Mazda 3 Owners Manual: Overheating

Mazda 3 Owners Manual / If Trouble Arises / Overheating

If the high engine coolant temperature warning light illuminates, the vehicle loses power, or you hear a loud knocking or pinging noise, the engine is probably too hot.

WARNING

Switch the ignition to off and make sure the fan is not running before attempting to work near the cooling fan: Working near the cooling fan when it is running is dangerous. The fan could continue running indefi nitely even if the engine has stopped and the engine compartment temperature is high. You could be hit by the fan and seriously injured.

Do not remove either
cooling system cap when the engine and radiator are hot: When the engine and radiator are hot, scalding coolant and steam may shoot out under pressure and cause serious injury.

Open the hood ONLY after steam is no longer escaping from the engine: Steam from an overheated engine is dangerous. The escaping steam could seriously burn you.

If the high engine coolant temperature warning light illuminates:

Drive safely to the side of the road and park off the right-of-way.
Put a vehicle with an automatic transaxle in park (P), a manual transaxle in neutral.
Apply the parking brake.
Turn off the air conditioner.
Check whether coolant or steam is escaping from the engine compartment.

If steam is coming from the engine compartment: Do not go near the front of the vehicle.

Stop the engine.

Wait until the steam dissipates, then open the hood and start the engine.

If neither coolant nor steam is escaping: Open the hood and idle the engine until it cools.

CAUTION If the cooling fan does not operate while the engine is running, the engine temperature will increase. Stop the engine and call an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

Make sure the cooling fan is operating, then turn off the engine after the temperature has decreased.
When cool, check the coolant level.
If it is low, look for coolant leaks from the radiator and hoses.

If you find a leak or other damage, or if coolant is still leaking:

Stop the engine and call an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

Mazda 3. If you find a leak or other damage, or if coolant is still leaking

If you find no problems, the engine is cool, and no leaks are obvious:

Carefully add coolant as required .

CAUTION If the engine continues to overheat or frequently overheats, have the cooling system inspected. The engine could be seriously damaged unless repairs are made. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

Push-Starting

Do not push-start your Mazda. WARNING Never tow a vehicle to start it: Towing a vehicle to start it is dangerous. The vehicle being towed could surge forward when its engine sta ...

Emergency Towing

...

Other materials:

Manual Shift Mode
The manual shift mode gives you the feel of driving a manual transaxle vehicle by allowing you to operate the selector lever manually. This allows you to control engine rpm and torque to the drive wheels much like a manual transaxle when more control is desired. To change to manual shift mo ...

Heater Core Inspection
1. Inspect the heater core for damage, cracks, and water leakage. If there is any malfunction, replace the heater core. 2. Visually inspect the fins for bending. If there is any bending, use the end of a flathead screwdriver to straighten the fins. 3. Visually inspect ...

Fuel Filter (High Pressure) Removal/Installation [Mzr 2.0, Mzr 2.5]
WARNING: Fuel is very flammable liquid. If fuel spills or leaks from the pressurized fuel system, it will cause serious injury or death and facility breakage. Fuel can also irritate skin and eyes. To prevent this, always complete the “Fuel Line Safety Procedure”, while referring to ...