Koronakesh

For the past month and a half, my engine coolant light has been coming on randomly. Usually for about 5-10 seconds at a time, and then it'll turn off - It happens maybe once or twice over short distances.

I'm about to take a trip on Monday and I'm a little concerned about it because once I get out on the highway and get up to about 75 the light will come on and stay on for some time. Not sure if it's actually low or if it's due to the added bumpiness, who knows.

I took it in for inspection last month at the dealership and told them about it and the mazda associate claimed that it's probable that the sensor is broken (as I read on here), but he sounded like he was just guessing. I could hardly tell how much coolant was in it last time I checked last year since the lines are at such a bad angle. So what do I do? Is there any risk to overfilling the engine coolant? Will I know if it's too low before any damage is incurred if the sensor is malfunctioning?

Just a little side question, does anybody know how much oil in liters is "full" and at how many liters the oil warning light comes on?

As always, thanks.

Khurram

coolan light is a common failure in earlier rx8's. The sensor indeed goes bad and you have to replace the entire coolant resorvoir. My light has been on for a year now and I have taken numerous 400km trips each way.

Just ensure your coolant and Oil level is proper. Topp them up as needed.

As for the Oil, I ususally pour 4.5 to 5 Liters when I change my oil. I gues no one will be able to tell you at how many litres the light comes on because thats a very bad idea with a rotary engien.

You want to make sure your Oil is never low that's why this forum recoomends users to check their oil level every 2nd gas filup and top off as needed.. I hope this helps u..Just stay on top of maintenance and you will be fine

ken-x8

The lines marking the coolant level are not in an easy spot to read, but you can kind of crane your neck and peer down. Shining a flashlight into the tank helps. If the light is a distraction, you can unplug the connector to the sensor. It's sticking up on the side of the tank. Just unlatch it and pull it up maybe a quarter of an inch.

The coolant light can be entertaining. It can be interpreted as looking like a Greek temple, a Rolls Royce radiator, the Lincoln Monument, or a merry go round. Endless story possibilities for passengers who might notice it.

The bottom line on the dipstick is about 2 liters down from full. The light comes on below that. There really isn't any reason to let the oil level fall that much.

Ken

niteshade247

Same here my light went off about a month into my ownership just unplugged it and check coolant lvl every time I check oil been running like this for 3 years now never overheated.

Koronakesh

I've always just called it the annoying bird cage.

Topped off the coolant (it wasn't low) so we'll see if the light still comes on tomorrow during my trip.

If the bottom line is 2 liters from full then I've been putting in way too little oil every time.

ken-x8

The coolant light will likely come on again. The problem is that the float gets heavy and stops floating. But as long as the coolant is up to the right level you're fine. Don't overfill it. If it's too full, the excess can blow out. The overflow tube points right at a connector for the power steering. Getting that wet can cause problems.

When you add oil, wait a couple of minutes and check the dipstick again. Keep doing that until you're up to the top line.

Ken