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:

Traction Control System (TCS)
The Traction Control System (TCS) enhances traction and safety by controlling engine torque and braking. When the TCS detects driving wheel slippage, it lowers engine torque and operates the brakes to prevent loss of traction. This means that on a slick surface, the engine adjusts automatic ...

Owner Maintenance Precautions
The owner or a qualified service technician should make these vehicle inspections at the indicated intervals to ensure safe and dependable operation. Bring any problem to the attention of an Authorized Mazda Dealer or qualified service technician as soon as possible. When Refueling Bra ...

Tiedown Hooks
CAUTION Do not use the front and rear tiedown eyelets for towing the vehicle. They have been designed only for securing the vehicle to a transport vessel during shipping. Using the eyelets for any other purpose could result in the vehicle being damaged. Tiedown H ...