Mazda MX-5 Miata (1997+). Manual - part 81

MAINTENANCE INFORMATION

1997 MAINTENANCE Mazda Maintenance Information 

MODEL IDENTIFICATION 

VIN LOCATION 

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the left side of the dash panel at the base of the 
windshield. The VIN chart explains the code characters. 

VIN CODE ID EXPLANATION 

Numbers preceding the explanations in the legend below refer to the sequence of characters as listed on VIN 
identification label. See VIN example below. 

Fig. 1: VIN Code ID Explanation 

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

MAINTENANCE INFORMATION 1997 MAINTENANCE Mazda Maintenance Information

  

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

MAINTENANCE INFORMATION 1997 MAINTENANCE Mazda Maintenance Information

  

MAINTENANCE SERVICE INFORMATION

SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS 

Service is recommended at mileage intervals based on vehicle operation. Service schedules are based on 
following primary operating conditions: 

Normal Service 



Driven More Than 10 Miles Daily  



No Operating Conditions From Severe Service Schedule  

Severe Service (Unique Driving Conditions) 



Repeated Short Distance Driving  



Dusty Conditions  



Extended Use Of Brakes  



Salt Or Other Corrosive Materials On The Roads  



Rough Or Muddy Roads  



Extended Idling Or Low Speed Operation  



Extended Operation In Extreme Temperatures  

CAMSHAFT TIMING BELT 

Replace camshaft timing belt at 60,000 mile intervals. 

The condition of camshaft drive belts should always be checked on vehicles which have more than 50,000 
miles. Although some manufacturers do not recommend belt replacement at a specified mileage, others require 
it at 60,000-100,000 miles. A camshaft drive belt failure may cause extensive damage to internal engine 
components on most engines, although some designs do not allow piston-to-valve contact. These designs are 
often called "Free Wheeling". 

Many manufacturers changed their maintenance and warranty schedules in the mid-1980's to reflect timing belt 
inspection and/or replacement at 50,000-60,000 miles. Most service interval schedules in this manual reflect 
these changes. 

Belts or components should be inspected and replaced if any of the following conditions exist: 

NOTE:

Use the Severe Service schedule if the vehicle to be serviced is operated under 
ANY (one or more) of these conditions:

CAUTION: Failure to replace a faulty camshaft timing belt may result in serious 

engine damage.

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

MAINTENANCE INFORMATION 1997 MAINTENANCE Mazda Maintenance Information

  



Cracks Or Tears In Belt Surface  



Missing, Damaged, Cracked Or Rounded Teeth  



Oil Contamination  



Damaged Or Faulty Tensioners  



Incorrect Tension Adjustment  

SERVICE POINT LOCATIONS 

Fig. 2: Service Point Locations 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTOR OF AMERICA, INC. 

LUBRICATION SPECIFICATIONS 

LUBRICATION SPECIFICATIONS 

Material

Condition

Specification

Engine Oil 

(1)

 

Ambient Temperature Above -10°

F (-23°C) To Over 100°F (38°C)

SAE 10W-30

Engine Oil 

(1)

 

Ambient Temperature Less Than -

10°F (-23°C) To 60°F (16°C)

SAE 5W-30

Engine Coolant

Above 3°F (-16°C) Above -15°F 

(-26°C) Above -40°F (-40°C)

35/65 Mixture 45/55 Mixture 

55/45 Mixture Distilled Water 

Ethylene Glycol

Brake Fluid

All

DOT 3

Automatic Transaxle Fluid

All

ATF M-III or DEXRON II

Manual Transaxle Fluid

All

Hypoid Gear Oil API 

Classification GL-4 or GL-5 SAE 

75W-90 Above 50°F (10°C): 

80W-90

A/C Refrigerant

All

R-134a

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

MAINTENANCE INFORMATION 1997 MAINTENANCE Mazda Maintenance Information

  

FLUID CAPACITIES 

FLUID CAPACITIES 

WHEEL & TIRE SPECIFICATIONS 

WHEEL TIGHTENING 

Tighten wheel lug nuts to 65-87 ft. lbs. (88-118 N.m). 

BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS 

Vehicle is equipped with a special 9 9/16" x 4 3/4" x 7 3/8" 12-volt battery that is vented to outside of vehicle. 

CAUTIONS & WARNINGS 

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (AIR BAG) 

Modifications or improper maintenance, including incorrect removal and installation of the Supplemental 
Restraint System (SRS), can adversely affect system performance. DO NOT cover, obstruct or change the 
steering wheel horn pad in any way, as such action could cause improper function of the system. Use only plain 

(1)

Energy conserving oils are recommended, API classification SG", "SH".

Item

Condition

Specification 

(1)

Engine Oil

Drained, With Filter

4.0 Qts. (3.8L)

Engine Oil

Drained

3.8 Qts. (3.6L)

Engine Coolant

Drained

6.3 Qts. (6.0L)

Automatic Transaxle Fluid

Capacity

7.1 Qts. (6.7L)

Manual Transaxle Fluid

Capacity

2.1 Qts. (2.0L)

Rear Axle Oil

Capacity

1.1 Qts. (l.0L)

A/C Refrigerant

Evacuated

1 lb. 3.4 oz. (0.6kg)

Fuel Tank

Capacity

12.6 Gal. (48.0L)

(1)

Capacities are recommended or calculated levels. Always use dipstick (if available) to measure level.

CAUTION: When battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with computers may 

lose memory data. When battery power is restored, driveability problems 
may exist on some vehicles. These vehicles may require a relearn 
procedure. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in the 
GENERAL INFORMATION Section.

NOTE:

See the AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY 
EQUIPMENT Section.

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

MAINTENANCE INFORMATION 1997 MAINTENANCE Mazda Maintenance Information