08 Mazda3 Overheating Problem Need some expertise

[smms25]

RECENT ADDITION:
Made sure reservoir was full of water and took the 3 for a spin. It didn't heat up at all, maybe even a notch below normal operating temperatures (not positive, but it was close). I checked the reservoir after while running and it was still full. Cut the car off and the reservoir was still full. No apparent leaks.

Is it possible that my thermostat got stuck either closed or half-closed last night and worked fine this morning? Any other ideas?


What happened:
After arriving at my gf's house, I smelled a faint smell of antifreeze. I pop the hood and can see no leaking anywhere. Riding home cruising at 60 mph, I noticed my temp gauge was unusually high, almost to the H mark. So I turned the heat on full blast, not much help.
Got home popped the hood and the coolant reservoir was low (I had just checked it this past Friday before my trip). Filled it up with water and as long as I'm at idle there is no overheating issue. My check engine light DOESN'T come on.

My fans are working properly. After shutting down the car, the reservoir does slowly fill maybe a quarter-half inch.

It was running great feeling like full power.
The car is an 08 Mazda3 manual. Bone stock with only 45000 miles.

Any help greatly appreciated.

 

[rdemattio]

Have you jacked with the engine? Cause its still under the power train warranty?

 

[smms25]

By jacked with the engine what do you mean? I change the oil myself regularly every 3000-3500 miles, changed air filter at 30,000 miles, flushed radiator at 2 years. I do all the service myself

 

[rdemattio]

Yeah I just ment things that would void the warranty, I'm pretty sure a overheating problem is covered under the powertrain warranty? Call your dealer and see.

 

[smms25]

Just got off the phone with them and the service man says that it ISN'T covered under warranty. Only lubricated engine parts are. The only way cooling system is covered is if I was under the 36,000 mile mark.

 

[smms25]

New addition check original post.

 

[rdemattio]

Yeah I just ment things that would void the warranty, I'm pretty sure a overheating problem is covered under the powertrain warranty? Call your dealer and see.

Hm, it could have been your thermo. That warranty doesnt make any sense! Its like hmm, my car is overheating and its not covered under the warranty, so basically if I run it hot and blow it up, then its covered?

 

[fam]

The more I learn about our warranty the more I despise it.

 

[rdemattio]

I seriously agree.

 

[smms25]

Well update. Looking in the warranty book it clearly states "thermostat and gaskets" and "water pump and gaskets". I called my dealership and talked to the service manager and told him this. I believe it was the same guy who had already told me it wouldn't be covered. In any event, he said I was right and I should be able to get it checked out tomorrow.

Only issue is: After 3 trips of over 30 miles each, I've experienced no overheating of any kind.

 

[fam]

Had a heater core go out in my focus that did something similar but mind you it was freezing outside, then heard a thud then the temp went back down. Let us know how it turns out.

 

[rdemattio]

Good, cause that would make 0 sense if they wldnt fix an overheating issue but wld fix the engine if it blew.

 

[flcruising]

There's a TSB for a coolant leak. Why not check it out yourself, and point this out to your dealer.

http://www.finishlineperformance.com/pdf/mazda3/bulletin/01-047-08-2000.pdf

 

[mudguy]

Just because you see a TSB it doent mean that it is covered by warenty ,it is for service tecs to do there job better...

 

[flcruising]

I never said anything about a warranty. Irregardless, he's already confirmed with the service manager that a coolant system leak is covered. I was simply sharing for the information about where he might investigate himself.

 

[testeban3]

wondering what issue you found

RECENT ADDITION:
Made sure reservoir was full of water and took the 3 for a spin. It didn't heat up at all, maybe even a notch below normal operating temperatures (not positive, but it was close). I checked the reservoir after while running and it was still full. Cut the car off and the reservoir was still full. No apparent leaks.

Is it possible that my thermostat got stuck either closed or half-closed last night and worked fine this morning? Any other ideas?


Hello,

Just wondering what the issue was as I am having over heating issues with my car and there is no visible lead and the oil is also not tainted.


Thanks,

Tom


What happened:
After arriving at my gf's house, I smelled a faint smell of antifreeze. I pop the hood and can see no leaking anywhere. Riding home cruising at 60 mph, I noticed my temp gauge was unusually high, almost to the H mark. So I turned the heat on full blast, not much help.
Got home popped the hood and the coolant reservoir was low (I had just checked it this past Friday before my trip). Filled it up with water and as long as I'm at idle there is no overheating issue. My check engine light DOESN'T come on.

My fans are working properly. After shutting down the car, the reservoir does slowly fill maybe a quarter-half inch.

It was running great feeling like full power.
The car is an 08 Mazda3 manual. Bone stock with only 45000 miles.

Any help greatly appreciated.