MS3 coolant - regular of FL22?

[Hank3]

Trying to figure out if the MS3s have the FL22 coolant or not. The Owner's Manual says certain Mazda 3s come with it from the factory and that there should be a marking of some sort around the radiator cap area. I couldn't tell in my engine bay, but some members on here seem to think that we get it. Would be nice to know if we indeed have this as - then that's one less maintenance thing to do for a long time

 

[TheMAN]

2008s use FL22... refill ONLY with FL22, DO NOT mix with water

 

[Hank3]

Is there any way to confirm this? I couldn't find any FL22 marking in the engine bay.

 

[slo03.5msp]

It's fl22 says the guy who works at the dealer.

 

[Hank3]

Is the coolant supposed to look different from regular stuff? I'm only asking because I came from a WRX and I had to drain and fill the coolant a few times during my 104K miles a ownership - that was a tedious and laborious task. This would be wonderful if I didn't have to do it as often. Just want to make sure my car has the FL22 stuff

 

[ezekielwhore]

im here at work right now and i just grabbed a gallon of the FL22. says...

PREMIUM
PREDILUTED 55/45
ANTIFREEZE AND ENGINE COOLANT
DO NOT ADD WATER.

i work in the parts dept for a mazda dealer in case you were curious.

 

[Hank3]

Thanks for chiming in ezekiel. So do y'all have the FL22 markings on your radiator cap or the surrounding areas of the cap?

 

[FrequentFlyer]

Is there any way to confirm this? I couldn't find any FL22 marking in the engine bay.

It says it on my overflow resevoir.

 

[Hank3]

I'm starting to think the dealership wiped off the markings? I picked up this car used at a Nissan dealership and they detailed the engine bay with shiny stuff. Hmmm...

 

[FrequentFlyer]

It is a small sticker if I remember correctly. I was wondering what was in the car myself a few weeks back and I just happened to see the little "FL22" sticker on the resevoir. I'll take a pic later.

 

[FrequentFlyer]

Took a pic showing the FL22 sticker on my resevoir. I can see this sticker having the potential of falling off. I can't find a radiator cap in this car. Anyone know where the darn thing is? Guess I should read the manual, but since I won't really be touching the radiator for another 114,000 miles, I'm too lazy. (crazy)

 

[Hank3]

Thanks for the pic, FF. I definitely don't have that sticker on my overflow reservoir - nor is it anywhere to be found in the engine bay. Hmmm...I'm hoping I have the FL22 stuff. I sent an email to Mazda USA telling them I have an '08 MS3 and asking if these were equipped with FL22.

 

[Hank3]

Found the Service Bulletin for it here. My VIN is doesn't fall under the bulletin so that's why I don't have it. Mystery solved. Bummer. I wonder how much extra it is to have my local dealer put this stuff in. I'm assuming your VIN is greater than what the bulletin states then Frequent Flyer.

 

[dsm918]

I can't find a radiator cap in this car. Anyone know where the darn thing is?(crazy)

You are looking at it !

 

[Lex2007]

That service bulletin link is dead. Here is the bulletin for which Mazdas uses FL22 long life coolant versus shortlife coolant.

http://www.miata.net/garage/tsb/01-033-07-1830b.pdf

2008 Mazdaspeed3 vehicles with VINs greater than JM1BK****8*864673 were filled with FL22 at the factory.

 

[MSMS3]

My '08 has the little FL22 sticker on the overflow tank. I am the original owner and have about 115k miles on the car. Several years ago (about 3) the accessory belt broke when the belt tensioner froze. Temps climbed and I shut it off before it overheated. It pushed out some coolant, but the early shut down prevented any harm to the engine.

When I replaced the belt tensioner, I decided to drain and replace the coolant. I used a suction pump, but know I did not get it all. Without thinking, I replaced the coolant with "regular" ethylene glycol and water 50/50. I did not even see the FL22 sticker.

Did I do wrong? Coolant temps are perfectly normal and have remained fine over the last three years. Is there any incompatibility problem, or is it just a coolant life issue?

 

[Lex2007]

Do you remember the brand? It needs to be silicate and borate free to begin with.