Mazda MX-5 Miata (1997+). Manual - part 82

water when cleaning the horn pad. Solvents or cleaners could adversely affect the air bag cover and cause 
improper deployment of the system. 

AIR CONDITIONING SERVICING 

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM 

On models equipped with anti-lock brake systems, ALWAYS observe the following cautions: 



DO NOT attempt to bleed hydraulic system without first referring to the appropriate ANTI-LOCK 
BRAKE SYSTEM article in the BRAKES Section.  



DO NOT mix tire sizes. As long as tires remain close to the original diameter, increasing the width is 
acceptable. Rolling diameter must be identical for all 4 tires. Some manufacturers recommend tires of the 
same brand, style and type. Failure to follow this precaution may cause inaccurate wheel speed readings.  



Use ONLY recommended brake fluids. DO NOT use silicone brake fluids in an ABS-equipped vehicle.  

BATTERY WARNING 

WARNING:

To avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and carefully 
follow all warnings and service precautions. See appropriate AIR BAG 
RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT.

CAUTION: Disconnect negative battery cable before servicing any air bag system, 

steering column or passenger side dash component. After any repair, turn 
ignition key to the ON position from passenger's side of vehicle in case of 
accidental air bag inflation

CAUTION: Avoid breathing R-134a refrigerant and PAG lubricant vapors, exposure 

may irritate eyes, nose and throat. To remove R-134a from system use R-
134a recycling equipment that meets SAE J2210 specifications. If 
accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate work area before resuming 
service.

WARNING:

R-134a service equipment or vehicle A/C systems SHOULD NOT be 
pressure tested or leak tested with compressed air. Some mixtures of 
air/R134a have shown to be combustible at elevated pressures. These 
mixtures are dangerous and may cause fire and/or explosions. See AIR 
CONDITIONING SERVICE article in GENERAL INFORMATION section.

CAUTION: The anti-lock brake system contains electronic equipment that can be 

susceptible to interference caused by improperly installed or high output 
radio transmitting equipment. Since this interference could cause the 
possible loss of the anti-lock braking capability, such equipment should 
be installed by qualified professionals.

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

MAINTENANCE INFORMATION 1997 MAINTENANCE Mazda Maintenance Information

  

REPLACING BLOWN FUSES 

BRAKE PAD WEAR INDICATOR 

CATALYTIC CONVERTER 

ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE SENSITIVE (ESD) PARTS 

ENGINE OIL 

FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE 

WARNING:

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 GENERAL 
INFORMATION section.

CAUTION: Before replacing a blown fuse, remove ignition key, turn off all lights and 

accessories to avoid damaging the electrical system. Be sure to use fuse 
with the correct indicated amperage rating. The use of an incorrect 
amperage rating fuse may result in a dangerous electrical system 
overload.

CAUTION: Indicator will cause a squealing or scraping noise, warning that brake 

pads need replacement.

CAUTION: Continued operation of vehicle with a severe malfunction could cause 

converter to overheat, resulting in possible damage to converter and 
vehicle.

CAUTION: Any modification to the exhaust system on turbo models, which reduces 

exhaust backpressure, will lead to lean fuel mixtures and excessive spark 
advance. This could cause serious engine damage.

WARNING:

Many solid state electrical components can be damaged by static 
electricity (ESD). Some will display a warning label, but many will not. 
Discharge personal static electricity by touching a metal ground point on 
the vehicle prior to servicing any ESD sensitive component.

CAUTION: Never use non-detergent or straight mineral oil.

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

MAINTENANCE INFORMATION 1997 MAINTENANCE Mazda Maintenance Information

  

HALOGEN BULBS 

HEADLIGHT RETRACTOR 

RADIATOR CAP 

RADIATOR FAN 

WARRANTY INFORMATION 

BASIC NEW CAR WARRANTY 

Basic components are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for 36 months or 50,000 miles, 
whichever occurs first. Tires are covered by a separate warranty offered by tire manufacturer. 

ANTI-PERFORATION WARRANTY 

Covers body sheet metal panels for 60 months, regardless of mileage, against perforation due to corrosion. 

SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM WARRANTY 

WARNING:

Relieve fuel system pressure prior to servicing any fuel system 
component (fuel injection models).

WARNING:

Halogen bulbs contain pressurized gas which may explode if overheated. 
DO NOT touch glass portion of bulb with bare hands. Eye protection 
should be worn when handling or working around halogen bulbs.

CAUTION: If headlight retractor freezes during cold weather operation, DO NOT 

attempt to force mechanism. Headlights should be kept raised at all times 
in cold weather. To raise them, use only headlight retractor switch. DO 
NOT use headlight switch.

CAUTION: Always disconnect the fan motor when working near the radiator fan. The 

fan is temperature controlled and could start at any time even when the 
ignition key is in the OFF position. DO NOT loosen or remove radiator cap 
when cooling system is hot.

WARNING:

Keep hands away from radiator fan. Fan is controlled by a thermostatic 
switch which may come on or run for up to 15 minutes even after engine 
is turned off.

CAUTION: Always refer to customer's copy of warranty information for specific 

model application and/or coverage limitations.

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

MAINTENANCE INFORMATION 1997 MAINTENANCE Mazda Maintenance Information

  

Supplemental air bag system, seat belts and related components are warranted for 5 years or 60,000 miles, 
whichever comes first, against defects in materials and workmanship. 

REPLACEMENT PARTS & ACCESSORIES 

Manufacturer-supplied parts and accessories are warranted against defects in material or workmanship for 12 
months without regard to mileage. If installed by a Mazda dealer, part or accessory will be repaired or replaced 
without charge during warranty period. If not installed by a dealer, part or accessory will be repaired or replaced 
without charge for parts, but labor cost will be responsibility of owner. 

EMISSION DEFECT WARRANTY (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA) 

Warrants that vehicle was designed, built and equipped to conform with applicable Federal emission regulations 
at time of sale and that vehicle is free of defects in materials and workmanship which may cause vehicle to fail 
to conform with applicable regulations for 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. 

EMISSION PERFORMANCE WARRANTY (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA) 

Covers all repairs, adjustments and replacements if vehicle fails to conform to applicable emission standards 
and such failure results in vehicle owner bearing a penalty or other sanction under local, state or Federal law. 
Warranty period is 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. After 2 years or 24,000 miles, manufacturer 
will make necessary adjustments, repairs and replacements at no cost to owner only when noncompliance is 
caused by failure of components which have been installed in vehicle for sole or primary purpose of reducing 
vehicle emissions. See copy of warranty for specific components covered. 

EMISSION DEFECT WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA) 

For 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first, any defective emission-related part on vehicle will be 
repaired or replaced by manufacturer at no cost to owner. Certain emission-related parts are covered for repair 
or replacement for 7 years or 70,000 miles, whichever occurs first. See copy of warranty for specific 
components covered. 

EMISSION PERFORMANCE WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA) 

For 3 years or 50,000 miles, manufacturer will make all necessary repairs and adjustments to ensure vehicle 
passes a required Smog Check inspection. 

FUSES & CIRCUIT BREAKERS 

FUSE PANEL LOCATION 

Fuse box is located above driver's left knee, accessible through a removable cover. The main fuse block is 
located at the right rear of the engine compartment. 

The Trunk Mounted Fuse Panel is located on the right side of the trunk, near the trunk hinge. 

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

MAINTENANCE INFORMATION 1997 MAINTENANCE Mazda Maintenance Information