View Full Version : HELP my engine coolant temperature is at H!! Whats causing this?
drivethruecp
10-04-2006, 12:33 AM
Two days ago I was driving when I noticed my engine temp was at H. I was driving and all asudden noticed my engine coolant gauge spiked all the way past H. It would fluctuate with these random paterns between normal to as far as it could go. I found a similar problem in a miata fourm: http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123637807 So I replaced both my thermostat ($28) and the cooling/ temperature sensor ($80) right to the left of the air intake where the anitfreeze goes to the engine. Replaced my coolant and checked the levels. I am still having trouble. When I drive my temp climbs still. My issue is that I believe the fans don't turn on. But, they will turn on when I turn on the AC. So my temp goes to H and stays there, randomly going down and will go down some if I keep the AC on since the fans are on. All of three days ago I have never ever seen my temp go above halfway (right between C & H) Please help! I need my car for class and work...and already bought both of those parts. I need to be sure the next part I replace is the right one. My Dad is worried that I warped the head gasket or something... I would pay the 95$ for the diagnostic at the dealer but what would they even tell me... I talked to someone in parts and said that there was no fan switch like the miatas have judging by the posts in the other fourm.
peepsalot
10-04-2006, 01:04 AM
maybe you have a clog. did you flush the cooling system?
drivethruecp
10-04-2006, 01:05 AM
I could try that, any other thoughts? This had to of happend to someone out there.
Kooldino
10-04-2006, 01:09 AM
That's a good place to start. Also check for oil in your cooland and coolant in your oil.
Where in NJ are you, btw?
drivethruecp
10-04-2006, 01:15 AM
Middlesex(central) area, in South River
What about as for any other electical/fuse/switch problems?
You have the exact same issue as me. http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=122766&page=4
Kooldino
10-04-2006, 01:30 AM
Middlesex(central) area, in South River
What about as for any other electical/fuse/switch problems?
Well, it shouldn't be your fans. If it's overheating while you're doing 35+ mph at a low RPM, then fans aren't your problem. Start with flushing the system and ensuring you have no leaks.
BTW - I'm near Atlantic City if you get stuck.
peepsalot
10-04-2006, 01:37 AM
Don't quote me on this, but I think if your IAT is unplugged, the temp gauge will read maxed out.
Maybe some loose wiring with that could cause it to randomly switch between normal and maxed. Just a thought.
drivethruecp
10-04-2006, 01:58 AM
Keep em coming! All ideas welcome, since I will be working on it all day tomorrow. Thanks for all of the replies!
it'll be interesting to see what your actual temps are
LinuxRacr
10-04-2006, 01:33 PM
Check your engine fuse in the kick panel fuse box by your left foot, on the driver's side. It is a 10 AMP fuse I believe. Let me go get pictures... I had the same problem, and did what you did for nothing, thinking my expensive-ass JDM Mazdaspeed thermostat was the problem, when it wasn't. The problem was that wires from my O2 sensor were shorting together. As soon as I fixed that, and replaced the fuse, the problem was instantly gone. There are a number of things that are connected thru that fuse, and the O2 sensors are a couple of things. Check for electrical shorts.
G-Papi
10-04-2006, 01:42 PM
Has any coolant had to be replaced other than when the thermostat was replaced, and was the system allowed to "burp" afterward? Are all components of the system (including cap) maintaining pressure?
drivethruecp
10-04-2006, 04:52 PM
Check your engine fuse in the kick panel fuse box by your left foot, on the driver's side. It is a 10 AMP fuse I believe. Let me go get pictures... I had the same problem, and did what you did for nothing, thinking my expensive-ass JDM Mazdaspeed thermostat was the problem, when it wasn't. The problem was that wires from my O2 sensor were shorting together. As soon as I fixed that, and replaced the fuse, the problem was instantly gone. There are a number of things that are connected thru that fuse, and the O2 sensors are a couple of things. Check for electrical shorts.
Can you please post pictures of which fuse and of the location and which wires the shorts could be on. Which wires did you find a short in for yours? I'm about to work on it now....
Can you please post pictures of which fuse and of the location and which wires the shorts could be on. Which wires did you find a short in for yours? I'm about to work on it now....
interesting... I never heard of this solution before. drivethruecp, let me know if that works. I should see if that fuse on mine is blown as well.
LinuxRacr
10-04-2006, 05:13 PM
Well, this is a solution, if your coolant system is functioning properly. Check the fuse box in the kick panel of the driver's side floor. The little lid you pull off to access the fuses is a map tells you exactly where the engine fuse is. If it is blown, there is your problem. I will try to go take pictures when I get time.
drivethruecp
10-04-2006, 05:29 PM
tested every fuse in my kick panel and under the hood...no shorts. Yes I replaced coolant and yes I burped the system. Any other thoughts? If I had a short...id have a blown fuse...right
drivethruecp
10-04-2006, 05:31 PM
Whats the IAT??
LinuxRacr
10-04-2006, 05:32 PM
Intake Air Temp sensor.
Don't quote me on this, but I think if your IAT is unplugged, the temp gauge will read maxed out.
Maybe some loose wiring with that could cause it to randomly switch between normal and maxed. Just a thought.
Where is the IAT located? I'm not even sure if mine is connected because of the Microtech EMS.
When my dummy gauge reads around 205 F the oem temp gauge starts to go up. Is that normal?
drivethruecp
10-04-2006, 08:05 PM
Figured it out! You wouldn't believe how simple of a problem it was. You know the grey connector plug that connects to the temperature sensor...Well the wires are loose at the connector...I spread them until the fan came on. So as soon as I get the chance in the next couple of days I'm gonna head over to Open Road Mazda and buy a new connector female pins/ wire assy. and the whole clip if they have it. I fixed it around 6 and drove it hard...had the engine both off and on..and drove med distances. So the real test is the trip to College tomorrow...26 miles each way; mostly parkway driving. So jus keep spreadin em till I get the new plug hopefully! My next step was gonna be getting the diagnostics for $95/hr. Does anyone have the Blue Mazda repair manual...? I'm gonna get ahold of one of those soon!
peepsalot
10-04-2006, 10:26 PM
For abut $95 you could buy a scan tool and do your own diagnostics for as many hours as you want.
LinuxRacr
10-04-2006, 11:07 PM
For abut $95 you could buy a scan tool and do your own diagnostics for as many hours as you want.
^^^Agreed.
Brian MP5T
10-04-2006, 11:16 PM
I will tell you this...If anyone else has an overheating problem it could be a
HEADGASKET
Mine did that and what was happening is...
Air was seaping into the cooling system from combustion.
The Air Was trapped in the Head.
When I turned left and right the air would bubble into the rad. Coolant would fill the Head and the indicator would go way up and then drop to normal.
Try it. Turn hard left and right and watch the indicator next time it happens.
Open the radiator and fill it to the top, run the car and watch for well timed bubbles that come out. It will be like clockwork.
I guess I should take her in for a leak down test and see what happens. It's a minor problem with my car, it doesn't actually overheat but goes up there. If it's the headgasket I don't have any excuses to go forged...
bazooka joe
10-05-2006, 07:45 AM
another issue i had, and solved (different car though) the heater core was clogged...then started to leak...of course it was evident that it was the heater core once it started leaking...but before that we replaced water pump, raidiator, raid. cap, thermostat....(ughdance) could never stop the car from overheating until we replaced the core...$25 part, 7 hours labor (mine)
drivethruecp
10-05-2006, 12:38 PM
I guess I should take her in for a leak down test and see what happens. It's a minor problem with my car, it doesn't actually overheat but goes up there. If it's the headgasket I don't have any excuses to go forged...
Did you try the connector clip that I had the problem with?
Where can you get your own computer diagnostics tool?.... Do you think its a good thing to have...
02PROTEGE2.0
10-06-2006, 09:11 AM
same thing happened to me.... turned out to be the fuse in the interior fuse box labeled ENG. except mine was always at H and wouldnt start...
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