Mazda B4000, Owner'S Manual

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How Limp to Safety works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•
The engine coolant temperature
gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•
The symbol will illuminate.
•
The “Service Engine Soon”
indicator light will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•
The engine power will be limited.
•
The air conditioning system will be disabled.
This system has given you an early warning of engine damage and you
should immediately drive to a place of safety where the engine can be
cooled or the vehicle towed to a service shop. Continuing to drive in this
Limp to Safety mode will increase engine temperature some more,
increasing the chance of engine damage, and:
•
The engine will completely shut down.
•
Steering and braking effort will increase.
If you have decided not to have the vehicle towed, and when the engine
temperature cools, you try to re-start it and it appears to have returned
to normal operation, don’t delay in getting to a service facility as soon as
possible to diagnose what caused the overheat and prevent further
engine damage.
When Limp to Safety mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the Limp to Safety mode, so
drive the vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain
high speed operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the
engine is capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent
engine damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to a service facility.
3. If this is not possible, wait for the engine to cool down.
Maintenance and Specifications
207