I have a 1997 mazda miata with 113,000 miles. It has been a great car up until this recent problem. It started out that the "meter" fuse was failing intermittently. When the 15 amp fuse was replaced it would work fine for aproximately 2-3 minutes (maybe less) at which point I noticed the "service engine" light is now on and then the fuse will fail again. This happened several times until now. Now when the fuse is replaced as soon as the ignition cylinder is cycled the fuse fails instantly. I am an automotive technician, and checked a wiring schematic as to what this "black-yellow" wire on the "meter" fuse supplies. By the way, at this time I have no turn signals, tachometer, gauges or warning lights. This problem it driving me insane!!! I went through the manual and disconnected each component individually to test the circuit at which each time the fuse still failed. The list of components I tried are the oxygen sensors, the ECM, the turn signal switch, and the instrument cluster (cruise control is also on this circuit, but the vehicle is not so equiped) all to no avail!!!! Am I missing something? Is there a short in the wiring harness itself, if so, any suggestions as to where I should extend my search? This has been a problem for about 2 weeks now and I am uncomfortable driving the vehicle with the above stated concerns. Any information you can give me reguarding this concern would be greatly appreciated!!!.
The worst 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Airbags2
- Electrical2
- Body1
- Engine1
- Fuel system1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Airbags2
- Electrical2
- Body1
- Engine1
- Fuel system1
- Lights1
- Steering1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 18
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Radio Unlocking Codes.
- This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driverâs floor mat to avoid...
- The Mazda DCA-8000PM is required for all warranty battery testing
- This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery...
- In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer
- In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer
- Paint damage Mazda pocket paint guide
- Speedometer replacement procedure
- Condition with the malfunction indicator light (MIL) illuminated with DTC P0300
- Conditions with steering wheel slightly off center
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4‑cyl | RWD | 19-20 | 26 | 22 |
What 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
We took the car in to sunnyvale mazda today because the steering column was loose and they said the safety clamps are broken and that the steering column needed to be replaced (plus the safety clamps) and that we must have run over a "bump" to cause the steering column to have to be replaced. I wonder how many other mazda miata's have had this happen to the steering column at approximately 18,000 miles.
The thread about to separate from the tire (tiresize: p185-60r14)( dot number: tire size: p185-60r14 )
At all timesthere is a strong gasoling odor in vehicle and in trunk which causes occupants to get sick. Dealer cannot determine the cause.
Vehicle was involved in a frontal collision at 35-40mph, and the airbags did not deploy, causing injuries.
Driver's floormat is constantly working way onto gas peddle causing accellorator to stay on floor, hook would solve problem, several near accidents
Cell phone usage in vehicle, causes battery to fail.
Parking and directional light failed. Mjs
During vehicle collision no deployment of air bag.
Convert able hard top flew off causing damage to vehicle (ohio state police report)
Compare the 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Other model years
1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005
Questions about the 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Is the 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata reliable?
Owners have filed 11 complaints about the 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata, fewer than a typical MX-5 Miata model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata?
Airbags, with 2 complaints. Next is electrical (2).
How many recalls does the 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata have?
No recalls on record.
What year does the Mazda MX-5 Miata have bad airbags?
The Mazda MX-5 Miata model years with the most airbags complaints are 1996 (17 complaints), 1995 (16 complaints) and 1991 (10 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata get?
Official estimates for the 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata range from 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.8L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 19-20 city and 26 highway.
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