Black plate (293,1)
Towing Description
We recommend that towing be done only
by an Authorized Mazda Dealer or a
commercial tow-truck service.
Proper lifting and towing are necessary to
prevent damage to the vehicle.
Particularly when towing a AWD vehicle,
where all the wheels are connected to the
drive train, proper transporting of the
vehicle is absolutely essential to avoid
damaging the drive system. Government
and local laws must be followed.
Wheel dollies
A towed 2WD vehicle should have its
front wheels off the ground. If excessive
damage or other conditions prevent this,
use wheel dollies.
When towing a 2WD vehicle with the rear
wheels on the ground, release the parking
brake.
A towed AWD vehicle must have all its
wheels off the ground.
CAUTION
Don't tow the vehicle pointed backward
with driving wheels on the ground. This
may cause internal damage to the
transaxle.
CAUTION
Don't tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage your vehicle. Use
wheel-lift or flatbed equipment.
In Case of an Emergency
Emergency Towing
7-19
CX-7_8V28-EA-06B_Edition2 Page293
Monday, March 13 2006 5:7 PM
Form No.8V28-EA-06B
Black plate (298,1)
Introduction
Be extremely careful and prevent injury to yourself and others or damage to your vehicle
when using this manual for inspection and maintenance.
If you're unsure about any procedure it describes, we strongly urge you to have a reliable
and qualified service shop perform the work, preferably an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Factory-trained Mazda technicians and genuine Mazda parts are best for your vehicle.
Without this expertise and the parts that have been designed and made especially for your
Mazda, inadequate, incomplete, and insufficient servicing may result in problems. This
could lead to vehicle damage or an accident and injuries.
For expert advice and quality service, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The owner should retain evidence that proper maintenance has been performed as
prescribed.
Claims against the warranty resulting from lack of maintenance, as opposed to defective
materials or authorized Mazda workmanship, will not be honored.
Any auto repair shop using parts equivalent to your Mazda's original equipment may
perform maintenance.But we recommend that it always be done by an Authorized
Mazda Dealer using genuine Mazda parts.
8-2
Maintenance and Care
Introduction
CX-7_8V28-EA-06B_Edition2 Page298
Monday, March 13 2006 5:7 PM
Form No.8V28-EA-06B
Black plate (301,1)
Maintenance IntervalNumber of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
×1000 km 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
×1000 miles 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM (if equipped)
Cabin air filter Replace every 40,000 km (25,000 miles) or 2 years
Chart symbols:
I:Inspect and repair, clean, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R:Replace
L:Lubricate
Remarks:
*1 Use FL22 type coolant in vehicles with the inscription“FL22”on the radiator cap itself or the surrounding
area. Use FL22 when replacing the coolant.
*2 According to state/provincial and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these items will not
void your emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at
the recommended time or mileage/kilometer period to ensure long-term reliability.
*3 If the vehicle is operated primarily under any of the following conditions, replace the rear differential oil every
45,000 km (28,100 miles).
a) Towing a trailer or using a car-top carrier
b) Driving in dusty, sandy or wet condition
c) Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation
d) Repeated short trips of less than 16 km (10 miles)
*4 If this component has been submerged in water, the oil should be replaced.
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
8-5
CX-7_8V28-EA-06B_Edition2 Page301
Monday, March 13 2006 5:7 PM
Form No.8V28-EA-06B
Black plate (303,1)
Maintenance IntervalNumber of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first
Months 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
×1000 km 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96
×1000 miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I
Brake fluid levelIIIIIIIIIIII
Disc brakesIIII
Tire (Rotation) Rotate every 8,000 km (5,000 miles)
Tire inflation pressure and tire wearIIIIIIIIIIII
Steering operation and linkages I I
Power steering fluid levelIIIIIIIIIIII
Front and rear suspension and ball joints I I
Rear differential oil
*4*5
Transfer oil*5
Driveshaft dust boots I I
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 5 years
All locks and hingesLLLLLLLLLLLL
Washer fluid levelIIIIIIIIIIII
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM (if equipped)
Cabin air filter Replace every 40,000 km (25,000 miles) or 2 years
Chart symbols:
I:Inspect and repair, clean, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R:Replace
L:Lubricate
Remarks:
*1 Use FL22 type coolant in vehicles with the inscription“FL22”on the radiator cap itself or the surrounding
area. Use FL22 when replacing the coolant.
*2 According to state/provincial and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these items will not
void your emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at
the recommended time or mileage/kilometer period to ensure long-term reliability.
*3 If the vehicle is operated primarily under any of the following conditions, replace the spark plugs every 96,000
km (60,000 miles) or shorter.
a) Repeated short-distance driving
b) Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation
c) Driving for long periods in cold temperatures or extremely humid climates
*4 If the vehicle is operated primarily under any of the following conditions, replace the rear differential oil every
45,000 km (28,100 miles).
a) Towing a trailer or using a car-top carrier
b) Driving in dusty, sandy or wet condition
c) Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation
d) Repeated short trips of less than 16 km (10 miles)
*5 If this component has been submerged in water, the oil should be replaced.
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
8-7
CX-7_8V28-EA-06B_Edition2 Page303
Monday, March 13 2006 5:7 PM
Form No.8V28-EA-06B
Black plate (304,1)
Owner Maintenance Schedule
The owner or a qualified service technician should make these vehicle inspections at the
indicated intervals to ensure safe and dependable operation.
Bring any problem to the attention of an Authorized Mazda Dealer or qualified service
technician as soon as possible.
qWhen Refueling
lBrake fluid level (page 8-16)
lEngine coolant level (page 8-14)
lEngine oil level (page 8-13)
lWasher fluid level (page 8-20)
qAt Least Monthly
Tire inflation pressures (page 8-28)
qAt Least Twice a Year (For Example, Every Spring and Fall)
lAutomatic transaxle fluid level (page 8-18)
lPower steering fluid level (page 8-17)
You can do the following scheduled maintenance items if you have some mechanical
ability and a few basic tools and if you closely follow the directions in this manual.
lEngine coolant (page 8-14)
lEngine oil (page 8-12)
8-8
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
CX-7_8V28-EA-06B_Edition2 Page304
Monday, March 13 2006 5:7 PM
Form No.8V28-EA-06B
Black plate (305,1)
Owner Maintenance Precautions
Improper or incomplete service may result in problems. This section gives instructions only
for items that are easy to perform.
As explained in the Introduction (page 8-2), several procedures can be done only by a
qualified service technician with special tools.
Improper owner maintenance during the warranty period may affect warranty coverage.
For details, read the separate Mazda Warranty statement provided with the vehicle. If
you're unsure about any servicing or maintenance procedure, have it done by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
There are strict environmental laws regarding the disposal of waste oil and fluids. Please
dispose of your waste properly and with due regard to the environment.
We recommend that you entrust the oil and fluid changes of your vehicle to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
WARNING
Maintenance Procedures:
Performing maintenance work on a vehicle is dangerous if not done properly. You can
be seriously injured while performing some maintenance procedures. If you lack
sufficient knowledge and experience or the proper tools and equipment to do the work,
have it done by a qualified technician.
Running the Engine:
Working under the hood with the engine running is dangerous. It becomes even more
dangerous when you wear jewelry or loose clothing.
Either can become entangled in moving parts and result in injury.
Therefore, if you must run the engine while working under the hood, make certain
that you remove all jewelry (especially rings, bracelets, watches, and necklaces) and
all neckties, scarves, and similar loose clothing before getting near the engine or
cooling fan which may turn on unexpectedly.
Electrical Fan and Engine Inspection:
Working near the electrical cooling fan when it is running is dangerous. You could be
hit by the fan and seriously injured. Turn off the ignition switch and make sure the
fan is not running before attempting to work near the electrical cooling fan.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-9
CX-7_8V28-EA-06B_Edition2 Page305
Monday, March 13 2006 5:7 PM
Form No.8V28-EA-06B
Black plate (323,1)
NOTE
Remove the battery cover before
performing battery maintenance.
qBattery Maintenance
To get the best service from a battery:
lKeep it securely mounted.
lKeep the top clean and dry.
lKeep terminals and connections clean,
tight, and coated with petroleum jelly
or terminal grease.
lRinse off spilled electrolyte
immediately with a solution of water
and baking soda.
lIf the vehicle will not be used for an
extended time, disconnect the battery
cables.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-27
CX-7_8V28-EA-06B_Edition2 Page323
Monday, March 13 2006 5:7 PM
Form No.8V28-EA-06B
Black plate (349,1)
9
Customer Information and Reporting
Safety Defects
Important consumer information including warranties and add-on equipment.
Customer Assistance ............................... 9-2
Customer Assistance (U.S.A.) ............ 9-2
Customer Assistance (Canada) ........... 9-4
Customer Assistance (Puerto Rico) .... 9-7
Mazda Importer/Distributors ................. 9-8
Importer/Distributor ............................ 9-8
Distributor in Each Area ..................... 9-8
Warranty ................................................ 9-10
Warranties for Your Mazda ............... 9-10
Outside the United States and
Canada .............................................. 9-11
Outside the United States .................. 9-12
Outside Canada ................................. 9-13
Registering Your Vehicle in A Foreign
Country (Except United States and
Canada) ............................................. 9-14
Add-On Non-Genuine Parts and
Accessories ....................................... 9-15
Cell Phones ............................................. 9-16
Cell Phones Warning ......................... 9-16
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System
(UTQGS) ................................................ 9-17
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System
(UTQGS) .......................................... 9-17
Tire Information (except Canada) ....... 9-19
Tire Labeling ..................................... 9-19
Location of the Tire Label
(Placard) ............................................ 9-25
Tire Maintenance .............................. 9-28
Vehicle Loading ................................ 9-31
Steps for Determining the Correct Load
Limit: ................................................ 9-38Reporting Safety Defects ....................... 9-39
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S.A.) .... 9-39
Reporting Safety Defects (Canada) ... 9-40
Service Publications .............................. 9-41
Service Publications .......................... 9-41
9-1
CX-7_8V28-EA-06B_Edition2 Page349
Monday, March 13 2006 5:8 PM
Form No.8V28-EA-06B