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Mazda MX-5 Mk1 and Mk2 (1989 to 2005) servicing guide

Mazda MX-5 routine maintenance guide (1989 to 2005)

Wondering which brake fluid to put in your Mazda MX-5? Thinking about changing the engine oil and filter? You've come to the right place. Haynes has all the routine maintenance facts you need, whether it's the right type of coolant for your MX-5, what type of engine oil to use, the power steering fluid and more... all of the relevant Mazda MX-5 parts and Mazda Miata service specs are here.

Here's our quick reference guide to the routine maintenance tasks for the Mk1 and Mk2 Mazda MX-5 made from 1989 to 2005, all of which you can do yourself at home. If you need more guidance, or step-by-step instructions, check out the online and printed versions of the Mazda MX-5 Owner's Workshop Manual.

Mazda MX-5 Oil Change

MX-5 Engine Oil Type

10W/40 multigrade
semi-synthetic or
synthetic oil to
specification
ACEA A3/B4

MX-5 Engine Oil Capacity (including oil filter) 3.7 litres
(1.6 litre engines)
  3.8 litres
(1.8 litre engines)
MX-5 Oil Drain Plug Torque

35 Nm 

 

Mazda MX-5 Transmission Fluid Change

MX-5 Manual
Transmission
Fluid Type
75W/90 GL4 or GL5
MX-5 Final Drive
Fluid Type
SAE 90 GL5
MX-5 Manual
Transmission
Fluid Capacity
2.0 litres
(5-speed )
  1.8 litres
(6-speed )
MX-5 Final Drive
Fluid Capacity
0.65 litre 
(<1993 models)
  1.0 litre
(1994> models)
MX-5 Manual
Transmission Fluid
Drain Plug Torque
44 Nm
(5-speed)
  35 Nm
(6-speed)
MX-5 Manual
Transmission Fluid
Filler/Level Plug Torque
35 Nm 
MX-5 Final Drive
Drain Plug Torque
44 Nm
MX-5 Final Drive Filler/
Level plug Torque
44 Nm

 

Mazda MX-5 Coolant Renewal

MX-5 Coolant Type 50/50 mix of water
and Ethylene
glycol based antifreeze
MX-5 Coolant
System Capacity
6.0 litres

 

Mazda MX-5 Power Steering and Brake Fluid Renewal

MX-5 Power
Steering Fluid
Dexron II
MX-5 Brake And
Clutch Fluid Type
DOT 4 brake fluid

Mazda MX-5 Torque Specs

MX-5 Wheel Nuts 110 Nm
MX-5 Front Caliper
Guide Pin Bolts
50 Nm (all except
270 mm diameter
discs)
  26 Nm (270 mm
diameter discs)
MX-5 Front Caliper
Mounting Bracket Bolts
65 Nm
MX-5 Rear Caliper
Guide Pin Bolts
50 Nm
MX-5 Rear Caliper
Bracket Bolts
50 Nm 
MX-5 ABS Wheel
Speed Sensor Bolts
20 Nm

Check out these MX-5 NC common problems

Mazda MX-5 Maintenance Schedule

Planning to work on your Mazda MX 5 or Mazda Miata? These are the minimum intervals recommended by us for MX-5s driven daily. If you wish to keep your MX5 roadster in peak condition at all times, you may wish to perform some of these procedures more often. We encourage frequent maintenance, since it enhances the efficiency, performance and resale value of your MX-5.

Do you live in a harsh climate, where it's particularly dusty or by the sea? Maybe you frequently drive your MX-5 at slow speeds (idling in traffic) or on short journeys? If so, more frequent maintenance intervals are recommended.

What to check on a Mazda MX-5 every week or 400km, whichever comes first

  • Check the engine oil level
  • Check the coolant level
  • Check the screenwash fluid level
  • Check the brake fluid level
  • Check the clutch fluid level
  • Check the power steering fluid level
  • Check the tyres and tyre pressures
  • Check the condition of the battery
  • Check the condition of the wiper blades

What to check on a Mazda MX-5 every 10,000km or 6 months, whichever comes first

  • Renew the engine oil and filter*
  • Check and adjust the brake pedal height 
  • Check and adjust the clutch pedal height 

*Note: Oil and filter changes are good for the engine and we recommend that the oil and filter are renewed frequently, especially if the MX-5 is used on a lot of short journeys

What to check on a Mazda MX-5 every 19,000km or 12 months, whichever comes first

In addition to the items listed above, carry out the following:

  • Check the condition of the MX-5's auxiliary or serpentine drive belt 
  • Check under the bonnet for fluid leaks and hose condition 
  • Check the underbody and all fuel/brake lines 
  • Check the condition of the MX-5's brake pads and discs 
  • Check the condition of the MX-5's driveshaft joints and gaiters 
  • Check the MX-5's steering and suspension components for condition and security 
  • Check the underbody sealant for damage
  • Check the MX-5's exhaust system and its mountings
  • Check and if necessary adjust the MX-5's handbrake
  • Lubricate all hinges and locks 
  • Carry out a road test of the MX-5
  • Check the condition of the MX-5's seat belts 

What to check on a Mazda MX-5 every 38,000km or 2 years, whichever comes first

In addition to the items listed above, carry out the following:

  • Renew the MX-5's air filter*
  • Renew the MX-5's spark plugs and check the condition of the HT leads
  • Renew the MX-5's brake fluid
  • Renew the engine coolant
  • Check the PCV valve
  • Check the evaporative loss system
  • Renew the MX-5's fuel filter
  • Check the manual transmission oil level
  • Renew the final drive fluid 

*Note: If the MX-5 is used in dusty conditions, the air filter should be renewed more frequently.

What to check on a Mazda MX-5 every 77,000km or 4 years, whichever comes first

In addition to the items listed above, carry out the following:

  • Renew the MX-5's timing belt*
  • Renew the manual transmission oil
  • Renew the remote control battery
  • Check the valve clearances 

*Note: Although the normal interval for the Mazda MX-5's timing belt renewal is 85,000km, Haynes strongly recommends that the belt is renewed at 77,000km. Bear in mind that severe engine damage will result if the belt breaks.