Page 326 of 406

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CAUTION
Limited-Slip Differential system;
don't use the following:
lTires not of the designated size
lTires of different sizes or types at the
same time
lTires not sufficiently inflated
If these instructions aren't followed, the
rotation of the left and right wheels will
be different and will thus apply a
constant load on the limited-slip
differential.
This will cause a malfunction.
qReplacing a Tire
WARNING
Worn Tires:
Driving with worn tires is dangerous.
Reduced braking, steering, and
traction could result in an accident.
Always use tires that are in good
condition.
CAUTION
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
When 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.
NOTE
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
lWhen tires with steel wire
reinforcement in the sidewalls are
used, the system may not function
correctly even with a genuine wheel.
Refer to System Error Activation on
page 5-28.
lBe sure to install the tire pressure
sensors whenever tires or wheels are
replaced.
Refer to Tires and Wheels on page
5-29.
If a tire wears evenly, a wear indicator
will appear as a solid band across the
tread.
Replace the tire when this happens.
New treadTread wear indicator
Worn tread
You should replace it before the band is
across the entire tread.
8-30
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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Page 331 of 406

Black plate (331,1)
NOTE
lTo replace the bulb, contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
lIf the halogen bulb is accidentally
touched, it should be cleaned with
rubbing alcohol before being used.
lUse the protective cover and carton
of the replacement bulb to dispose of
the old bulb promptly out of the
reach of children.
Low-beam bulb
(Xenon fusion bulb)
You cannot replace the low beam bulbs by
yourself.
The bulbs must be replaced at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
(Halogen bulbs)
1. Make sure the headlight switch is off.
2. If you are changing the right Low-
beam bulb, start the engine, turn the
steering wheel all the way to the right,
and turn off engine. If you are
changing the left Low-beam bulb, turn
the steering wheel to the left.3. Turn the screws and the center section
of the plastic retainers
counterclockwise and remove them,
then partially peel back the mudguard.
InstallationRemoval
4. Detach the electrical connector from
the bulb by pulling it to the rear.
5. Pull off the sealing cover.
6. Unhook the bulb retaining spring.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-35
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Black plate (332,1)
7. Swing the retaining spring out and
away to free the bulb.
Sealing
cover
8. Carefully remove the bulb from the
socket by pulling it straight back.
9. Replace the bulb.
10. Install the new bulb in the reverse
order of removal.
NOTE
lTo replace the bulb, contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
lIf the halogen bulb is accidentally
touched, it should be cleaned with
rubbing alcohol before being used.
lUse the protective cover and carton
for the replacement bulb to dispose
of the old bulb promptly and out of
the reach of children.
Front side marker lights, Front turn
signal lights/Parking lights
1. Make sure the headlight switch is off.
2. If you are changing a bulb in the right
headlight unit, start the engine, turn the
steering wheel all the way to the right,
and turn off engine. If you are
changing a bulb in the left headlight
unit, turn the steering wheel to the left.
3. Turn the screws and the center section
of the plastic retainers
counterclockwise and remove them,
then partially peel back the mudguard.
InstallationRemoval
4. Turn the socket and bulb assembly
counterclockwise and remove it.
5. Disconnect the bulb from the socket.
8-36
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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Form No.8V28-EA-06B
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Front side marker lights
Front turn signal lights/Parking lights
6. Install the new bulb in the reverse order
of removal.
Fog lightsí
1. Make sure the headlight switch is off.
2. If you are changing the right fog light
bulb, start the engine, turn the steering
wheel all the way to the right, and turn
off engine. If you are changing the left
fog light bulb, turn the steering wheel
to the left.3. Turn the screws and the center section
of the plastic retainers
counterclockwise and remove them,
then partially peel back the mudguard.
InstallationRemoval
4. Disconnect the electrical connector
from the bulb by pressing the tab on
the connector with your finger and
pulling the connector downward.
5. Turn the socket and bulb assembly
counterclockwise and remove it.
Carefully remove the bulb from its
socket in the reflector by gently pulling
it straight backward out of the socket.
6. Install the new bulb in the reverse order
of removal.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-37íSome models. CX-7_8V28-EA-06B_Edition2 Page333
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Form No.8V28-EA-06B
Page 347 of 406

Black plate (347,1)
To keep the fabric looking clean and
fresh, take care of it. Otherwise its color
will be affected, it can be stained easily,
and its fire-resistance may be reduced.
CAUTION
Use only recommended cleaners and
procedures. Others may affect
appearance and fire-resistance.
Piano black panelí
The following parts are fitted with panels
that have been treated with a special
coating that resists scratching.
Steering wheel (partial)
When the panel needs to be cleaned, use a
soft cloth to wipe off dirt from the surface.
NOTE
Scratches or nicks on the panels
resulting from the use of a hard brush or
cloth may not be repairable.
qCleaning the Lap/Shoulder Belt
Webbing
Clean the webbing with a mild soap
solution recommended for upholstery or
carpets. Follow instructions. Don't bleach
or dye the webbing; this may weaken it.
After cleaning the belts, thoroughly dry
the belt webbing and make sure there is
no remaining moisture before retracting
them.
WARNING
Damaged Seat Belt:
Using damaged seat belts is
dangerous. In a collision, damaged
belts cannot provide adequate
protection. Have an Authorized Mazda
Dealer replace damaged belts
immediately.
qCleaning the Window Interiors
If the windows become covered with an
oily, greasy, or waxy film, clean them
with glass cleaner. Follow the directions
on the container.
CAUTION
Don't scrape or scratch the inside of the
rear window. You may damage the rear
window defroster grid.
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
8-51íSome models. CX-7_8V28-EA-06B_Edition2 Page347
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Form No.8V28-EA-06B
Page 377 of 406

Black plate (377,1)
CAUTION
Rotate unidirectional tires and radial tires that have an asymmetrical tread pattern or
studs only from front to rear, not from side to side. Tire performance will be weakened if
rotated from side to side.
(With limited-slip differential)
Don't use the following:
lTires not of the designated size
lTires of different sizes or types at the same time
lTires not sufficiently inflated
If these instructions aren't followed, the rotation of the left and right wheels will be
different and will thus apply a constant load on the limited-slip differential.
This will cause a malfunction.
qReplacing a Tire
WARNING
Worn Tires:
Driving with worn tires is dangerous. Reduced braking, steering, and traction could
result in an accident. Always use tires that are in good condition.
If a tire wears evenly, a wear indicator will appear as a solid band across the tread. Replace
the tire when this happens.
New treadTread wear indicator
Worn tread
You should replace it before the band is across the entire tread.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (except Canada)
9-29
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Form No.8V28-EA-06B
Page 379 of 406

Black plate (379,1)
Vehicle Loading
This section will guide you in the proper loading of your vehicle and/or trailer, to keep
your loaded vehicle weight within its design rating capability, with or without a trailer.
Properly loading your vehicle will provide maximum return of vehicle design performance.
Before loading your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining
your vehicle's weight ratings, with or without a trailer, from the vehicle's Safety
Certification Label and Tire and Load Information Label:
WARNING
Overloaded Vehicle:
Overloading a vehicle is dangerous. The results of overloading can have serious
consequences in terms of passenger safety. Too much weight on a vehicle's suspension
system can cause spring or shock absorber failure, brake failure, handling or steering
problems, irregular tire wear, tire failure or other damage.
Overloading makes a vehicle harder to drive and control. It also increases the distance
required for stopping. In cases of serious overloading, brakes can fail completely,
particularly on steep grades. The load a tire will carry safely is a combination of the
size of the tire, its load range, and corresponding inflation pressure.
Never overload the vehicle and always observe the vehicle's weight ratings from the
vehicle's Safety Certification and Tire and Load Information labels.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (except Canada)
9-31
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Form No.8V28-EA-06B
Page 394 of 406

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Specifications
qEngine
Item Specification
Type DOHC-16V in-line, 4-cylinder
Bore×Stroke 87.5 × 94.0 mm (3.44 × 3.70 in)
Displacement 2,261 ml (2,261 cc, 137.9 cu in)
Compression ratio 9.5
qElectrical System
Item Classification
Battery12V-48AH/5HR MF
12V-55AH/5HR MF
Spark-plug numberL3K9 18 110A
*1
L3Y3 18 110
Spark-plug gap 0.70―0.80 mm (0.028―0.031 in)
*1 ex factory
CAUTION
When cleaning the iridium plugs, do not use a wire brush. The fine particulate coating on
the iridium alloy and platinum tips could be damaged.
qLubricant Quality
Lubricant Classification
Engine oil Refer to the recommended SAE viscosity numbers on page 8-12.
Automatic transaxle oil JWS3309
Transfer case oil API Service GL-5 (SAE 80W-90)
Rear differential oil API Service GL-5 (SAE 80W-90)
Power steering fluid ATF M-III, M-V, or equivalent (e.g. Dexron® II)
Brake fluid SAE J1703, or FMVSS116 DOT-3
10-4
Specifications
CX-7_8V28-EA-06B_Edition2 Page394
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Form No.8V28-EA-06B