2004 Mazda RX-8 Owner's Manual - Page 217

J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 18 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM In Case of an Emergency Overheating Overheating If the temperature gauge indicates overheating, the vehicle loses power, or you hear a loud knocking or pinging noise, the engine is probably too hot. If this happens: 1. Drive safely to the side of the road and park off the right-of-way. 2. Put a vehicle with an automatic transmission in park (P), a manual transmission in neutral. Apply the parking brake. 3. Turn off the air conditioner. CAUTION If the cooling fan does not operate while the engine is running, the engine temperature will increase. Stop the engine and call an Authorized Mazda Dealer. 5. Make sure the cooling fan is operating, then turn off the engine after the temperature has decreased. 6. When cool, check the coolant level. If it's low, look for coolant leaks from the radiator and hoses. If you find a leak or other damage, or if coolant is still leaking: Stop the engine and call an Authorized Mazda Dealer. WARNING Steam from Overheated Engine: Steam from an overheated engine is dangerous. The escaping steam could seriously burn you. Open the hood ONLY after steam is no longer escaping from the engine. 4. Check whether coolant or steam is escaping from under the hood or from the engine compartment. If steam is coming from the engine compartment: Don't go near the front of the vehicle. Stop the engine. Wait until the steam dissipates, then open the hood and start the engine. If neither coolant nor steam is escaping: Open the hood and idle the engine until it cools. Coolant reservoir If you find no problems, the engine is cool, and no leaks are obvious: Carefully add coolant as required (page 8-12). 7-18 Form No. 8R65-EA-03C