Miata wiring resource...

hypothetically speaking say I had two wiring harnesses for a Miata. One is a 1991 and one is a 1996.

Say that the neither person who took either harness out did a very good job of labeling the connectors. (like none at all)

I am planning to use as much of the Miata wiring as possible. The goal is to strip out stuff like engine electronics and abs (if I use 1996 harness). When stripped, the harness should leave me with the electrical functions found in a 1973 Volvo P1800 plus some AC, cruise control and whatever Miata gauges I can get to work without the computer.

Other than this book, what would a good resource for tackling this task and becoming proficient in Miata electrical systems?

With only 189 days left to go, I better start running this in the mental background.

Best option is factory wiring manual. It has the connector pin outs and layout.

The Exomotive website had links to factory diagrams in the past. Not sure if they are still there, but were about a year ago when I needed them.

Most online diagrams are from Alldata. They're okay, but they don't have the same level of detail on the connectors and the wiring layout as factory. There was a link on GRM for actual factory diagrams a couple of days ago but the connector and wiring layout was missing. You just can't beat the real thing when you'd in a serious project.

BTW, all NA Miata gauges should work without the computer.

Source for the factory manual? Amazon?

Edit: Am I looking for a manual that is strictly for wiring or is it a factory manual for the entire vehicle?

While searching for the book, I found this place:

http://www.mellens.net/mazda/

NOHOME wrote: Source for the factory manual? Amazon? Edit: Am I looking for a manual that is strictly for wiring or is it a factory manual for the entire vehicle?

I think eBay may be your only option these days. It's either a 8.5x11 wiring book specifically or a half size wiring/mechanical book. Beware the CDs for sale on eBay, they're just the online PDFs burned to disc.

NOHOME wrote: While searching for the book, I found this place: http://www.mellens.net/mazda/

Looks like the Alldata stuff. No connector info.

I'll check tomorrow and see if there are digital versions of the factory stuff on the MSSS site.

Confirmed, MSSS has the proper Mazda version of the 1996 diagrams if you can get someone to give you access. Got any friends at your local dealer? It does not have 1991, although you could get by with any 1990-93 manual for that.

This is what the two books look like. This set is redundant - the half-size book is a full factory manual including the wiring, the full size book is wiring only but is in color (harness layout only) and obviously bigger. The small ones are fully legible.

eBay link

Looking on eBay, looks like there's a 1993 for $42 and a 1996 for $35. If you're doing what you're doing, they're well worth it.