Mazda 2006 MX-5, Owner'S Manual

Page: 288 / 378

Black plate (288,1)
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 to the first stop.
Step back while the pressure escapes.
When you're sure all the pressure is
gone, press down on the cap
―
still
using a cloth
―
turn the cap, and
remove it.
1. Make sure the engine is not running
and it has cooled.
2. Remove the cooling system cap.
Tighten
Tighten
Loosen
Loosen
3. Remove the radiator drain plug and
drain the coolant into a suitable
container. Properly dispose of the used
coolant.
4. Flush out the system with running
water.
5. Drain the system completely. Insert and
tighten the plug. Add as much
ethylene-glycol-based coolant mixture
and water as necessary to provide
freezing and corrosion protection.
6. In extremely cold climates, add the
mixture percentage recommended in
the coolant mixture percentage table.
7. Run the engine at idle with the cooling
system cap off. Slowly add additional
coolant if necessary.
8. At this point, wait until the engine
reaches normal operating temperature;
then depress the accelerator two or
three times. Add more coolant, if
necessary, until the system is full.
9. Install the cooling system cap. Inspect
all connections for leaks. Inspect the
level in the coolant reservoir one more
time and verify that the coolant level is
between the F and L marks.
8-20
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition2 Page288
Tuesday, June 14 2005 2:33 PM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F