Page 312 of 406
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NOTE
If the“FL22”mark is shown on or near
the cooling system cap, use FL22 type
engine coolant. If engine coolant other
than FL22 type is used, the engine
coolant must be replaced earlier than
the specified replacement interval
indicated in the scheduled maintenance
(page 8-3).
If the coolant reservoir is empty or new
coolant is required frequently, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Brake Fluid
qInspecting Brake Fluid Level
Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir
regularly. It should be kept at MAX.
The level normally drops with
accumulated distance, a condition
associated with wear of brake linings. If it
is excessively low, have the brake system
inspected by an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
8-16
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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Form No.8V28-EA-06B
Page 313 of 406

Black plate (313,1)
qAdding Brake Fluid
WARNING
Spilled Brake Fluid:
Spilled brake fluid is dangerous. If it
gets in your eyes, they could be
seriously injured. If this happens,
immediately flush your eyes with water
and get medical attention. Brake fluid
spilled on a hot engine could cause a
fire. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on yourself or on the engine.
Low Brake Fluid Levels:
Low brake fluid levels are dangerous.
Low levels could signal brake lining
wear or a brake system leak. Your
brakes could fail and cause an
accident. If you find a low fluid level,
have the brakes inspected.
If the fluid level is low, add fluid until it
reaches MAX.
Before adding fluid, thoroughly clean the
area around the cap.
CAUTION
lBrake fluid will damage painted
surfaces. If brake fluid does get on a
painted surface, wipe it off
immediately.
lUsing nonspecified brake fluids
(page 10-4) will damage the system.
Mixing different fluids will also
damage it.
If the brake system frequently
requires new fluid, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Power Steering Fluid
qInspecting Power Steering Fluid
Level
CAUTION
To avoid damage to the power steering
pump, don't operate the vehicle for long
periods when the power steering fluid
level is low.
NOTE
Use specified power steering fluid
(page 10-4).
Inspect the fluid level at each engine oil
change. Add fluid if necessary; it does not
require periodic changing.
The level must be kept between the MAX
and MIN marks.
Visually examine the lines and hoses for
leaks and damage.
1. Park on a level surface, well off the
right-of-way, and set the parking brake
firmly.
2. Turn off the engine and allow it to
cool.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-17
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Form No.8V28-EA-06B
Page 314 of 406

Black plate (314,1)
3. Remove the filler cap and attached
dipstick.
4. Wipe them clean and put them back.
5. Remove again and inspect the level.
6. It must be between MAX and MIN.
Add fluid if necessary.
Don't overfill.
If new fluid is required frequently, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.Automatic Transaxle Fluid
(ATF)
qInspecting Automatic Transaxle
Fluid Level
The automatic transaxle fluid level should
be inspected regularly. Measure it as
described below.
The volume of fluid changes with the
temperature. Fluid must be checked at idle
without driving at normal operating
temperature.
CAUTION
lLow fluid level causes transaxle
slippage. Overfilling can cause
foaming, loss of fluid, and transaxle
malfunction.
lUse specified fluid (page 10-4). A
nonspecified fluid could result in
transaxle malfunction and failure.
1. Park on a level surface and set the
parking brake firmly.
2. Start the engine and depress the brake
pedal.
3. Move the shift lever through all ranges,
then set it at P.
8-18
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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Form No.8V28-EA-06B
Page 315 of 406

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WARNING
Sudden Vehicle Movement:
Shifting the shift lever without first
depressing the brake pedal is
dangerous. The vehicle could move
suddenly and cause an accident.
Make sure the brake pedal is applied
before shifting the shift lever.
4. With the engine still idling, pull out the
dipstick, wipe it clean, and put it back.
5. Pull it out again.
The proper fluid level is marked on the
dipstick as follows.
A
B Full
Low
Full
Low
Fluid hot scale A
When the vehicle has been driven and the
fluid is at normal operating temperature,
about 65°C (150°F), the level must be
between Full and Low.
Fluid cold scale B
When the engine has not been running
and the outside temperature is about 20°C
(70°F), the fluid level should be close to,
but not above, the bottom notch on the
dipstick.
CAUTION
lUse the cold scale only as a
reference.
lIf outside temperature is lower than
about 20°C (70°F), start the engine
and inspect the fluid level after the
engine reaches operating
temperature.
lIf the vehicle has been driven for an
extended period at high speeds or in
city traffic in hot weather, inspect the
level only after stopping the engine
and allowing the fluid to cool for 30
minutes.
Fully insert the dipstick. When adding
fluid, inspect with the dipstick to make
sure it doesn't pass full.
NOTE
Inspect the fluid on both sides of the
dipstick in a well lit area for an accurate
reading.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-19
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Form No.8V28-EA-06B
Page 329 of 406
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Light Bulbs
Headlights (Low beam) Headlights (High beam)
High-mount brake lightFog lights
Front turn signal lights/Parking lights
Some models.
License plate lights
Brake lights/Taillights Overhead light/Map lights (Front) Overhead light (Rear)
Front side marker lights
Rear turn signal lights
Rear side marker lights
Reverse lights
Luggage compartment light
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-33
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Form No.8V28-EA-06B
Page 334 of 406

Black plate (334,1)
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
for the replacement bulb to dispose
of the old bulb promptly and out of
the reach of children.
Brake lights/Taillights, Rear turn signal
lights, Reverse lights, Rear side-marker
lights
1. Remove the cover.
2. Turn the socket and bulb assembly
counterclockwise and remove it.3. Disconnect the bulb from the socket.
Rear side-maker light
Brake light/Taillight
Rear direction indication light
Reverse light
4. Install the new bulb in the reverse order
of removal.
NOTE
To replace the bulb, contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
High-mount brake light
Due to the complexity and difficulty of
the procedure, the LED bulbs should be
replaced by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
LED bulb replacement is not possible.
The rear combination component must
be replaced.
License plate lights
1. Wrap a flathead screwdriver with a soft
cloth to prevent damage to the lens and
remove the lens by carefully prying on
the edge of the lens with a flathead
screwdriver.
8-38
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Owner Maintenance
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Form No.8V28-EA-06B
Page 339 of 406
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
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Form No.8V28-EA-06B
Page 344 of 406

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
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Form No.8V28-EA-06B