LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Mazda >> 2016 >> 6 Touring, Automatic Trans >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> System >> Symptom Troubleshooting - Engine Control System >> No. 17 Cooling System Concerns-Overheating >> Diagnostic Procedure
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Diagnostic Procedure

STEP INSPECTION RESULTS ACTION
1 INSPECT VEHICLE CONDITION FOR EFFECT ON MALFUNCTION 
  • Verify how the customer drives the vehicle by asking the customer the following:
    • Engine speed is high and remains high for continuous long periods like when climbing a long, steep grade.
  • Is the engine generating excessive heat when driven?
Yes Explain to the customer that the vehicle is normal and give them advice how to use vehicle and provide a specific example of the conditions in which the engine overheats.
No Go to the next step.
2 VERIFY PCM DTC 
Yes Go to the applicable DTC inspection.
(See DTC TABLE [SKYACTIV-G 2.5] .)
No Go to the next step.
3 DETERMINE IF MALFUNCTION CAUSE IS A/C SYSTEM OR OTHER 
  • Start the engine and run it at idle speed.
  • Turn the A/C switch off.
  • Does the A/C compressor disengaged?
Yes Go to the next step.
No Perform the symptom troubleshooting "NO. 24 A/C IS ALWAYS ON OR A/C COMPRESSOR RUNS CONTINUOUSLY".
(See NO. 24 A/C IS ALWAYS ON OR A/C COMPRESSOR RUNS CONTINUOUSLY [SKYACTIV-G 2.5] .)
4 INSPECT ECT SENSOR NO. 1 SIGNAL 
  • Access the ECT PID using the M-MDS.

    (See ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC TEST [SKYACTIV-G 2.5] .)

  • Compare the ECT PID and low engine coolant temperature indicator light and high engine coolant temperature warning light operation.
  • Is the ECT PID value same as indicator/warning light readings?
Yes Go to the next step.
No Inspect the ECT sensor No. 1.
(See ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE (ECT) SENSOR INSPECTION [SKYACTIV-G 2.5] .)
5 INSPECT COOLING FAN CONTROL SYSTEM OPERATION 
Yes Go to the next step.
No Repair or replace the malfunctioning part according to the inspection results.
6 INSPECT COOLING SYSTEM CAP 
Yes Replace the cooling system cap.
No Go to the next step.
7 INSPECT RELATED PART CONDITION 
  • Inspect the following:
    • Engine coolant level
    • Engine coolant performance
    • Coolant leakage (engine internal, external)
    • Water and anti-freeze mixture
    • Thermostat (not fully open)
    • Radiator (clogging)
    • Fuses
Yes Service if necessary.
  • Repeat this step.
  • Is there any malfunction?
No Go to the next step.
8 VERIFY IF MALFUNCTION CAUSED BY LACK OF ENGINE COOLANT 
Yes Add engine coolant and verify that there is no engine coolant leakage.
(See ENGINE COOLANT REPLACEMENT [SKYACTIV-G 2.5] .)
(See ENGINE COOLANT LEAKAGE INSPECTION [SKYACTIV-G 2.5] .)
  • If there is any malfunction:
    • Repair or replace the malfunctioning part according to the inspection results.
No Go to the next step.
9 DETERMINE IF MALFUNCTION CAUSE IS THERMOSTAT OR OTHER 
  • Verify the radiator hose tension.
    WARNING:
    • To prevent burns, use a cloth with your hand to verify the tension of the radiator hose.
  • After the engine warms up, does the engine coolant circulate to the radiator hose?
Yes Go to Step 11.
No Go to the next step.
10 INSPECT THERMOSTAT 
Yes Inspect the water pump.
  • If there is any malfunction:
No Replace the thermostat.
(See THERMOSTAT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [SKYACTIV-G 2.5] .)
11 INSPECT DRIVE BELT  Yes Go to the next step.
No Replace the drive belt.
(See DRIVE BELT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [SKYACTIV-G 2.5] .)
12 INSPECT RADIATOR FOR CLOGGING 
  • Inspect for clogging in the radiator.
  • Is there any malfunction?
Yes Repair or replace the malfunctioning part according to the inspection results.
No Replace the engine coolant.
(See ENGINE COOLANT REPLACEMENT [SKYACTIV-G 2.5] .)
13 Verify the test results.
  • If normal, return to the diagnostic index to service any additional symptoms.

    (See SYMPTOM DIAGNOSTIC INDEX [SKYACTIV-G 2.5] .)

  • If the malfunction remains, inspect the related Service Bulletins and/or On-line Repair Information and perform repair or diagnosis.
    • If the vehicle is repaired, troubleshooting is completed.
    • If the vehicle is not repaired or additional diagnostic information is not available, reprogram the PCM if a later calibration is available. Retest.