Mazda RX8 - Radiator warning light

[nike 5]

Hi
I am on holiday, in Switzerland with a RX8
When driving the radiator warning light periodically comes on.
To clear this I have pressed the clutch, and let the revs drop. This seems to clear the problem for 20 minutes or so.

There does not appear to be a type of driving that causes the light to come on (gentle motorway/town/backroad driving).

The user manual (that came with car) explains all the warning lights on dash, says I should check water level (checked and ok)
Engine temp shows normal.
No other symptoms.

User manual says that i will need to take car to a dealer.
What could be wrong with it?
Guessing that it is not a bad connection, as to solve it I just need to depress clutch and let revs drop. Also the user manual mentions it, so it sounds as if it is a known warning indicator.
Could I be damaging car?

Any help/suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

[gsr8]

common fault on them it seems, if everythings (fluids,temp etc) are ok dont worry to much, we went around all europe with it on,

[Ozone]

New sensor in the header tank needed. It is quite common and the dealers are well aware of it. It won't cause any damage, just keep an eye on the coolant level.

[Defcon5]

Why on earth would depressing the clutch make the light go off?

[Jonny671]

Defcon5 said:

Why on earth would depressing the clutch make the light go off?

I've never heard of that.

Very common on the RX8's, and as said we all know about it.. Only way to fix it is to put a new tank in there as the sensor isn't seperate.

Coolant isn't too easy to check but if you regularly check it and know its fine, ignore the light.

[nike 5]

Thanks for your replies, I shall not worry about it, and fix it when I get home.

I am with you, in not understanding how depressing the clutch and letting revs drop, would help to clear warning the warning light. But on this car it clears it within seconds.

Thanks again.

[eybic]

Maybe it makes the fluid slosh (very technical term) forward making it think it's full??????????????

[peanutjb]

nike 5 said:

Thanks for your replies, I shall not worry about it, and fix it when I get home.

I am with you, in not understanding how depressing the clutch and letting revs drop, would help to clear warning the warning light. But on this car it clears it within seconds.

Thanks again.

Mine had the same problem. Just backing off the accelerator for 5-10 seconds works too but I found dipping the clutch was quickest. Not especially cheap to fix but it can get annoying!

[CarbonBlackM5]

Mine used to do it at around 80-90mph. It has been replaced under warranty once but started doing it again, its a pain in the arse really.

[superpp]

nike 5, any follow up?

did you just keep an eye on levels?

[nike 5]

Hi back in the UK now.
Incident free, the car continued as before, performing well and keeping a steady temperature, and not losing water.
Will look into getting a new header tank shortly.

We shared the driving, and I really enjoyed driving my friend's RX8.

Would recommend anyone to drive the alpine passes, even if everything is expensive.
I look forward to going back next year in my car, even if that is without air conditioning.

Thanks again for all your help.