Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Mazda Miata MX-5
Mazda Miata MX-5 Models:
Mazda Miata MX-5 Problems
Ticking Noise From Engine Due to Sticking Valve Lash Adjusters
A loud ticking noise (hydraulic valve lifter noise) may be heard from the top of the engine, particularly when the engine is still cold. The noise may occur more frequently on higher mileage vehicles; Hydraulic valve lash adjusters may need to be replaced to correct this issue. Following the maintenance schedule for oil changes will also help prevent a recurrence of the noise.
Engine Misfire Due to Engine Oil on the Spark Plug Wires
Failure of the valve cover gasket can allow engine oil to leak onto the spark plug wires and damage them. The engine will run poorly (misfire) if the spark plug wires fail.
Check Engine Light Due to Improperly Manufactured Threads on Fuel Filler Pipe
Some models may have a problem where the Check Engine light illuminates indicating an improperly tightened fuel cap. Due to improperly manufactured threads on the fuel filler pipe, the filler pipe may need to be replaced.
A Leak May Develop From the Clutch Slave Cylinder
The clutch slave cylinder may develop a hydraulic leak resulting in no clutch pedal pressure and the inability to shift gears.
Warped Flywheel May Cause Shudder When Vehicle is in Reverse
The flywheel can warp causing a shudder when the vehicle is in reverse.
Mazda Miata MX-5 Recalls (Recent)
Mazda Miata MX-5 Recall 00V004000
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE SAS SENSOR UNIT. THESE VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS IN MINOR UNDERCARRIAGE IMPACTS.
Learn more »Horn Contact May Separate From the Steering Column During Airbag Deployment
RepairPal Expert Overview:
If the driver's airbag were to deploy in extremely low ambient temperature, the bolt attaching the horn contact assembly to the steering wheel hub may fail. Should this occur, the horn assembly may separate and could injure the driver, Dealers will replace the driver's front airbag to correct this concern. The Mazda recall number is 3906C.
Learn more »Mazda Miata MX-5 Recall 98V066000
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1.8 LITER ENGINES. AS A RESULT OF THE LENGTH AND ROUTING OF THE INJECTOR HARNESS, IT CAN CONTACT THE MANIFOLD AT THE EGR PIPE. IF THE HARNESS IS DAMAGED, A SHORT CIRCUIT CAN OCCUR, BLOWING THE FUSE FOR THE FUEL INJECTOR.
Learn more »Fog Light Socket May Fall Out of Lamp Assembly
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The heat generated by a fog light bulb can cause the socket holder to be pushed rearward in the light casing. This, in combination with the normal vibration during vehicle operation can cause the bulb holder to separate from the light casing. Should this occur, the bulb socket and harness can drop inside the bumper and possibly result in the bumper being burned by the hot bulb. Dealers will install a spring to prevent the socket holder from separating from the lamp case. The Mazda recall number is 1103F.
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Mazda Miata MX-5 Recall 00V032000
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE NON-RETURN VALVE INSTALLED AT THE LOWER END OF THE FUEL FILLER PIPE CAN STICK DUE TO INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE VALVE CASE AND THE VALVE SHUTTER COMBINED WITH THE MATERIAL PROPERTIES OF THE FUEL HOSE BETWEEN THE FILLER PIPE AND THE FUEL TANK.
Learn more »Mazda Miata MX-5 Questions and Answers
any options short of a machine shop, heilicoil, loc-tite?
i have not power hardley on take off. if i ease up on throttle just a bit it picks up. but it seems to be getting worse.i have replaced converter and muffler on the exhaust system and replaced the ...
Overheating in traffic, Fan is not coming on. A/C fan does work. Tested fan itself and works whem power put onto terminals, Can find no fuses blown. Shorting the temp sensor on the thermostat housi...
Need to know how to change rear end differential .Pics,ect?Thethe ball part that has the gears in it
i just repaired my trany after replacing back in car it will not start after cecking around i saw that the brake light would come on once the cluch was ingauged i check the wiring and i don't know ...
Mazda Miata MX-5 Stories
When you steal a car from the street, it is called Grand Theft Auto; When you steal a car from a dealer, its called being a SHRUDE Operator!!! I stole my 1999 Miata. At $4K, 97K miles, flawless motor, interior/exterior horrid top, it was a good buy. But when someone cut the top on the dealer's lot AND it was replaced by the dealer's insurance AND they only wanted $4K for it---Stick 'em up, here's your money. I enjoy cheating stupid people---its just what I do. Like paying $150.00 for a signed Suwada in Museum Quality framing (it was marked down 6 times from $1,500.00). I can not express the joy in my heart when, having bought the Litho and put it in my car, the saleswoman and MANAGER chased me down and offered me $300.00 on the spot to give them their litho back. Tower Lithos is out of business now (any wonder why?!!!)
BACK TO THE MIATA REVIEW. Ladies & Gents---this is your Commuter Car/Weekend Bomber. At 58mph (5th Gear/3K RPMS) I routinely get 29-34MPH---that's hybrid territory for a 12 year old car!!! This is a backyard mechanic's wet dream-plugs are on top of the manifold, alternators can be changed in 4 minutes or less (if you put spark plug paste on the Ibolt), the car will go 300K & pass smog, you can drive it with one finger because it is PERFECTLY balanced, 12 years old and it still is a babe magnet, etc. etc. Wanna save money for your retirement? Drive into any Fast Food window and open your car door---them quarters add up and you are so low to the ground that all you have to do is sweep your hand to scoop up the change!!! You can park on a postage stamp, turn on a dime and it fits in tight places ( I'm a fan of things that fit into tight places...)
NEGATIVES: If you are OLD, FAT or over 6', this is NOT YOUR CAR!!! Sorry!!! Take the bus!!! Want to know what it was like being a JEW under the Spanish Inquisition? Drive a Miata over 100 miles without a stretch break and tell me about your back or your kidneys!!!
My miata 2008 auto transmission. On the transmission fluid pan has 2bolts, one is for drain and the other one is check fluid level and refill fluid. Is this right story???
I bought my '90 Miata new. It has been and still is a great car. Currently has 86k miles on the odometer. It has never had mechanical problem in all those miles and 22 years. I replaced the top about 2 years ago. New top has glass back window (much better than original). I only wish I had paid an extra $1,400 for the removable hard top the dealer had at the time.
Bought my '97 M Edition this summer. My Mom had the original year for 11 years and I had the chance to drive it often and I fell in love. I became hooked on convertibles when I was 8 years old. No I wasn't driving (haha). My Dad's best friend used to take me for rides in the hills of San Francisco and Napa in a '67 MG. Talk about Heaven. My Limited Edition had 164k miles when I got it but had been well maintained. It's my only car. Right now I have a valve lifter issue, but come to find out, there's all kinds of stabilizer bars on the under carriage, a racing clutch and the great roll bar that came factory installed. I just might change my name to Mario Andretti!
I have owned British sports cars off and on for the last 45 years. My last being a 1980 MGB that I re-did. When I retired I wanted to road cruze but was a little hesitant to travel far in the MG. I ran across a 1996 MX5 in great shape and fell in love. I sold the MG and settled in driving the Miata. It's a great little car that handles very well, corners nicely and has just enough power. At 65000 miles I replaced the timing belt ,water pump and brakes. This is a car that I would be willing to drive cross country ( a consideration ) and not have any qualms at all. Overall the Miata is a great sportscar that is reliable and very fun to drive