Overheating Problem on '03 P5

[wonkothesane]

I have an '03 Protege5 with about 50k miles and recently it's started having an overheating problem. What I've determined is that the radiator fans don't come on unless the heater is on. When the heater is on, the car runs fine with no problems. I've already replaced the thermostat with no change in behavior. Has anyone come across this issue before? And if so, what was the solution? I'd prefer to fix this at home if at all possible...

Thanks in advance for your help!

[TheMAN]

check the cooling fan relays... there's 2 of them

how do you turn on your "heater"? do you have the knob set to the defroster mode? if so your A/C fan was what's coming on

[wonkothesane]

check the cooling fan relays... there's 2 of them

how do you turn on your "heater"? do you have the knob set to the defroster mode? if so your A/C fan was what's coming on

Yes, the A/C button switched to on and the fans at any setting.

I pulled out the relays, inspected them and reseated them and thus far the problem hasn't reoccurred. My 'Check Engine' light is still on, but the car seems to be running perfectly fine again. Not sure if the relays had jiggled loose or what. I'll post an update in a few days...

Thank you for your help!

[drgnzadiel101]

get those codes checked at any major autoparts dealer. they should have an obII reader to tell you what that code is

[brad28]

possible temp sensor giving you that light?

[brad28]

same kinda issue here....mazda 3 overheating, no lights on though, fan replaced, thermostat replaced, no leaks still overheating when idle in traffic.

[CTt3P5]

x2 on the sensor. I just replaced the t-stat, rad cap and hoses last weekend on my P5 due to some overheating issues. Car was running fine after that but since I had ordered the sensor I replaced it too.

You may also want to check your belts. They can affect temps if too loose/tight.