As owners know, the Mazda Miata is praised for its fun-to-drive factor, reliability and simplicity. Your Miata (now officially known as the MX-5 Miata) is easy to work on, upgrade and modify. If your gear shift boot is getting worn out, it's time to replace it and keep it from becoming an eyesore in your interior. The procedure is slightly different between models (NA, NB and NC).
Engage your parking brake and remove your shift knob. To remove the shift knob, grab it firmly and turn it counterclockwise until it unscrews from the base.
Remove the screw caps to access the console screws. Open your cup holder slide and pry off the small cap at the bottom of the cup holder. Pry up the plastic coin storage below your radio and then pry up the small panel at the rear of the console. Use a flathead screwdriver with tape on the tip to prevent damage to the plastic.
Remove the screws and the center console. Once the screws are removed, lift up on the rear of the console and work your way towards the front to disengage the clips. Disconnect the adapter below the console (power window switch). Pull the console over the parking brake (you'll have to wiggle the parking brake boot).
Set the console upside-down on a suitable workspace. Remove the four Phillips screws mounting the gear shift boot cover ring. Lift the ring and boot cover out (they are attached).
Remove the old boot cover from the ring. The boot cover has holes around the outside; they attach to the ring notches. Pull sections of the boot cover away to remove the cover entirely.
Attach the new boot cover to the shifter ring, lining up the notches. Reattach the shift ring and new boot cover to the console by tightening the screws.
Replace the center console. Reconnect the window switch before securing the console. Work the parking brake boot over the parking brake lever, and then replace the screws and screw caps.
Engage your parking brake and remove your shift knob. Twist the shift knob counterclockwise to remove it.
Open your center console storage lid and remove the two Phillips screws. Remove your cup holder (or ashtray) attachment and remove the Phillips screw (1990 to 2002).
Remove your power window control unit (2003 to 2005). Use a small flathead screwdriver, with the tip wrapped in tape, to pry the unit out. Unplug the unit and remove the Phillips screw underneath.
Pull up the fuel door lever and slide the center console away from it. Unplug the connection for your ashtray light (1990 to 2002). Lift the center console from your Miata.
Set the console upside-down and remove the shift boot cover. On 1990 to 1997 models, there is no ring to remove; simply pull the edges of the boot cover away from the notches. On 1999 to 2005 models (Mazda skipped the 1998 model), remove the four screws to disconnect the ring from the console, and then remove the boot cover.
Attach the new boot cover to the console notches (1990 to 1997). Attach the new boot cover to the ring notches (1999 to 2005), and then replace the ring and tighten the screws.
Reinstall the center console. You'll have to hold the fuel door level up to set it in position. Reconnect the ashtray light connection. Replace the power window control unit, if applicable, and then tighten the screws.
