Engine Coolant Replacement
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Drain the coolant in the coolant reserve tank.
- Remove the radiator cap and the radiator drain plug. (See COOLING SYSTEM SERVICE WARNINGS .)
- Drain the coolant into a container.
- Flush the cooling system with water until all traces of color are gone.
- Let the system drain completely.
- Tighten the radiator drain plug.
Tightening torque
0.7-1.1 N.m {7-12 kgf.cm, 7-10 in.lbf}
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 cut down the coolant effectiveness.
- Engine coolant will damage paint. If engine coolant does get on a painted surface, rinse it off quickly.
- Referring to the following chart, select proper gravity of the coolant.ANTIFREEZE SOLUTION MIXTURE PERCENTAGE
Coolant protection Volume percentage Gravity at 20 °C {68 °F} Water Coolant Above -16 °C {3 °F} 65 35 1.057 Above -26 °C {-15 °F} 55 45 1.072 Above -40 °C {-40 °F} 45 55 1.086 - Slowly pour the coolant into the radiator up to the coolant filler port.
Filling pace
- 1.0 L {1.1 US qt, 0.9 lmp qt}/min [max]
- Fill the coolant into the coolant reserve tank up to the FULL mark on the coolant reservoir.
- Fully install the radiator cap.
- Start the engine and warm it up.CAUTION:
- If the coolant temperature becomes too high, stop the engine to prevent it from overheating.
- After engine warms up, perform the following steps.
- Run the engine at 2,500 RPM for 5 min.
- Run the engine at 3,000 RPM for 5 min.
- Repeat steps (1) and (2) several times.
- Stop the engine and wait until it is cool.
- Inspect the coolant level.
- If it is low, repeat Steps 7-12.
- Verify there is no coolant leakage.