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Engine Coolant Replacement

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mazda 6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING:
  • Drain the engine coolant when the engine is cold, otherwise it may burn you and cause serious injury.
  1. Remove the cooling system cap and the radiator drain plug.
    Fig 1: Locating Cooling System Cap And Radiator Drain Plug
    G01929762Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
  2. Drain the coolant into a container.
  3. Flush the cooling system with water until all traces of color are gone.
  4. Let the system drain completely.
  5. Tighten the radiator drain plug.
    CAUTION:
    • The engine has aluminum parts that can be damaged by alcohol or methanol antifreeze. Do not use alcohol or methanol in the cooling system. Use only ethylene-glycol-based coolant.
    • Use only soft (demineralized) water in the coolant mixture. Water that contains minerals will reduce the coolant's effectiveness.
    • Engine coolant damages paint. If engine coolant does get on a painted surface, rinse it off quickly.
  6. Referring to Fig 2, select proper volume percentage of the water and coolant.

    Antifreeze solution mixture percentage 

    Fig 2: Antifreeze Solution Mixture Specifications
    G01929763Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
  7. Slowly pour the coolant into the radiator up to the coolant filler port. (L3 engine model)
  8. Fill the engine coolant into the coolant reservoir tank up to the F mark on the coolant reservoir tank.
  9. Tighten the cooling system cap.
    CAUTION:
    • If the coolant temperature becomes too high, stop the engine to prevent it from overheating.
  10. Start the engine and idle it until the cooling fan operates.
  11. After engine warms up, perform the following steps.
    1. Run the engine at 2,500 rpm  for 5 min. 
    2. Run the engine at 3,000 rpm  for 5 s  , then idle.
    3. Repeat steps (2) several times.
    4. Idle the engine for 1 min. 
  12. Stop the engine and wait until it is cool.
  13. Inspect the coolant level.
    • If it is low, repeat Steps  712 (L3 engine model), Steps  812 (AJ engine model).
  14. Install the cooling system cap.
  15. Inspect for coolant leakage. (See ENGINE COOLANT LEAKAGE INSPECTION .)