2003 Mazda Protege Coolant Reservoir, Thermostat, Thermostat Housing

Coolant Reservoir, Thermostat Installation and Repair Tips for 2003 Mazda Protege

• Q:

  How to remove and install a Coolant Reservoir and Radiator on 2003 Mazda Protege?

  A:

  Take out the negative battery cable and empty coolant out of the system. Take out resonance chamber where it exists, disconnect fan motor and thermoswitch where necessary. Disassemble reservoir, hose and oil cooler (on automatic engineOnly), fan and radiator, check and clean, and reassemble, refill coolant and check leakages.
• Q:

  What steps should be taken before assuming the thermostat is responsible for a cooling system problem on 2003 Mazda Protege?

  A:

  Before blaming the thermostat, check coolant level, belt tension and gauge. Slow warm-up indicates stuck open; hot engine with cool lower hose indicates stuck closed. Driving without one worsens emissions and economy. To replace: disconnect negative, drain coolant, remove hose/cover, swap thermostat noting orientation, reassemble, refill and check leaks.