Overheating; If Trouble Arises; Switch the ignition to off and make - Page 491

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If Trouble Arises

Overheating

               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:

   1.   Drive safely to the side of the road and 

park off the right-of-way.

   2.   Put a vehicle with an automatic 

transaxle in park (P), a manual 
transaxle in neutral.

   3.   Apply  the  parking  brake.
   4.   Turn  off  the  air  conditioner.
   5.   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.

   6.   Make sure the cooling fan is operating, 

then turn off the engine after the 
temperature has decreased.

   7.   When cool, check the coolant level.
   

If it is low, look for coolant leaks from 
the radiator and hoses.