MX5 Full Guide | Essential DIY maintenance and fixes for any MX5 owner!

Here is a video of the DIY maintenance and mods I performed during this lockdown period on my own new (to me) MX5 NC MK3. Most people just settle with engine oil and filter, however in this video I show what I did in addition to my previous video (how I changed the gearbox, differential and engine oil along with spark plugs, MAF sensor, radiator coolant and much more). Here I also fixed a leaking roof issue which caused water in the boot because the drain holes were blocked. Things like coolant tank leaks, drain holes being blocked, MX5 head unit improvements and more.
My MX5 (Miata) is a 2006 with roughly 70k on the clock. For a 14 year old car it is in great shape. However, many people overlook really maintenance on crucial components. This is my 'how to' MX5 video.
Here is the rust convertor I used and referenced in the video - www.dinitroldirect.com/produc...
Hopefully this video helps a few people who are new owners of the car. Please do as always like and comment and i'll get back to you on what, why and how I did things!

[@elstukov]

word of advice. your lady should consider moving the seat just a bit backwards.. its a matter of safety in case of an accident. The power of the airbag at that distance can do some serious damage.

[@TwoWheelTorque]

this is not a bad idea. To be honest we now no longer have the car. Once she was pregnant it wasnt ideal

[@chickenlips605]

I’m short lady too and I have to scoot up close to the clutch as well; I got a clutch pedal extender that works wonders

[@grahambolton3853]

Wer was the pedal extender from

[@digitalbreakthroughs]

Needs to be at least 10” between you and airbag.

[@arturomedina8262]

I’d like a video about the head unit replacement with the steering wheel controls, I’ve been looking for one for quite a long time now.

[@streetcodeonly]

Great video, you explained everything really well. I'm in the market for a NC but holding out for the right one.

[@SFDom415-pe8qo]

I got a 2014 miata a couple years. I have never driven a car so amazing and I’ll never drive anything but a Miata for the rest of my life. It’s hella fun and I drive the fuck out of this car. It’s does anything you want.

[@frankbutta9344]

I bought a 2010 Miata in October 2019. No leaks into the cabin, and everything has been 100%. The Apple CarPlay was installed immediately, and that’s been very nice. It is my daily driver, even in snow. I live in SE Pennsylvania, and we have had zero snow this winter. Thanks for Sharing!

[@sundayfunday722]

where did you get your car play system from?

[@noe-tobin]

I'm about to get a 2010 as well and live in Philly. We should meet up

[@ash110cars]

Looking to buy an mx5 , this video is brilliant thank you , Tony.

[@jasonpatrickfahy]

Great Video! Thanks for sharing. This will make life a lot easier when I finally find the one for me! 😀

[@ET-cj8jo]

First, thanks for the video and congratulations on getting a great car ! I have a year 2000 NB with 34,000km on the clock. No leaks. The 23 year old vinyl soft top is finally showing signs of age, though I apply "AutoGlym's vinyl and rubber care" to keep it in good condition. The rubber weather seals are in the most part still OK but I apply the AG stuff to keep them supple. I use a long metal wire grabber to clear out the rear drain holes. There are also drain holes in the front wings, and leaves blow in there when the doors are open, and also drain holes in the doors. I don't service the car myself but take it to a Mazda dealer that does it at a very reasonable price. I check the oil regularly but it doesn't use much between 6 month servicing. In 8 years of ownership I have only replaced the (failed) spark generator unit, and the cam shaft and crank angle sensors due to starting trouble in hot weather. Yes, the Japanese do salt their roads, mostly in mountainous areas, on both local roads and motorways. However, the vast majority of Japanese swap summer tyres for soft, sticky rubber winter tyres so that winter driving is grippier. Where I live in the Japanese mountains, many drivers use winter tyres all year round. Most garages offer a salt protection coating for the underbody, which needs to be done every year. A roadster will do well in cold weather and even snowy conditions with winter tyres, despite just RWD, but it is best to drive in "winter mode" and not hare around corners ! I drive with the top down all seasons, but the top has come in handy for the odd moments of inclement weather, which is to be expected in the mountains. Best wishes from a Brit/Ozzie in Japan. Vroom vroom !

[@randy1280]

Your car looks sooooooooo good. Great job on it chief

[@stevensumner3146]

Great information and clearly stated. Thank you for sharing and best wishes for 2024

[@user-fp5qn5ph9q]

Thank you. Practical, down-to-earth, and not infected with American-style, over-talked, self-indulgent BS. I would have liked one on changing headlight bulbs. For some reason my passenger side headlight bulbs (low-beam) keep blowing and it seems ridiculously complicated to change them. Have also just lost interior fan (blower) - made some strange noises and then stopped working altogether.

[@EricGCraig]

Nicely done, some really useful tips. Finish looks great, what products are you using?

[@rogerdickinson6944]

The paintwork is lovely on yours, like glass.

[@TwoWheelTorque]

Thanks so much 😊 I have quite a good detailing procedure with a machine polisher. The trick though is the final step. Turtle wax hybrid solutions!

[@CosmicSeeker69]

Being ancient, I'd say that the first step is the most important. Clay bar the body before any other steps. The paintwork needs to be silent when you rub your hands over it before you do anything else 🙏

[@ruthdowling9323]

Great video very helpful

[@toshibavoodoo]

Love my 2012 GT MX5!!

[@albertiny87]

Good job! I also have a NC, and basically followed the same steps as you. I'm missing the rust and that cooling tank mod... next on the list!

[@TwoWheelTorque]

Ah perfect man! I do miss my MX5 a lot. Good luck with yours!

[@mathster]

Great information thanks! Any links for the coolant tank please

[@anthonybrunt181]

Useful.Thank you.

[@sakola7867]

Great vid, did you have to do any wiring to maintain steering wheel controls for the headunit?

[@johnty63]

Excellent video my friend just bought a NC 2006 and absolutely love it after only one month. Can ypu give me please all the parts you needed for the radio upgrade ?

[@samperez3161]

I really enjoyed watching your video and it solved how to fix the leak issues. My only suggestion would be to add links to the items you used to fix the issues or just give the item name in the description.

[@smiles564]

Great work! It's funny you did the smoked side LED light. People in the States are putting those holes in to make them look European lol the grass is always greener

[@brianpiersol9412]

yes, explain that to me please.... My NC has no amber round lights in the fenders. Pennsylvania USA MX5. Is there some European law that requires amber turns lamps in the fenders??

[@ttinnovations3310]

Thanks for the Video

[@mrstringerd12132]

Can I get a link to the aerial? I can't find one wide enough at the bottom to cover the silver part of the base. Also, for the door bushing used? Great vid!

[@FJB8646]

I’ve never had clogged drain holes with my soft top 2013. It helps to use a roof cover when it’s left outside. I never park under trees either.

[@TwoWheelTorque]

Ah some wise tips there. Tbh I imagine your 2013 had better design improvements too. Mine was 2006 and really the first mk3 / NC

[@mrtobyisking1]

Great video and informed content. Thanks for posting.

[@TwoWheelTorque]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joshbonsey3596]

@@TwoWheelTorque Do you have the link to the headunit with carplay etc, have a bose audio 2010 mx5. Does it come with facia and all linkage needed, how hard was the install?

[@TwoWheelTorque]

Hey! Not hard at all really, I had to buy some wires and a fascia but the seller explained it pretty well. ATOTO Year in-Dash 2 Din Digital... www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07XC1BMZ6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@Codzilla71]

There's one really bad review for that - think I'll stick with the original, poor but ok.

[@performancelink]

Great video good job.

[@gonshocks]

Nice cold start at the end. Is that a stock muffler?

[@AndyGadget]

Looks amazingly similar to mine. Just about the same mods (and fixes). How's your temperature? The thermostats fail around 70,000 and it will run too cold.

[@limpethead]

Ive just bought one exactly the same. And noticed bubbles around the side indicating lights. Will get it painted and sealed. Only one small dint, but a few slack scratches. Not too bad or deep, will buff out. I still haven't got used to clutch pedal. So close. I can spend some money on it, its not a million miles from yours. Which is banging

[@garycraig278]

i removed the footrest left of the clutch pedal as my foot kept hitting it , worked great

[@theemansainty2k]

Would you mind creating a Playlist with just your miata vids pl ty

[@kriskaylor6679]

Thanks helpful video

[@FloundersMindthots]

Do you have a link to those ramps please? They look very, very useful!

[@23AVNI23]

Great video! What door bushings did you buy?

[@TwoWheelTorque]

On the facebook page called MX5 NC Europe there is a guy who sells the hard plastic its like a CNC machined plastic door bushings. I think they are called Delrin

[@chrisduke5922]

Hi, do you have a link to the stereo please and was it simple enough to fit? Thanks

[@butWhyDad]

This would be a good car for my city San Diego lol. Barely rains 10 days a year

[@haereticus]

Thanks, super helpful video. Wanted to upgrade the multimedia on my nc too. I did some research and noticed that some basic wiring is needed (especially for the wheel commands) but I have no tools and I am a newbie with cars and electronics. I know there are some kits that include the masks plus all plugs and adapters to fit a new device instead the cd player - would you be able to share if you used one and where you bought it? And what multimedia system you are using? I read about atoto a7 series but I am generally reluctant with chinese systems, but you and other people seem to enjoy it (if yours is the same?) Thanks

[@Salutimondo]

I upgraded the multimedia head unit on my 2006 NC MX5 recently (replacing Bose Unit). I did not, and would not ever entertain the thought of installing it myself and bought mine from a specialist auto parts retailer store who also installs the products on-site. I've detailed what I bought fyi but the codes may vary from country to country. I bought a SONY wireless head unit and the associated parts needed including a fascia specifically designed for the model and year MX5. This is what I bought: Sony 6.95" AV Head Unit With Wireless Car Play Android Auto Receiver - XAVAX4000 Aerpro Fascia To Suit Mazda - FP8157 SKU: ME20998 Part Number. FP8157 Aerpro Steering Wheel Control Interface - CHMZ5C SKU: ME19107 Part Number. CHMZ5C Aerpro APP9 Secondary ISO Harness & SWC Patch Lead - APP9SP5 SKU: 117969 Part Number. APP9SP5 Plus the cost of installation which took the specialist installer about 1 and a half hours and was a superb job. The head unit allows wireless music from my phone rather than having to be plugged into it. Very handy. I am in Australia so haven't named the auto retailer but can if you are also based here but I assume you are not.

[@theemansainty2k]

Are there links to the accessories/part that you bought? If not can you create then pl ty

[@600kgixxer]

Hey, how long have you owned it and have you caroied out any more mods. Ive neen lookokg and would like to get one.

[@lukasrydelius6174]

Were the wheels hyper dipped? Or painted? If they were, what color/shade of grey is it?

[@proton600]

Great content. If you don't mind, What stereo did you buy?

[@TwoWheelTorque]

I got one on amazon it was quite cheap (in comparison to Sony, Pioneer etc) - Atoto Year in 2 Dash

[@007JHS]

What was your replacement head unit? Did it have integrated satnav????

[@charlesosbun3642]

Love the sound! How did you get it?

[@TwoWheelTorque]

I bought a cheap unbranded exhaust on eBay for the mk3! Simple plug and play but did make the sound better for the car! Didn’t take long to fit either!

[@garrygadget]

Yours sounds far beefier than my mk3? What did you do to the exhaust system?

[@FJB8646]

I love the floor mats! Where did you get those?

[@TwoWheelTorque]

I just got some on ebay, some rubber heavy duty ones. Needed rubber so it wouldn't let water leak through to the floor if i did have another leak.

[@James-xu1rr]

Nice plate

[@TwoWheelTorque]

Thank you 😋

[@drorbrandes6180]

I added a careud tpms from aliexpres Fits right in the blank button near the dsc

[@TwoWheelTorque]

ooh thats neat

[@stephen579]

Thanks this is very helpful, and your lady is lovely.

[@TwoWheelTorque]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Jupiter6317]

you have link to the head unit?

[@kent570253]

Why did it have rust on the underbody? Was it driven in the winter? Not the best winter car in my opinion. Thanks for the video.

[@TwoWheelTorque]

It wasn’t bad, only surface rust but I know it’s something that can get worse over time so dealt with it.

[@simonvancoevorden295]

Great no nonsense video ! I have a 2010 Nc with the power hardtop here in Western Australia. No body rust thanks to our climate but all the paint on the black suspension parts & under body bracings was flaking off . I had to remove the lot & get them blasted then powder coated. Then I coated the whole underside with some fisholene (great stuff ) ! Two questions if I may I have been told that on the later NCs one cannot clean the drain holes due to some traps half way down , does anybody know ? Have tried an air line but nothing comes out . When I retract the folding hardtop the FM radio reception degrades ( Bose stereo) . Does anybody know if the stubby antenna fixes that ? Thanks & greetings. Simon

[@TwoWheelTorque]

Yeah there are some traps half way down, I’ve been told these are like rubber flaps that stop a little noise and dirt going up from the bottom. To be quite honest a few people still try cleaning them. You can navigate past the rubber flaps but if you push too hard you may damage them. Tbh id still try clean it

[@TwoWheelTorque]

Just googled what fisholene is sounds like a fish oil based paint thinner haha

[@ParJarBinx]

Hi mate with the power hard top there should be some small vents blocking you from using a cleaning brush anyway, for the PRHT those drain holes don't get used much but you can test if they're clogged by pouring some water down though. As long as you keep your seals in good condition it seems water won't reach the drains. About the stereo, when you retract the roof it will increase the volume and use a different equaliser. You might just need to adjust the profile

[@wg5768]

Stubby antenna =worst radio reception. They are basically for looks.

[@ParJarBinx]

Great video, I've done mostly the same. Do you know any UK supplier for the metal coolant tank?

[@TwoWheelTorque]

www.mx5parts.co.uk/aluminium-coolant-expansion-tank-mk3-35-p-4307.html? This is the one i used

[@ParJarBinx]

@@TwoWheelTorque cheers

[@rossross8224]

how easy was it to replace the screen so you can use apple play / WhatsApp etc

[@magda5252]

Did I hear it right when you said you used Zoflora with hot water to keep the rear drain holes free from debris? Cleaning the drain holes with a trombone cleaner is indeed a chore and I want to avoid having to spend another afternoon removing the roof off my 2008 Mk3 to again access to them!

[@TwoWheelTorque]

Yeah that’s right, zoflora to make sure no germs and smell is lingering, hot water as it helps break down and dirt/grease. Could always add all purpose cleaner too. I totally agree, it’s a pain doing the trombone cleaner bit so this is a much easier option once a season

[@Codzilla71]

The trombone cleaner is easy after the first time/getting the hang of it.

[@boothandy3406]

Hi, where did you find that expansion tank for the mx5?

[@TwoWheelTorque]

Hey I used this one from Mx5 parts www.mx5parts.co.uk/aluminium-coolant-expansion-tank-mk3-35-p-4307.html

[@brucehiley9757]

Which replacement head unit did you install?

[@TwoWheelTorque]

Hey man this is the one I got ATOTO F7 XE 8 inch 1280*720 IPS Double-DIN & Single-DIN Adaptive Car Stereo- Wireless CarPlay & Wireless Android Auto, HD Live Rearview, Mirror Link, Quick Charge, USB/SD(up to 2TB Storage) F7G1A8XE amzn.eu/d/j1ymuVD

[@jilmergarcia3669]

I cleaned the roof drains because the passenger side was blocked, but it is still leaking water into the cabin, anyone know why? Pls let me know.

[@TwoWheelTorque]

I would 100% put money on the front windscreen holes. Basically the plastic trim under the windscreen connects into a screw hole which leaks.

[@m_pobletesilva]

Tengo un mx5 2013 nc inmaculado #newmps

[@urisluckin5253]

Which Android Radio did you install, please?

[@TwoWheelTorque]

ATOTO Year in-Dash 2 Din Digital... www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07XC1BMZ6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@PoohBear01]

Is she not sitting a bit close to the wheel?

[@joebeaumont1718]

Can anyone give me a link to the stereo in his car ?

[@TwoWheelTorque]

I can - ATOTO Year in-Dash 2 Din Digital... www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07XC1BMZ6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@justicegarner4863]

Ty very much. I think the only modernization this car needs is the console, other than that, it’s great

[@AmirTheStrong]

What type of head unit are you using with Apple Car Play?

[@iainrutherford184]

Looks like Atoto S6. I've just popped back to the channel as I'm in the market for an android head unit. It would appear that the S8 standard is a better option as it has 3gb ram and also a better OS. The S6 is still an awesome head unit by all account 😊

[@iainrutherford184]

My apologies it's the Atoto 7. Description and link down below.

[@rob_the_med_grower8297]

where exactly did you get the head unit. can you provide a link. i am looking for something that has apple car play and GPS mostly and a radio.

[@sudstahgaming]

I've just turned 40 never had no interest in a mx5 or any car of that matter, now I want 1 and want to mod and improve parts, is the mid life crisis thing genetic! 😂

[@jagboy69]

Your coolant tank is aluminum, not stainless.

[@TwoWheelTorque]

thats a good shout. My bad!

[@stfu7203]

I've got a bloody pebble stuck in one of my drain holes and have no idea how I'm gonna get it out 😂😂

[@TwoWheelTorque]

haha aah man hopefully it comes out but it should come out with a gentle push.

[@AquaStevae]

You said you like to over-do things on your car, and while it's a nice looking MX5, you've not done the one thing ALL MX5's NEED to do FIRST, and that is lower it onto coilovers. It looks ridiculous all jacked up high like a 4x4 monster truck. If you want it to look MUCH better, and drive a ton better, put in some coilovers, and lower this thing down to the edge of the fenders. Then you will have a great looking and driving car.

[@altair7001]

Your new coolant tank doesn't look like stainless steel at all. I'm pretty sure it's aluminium.

[@TwoWheelTorque]

Hi mate you’re right! My mistake in the video, it’s aluminium and from mx5parts.co.uk

[@jdub264]

Very OCD. The kind of gentleman you'd want to buy a car or motorcycle from.

[@TwoWheelTorque]

Thank you!! Haha

[@1972scenic]

Where is yours covid now ??