
Brake fluid level I I I I I I I I I
Brake fluid RRR
Disc brakes IIIIIIIIIIII
Tire (Rotation) Rotate every 10,000 km
Tire inflation pressure and tire wear IIIIIIIIIIII
Flat tire repair kit (if installed)
*3Inspect annually
Steering operation and linkages IIIIIIIIIIII
Power steering fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
Front and rear suspension, ball joints and wheel
bearing axial play IIIIII
Manual transmission oil R
Rear differential oil R R R
Driveshaft dust boots IIIIII
Exhaust system and heat shields IIIIII
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body TTTTTT
All locks and hinges LLLLLLLLLLLL
Washer fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
Chart symbols:
I:Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
L: Lubricate
T: Tighten
Remarks:
*1 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.
*2 According to state/provincial and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these items will not void your emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at
the recommended time or kilometer period to ensure long-term reliability.
*3 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_8X49-EA-07F_Edition5 Page292
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Form No.8X49-EA-07F
Black plate (294,1)
Maintenance IntervalNumber of months or kilometers, whichever comes first
Months 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36
×1000 km 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections III
Brake fluid level I I II I
Brake fluid R
Disc brakes IIIIII
Tire (Rotation) Rotate every 10,000 km
Tire inflation pressure and tire wear IIIIII
Flat tire repair kit (if installed)
*3Inspect annually
Steering operation and linkages IIIIII
Power steering fluid level IIIIII
Front and rear suspension, ball joints and wheel
bearing axial play III
Manual transmission oil R
Rear differential oil R
Driveshaft dust boots I I I
Exhaust system and heat shields I I I
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body T T T
All locks and hinges LLLLLL
Washer fluid level IIIIII
Chart symbols:
I:Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
L: Lubricate
C: Clean
T: Tighten
Remarks:
*1 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.
*2 According to state/provincial and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these items will not void your emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at
the recommended time or kilometer period to ensure long-term reliability.
*3 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.
8-12
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
MX-5_8X49-EA-07F_Edition5 Page294
Thursday, February 21 2008 12:51 AM
Form No.8X49-EA-07F
Black plate (296,1)
Maintenance IntervalNumber of months or kilometers, whichever comes first
Months 39 42 45 48 51 54 57 60 63 66 69 72
×1000 km 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections III
Brake fluid level II I I
Brake fluid RR
Disc brakes IIIIII
Tire (Rotation) Rotate every 10,000 km
Tire inflation pressure and tire wear IIIIII
Flat tire repair kit (if installed)
*3Inspect annually
Steering operation and linkages IIIIII
Power steering fluid level IIIIII
Front and rear suspension, ball joints and wheel
bearing axial play III
Manual transmission oil R R
Rear differential oil R R
Driveshaft dust boots I I I
Exhaust system and heat shields I I I
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body T T T
All locks and hinges LLLLLL
Washer fluid level IIIIII
Chart symbols:
I:Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
L: Lubricate
C: Clean
T: Tighten
Remarks:
*1 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.
*2 According to state/provincial and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these items will not void your emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at
the recommended time or kilometer period to ensure long-term reliability.
*3 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.
8-14
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
MX-5_8X49-EA-07F_Edition5 Page296
Thursday, February 21 2008 12:51 AM
Form No.8X49-EA-07F
Black plate (298,1)
qSchedule
Maintenance
Interval 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
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 system I I I I I I I I
Engine coolant FL22 type
*3R
Others Replace every 2 years
Air filter
*4CCRCCRCC
Fuel filter Replace every 60,000 km (37,500 miles)
Fuel lines and hoses I I I I I I I I
Spark plugs Replace every 100,000 km (62,500 miles)
Evaporative system (if installed) I I I I I I I I
Battery electrolyte level and
specific gravity IIIIIIII
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I I I I I I I
Brake fluid
*5IIIRIIIRIIIRIIIR
Parking brake IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Power brake unit (Brake booster)
and hoses IIIIIIII
Disc brakes IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Power steering fluid, lines, hoses
and connections IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Steering operation and linkages I I I I I I I I
Manual transmission oil R
Rear differential oil R R
Front and rear suspension, ball
joints and wheel bearing axial play IIIIIIII
Driveshaft dust boots I I I I
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 80,000 km (50,000 miles)
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body T T T T T T T T
Body condition
(for rust, corrosion and perforation) Inspect annually
Tire rotation Rotate every 10,000 km (6,250 miles)
8-16
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
MX-5_8X49-EA-07F_Edition5 Page298
Thursday, February 21 2008 12:52 AM
Form No.8X49-EA-07F
Black plate (299,1)
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
Tires
(with inflation pressure adjustment) IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
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 primarily under any of the following conditions, replace the engine oil and oil filter
more often than the 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, replace 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.
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
8-17
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Thursday, February 21 2008 12:52 AM
Form No.8X49-EA-07F
Black plate (307,1)
Brake/Clutch Fluid
qInspecting Brake/Clutch Fluid Level
The brakes and clutch draw fluid from the
same reservoir.
Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir
regularly. It should be kept at MAX.
The level normally drops with
accumulated distance, a condition
associated with wear of brake and clutch
linings. If it is excessively low, have the
brake/clutch system inspected by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qAdding Brake/Clutch Fluid
WARNING
Be careful not to spill brake fluid on
yourself or on the engine:
Spilled brake fluid is dangerous. If it
gets in your eyes, they could be
seriously injured. If this happens,
immediately flush your eyes with
water and get medical attention.
Brake fluid spilled on a hot engine
could cause a fire.
If the brake/clutch fluid level is low,
have the brakes and clutch inspected: Low brake/clutch fluid levels are
dangerous. Low levels could signal
brake lining wear or a brake system
leak. Your brakes could fail and
cause an accident.
If the fluid level is low, add fluid until it
reaches MAX.
Before adding fluid, thoroughly clean the
area around the cap.
CAUTION
Ø Brake and clutch fluid will
damage painted surfaces. If brake
or clutch fluid does get on a
painted surface, wash it off with
water immediately.
Ø Using nonspecified brake and
clutch fluids (page 10-4) will
damage the systems. Mixing
different fluids will also damage
them.
If the brake/clutch system
frequently requires new fluid,
consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-25
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Form No.8X49-EA-07F
Black plate (335,1)
After washing the vehicle, dry it with a
clean chamois to prevent water spots from
forming.
WARNING
Dry wet brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance is normal:Driving with wet brakes is
dangerous. Increased stopping
distance or the vehicle pulling to one
side when braking could result in a
serious accident. Light braking will
indicate whether the brakes have
been affected.
Waxing
Your vehicle needs to be waxed when
water no longer beads on the finish.
Always wash and dry the vehicle before
waxing it. In addition to the vehicle body,
wax the metal trim to maintain its luster.
1. Use wax which contains no abrasives.Waxes containing abrasive will remove
paint and could damage bright metal
parts.
2. Use a good grade of natural wax for metallic, mica, and solid colors.
3. When waxing, coat evenly with the sponge supplied or a soft cloth.
4. Wipe off the wax with a soft cloth.
NOTE
A spot remover to remove oil, tar, and similar
materials will usually also take off the wax.
Rewax these areas even if the rest of the
vehicle doesn't need it.
q Repairing Damage to the Finish
Deep scratches or chips on the finish
should be repaired promptly. Exposed
metal quickly rusts and can lead to major
repairs.
CAUTION
If your Mazda is damaged and needs
metal parts repaired or replaced,
make sure the body shop applies
anti-corrosion materials to all parts,
both repaired and new. This will
prevent them from rusting.
qBright-Metal Maintenance
lUse tar remover to remove road tar and
insects. Never do this with a knife or
similar tool.
lTo prevent corrosion on bright-metal
surfaces, apply wax or chrome
preservative and rub it to a high luster.
lDuring cold weather or in coastal areas,
cover bright-metal parts with a coating
of wax or preservative heavier than
usual. It would also help to coat them
with noncorrosive petroleum jelly or
some other protective compound.
CAUTION
Don't use steel wool, abrasive
cleaners, or strong detergents
containing highly alkaline or caustic
agents on chrome-plated or anodized
aluminum parts. This may result in
damage to the protective coating and
cause discoloration or paint
deterioration.
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
8-53
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Form No.8X49-EA-07F
Black plate (336,1)
qUnderbody Maintenance
Road chemicals and salt used for ice and
snow removal and solvents used for dust
control may collect on the underbody. If
not removed, they will speed up rusting
and deterioration of such underbody parts
as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, and exhaust
system, even though these parts may be
coated with anti-corrosive material.
Thoroughly flush the underbody and
wheel housings with lukewarm or cold
water at the end of each winter. Try also
to do this every month.
Pay special attention to these areas
because they easily hide mud and dirt. It
will do more harm than good to wet
down the road grime without removing
it.
The lower edges of doors, rocker panels,
and frame members have drain holes that
should not be clogged. Water trapped
there will cause rusting.
WARNING
Dry wet brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance is normal: Driving with wet brakes is
dangerous. Increased stopping
distance or the vehicle pulling to one
side when braking could result in a
serious accident. Light braking will
indicate whether the brakes have
been affected.
qAluminum Wheel Maintenance
A protective coating is provided over the
aluminum wheels. Special care is needed
to protect this coating.
NOTE
lDon't use a wire brush or any abrasive
cleaner, polishing compound, or solvent on
aluminum wheels. They may damage the
coating.
lOnly use a mild soap or neutral detergent
and always use a sponge or soft cloth to
clean the wheels.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm or cold
water. Also, be sure to clean the wheels
after driving on dusty or salted roads. This
helps prevent corrosion.
lAvoid washing your vehicle in an automatic
car wash that uses high-speed or hard
brushes.
lIf your aluminum wheels lose luster, wax
the wheels.
qConvertible Top Maintenanceí
The convertible top is made of a special
high-grade material, but if it's not taken
good care of, hardening, staining, and loss
of luster will result. Maintain it under
these guidelines.
Washing
Do not wait until the convertible top gets
really dirty before cleaning it. Dirt that's
there too long will cause deterioration.
1. Before washing, remove dust and
coarse particulate with a soft brush.
2. Gently clean the convertible top with a synthetic neutral detergent, lots of
water, and a soft brush.
3. Rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove all the soap.
8-54
Maintenance and Care
íSome models.
Appearance Care
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Form No.8X49-EA-07F