What Size Bulbs Does a 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata Use?
Correct headlight, fog light, and tail light bulb sizes. Sourced from OEM catalog data.
Installation Difficulty
Easy (Plug and Play)
Est. Replacement Cost
$15 - $40 (Halogen) / $30+ (LED)
What Lighting System Does the 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata Have?
The 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata features an extensive lighting system with 11 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with H6024 LED low beams and 194 high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The MX-5 Miata has been available from 1997 to 2023, and the 1997 model falls in the early-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata?
To upgrade the 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata headlights to LED, you will need a H6024 LED LED kit for the low beams and a 194 LED kit for the high beams. Start with the low beams since they are used most often and have the biggest impact on nighttime visibility. For the fog lights, a LED Fog Light LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To remove the headlight bulb, disconnect the wiring harness, then twist the bulb counter-clockwise and pull it straight out of the housing. Older model years like the 1997 MX-5 Miata typically offer easy access to the headlight bulbs from behind the headlight assembly under the hood. Most owners can complete the swap in under 10 minutes per side. When installing the new bulb, avoid touching the glass with bare fingers. Skin oils create hot spots that shorten bulb life. Wear clean gloves or handle the bulb by its plastic base only. The fog lights are accessed from underneath the front bumper. You may need to remove a few plastic clips or screws from the fender liner to reach the LED Fog Light fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 11 Positions at Once
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | H6024 LED | Buy H6024 LED |
High Beam | 194 | Buy 194 |
Fog Light | LED Fog Light | Buy LED Fog Light |
Brake Light | 1156 LED | Buy 1156 LED |
Side Marker | 194 LED or 1157 LED | Buy 194 LED or 1157 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 1157NA LED | Buy 1157NA LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 1156 LED | Buy 1156 LED |
License Plate | 89 | Buy 89 |
Parking Light | 1157NA | Buy 1157NA |
Reverse Light | 1156 | Buy 1156 |
Trunk Light | 168 | Buy 168 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 1997 Mazda MX-5 MiataHow Long Do 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata have an expected lifespan of 500 to 1,000 hours, which works out to roughly 2 to 3 years of normal use. Signs of a failing halogen bulb include noticeably dimmer output, a yellowish tint compared to the other headlight, or intermittent flickering. At 29 years old, the original bulbs on your MX-5 Miata are likely overdue for replacement. Even if they still illuminate, reduced brightness significantly impacts nighttime safety. When one headlight burns out, replace both sides at the same time. Bulbs from the same batch age at similar rates, and mismatched brightness is distracting to oncoming drivers.
What Bulbs Are Compatible with the 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata?
The H6024 low beam bulb on the 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a specific fitment. There are no widely recognized cross-compatible alternatives, so make sure to purchase the exact H6024 size. Using the wrong bulb size can cause improper beam patterns that reduce your visibility and blind other drivers. It can also cause overheating inside the headlight housing, potentially warping the plastic lens or reflector. Always verify the bulb number before purchasing.
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata Headlight FAQ
Did Mazda MX-5 Miata Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 1997 to 2023, the Mazda MX-5 Miata has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Fog Light positions. The 1997 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 2016. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 1997 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other MX-5 Miata Years
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Other Vehicles That Use H6024 LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a H6024 LED low beam bulb: