I’ve had a 2001 MX-5 as my daily driver for nearly 10 years now, and I wouldn’t trade her for the world! She and I have been through a lot, and we’ve helped each other limp along sometimes. We’ve driven across the continent together, and as much work as I’ve poured into her, she’s helped me put my own life on track. She’s responsive, nimble, and a pure joy to drive. Yes, I know she’s got a reputation as an under-powered “girls’ car”, but she’s my under-powered “girls’ car”; and I’ll have more fun with her rear-wheel-drive, racing-inspired suspension, and 5-speed 4-banger on and off the track than you will with any of that nostalgically-overpriced Detroit go-in-a-straight-line-as-fast-as-possible-on-11-miles-per-gallon muscle. Don’t get me wrong: I like and I respect classic muscle for what it was, and I still enjoy the thrill of burning a quarter-mile in under 15 seconds, but I love my roadster.
Basically, to all the Miata-haters out there: Go fuck yourselves.
What will you do when driving becomes a pastime instead of a necessity?
Today’s automobiles are more like computers with wheels. As such, modern conveniences like keyless entry and ignition are the new standard, but eventually, your key fob’s battery will die–necessitating a replacement. Dealerships often charge over-inflated prices to replace a single CR2025 battery in under five minutes. In this video, learn how to replace a key fob battery and save a lot of time and headache!
The Mazda dealership wanted about $1000 to change the oil, the air filters, the spark plugs, and clean the corrosion off the battery terminals. I laughed and declared that I, too, own a set of wrenches!
I must note that I do prefer Mazda doing the oil change. It saves me time and effort, and I don’t have to worry about being under the car if the ground starts shaking. Yes, please, put the car on a lift, check the brakes, top off the fluids, and do your factory walkaround while I get some paid work done! I’m just not going to pay you a premium to do easy maintenance work. Don’t get fleeced by the dealership, and save your mechanic’s time and expertise for the big jobs!
How To Change Spark Plugs
The 2014-2020 Mazda Skyactiv engines feature a plug-on-coil design that makes changing plugs incredibly simple. Just remove each coil pack but removing the retaining nut with an 8mm socket and lifting the coil pack off the plug well. Use a 14mm deep socket on an extension to reach the plug and unscrew it from the cylinder, then replace the old plugs with new NGK Iridium IX plugs. (As best I can tell, the OEM Mazda plugs are NGK Iridium plugs). Carefully reseat the coil packs on the plugs and replace the retaining nuts.
How To Change The Engine Air Filter
Find the air box (in this car, it’s at the front of the engine compartment on the driver’s side) and unclip the retaining clips to open. Remove the old filter and replace it with the new one (making sure the air is flowing in the correct direction). Reseat the air box lid and replace the clips.
How To Change The Cabin Air Filter
The cabin air filter is almost universally located behind the glove compartment. Open the glove compartment and squeeze inward on the sides to remove. Locate the cabin air filter, then simply remove and replace. Gently replace the glove box, making sure the hinges are aligned.
How To Clean Battery Terminals
I didn’t make a video for this part of the project because it seemed too much a waste of my time and yours. Auto parts stores sell an aerosol battery terminal cleaner that reacts with acid to neutralize it. Follow the directions on the can, then rinse away (in a manner conforming to local EPA regulations–don’t let it wash into a waterway). Just be sure that your cells aren’t exposed or you could neutralize all the electrolyte in the battery, rendering it intert.
