Mechanics needed…..2016 Mazda 6 … overheating question

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It sounds like your daughter's car may be experiencing an overheating issue, which can be caused by several factors. Here are some potential causes and steps to diagnose and address the problem:

### Potential Causes:
1. **Coolant Levels**: Low coolant levels can cause the engine to overheat and the AC to blow hot air.
2. **Thermostat**: A faulty thermostat can prevent coolant from flowing through the engine properly.
3. **Radiator**: A clogged or leaking radiator can lead to overheating.
4. **Cooling Fans**: If the cooling fans are not working, the engine may overheat, especially in traffic or at low speeds.
5. **Water Pump**: A failing water pump can cause inadequate coolant circulation.
6. **AC System**: Issues with the AC compressor or refrigerant levels can cause the AC to blow hot air, but this is separate from the engine overheating.

### Steps to Diagnose and Address the Problem:

1. **Check Coolant Levels**:
- Ensure the coolant reservoir is filled to the appropriate level. If it's low, top it off with the recommended coolant for the vehicle.

2. **Inspect for Leaks**:
- Look under the car for any signs of coolant leaks, such as puddles of green, yellow, or orange fluid.

3. **Thermostat**:
- If the car continues to overheat, the thermostat might be stuck closed. This can often be diagnosed by feeling the upper radiator hose after the car has been running for a while. If it's not getting hot, the thermostat may be stuck.

4. **Radiator**:
- Inspect the radiator for any signs of blockage or damage. Ensure that the radiator cap is functioning properly and that the coolant is flowing.

5. **Cooling Fans**:
- Check if the cooling fans are operating when the engine gets hot. You can do this by turning on the AC; the fans should turn on. If not, it could be a fuse, relay, or fan motor issue.

6. **Water Pump**:
- Listen for unusual noises from the water pump area. If the pump is failing, it might make a grinding noise, and there could be coolant leakage around the pump.

7. **AC System**:
- For the AC issue, check if the compressor is engaging when the AC is turned on. If not, it might be low on refrigerant or have a compressor issue.

### Additional Advice:
- **Drive Carefully**: Until the issue is resolved, drive short distances and keep an eye on the temperature gauge.
- **Professional Diagnosis**: If the problem persists or if you're not comfortable performing these checks, it’s best to take the car to a qualified mechanic for a thorough diagnosis.
- **Maintenance Records**: Keep track of all maintenance and repairs, especially since the engine was replaced recently. This can help the mechanic diagnose the issue more efficiently.

It’s crucial to address overheating issues promptly to avoid severe engine damage.

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