In Case of an Emergency; If steam is coming from the engine ; If neither coolant nor steam is - Page 171

7-11

In Case of an Emergency

Form No. 8R09-EA-02G

Overheating

If the temperature gauge indicates 
overheating, the vehicle loses power, or 
you hear a loud knocking or pinging 
noise, the engine is probably too hot.

If this happens:

1. Drive safely to the side of the road and 

park off the right-of-way.

2. Put a vehicle with an automatic 

transmission in park (P), a manual 
transmission in neutral.
Apply the parking brake.

3. Turn off the air conditioner.

4. Check whether coolant or steam is 

escaping from under the hood or from 
the engine compartment.

If steam is coming from the engine 
compartment:

Don’t go near the front of the vehicle. 
Stop the engine. Then turn the ignition 
switch to the ON position without 
starting the engine.
The radiator cooling fans will start to 
cool the engine.

If neither coolant nor steam is 
escaping:

Open the hood and idle the engine until 
it cools. If this doesn’t lower the 
temperature, stop the engine and let it 
cool.

5. Visually inspect the alternator/water 

pump drive belt for looseness and 
breakage and all cooling hose 
connections for leaks. If the belt is 
broken or coolant is leaking, call an 
Authorized Mazda Dealer for 
assistance.

6. If the drive belt is OK, the engine is 

cool, and no coolant leaks are obvious, 
inspect the coolant level. Carefully add 
coolant as required (page 8-15).

Overheating

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

WARNING

Cooling system cap

Engine coolant 
reservoir

J07R_8R09_EA_02G_Edition4.book  Page 11  Monday, February 3, 2003  1:16 PM