Blue Light Little Heat

[slauenwhite]

I Just purchased a used 2013 Mazda 3 GX Skyactive with only 38,000kms, purchased a week ago from a dealership. The only problem I have and have notified the dealership is that the blue light stays on for quiet some time. For example yesterday outside temperature in the morning was -7 degree's celsius, after 15 minutes of warming up the car the light remained on, proceeded to drive and the light did not go off until I reached a travel distance of almost 10KM, the heat at that point was only luke warm. Upon having the vehicle for one day I informed the dealership of the blue light and the problem with the heat and asked me to top up the antifreeze (used the appropriate type according to specs) and this did not make any difference. I was told by someone that this could be a thermostat issue or a blocked heater block? Any suggestions as I have only had this car for a week.

[silverstarmazda]

sounds like the thermostat is stuck open? that or the coolant ratio is off

[Aitch]

It does sound a little excessive in terms of time to warm up. But if you were idling the car outside, it may not warm up very much at all until you start driving, and still take some time due to the cold weather. Mine took 5 minutes of driving yesterday for the light to go off.

[slauenwhite]

I was actually driving to work which is roughly 10KM and it was not until I reached work that the light went out and the temperature in the car was only luke warm, yesterday morning was pretty cold, here in Brampton. I have informed the dealership of this issue as I am not ready to pay 14,000.00 for a vehicle that has no heat and issue with thermostat and want to go in there ready and armed with information.

[Girds]

Mine takes about 10mins of idling and about 1-2kms of driving for the light to go off

[staax]

Yeah that does seem excessively long to warm up. I would either suspect air in the cooling system or a sticking thermostat. Had the cooling system been serviced prior to your purchase?

[slauenwhite]

Yeah that does seem excessively long to warm up. I would either suspect air in the cooling system or a sticking thermostat. Had the cooling system been serviced prior to your purchase?

I am not sure if the cooling system had been serviced prior to purchase and doubt it, I will ask the dealership. Would it be the dealerships responsibility to make sure the vehicle does not have heat issues and is this part of safety?

[staax]

Well one simple test you can do is burp the cooling system for any air.

If you have a jack or set of ramps, lift the front end of the car so the coolant reservoir is the highest point of the car.

If you don't, park on a steeper incline. And make sure your heat and fan are both set to max.

Remove the cap from the cooling reservoir and start your car. Let the car warm up (you can hold the throttle at around 1500-2000 rpm to help speed up the process).

Then simply look in the tank and see if you see any bubbles surfacing in the coolant. If so then you have air in the system.

If you see the coolant take a drop in the level then you have an air pocket.

All you have to do is run the car with the coolant cap off and the air will surface. In order to prevent your system from sucking air back in you need to keep the reservoir topped up.

If the cooling system was serviced, there is a big chance it wasnt burped properly.

[CarLadyLisa]

I Just purchased a used 2013 Mazda 3 GX Skyactive with only 38,000kms, purchased a week ago from a dealership. The only problem I have and have notified the dealership is that the blue light stays on for quiet some time. For example yesterday outside temperature in the morning was -7 degree's celsius, after 15 minutes of warming up the car the light remained on, proceeded to drive and the light did not go off until I reached a travel distance of almost 10KM, the heat at that point was only luke warm. Upon having the vehicle for one day I informed the dealership of the blue light and the problem with the heat and asked me to top up the antifreeze (used the appropriate type according to specs) and this did not make any difference. I was told by someone that this could be a thermostat issue or a blocked heater block? Any suggestions as I have only had this car for a week.

If it keeps occurring at the same intervals, the dealer should have a look. If there is a Warrantied Repair you won't be charged for the diagnostic. If it however, presents no issue, then you will be responsible for the diagnostic charge. Standard procedure.

The blue light does need some driving to go off. Mine generally goes off when I am halfway down the highway. About 5kms. Can you confirm the model of car? GX models did not come in Skyactiv that year. You must have a GS with the heated seats and badging on the back.

[slauenwhite]

Thank you staax for the information and I will definitely do this test tomorrow, I recall someone mentioned this to me before when I had my Dodge. Will let you know how it goes!!

[slauenwhite]

Thank you CartLady Lisa, your right it is a GS and I will also speak to the dealership to see if there is a warranty, they are pretty good through on repairs (I purchased another vehicle with them before) but would have to see if they have access to diagnostic.

[slauenwhite]

Thank you everyone for your quick responses, I greatly appreciate all your help and will definitely return with the outcome, wish me luck!!!

Cheers,

[staax]

No problem. If you have any other questions ask away or just YouTube how to burp your cooling system.

Hope you get it sorted out and enjoy your car.

[slauenwhite]

Yes it is a GS, thank you everyone for your replies and will let you know of the outcome.

Cheers!