Removal and Replacement
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COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING, FILLING AND BLEEDING - 2.5L
Draining
WARNING:Always allow the engine to cool before opening the cooling system. Do not unscrew the coolant pressure relief cap when the engine is operating or the cooling system is hot. The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
CAUTION:The coolant must be recovered in a suitable, clean container for reuse. If the coolant is contaminated, it must be recycled or disposed of correctly. Using contaminated coolant may result in damage to the engine or cooling system components.
CAUTION:The engine cooling system is filled with Mazda Premium Gold Engine Coolant.
NOTE:The addition of Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets or equivalent meeting Mazda specification darkens Mazda Premium Gold Engine Coolant from yellow to golden tan.
NOTE:Less than 80% of coolant capacity can be recovered with the engine in the vehicle. Dirty, rusty or contaminated coolant requires replacement.
1. Release the pressure in the cooling system by slowly turning the pressure relief cap one half turn counterclockwise. When the pressure is released, remove the pressure relief cap.
2. Remove the retainers and the LH splash shield.
3. Place a suitable container below the radiator draincock.
- Open the draincock and allow to drain.
- Close the draincock after draining.
4. Install the LH splash shield and the retainers.
Filling and Bleeding
CAUTION:Engine coolant provides freeze protection, boil protection, cooling efficiency and corrosion protection to the engine and cooling components. In order to obtain these protections, the engine coolant must be maintained at the correct concentration and fluid level in the degas bottle.When adding engine coolant, use a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and distilled water.
- To maintain the integrity of the coolant and the cooling system:
- Vehicle cooling systems are filled with Mazda Premium Gold Engine Coolant. Do not mix coolant types.
- Do not add/mix orange-colored, extended life coolant such as Mazda Specialty Orange Engine Coolant, meeting Mazda specifications or green colored Mazda coolant. Mixing coolants may degrade the coolant's corrosion protection.
- Do not add alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze. These can cause engine damage from overheating of freezing.
- Mazda does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine coolant in vehicles originally equipped with Mazda Premium Gold Engine Coolant since a Mazda-approved recycling process is not yet available.
- Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate manner. Follow your community's regulations and standards for recycling and disposing of automotive fluids.
NOTE:The addition of Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets or equivalent meeting Mazda specification darkens Mazda Premium Engine Coolant from yellow to golden tan.
1. Open the degas bottle cap and bleed valve on the back of the engine water outlet.
NOTE:Make sure the coolant flows from the radiator through the upper radiator hose and fills the engine. When full, coolant should flow from the bleed hole.
2. Fill the degas bottle to the MAX fill line.
3. Close the degas bottle cap and the bleed valve.
4. Start the engine and let it idle for 30 minutes or until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
CAUTION:If the engine overheats or the fluid level drops below the minimum fill line, shut off the engine and add fluid to the degas bottle maximum fill line once the engine cools. Failure to follow these instructions may result in damage to the engine.
5. Allow the engine to cool and repeat Step 2 if necessary.
6. Start the engine and turn the heater to the MAX position.
7. Run the engine at 2,500 rpm for 10 minutes.
CAUTION:If the engine overheats or the fluid level drops below the minimum fill line, shut off the engine and add fluid to the degas bottle maximum fill line once the engine cools.
8. Repeat Step 7 if necessary.
9. Check the engine coolant level in the degas bottle and fill as necessary.
WARNING:Always allow the engine to cool before opening the cooling system. Do not unscrew the coolant pressure relief cap when the engine is operating or the cooling system is hot. The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.