Miata Transmission
Engine, Transmission, and Performance The Miata's engine revs eagerly and is powerful enough to deliver stirring acceleration. Exploring the engine's high-revving personality is encouraged by the. Repairing /rebuilding a Miata tranny isn't an impossible task. Your transmission is not some mysterious contraption. Actually its operation is pretty straight-forward and disassembly, while physically hard isn't that bad. The job is hard as opposed to difficult, and there are some things you should consider before you decide to tear into the job.
2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
116 kilowatts 2.0L I4 6-speed manual RWD
| 8039 km | Clicking noise coming from improperly torqued differential bolts repaired. TSB issued for this problem. |
| 22581 km | The transmission essentially disintegrated. Swap it out for a factory new transmission |
| 8065 km | Replaced Manual Transmission |
| 19355 km | Universal joints and driveshaft |
| 15323 km | Known issue with early build Miata's. 2nd gear failure. Transmission replaced under warranty. |
2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
124 kilowatts 2.0L I4 6-speed manual RWD
| 214516 km US $1000 | Transmission was leaking oil and had to have seals replaced. |
2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
124 kilowatts 2.0L I4 5-speed manual RWD
| 78000 km C $780 | Replace leaking rear pinion seal. |
| 19355 km | Clutch pedal adjustment; clutch would not release. |
| 377419 km US $900 | Leaking clutch master cylinder, slave cylinder, associated hoses. |
2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
118 kilowatts 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 195161 km | 6 speed manual transmission shifting plate, shifting ball, turrent fluid, transmission fluid. I replaced differential oil, air filter, spark plugs. |
2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
124 kilowatts 2.0L I4 6-speed manual RWD
2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Engine not specified
| 29032 km US $550 | Bolts on transmission were loose and losing transmission fluid. Detected by noticing transmission slippage when cold. |
2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
127 kilowatts 2.0L I4 6-speed manual RWD
| 90323 km US $100 | Master and slave cylinder failed simultaneously |
2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
124 kilowatts 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 30645 km US $380 | tranmission fluid leak from seal between tail shaft and transmission. Seal replaced, 4 quarts of fluid required, lots of labor. Car was out of warranty. |
| 117742 km US $500 | Slave cylinder for clutch was leaking. Cylinder replaced. |
2005 Mazda Miata MX-5 2dr Convertible
turbocharged 133kW 1.8L I4 6-speed manual RWD
| 72581 km US $599 | Replaced clutch & flywheel w/ stage 1 and 10lb flywheel (stock is 23lb) pilot and throwout bearings and rear tail seal. After about 30K miles of hard enjoyment. Bought it 2yrs old with 12K on it. Dealer was $5 less, for stock, less labor. |
2004 Mazda Miata MX-5 2dr Convertible
turbocharged 133kW 1.8L I4 6-speed manual RWD
| 160177 km US $4400 | Transmission rebuilt with new syncromesh and bearings, clutch replaced. |
2003 Mazda Miata MX-5 2dr Convertible
106 kilowatts 1.8L I4 5-speed manual RWD
| 39464 km | Check and lube clutch fork pivot - high-pitched grind noise |
| 40793 km C $161 | 2nd speed hard to shift - replace transmission oil with synthetic |
2002 Mazda Miata MX-5 2dr Convertible
Mazda Miata Automatic Transmission Problems
106 kilowatts 1.8L I4 6-speed manual RWD
| 156452 km US $133 | Shifter sloppy when bought car. Investigating, found both rubber boots (one on top of the transmission that keeps dirt out of the gearbox, one on floor pan separating interior from the outside) were also torn. Replaced shifter bushings and boots. |
| 88710 km US $100 | Poor shifting when cold; fluid change and tightening of some very loose bolts |
| 115000 km US $450 | Transmission fluid leak; replaced gasket at driveshaft, tightened very loose bolts (again), replace inner shift boots |
| 51613 km | Clutch replaced under warranty |
2001 Mazda Miata MX-5 2dr Convertible
106 kilowatts 1.8L I4 6-speed manual RWD
Miata Transmission Fluid
| 245161 km US $60 | Clutch line failed causing fluid loss. Clutch line and slave cylinder were replaced. |
| 37097 km US $350 | All 2001 Miatas came from the factory with a clutch problem. Many were fixed under a recall, some weren't. The problem was a chutter or slight slipping of the clutch. The original clutch was an Excedy. I had a new Excedy clutch installed. |
| 116429 km | Trying to identify a clicking noise somewhere in the drivtrain. Took to two shops and both were unsuccessful in finding it. |
| 119355 km | Clicking noise in drivetrain never found or fixed. Still there when sold the car. |
| 96774 km US $95 | Clutch slave cylinder replaced |
| 196774 km US $150 | Clutch slave cylinder failed. Car had to be towed to shop. Part was still under warranty, only had to pay for labor. |
2001 Mazda Miata MX-5 2dr Convertible
106 kilowatts 1.8L I4 5-speed manual RWD
| 22581 km US $1000 | Bad clutch (not worn or damaged). A known problem with 2001's is that they came with a clutch disc that does not work well when it is humid and/or cold. This one worked fine only when hot. Replaced clutch ass'y, resurfaced flywheel. |
| 30645 km | Low clutch pedal, intermittently could not disengage clutch. The clutch was replaced a few months ago and I had neglected to take the car back to the mechanic for a final clutch adjustment a few weeks after the clutch change. |
| 32258 km US $200 | Clutch pedal sometimes goes to floor without disengaging clutch. Clutch sometimes engages slowly while pedal is held at/near floor. Replaced slave and master cylinders. |
| 32258 km | Clutch pedal sometimes goes to floor without disengaging clutch. Clutch sometimes engages slowly while pedal is held at/near floor. This time, replaced a hose. Previously-installed factory clutch hose failed after two days. replaced it with customer-supplied aftermarket performance part. |
| 40323 km | Clutch pedal was low and soft. Mechanic found a minor leak at a house fitting, tightened and bleed system. No charge, as he was the one who had installed the hose last year. |
| 40323 km | Clutch pedal low and soft. Found leak at base of clutch master cylinder reservoir. Replaced master cylinder. |
| 193548 km US $300 | replaced transmission with low-mileage used unit due to worn 2nd gear synchro. |
| 104839 km US $260 | Replace hydraulic clutch line. |
| 120968 km US $2200 | Noisy clutch release bearing. Replaced entire clutch, various bearings and seals. |
2000 Mazda Miata MX-5 2dr Convertible
104 kilowatts 1.8L I4 5-speed manual RWD
| 266129 km US $50 | Camshaft position sensor went out. Easy to replace. |
| 138710 km US $70 | Replaced clutch master and slave cylinders. |
1999 Mazda Miata MX-5 4-door
4-cylinder manual 2WD
| 177419 km US $60 | Replaced clutch master and slave cylinders |
1999 Mazda Miata MX-5 2-door
4-cylinder manual 2WD
| 141935 km US $700 | Diagnosed as throw-out bearing, car was driveable, just heard grinding noise while clutch pedal was depressed. Wanted to upgrade to an ACT heavy duty clutch, installed at Bell Engineering (Begi). Very pleased with install and upgrade. |
| 326606 km US $145 | clutch hydraulic cylinders, flex line, bleeder kit, parts |
| 151613 km US $750 | Clutch/Pressure Plate replaced |
| 106952 km US $25 | Replace clutch slave cylinder |
1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata 4-door
4-cylinder automatic 2WD
1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2-door
supercharged 4-cylinder manual 2WD
| 211290 km US $2000 | Failing reverse gear on transmission. Re-manufactured 5-speed installed. Took the opportunity to install a Torsen LSD as well. |
| Vehicle Identification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Vin Plate | Left dash, seen through windshield | |
| Exterior Colors | Classic Red (SU), Pure White (?), Brilliant Black (PZ), Sunlight Silver Metallic (22V), Midnight Blue Mica (22A), Emerald Mica (18J), Crystal Blue Metallic (23C), British Racing Green (HU) - Special Edition only | Shop Miata Exterior Parts |
| Interior Color | Black, Tan | Shop Miata Interior Parts |
| Factory Options | ||
| Base Model | 15 inch alloy wheels, 195/50R15 V-rated high performance tires, black vinyl top and boot, power mirrors, power antenna, black cloth interior, power windows with driver's one-touch, AM/FM stereo with 1 disc CD player and 2 speaker sound, 3-spoke Nardi leather steering wheel, door 'slam locks', fog lights, engine-immobilizer security system, windblocker | |
| Convenience Package | Includes tweeter speakers, power door locks, cruise control and remote keyless entry | |
| Suspension Package | Includes strut-tower brace, Bilstein shocks, 16-inch alloy wheels with wheel locks, P205/45R16 W-rated high performace tires, Torsen limited-slip differential. (Manual transmission only) | |
| LS Model | Tan interior with tan leather seats, tan vinyl top and boot, Torsen limited slip diff, 16 inch alloy wheels, 195/50R16 W-rated high performace tires, power door locks, remote keyless entry, cruise control, windblocker, carpeted floor mats, Bose music system with 4 speakers, door mounted tweeters | |
| LS Suspension Package | Sport suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers (6 speed Manual transmission only) | |
| Special Edition | All the items of the LS plus British Racing Green paint, 16-inch polished alloy wheels, a Nardi wood steering wheel, shift knob, dash trim and hand brake grip. This car also comes with a 6 speed shifter, unique beige top, boot cover, shifter boot, carpet and seats. In addition there are white gauge faces with chrome trim rings, chrome door handles, stainless steel scuff plates and unique keys. | |
| Torsen limited-slip diff (option) | Manual trans only | |
| Removable Hardtop (option) | Shop Miata Hardtop Accessories | |
| Automatic Trans (option) | 4-speed electronically controlled | Shop Miata Transmission Parts |
| 6-speed Manual Trans (option) | LS only | Shop Miata Transmission Parts |
| Cassette player (option) | ||
| CFC-free air conditioning (option) | ||
| Vehicle | ||
| Length | 155.7 in (3950 mm) | |
| Width | 66.0 in (1680 mm) | |
| Height | 48.4 in (1230 mm) | |
| Wheelbase | 89.2 in (2270 mm) | |
| Curb weight | 2200 lb (1000 kg) | |
| Chassis Type | Unitary steel body, steeland plastic panels | |
| Suspension | Fully independent front and rear, adjustable double-wishbone, coil springs, gas-filled shock absorbers, front and rear stabilizer bars | Shop Miata Suspension Parts |
| Steering | Rack and pinion, optional engine speed-sensing power steering | Shop Miata Steering Wheels |
| Brakes | Power-assisted discs, dual circuit hydraulics | Shop Miata Brakes |
| Engine | ||
| Engine Type | In-line 4-cylinder, DOHC | Shop Miata Engine Parts |
| Engine Displacement | 1.8L (110 cu in) | Shop Miata Engine Parts |
| Bore | 3.27 in (83 mm) | Shop Miata Engine Parts |
| Stroke | 3.35 in (85 mm) | Shop Miata Engine Parts |
| Compression ratio - Manual | 9.5:1 | Shop Miata Engine Parts |
| Horsepower (SAE net) | 142 | Add More Power |
| Torque (SAE net) | 116 | Add More Power |
| Fuel System | Multi-port electronic fuel injection | Shop Miata Fuel Parts |
| Ignition System | Electronic | Shop Miata Ignition Parts |
| Control System | Full ECU control system | |
| Oil Pressure at 1,000 rpm | 15-28 psi | Shop Miata Oil System Parts |
| Oil Pressure at 3,000 rpm | 43-56 psi | Shop Miata Oil System Parts |
| Ignition Timing | 10? +/- 1? | Shop Miata Ignition Parts |
| Fuel Pressure Regulator Pressure | 38-46 psi | |
| Spark Plugs | NGK BKR5E-11 | Shop Miata Spark Plugs |
| Firing Order | 1-3-4-2 | |
| Coil Order | 4-1-2-3 | Shop Miata Coil Packs |
| Transmission | ||
| Transmission | 6-speed manual 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic | |
| Gear Ratios (6-speed Manual) | 1st - 3.76:1 2nd - 2.27:1 3rd - 1.65:1 4th - 1.26:1 5th - 1.00:1 6th - 0.84:1 | |
| Gear Ratios (5-speed Manual) | 1st - 3.136:1 2nd - 1.888:1 3rd - 1.330:1 4th - 1.000:1 5th - 0.814:1 | |
| Gear Ratios (Auto) | 1st - 2.841:1 2nd - 1.458:1 3rd - 1.000:1 4th - 0.730:1 | |
| Capacities | ||
| Engine Oil | 3.8 US quart (3.6L); with filter 4.0 US quart (3.75 L) | Shop Miata Engine Oil |
| Engine Oil Weight | 10W-30 | Shop Miata Engine Oil |
| Manual Trans. Fluid | 2.1 US quart (2.0 L) | Shop Miata Transmission Fluid |
| Trans. Fluid Weight | 80W-90 | Shop Miata Transmission Fluid |
| Auto Trans. Fluid (pan) | 4.2 US quart (4.0L) | |
| Auto Trans. Fluid Weight | Dexron II or M-III | |
| Rear Diff. Fluid | 1.06 US quart (1.0L) | Shop Miata Rear Differential Fluid |
| Coolant | 6.3 US quart (6.0 L) | Shop Miata Cooling Parts |
| Brake Fluid and Clutch Fluid | DOT-3 or DOT-4 | Shop Miata Brake Fluid |
| Fuel Tank | 12.7 gal | Shop Miata Fuel Parts |