Mazda 99-00 Miata – AMP-PNP-MM9900 – Installation

Jump to: Installation | Software | I/O Configuration | Jumper Matrix | Rear Options Connector

ECU Model / Vehicle Specific Installation Guide

Vehicle Fitment:

  • 1999-2000 Mazda Miata 1.8L - Manual Transmission

Please read all documentation before installing your AMP Plug-N-Play ECU and verify that you’ve followed all steps before starting your engine for the first time.

Physical Installation

All you need for a successful installation are basic hand tools. All parts removed during the following steps should be retained for reinstallation, as no factory parts will be discarded.

For a thorough and professional installation, you will need the following items:

  • Ratchet
  • 10mm socket
  • Zip ties
  • Laptop with TunerStudio installed
  1. Disconnect the Negative Battery Cable
  2. Factory ECU Location - Under Driver's Side Dashboard
    The stock ECU is located in the under the Driver's Side Dashboard next to the steering column.  It is secured by two 10mm nuts with the lower bolt is visually accessible, but the upper bolt is on top of the ECU case out of visual sight.  After removal of these two nuts and the ECU will drop down. 
     
  3. Remove the ECU Connectors from Factory ECU
    There are two connectors that need to be unplugged from the factory ECU. These connectors can be difficult to release as they’re a fairly tight fit in the ECU socket.  Press the locking clips and pull on the connector to unseat them from the socket. Slightly rocking the connector back and forth helps with removal.
  4. Route the vacuum line through the firewall
    The MAP sensor reference hose can be routed through an existing firewall grommet. There is a large rubber grommet in the firewall on the driver’s side corner of the engine bay.
  5. Connect the vacuum line to manifold vacuum
    Route the vacuum hose neatly to the vacuum port on the side of the intake manifold. Trim the MAP hose to length and using the nipple on top of the intake manifold provides the perfect source for a vacuum reference.
  6. Connect the vacuum line to the ECU
    Under the dash, route the vacuum line neatly to the ECU and connect it to the reference port on the back of the enclosure. Make sure the hose is routed so it will not be pinched or trapped when the glove box is reinstalled.
  7. Wiring the Rear Options Connector

    This is the time to wire in your wideband along with completing any optional wiring you plan to use through the Rear Options Connector. This is the best time to wire additional sensors, inputs, outputs, speed inputs, or ignition upgrades, since the connector is easier to access before the ECU is mounted in the vehicle.

    Internal Wideband ECU Models
    If you selected the Internal Wideband ECU model, connect the provided wideband sensor cable to the rear options connector as instructed in the pinout section. This allows the wideband sensor to plug directly into the ECU without using a separate external wideband controller.

    No Wideband ECU Models / External Wideband Setups
    If you selected the No Wideband ECU model, or if you are using an external wideband controller, wire the external wideband controller signal to the appropriate rear options connector input.  Click Here: Wiring a Wideband Controller

    Additional Inputs and Outputs
    We also recommend wiring any other planned sensors or accessories at this time, including additional analog inputs, digital inputs, speed inputs, or outputs. This helps avoid removing or accessing the ECU later as your setup expands. Once your wiring is complete, plug the rear options connector into the ECU until it clicks into place and neatly secure the wiring. Refer to the Rear Options Connector section for pinout details and available functions.

  8. Connect the tuning cable
    Attach the serial cable to the AMP Plug-N-Play ECU.
  9. Mounting the ECU
    To mount the AMP PNP ECU, first remove the lower bracket from the OE ECU.  The AMP PNP ECU fits well in the stock ECU location between the brake and clutch pedals.  Reuse the lower bracket only from the original ECU and secure the AMP PNP ECU with zip ties to the lower ECU bracket at the bottom of the unit.  At the top of the AMP PNP ECU, use zip ties to hold  it steady against the clutch pedal bracket.
  10. Route the Tuning Cable
    Neatly route the serial cable to a convenient location for future laptop access.
  11. Reconnect the Negative Battery Cable
  12. Mass Air Flow Meter Removal
    The preloaded base tune on your AMP Plug-N-Play ECU is configured for Speed Density, which is how most customers choose to tune these applications. Because of this, the factory mass air flow meter is no longer required and can be removed from the vehicle. If you are not removing the MAF Sensor you must UNPLUG the sensor.

    Software

    Tuning Software Installation & Setup

    Before starting the vehicle, install TunerStudio on your laptop and connect to your AMP Plug-N-Play ECU using the supplied tuning cable. Open TunerStudio, create a new project for the ECU. Once connected, confirm that TunerStudio shows the ECU as Online and that communication is working properly before making any changes.

    View Tuning Software Installation & Setup Instructions →

    Initial Configuration

    Your AMP Plug-N-Play ECU includes a base tune that is configured for a stock application. If your vehicle has any changes from stock, you should review and update the tune BEFORE STARTING THE VEHICLE.

    Examples of settings that may need to be reviewed or updated include:

    • Engine Size
    • Injector Size
    • Wideband Controller

    Confirm that all required settings match the components installed on your vehicle before proceeding with startup and timing verification.

    View Initial Configuration Instructions →

    Verifying Base Timing

    Now with your new ECU installed, you must verify that the timing commanded by the ECU matches the timing the engine is actually receiving. Improper ignition advance can cause engine damage if it is not checked.

    1. Connect a timing light to Cylinder #1
      Use caution, as secondary ignition voltage can be extremely high. Make sure the timing light leads are routed safely away from moving parts and hot engine components.
    2. Connect your laptop to the ECU and start the vehicle
      Open the tuning software (TunerStudio) and your vehicle’s project. Start the vehicle and confirm that the ECU shows Online.
    3. Set the ECU to fixed timing
      In TunerStudio, go to Ignition Settings > Ignition Options / Wheel Decoder. Under Fixed Advance, select Fixed Timing. Set Timing for Fixed Advance (degrees) to 10.0 degrees, then click Burn.               
    4. Check timing with the timing light
      Use the timing light to confirm that the engine is seeing 10 degrees of timing. If you have a single mark on your crank pulley, align it with the “10” on the indicator dial.  If you have two marks, align the left most mark will align with “10” on the indicator dial and the right mark will align with “T”.  If you have more timing, decrease the “Trigger Angle” (green box above). If you have less, increase this value.
    1. Set the ECU back to Use Table
      Once the timing is correct, change Fixed Advance back to Use Table, click Burn, and cycle ECU power by turning the vehicle off and back on.

    Tuning

    Congratulations, you have completed the physical installation, software setup, and initial configuration of your new AMP Plug-N-Play ECU. Your ECU is now ready, and you can begin tuning the vehicle.

    Base Tune

    Your AMP Plug-N-Play ECU is preloaded with a base tune for the specific ECU model and vehicle application it was built for. This provides a proper starting point for initial startup and tuning. If you ever need to restore the original base tune to the ECU, you can download it from our Firmware & Base Tunes page.


    I/O Configuration

    Below is a breakdown of the I/O usage for your AMP Plug-N-Play ECU. This identifies the default pin assignments for your specific vehicle, allowing you to see which inputs and outputs are already being used for factory functions and why those pins may not be available for use in the tune.

    ECU Internal Jumper Matrix

    Below is a diagram and overview of the available internal jumpers and their functions. To access the jumpers, remove the top (4) screws from either side of the ECU End Plates.

    JP2: Fuel Pump Selection

    On European cars with a factory immobilizer, move the jumper to connect “Fuel Pump” and “Europe w/ immob.”  Otherwise, leave the jumper connected to “USA.”

    Default Setting: Jumpered USA

    Rear Options Connector

    Your ECU includes a bag containing (2) connector housings and (2) banded sets of pre-terminated wires. One set of wires is intended for the larger openings in the connector, and the other set is intended for the smaller openings. Reference the pinout below for available rear options connector functions and wiring locations.

    Important: The pinout diagram below is shown from the back of the connector.

    Printable Copy of Rear Options Connector