Thermostat & Fans

2002 MAZDA PROTEGE
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SUNSHINEPIE
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Hey, last week I was driving down the freeway, and my car jolted, and it started smoking, and the check engine light came on. We took it to the shop, and they said that I had a cracked radiator, there was fluid everywhere. They also recommended changing the hoses as well. We decided to do it ourselves to save some money. We have the new radiator and hoses in, but the fan does not come on to cool the engine, and we aren't sure how hot is too hot on the thermostat, when the car is just running, where should the needle usually be?
Mar 8, 2010 at 10:42 PM
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BLUELIGHTNIN6
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needle should be around middle area and if fan is not coming on check for faulty fuse and cooling fan relay
Mar 8, 2010 at 11:20 PM
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DKRD
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Engine Cooling problem
1998 Mazda Protege

Changed the radiator cap because it was running hot. Still have no heat. The gauge says it's hot but the hoses are cool to the touch and radiator not circulating. Was told the thermostat was the radiator cap?
Aug 16, 2019 at 12:43 PM (Merged)
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BLUELIGHTNIN6
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The radiator cap is not a thermostat.... To remove and replace thermostat if it is faulty perform the following operations. REMOVAL: Disconnect the negative battery cable. Drain the radiator to below the level of the thermostat. If necessary, remove the air cleaner assembly. If necessary, disconnect the coolant temperature switch at the thermostat housing. Remove the upper radiator hose. Remove the mounting nuts, thermostat housing, thermostat and gasket. Do not pry the housing off.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/261618_0900c1528003989c_1.jpg

This guide should help https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-thermostat INSTALLATION: Clean the thermostat housing and the cylinder head mating surfaces. Insert the thermostat into the rear cylinder head housing with the jiggle pin at the top. The spring side of the thermostat should face the housing. Position a new gasket onto the studs with the seal print side facing the rear cylinder housing. Install the thermostat housing and 2 nuts. Tighten the nuts to 14-22 ft. lbs. (19-5 Nm). Install the upper radiator hose. If detached, connect the coolant temperature switch. If removed, install the air cleaner housing. Fill the cooling system. Connect the negative battery cable, start the engine and check for leaks. Check the coolant level and add coolant, as necessary. Thanks for using 2CarPros.com!
Aug 16, 2019 at 12:43 PM (Merged)
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DKRD
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Changed the radiator cap because it was running hot. Still have no heat. The gauge says it's hot but the hoses are cool to the touch and radiator not circulating.
Aug 16, 2019 at 12:43 PM (Merged)
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BLUELIGHTNIN6
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It's no problem, that is what we are here for :) Doesn't matter if you're woman or man, a vehicle can be fixed by either one ;) If you need further assistance or have any other questions feel free to ask.







Thanks for using 2CarPros.com!
Aug 16, 2019 at 12:43 PM (Merged)
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MATT DEVORE
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i amhaving a problem with overheating i have replaced the hose which was leaking and have put a new radiator cap on it the old one was cracked and the seal was hard can u tell me where the thermostat is located and how difficult the job is please? i hope it is on top
Aug 16, 2019 at 12:43 PM (Merged)
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BLACKOP555
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I would love to be able to tell you on the top but im pretty sure your year of mazda is at the bottom of the engine where the bottom heater hose meets the engine, but definetely check at the base of the top one the thermostat housing will be able to be unbolted usualy by two bolts.
Aug 16, 2019 at 12:43 PM (Merged)