2004 Mazda RX-8 Owners Manual - MyMazda

J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 18 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PMIn Case of an EmergencyOverheatingIf the temperature gauge indicatesoverheating, the vehicle loses power, oryou hear a loud knocking or pingingnoise, the engine is probably too hot.If this happens:Overheating1. Drive safely to the side of the road andpark off the right-of-way.2. Put a vehicle with an automatictransmission in park (P), a manualtransmission in neutral.Apply the parking brake.3. Turn off the air conditioner.WARNINGSteam from Overheated Engine:Steam from an overheated engine isdangerous. The escaping steam couldseriously burn you. Open the hoodONLY after steam is no longerescaping from the engine.4. Check whether coolant or steam isescaping from under the hood or fromthe engine compartment.If steam is coming from the enginecompartment:Don’t go near the front of the vehicle.Stop the engine.Wait until the steam dissipates, thenopen the hood and start the engine.CAUTIONIf the cooling fan does not operatewhile the engine is running, the enginetemperature will increase. Stop theengine and call an Authorized MazdaDealer.5. Make sure the cooling fan is operating,then turn off the engine after thetemperature has decreased.6. When cool, check the coolant level.If it’s low, look for coolant leaks fromthe radiator and hoses.If you find a leak or other damage,or if coolant is still leaking:Stop the engine and call an AuthorizedMazda Dealer.Coolant reservoirIf you find no problems, the engine iscool, and no leaks are obvious:Carefully add coolant as required (page8-12).If neither coolant nor steam isescaping:Open the hood and idle the engine untilit cools.7-18Form No. 8R65-EA-03C