Cooling System [3.0L Duratec]: Other Mazda Tribute I

Cap

1. Remove the pressure relief cap from the degas bottle.
2. Immerse the pressure relief cap in water and install it on the shallow filler neck of Radiator/Heater Core Pressure Tester and Radiator Cap Adapter, part of Radiator/Heater Core Pressure Tester.
3. Immerse the filler neck seal in water and install it in the filler neck adapter.
4. Install the filler neck adapter with the filler neck seal to the Radiator Cap Adapter.
5. Connect the female quick-connect fitting of the pressure test pump to the male quick-connect fitting of the filler neck adapter. NOTE: If the plunger of the pump is depressed too fast, an erroneous pressure reading will result.
6. Slowly depress the plunger of the pressure test pump until the pressure gauge reading stops increasing and note the highest pressure reading obtained.
7. Release the pressure by turning the relief screw counterclockwise. Then tighten the pressure relief screw and repeat Step 6 (at least twice) to make sure the reading is repeatable within the specifications of the pressure relief cap.
8. If the pressure test gauge readings are not within specifications, install a new pressure relief cap. If the pressure test gauge readings are within specifications, carry out the Cooling System Pressure Test.

Thermostat - Water

A new water thermostat should be installed only after the following electrical and mechanical tests have been carried out.

Thermostat - Electrical Test

Note. The Electrical Thermostat Test is most accurate if carried out indoors at less than 37.8°C (100°F) ambient air. This test may be carried out with or without the hood open and with the engine warm or cold.

Scheme 77

1. Check the engine coolant level. Fill as needed.
2. A WDS or equivalent Tester may be used to monitor the ECT on vehicles equipped with data link connector (DLC). NOTE: Running this test with the vehicle in gear or with the A/C compressor clutch engaged (running) will cause incorrect diagnosis.
3. Place the transaxle in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the engine and allow the engine to idle throughout this test. Allow the engine to run for two minutes, then record the ECT voltage. Record the ECT voltage every 60 seconds. When the ECT voltage trend changes direction or only changes slightly (0.03 volt or less) from the previous reading, record this as the thermostat opening voltage. Use the voltage and corresponding coolant temperature chart listed below.
5. If the thermostat opening voltage is greater than 0.75 volt and less than 82°C (180°F), install a new water thermostat.
6. If the thermostat opening voltage is less than 0.75 volt and greater than 82°C (180°F), the water thermostat is good and should not be replaced. Refer to the «TROUBLE SHOOTING - NO CODES»(ref-151888) for further diagnosis.

Thermostat - Mechanical Test

1. Remove the water thermostat.
2. Check the water thermostat for seating. Hold the water thermostat up to a lighted background. Leakage of light around the thermostat valve at room temperature indicates a new water thermostat should be installed. Some water thermostats have a small leakage notch at one location on the perimeter of the thermostat valve, which is considered normal.
3. Immerse the water thermostat in a boiling antifreeze and water mixture.
4. See the General Specifications chart for water thermostat opening temperatures.

Filling - bleeding

1. Add Mazda Premium Engine Coolant of the type of coolant originally equipped in the vehicle . If you are unsure which type of coolant the vehicle requires, check the coolant reservoir.
2. Do not add/mix an orange-colored, extended life coolant such as Mazda Specialty Orange Engine Coolant, meeting Mazda specifications with factory-filled coolant . Mixing Mazda Specialty Orange Engine Coolant or any orange-colored extended life product with the factory filled coolant can result in degraded corrosion protection.
3. A large amount of water without engine coolant may be added, in case of an emergency. In this instance, the cooling system must be drained and refilled with a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone (without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion, overheating or freezing.
4. Do not use alcohol, methanol or brine or any engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant) . Alcohol and other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating of freezing.
5. Do not add extra inhibitors of additives to the coolant . these can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine coolant.
6. Do not mix with recycled coolant unless from a Mazda-approved recycling process .

1. Add the correct engine coolant mixture to the degas bottle until the coolant level is between the "COOLANT FILL LEVEL" marks.
2. Select the maximum heater temperature and blower motor speed settings. Position the control to discharge air at vents in instrument panel.
3. Start the engine and allow to idle. While engine is idling, feel for hot air at vents. CAUTION: If air discharge remains cool and engine coolant temperature gauge does not move, engine coolant level is low in engine and must be filled. Stop engine, allow to cool and fill cooling system.
4. Start engine and allow to idle until normal operating temperature is reached. Hot air should discharge from vents. The engine coolant temperature gauge should maintain a stabilized reading in the middle of the NORMAL range and the upper radiator hose should feel hot to the touch.
5. Shut the engine off and allow to cool.
6. Check the engine for coolant leaks.
7. Check the engine coolant level in degas bottle and fill as necessary.