Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata Base, AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Ignition Coil Resistance
- Check coil case insulation resistance. Remove leads and disconnect connectors. Using an ohmmeter, measure insulation resistance between coil positive terminal and coil case. See Fig 1 If resistance is infinity, go to next step. If resistance is not infinity, replace ignition coil.
- Using an ohmmeter, measure secondary resistance between coil towers of each coil. See Fig 2 . Resistance should be as specified. See IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE table. If resistance is not as specified, replace ignition coil.
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.