Mazda2005–2009

MX-5 2.0: Common faults & known problems

Common faults & known problems

6 known faults documented in workshop bulletins. Of these, three concern the engine and fuel system and one the brakes. Symptoms, causes, repair steps and part numbers are shown where supplied.

Engine & fuel system

3 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated

Affects All models with L3/L3 turbo/LF engine codes: 3: →12/07. 6: →06/07. MX-5: →12/07. 5: 2006-07. CX-7: →12/07.P0440Fit new part

Symptoms

Engine runs in limp home mode. Trouble code stored: P0440.

Cause

Evaporative emission (EVAP) canister purge valve faulty.

Repair

  1. Fit new evaporative emission (EVAP) canister purge valve.
Parts7 parts
Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
EVAP valveLF66-20-360K3 (→2005)
EVAP valveL32D-20-360D3 (2006→)
EVAP valveL391-18-740C6 (→2005)
EVAP valveL3P9-18-740B6 (2006→)
EVAP valveLFG1-18-741BMX-5
EVAP valveL3P5-20-360B5
EVAP valveL33L-18-740BCX-7

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 2.

Engine idle high

Overview

Affects
All models, →25/03/08.
Fault codes
P0507
Remedy
Software update

Symptoms

Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated. Trouble code stored: P0507.

Cause

Engine control module (ECM) software fault.

Repair

  1. Carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible cause(s).
  2. If no fault(s) found: Re-program ECM with upgraded software.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 4.

Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated. Trouble code stored: P2096

Overview

Affects
All models with petrol engines.
Fault codes
P2096
Remedy
Software update

Cause

Engine control module (ECM) software fault.

Repair

  1. Carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible cause(s).
  2. If no fault(s) found: Re-program ECM with upgraded software.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 5.

Brakes

1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Noise from front brakes when brakes applied at slow speed

Vibration between brake pads and discs. Fix: fit a modified part.

Overview

Affects
All models, →11/06.
Remedy
Fit modified part

Repair steps

  1. Remove brake pads.
  2. Clean and lubricate brake caliper carrier.
  3. Fit modified front brake pads. Ensure brake pad anti-squeal shims are fitted.

Parts

Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
Front brake padsNFY7-33-28ZC1

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 1.

Other

2 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Rattling noise from audio unit area

Affects All models, 2005-08.Fit modified part

Cause

Audio unit mounting brackets faulty.

Repair

  1. Fit modified audio unit mounting brackets.
Parts4 parts
Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
Mounting bracket - RHNH42-66-9BO1
Mounting bracket - LHNH52-66-9BO1
Mounting screwT060-66-A924
Bolt9945-90-6121

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 3.

Resonance or whining noise from rear differential while driving

Overview

Affects
All models, →05/13.
Remedy
Fit new part

Cause

Poor manufacture of rear differential.

Repair

  1. Carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible cause(s).
  2. If no fault(s) found: Fit new rear differential.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 6.

Glossary

Technical terms used in this guide.

MIL
Malfunction indicator lamp — the engine warning light on the dashboard
ECM
Engine control module — the electronic unit that manages the engine
Caliper
The part that squeezes the brake pads onto the disc
Control Module
A control unit for one of the vehicle's systems (engine, gearbox, brakes, body, and so on)
Limp Home
A protective mode that limits power so the vehicle can be driven to a workshop
Re-Program
Update the software on a control module using the manufacturer's diagnostic tool
Trouble Code
A standardised fault code stored by a control module, read with a diagnostic tool

Frequently asked questions

What are the common faults with the Mazda MX-5 2.0?

This guide contains six workshop bulletins for the Mazda MX-5 2.0. Of these, three concern the engine and fuel system and one the brakes. Symptoms, causes, repair steps and part numbers are shown where supplied.

Does every Mazda MX-5 2.0 have these faults?

No. These are patterns documented across the model by workshops, not predictions for an individual vehicle. Where a fault applies only to certain vehicles or VIN ranges, that is listed with the fault.

Can I check for Mazda MX-5 2.0 faults myself?

Many of them. The documented symptoms can be seen, heard or felt during a test drive.

Related guides

Glossary term

See in the glossary →