Black plate (285,1)
NOTE
Always use the wing bolt to secure the
damaged tire. Store the tire hold-down
bolt used to tighten down the spare tire
in the same place as where the wing
bolt had been stored.
7. Check the inflation pressure. Refer to
the specification charts on page 10-6.
8. Have the flat tire repaired or replaced
as soon as possible.
WARNING
Incorrect Tire Air Pressure:
Driving on tires with incorrect air
pressure is dangerous. Tires with
incorrect pressure could affect
handling and result in an accident.
Don't drive with any tires that have
incorrect air pressure. When you
check the regular tires' air pressure,
check the spare tire, too.
NOTE
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
A tire pressure sensor is not installed to
the temporary spare tire. The warning
light will flash continuously while the
temporary spare tire is being used (page
5-27).
NOTE
To prevent the jack and tool from
rattling, store them properly.
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
7-11
CX-7_8V28-EA-06B_Edition2 Page285
Monday, March 13 2006 5:7 PM
Form No.8V28-EA-06B
Black plate (328,1)
qReplacing a Wheel
WARNING
Using a Wrong-Sized Wheel:
Using a wrong-sized wheel is
dangerous. Braking and handling
could be affected, leading to loss of
control and an accident. Always use
wheels of the correct size on your
vehicle.
CAUTION
lA wrong-sized wheel may adversely
affect:
lTire fitlWheel and bearing lifelGround clearancelSnow-chain clearancelSpeedometer calibrationlHeadlight aimlBumper heightlTire Pressure Monitoring SystemlLimited-Slip Differential System
l(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
lWhen replacing/repairing the tires
or wheels or both, have the work
done by an Authorized Mazda
Dealer, or the tire pressure sensors
may be damaged.
lThe wheels equipped on your
Mazda are specially designed for
installation of the tire pressure
sensors. Do not use non-genuine
wheels, otherwise it may not be
possible to install the tire pressure
sensors.
NOTE
Be sure to install the tire pressure
sensors whenever tires or wheels are
replaced. Refer to Tires and Wheels on
page 5-29.
When replacing a wheel, make sure the
new one is the same as the original factory
wheel in diameter, rim width, and offset.
Proper tire balancing provides the best
riding comfort and helps reduce tread
wear. Out-of-balance tires can cause
vibration and uneven wear, such as
cupping and flat spots.
8-32
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
CX-7_8V28-EA-06B_Edition2 Page328
Monday, March 13 2006 5:7 PM
Form No.8V28-EA-06B
Black plate (330,1)
WARNING
Do not replace the xenon fusion bulbs
yourself:
Replacing the xenon fusion bulbs
yourself is dangerous. Because the
xenon fusion bulbs require high
voltage, you could receive an electric
shock if the bulbs are handled
incorrectly. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer when the replacement is
necessary.
Handling Halogen Bulbs:
When a halogen bulb breaks, it is
dangerous. These bulbs contain
pressurized gas. If one is broken, it
will explode and serious injuries could
be caused by the flying glass.
If the glass portion is touched with
bare hands, body oil could cause the
bulb to overheat and explode when lit.
Never touch the glass portion of the
bulb with your bare hands and always
wear eye protection when handling or
working around halogen bulbs.
Children and Halogen Bulbs:
Playing with a halogen bulb is
dangerous. Serious injuries could be
caused by dropping a halogen bulb or
breaking it some other way.
Always keep halogen bulbs out of the
reach of children.
qReplacing Exterior Light Bulbs
Replacing a headlight bulb
High-beam bulb
1. Make sure the ignition switch is turned
off and the headlight switch is off.
2. Lift the hood.
3. Turn the socket and bulb assembly
counterclockwise and remove it.
Carefully remove the High-beam bulb
from its socket in the reflector by
gently pulling it straight backward out
of the socket.
4. Disconnect the bulb from the electrical
connector by pressing the tab on the
connector with your finger and pulling
the bulb upward.
5. Install the new bulb in the reverse order
of removal.
8-34
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
CX-7_8V28-EA-06B_Edition2 Page330
Monday, March 13 2006 5:7 PM
Form No.8V28-EA-06B
Black plate (337,1)
WARNING
Always replace a fuse with one of the
same rating. Otherwise you may
damage the electric system.
Replacing the fuses under the hood
If the headlights or other electrical
components don't work and the fuses in
the cabin are OK, inspect the fuse block
under the hood. If a fuse is blown, it must
be replaced. Follow these steps:
1. Turn off the ignition switch and all
other switches.
2. Remove the fuse block cover.
3. Pull the fuse straight out with the fuse
puller provided on the inside of the
engine compartment fuse block cover.
4. If a fuse is blown, replace it with a new
oneof the same amperage rating.
Normal
Blown
NOTE
To replace the MAIN fuse, contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer (page 8-42).
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-41
CX-7_8V28-EA-06B_Edition2 Page337
Monday, March 13 2006 5:7 PM
Form No.8V28-EA-06B
Black plate (339,1)
DESCRIPTION FUSE RATING PROTECTED COMPONENT
19 DEF 30A Rear window defroster
20 TNS 15AParking lights, License plate lights,
Illuminated entry system
21 A/C 10A Air conditioner
í
22 ETC 20A Accelerator position sensor
23 H/L HI 15A Headlight levelingí
24 DRL 15A DRLí
25 H/L LO RH 15A Headlight low beam (RH)
26 H/L LO LH 15A Headlight low beam (LH)
27 ENG BAR 2 7.5A PCM
28 ECM 10A Engine control system
29 ENG BAR 1 15A Air flow sensor, EGR control valve
30 P.WIND 2 20A Power windows
31 STOP 10A Brake lights
32 HORN 20A Horn
33 ENG B+ 25A PCM
34 HAZARD 10A Hazard warning flashers, Turn signals
Fuse block (Driver's side)
DESCRIPTION FUSE RATING PROTECTED COMPONENT
1 OUTLET 1 15A Accessory Socket
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-43íSome models. CX-7_8V28-EA-06B_Edition2 Page339
Monday, March 13 2006 5:8 PM
Form No.8V28-EA-06B
Black plate (344,1)
Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings,
industrial fallout, and similar deposits can
damage the finish if not removed
immediately. When prompt washing with
plain water is ineffective, use a mild soap
made for use on vehicles.
Thoroughly rinse off all soap with
lukewarm or cold water. Don't allow soap
to dry on the finish.
After washing the vehicle, dry it with a
clean chamois to prevent water spots from
forming.
WARNING
Driving with Wet Brakes:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous.
Increased stopping distance or the
vehicle pulling to one side when
braking could result in a serious
accident. Light braking will indicate
whether the brakes have been affected.
Dry the brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance is normal.
Waxing
Your vehicle needs to be waxed when
water no longer beads on the finish.
Always wash and dry the vehicle before
waxing it. In addition to the vehicle body,
wax the metal trim to maintain its luster.
1. Use wax which contains no abrasives.
Waxes containing abrasive will remove
paint and could damage bright metal
parts.
2. Use a good grade of natural wax for
metallic, mica, and solid colors.3. When waxing, coat evenly with the
sponge supplied or a soft cloth.
4. Wipe off the wax with a soft cloth.
NOTE
A spot remover to remove oil, tar, and
similar materials will usually also take
off the wax. Rewax these areas even if
the rest of the vehicle doesn't need it.
qRepairing Damage to the Finish
Deep scratches or chips on the finish
should be repaired promptly. Exposed
metal quickly rusts and can lead to major
repairs.
CAUTION
If your Mazda is damaged and needs
metal parts repaired or replaced, make
sure the body shop applies anti-
corrosion materials to all parts, both
repaired and new. This will prevent
them from rusting.
qPaint Damage Touch-up
Repair damage to the finish caused by
stone chipping, damage during parking
etc., by using Mazda touch-up paint
before rust begins to form. First, remove
the dirt and grease with a clean soft cloth.
If rust has already begun to form:
1. Remove rust completely with
sandpaper.
2. Wipe with a clean soft cloth.
3. Apply rust preventive primer to the
area.
8-48
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
CX-7_8V28-EA-06B_Edition2 Page344
Monday, March 13 2006 5:8 PM
Form No.8V28-EA-06B
Black plate (345,1)
4. After drying it completely, apply a
suitable top coat material to the area.
Of course there will be no problem if you
assign the work to an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
qCavity Protection
Cavities are treated for protection at the
factory, but additional protective treatment
after the vehicle has been put into use will
extend the life of the body.
We recommend that you consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer concerning this
additional precaution.
qBright-Metal Maintenance
lUse tar remover to remove road tar and
insects. Never do this with a knife or
similar tool.
lTo prevent corrosion on bright-metal
surfaces, apply wax or chrome
preservative and rub it to a high luster.
lDuring cold weather or in coastal areas,
cover bright-metal parts with a coating
of wax or preservative heavier than
usual. It would also help to coat them
with noncorrosive petroleum jelly or
some other protective compound.
CAUTION
Don't use steel wool, abrasive cleaners,
or strong detergents containing highly
alkaline or caustic agents on chrome-
plated or anodized aluminum parts.
This may result in damage to the
protective coating and cause
discoloration or paint deterioration.
qUnderbody Maintenance
Road chemicals and salt used for ice and
snow removal and solvents used for dust
control may collect on the underbody. If
not removed, they will speed up rusting
and deterioration of such underbody parts
as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, and exhaust
system, even though these parts may be
coated with anti-corrosive material.
Thoroughly flush the underbody and
wheel housings with lukewarm or cold
water at the end of each winter. Try also
to do this every month.
Pay special attention to these areas
because they easily hide mud and dirt.It
will do more harm than good to wet
down the road grime without removing
it.
The lower edges of doors, rocker panels,
and frame members have drain holes that
should not be clogged. Water trapped
there will cause rusting.
WARNING
Driving with Wet Brakes:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous.
Increased stopping distance or the
vehicle pulling to one side when
braking could result in a serious
accident. Light braking will indicate
whether the brakes have been affected.
Dry the brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance is normal.
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
8-49
CX-7_8V28-EA-06B_Edition2 Page345
Monday, March 13 2006 5:8 PM
Form No.8V28-EA-06B
Black plate (368,1)
11. Tread wear, traction and temperature grades
12. Max. permissible inflation pressure
13. SAFETY WARNING
P215/65R15 95H is an example of a tire size and load index rating. Here is an explanation
of the various components of that tire size and load index rating. Note that the tire size and
load index rating may be different from the example.
P
Indicates a tire that may be installed on cars, SUVs, minivans and light trucks as designated
by the Tire and Rim Association (T&RA).
NOTE
If your tire size does not begin with a letter this may mean it is designated by either
ETRTO (European Tire and Rim Technical Organization) or JATMA (Japan Tire
Manufacturing Association).
215
“215”is the nominal width of the tire in millimeters. This three-digit number gives the
width in millimeters of the tire from sidewall edge to sidewall edge. In general, the larger
the number, the wider the tire.
65
“65”is the aspect ratio. This two-digit number indicates the tire's ratio of height to width.
R
“R”is the tire construction symbol. R indicates“Radial ply construction”.
15
“15”is the wheel rim diameter in inches.
95
“95”is the Load Index. This two-or three-digit number indicates how much weight each
tire can support.
9-20
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (except Canada)
CX-7_8V28-EA-06B_Edition2 Page368
Monday, March 13 2006 5:8 PM
Form No.8V28-EA-06B