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Engine Coolant Replacement

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mazda 3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING:
  • Remove and install all parts when the engine is cold, otherwise they can cause severe burns or serious injury.
  • Turn off the engine and wait until it is cool. Even then, be very careful when removing the cap. Wrap a thick cloth around it and slowly turn it counterclockwise 2.5 turns. Step back while the pressure escapes.
  • When you are sure all the pressure is gone, turn the cap using the cloth, and remove it.
CAUTION:
  • Use engine coolant at a concentration that meets the environmental conditions in which the vehicle is driven, otherwise engine damage could occur.
  • 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.
  1. Remove the cooling system cap.
    Fig 1: Removing Cooling System Cap
    G00972666Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
  2. Remove the under cover.
  3. Remove the radiator drain plug and drain the engine coolant into a container.
  4. Flush the cooling system with water until all traces of color are gone.
  5. Let the system drain completely.
  6. Tighten the radiator drain plug.

    Tightening Torque 1.2-1.5 N.m {13-15 kgf.cm, 11-13 in.lbf} 

    Fig 2: Locating Radiator Drain Plug
    G00972667Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
  7. Referring to the following chart, select proper volume percentage of the water and coolant.

    Antifreeze Solution Mixture Percentage 

    Fig 3: Antifreeze Solution Mixture Specifications
    G00972668Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
  8. Refill the coolant into the coolant reserve tank up to the MAX mark on the tank.
  9. Fully install the cooling system cap.
    10. CAUTION:
    • If the water temperature gauge rises too high, stop the engine and decrease the water temperature to prevent overheating. Then, verify the malfunctioning part and repair or replace it.
  10. Start the engine and idle it until the thermometer indicator is in the center when the engine is at below 1,500 RPM  .
  11. After the engine warms up, perform the following steps verifying that engine coolant temperature does not increase too high using the thermometer.
    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 Step  1,  2 approx. two times.
  12. Stop the engine and wait until the coolant temperature decreases.
  13. Check the coolant level.
    • If It is low, refill the coolant into the coolant reserve tank up to the MAX mark on the tank.
  14. Inspect for coolant leakage.
    • If the coolant leaks, specify the malfunctioning part and repair or replace it.
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