2005 Mazda RX-8 Owner's Manual - Page 224

RX-8_8T69-EA-04G_Edition1 Page224 Wednesday, June 9 2004 2:12 PM Black plate (224,1) 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. NOTE Once the engine coolant exceeds a preset temperature, an electrical cooling fan turns on. It will continue running for about 10 minutes after the ignition switch is turned to off. If the temperature gauge indicates overheating: 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. 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. WARNING Electrical Fan and Engine Inspection: Working near the electrical cooling fan when it is running is dangerous. You could be hit by the fan and seriously injured. Turn off the ignition switch and make sure the fan is not running before attempting to work near the electrical cooling fan. Cooling System Cap: When the engine and radiator are hot, scalding coolant and steam may shoot out under pressure and cause serious injury. Don't remove the cooling system cap when the engine and radiator are hot. 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. 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. 7-18 Form No.8T69-EA-04G