Black plate (247,1)
qChanging Coolant
Change coolant according to Scheduled
Maintenance (page 8-3).
CAUTION
l
Use only soft (demineralized) water
in the coolant mixture. Water that
contains minerals will cut down on
the coolant's effectiveness.
l
Don't add only water. Always add a
proper coolant mixture.
l
The engine has aluminum parts and
must be protected by an ethylene-
glycol-based coolant to prevent
corrosion and freezing.
l
DO NOT USE alcohol or methanol
antifreeze. DO NOT MIX alcohol or
methanol with the coolant. This
could damage the cooling system.
l
Don't use a solution that contains
more than 60 % antifreeze.
This would reduce effectiveness.
For mixture percentage:
Protection
Volume
Antifreeze
solution
Demineralized
water
Above –16°C (3°F) 35% 65%
Above –26°C (–15°F) 45% 55%
Above –40°C (–40°F) 55% 45%
To change coolant
WARNING
Removing the Cooling System Cap:
Removing the cooling system cap
while the engine is running or hot is
dangerous. This might lead to cooling
system and engine damage and could
result in serious injury from escaping
hot coolant or steam. Turn off the
engine and wait until it's cool. Even
then, be very careful when removing
the cap.
Wrap a thick cloth around the cap and
slowly turn it counterclockwise about
two and a half rotations.
Step back while the pressure escapes.
When you're sure all the pressure has
escaped, turn the cap
counterclockwise ― still using a cloth
― and remove the cap.
1. Remove the cooling system cap.
L
oosen
Loosen
Tighten
Tighten
2. Only when the engine is cool, remove
the radiator drain plug and drain the
coolant into a suitable container.
Properly dispose of the used coolant.
3. Flush out the system with running
water.
Maintenance andCare
Owner Maintenance
8-17
Mazda3_8T66-EA-04H_Edition1 Page247
Thursday, June 24 2004 5:20 PM
Form No.8T66-EA-04H