Black plate (8,1)
Interior Equipment (View A)
Power window lock switch ................................................................................ page 3-39
Power window switches .................................................................................... page 3-34
Door-lock knob .................................................................................................. page 3-29
Power door lock switch ..................................................................................... page 3-29
Outside mirror switch ........................................................................................ page 3-58
Headlight leveling switch .................................................................................. page 5-54
TCS-OFF switch ................................................................................................ page 5-22
Lighting control/Turn signals ............................................................................ page 5-52
Dashboard illumination knob ............................................................................ page 5-35
Instrument cluster .............................................................................................. page 5-31
Wiper and washer lever ..................................................................................... page 5-56
Ignition switch ..................................................................................................... page 5-2
Tilt wheel release lever ...................................................................................... page 3-58
Parking brake ....................................................................................................... page 5-5
Hood release handle .......................................................................................... page 3-44
1-2
Your Vehicle at a Glance
The equipment and installation position varies by vehicle
Interior Overview
CX-7_8V28-EA-06B_Edition2 Page8
Monday, March 13 2006 5:5 PM
Form No.8V28-EA-06B
Black plate (86,1)
NOTE
lThe setting can be changed so that
the doors and the liftgate are locked
automatically without pressing the
request switch.
(Auto-lock function)
A beep sound is heard when all
doors and the liftgate are closed
while the advanced key is being
carried. All doors and the liftgate are
locked automatically after about 3
seconds when the advanced key is
out of the operational range. Also,
the hazard warning lights flash once.
(Even if the driver is in the
operational range, all doors and the
liftgate are locked automatically after
about 30 seconds.)
If you are out of the operational
range before the doors and the
liftgate are completely closed or
another advanced key is left in the
vehicle, the auto-lock function will
not work. Always make sure that all
doors and the liftgate are locked
before leaving the vehicle (page
3-20).
lAfter unlocking doors and the
liftgate by pressing the request
switch, all doors and the liftgate will
automatically lock if any of the
following operations are not
performed within about 30 seconds.
If your vehicle has a theft-deterrent
system, the hazard warning lights
will flash for confirmation.
lA door or the liftgate is opened.lThe auxiliary key is inserted into
the ignition switch.
lThe start knob is pushed.
qStarting the Engine
Ignition Switch Positions
Without a traditional key, some of the
ignition switch functions are different.
Start knob
LOCK (Released)
The steering wheel locks to help protect
against theft.
LOCK (Depressed)
The ignition switch can be turned to the
ACC position when the KEY indicator
light (green) illuminates in the instrument
cluster.
WARNING
Before leaving the driver's seat,
always set the parking brake and
make sure the shift lever is in P:
Leaving the driver's seat without
setting the parking brake is
dangerous. Unexpected vehicle
movement could occur if the parking
brake is not set. This could cause an
accident.
3-10
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
CX-7_8V28-EA-06B_Edition2 Page86
Monday, March 13 2006 5:5 PM
Form No.8V28-EA-06B
Black plate (87,1)
NOTE
lIf turning the ignition switch is
difficult, jiggle the steering wheel
from side to side.
lThe ignition switch cannot be turned
from the ACC position to the LOCK
position when the shift lever is not in
P.
ACC (Accessory)
The steering wheel unlocks and some
electrical accessories will operate.
NOTE
The Advanced Keyless Entry System
does not function in the ACC position,
and the doors will not lock/unlock even
if they have been locked manually or
the advanced key is carried away from
the vehicle.
ON
This is the normal running position after
the engine is started. The warning lights
(except brakes) should be inspected
before the engine is started (page 5-36).
NOTE
When the ignition switch is turned to
the ON position, the sound of the fuel
pump motor operating near the fuel
tank can be heard. This does not
indicate an abnormality.START
The engine is started in this position. It
will crank until you release the start knob;
then it returns to the ON position. The
brake warning light can be checked after
the engine is started (page 5-36).
Starting the Engine
NOTE
lEngine-starting is controlled by the
spark ignition system.
This system meets all Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment
Standard requirements regulating the
impulse electrical field strength of
radio noise.
lThe advanced key must be carried
because the advanced key carries an
immobilizer chip that must
communicate with the engine
controls at short range.
lWhen starting the engine, be sure the
start knob is securely attached before
trying to operate it. If the knob
becomes detached from the ignition
switch, re-attach it by pushing it on
to the ignition switch.
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
3-11
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Form No.8V28-EA-06B
Black plate (88,1)
1. Make sure the advanced key is being
carried.
2. Occupants should fasten their seat
belts.
3. Make sure the parking brake is on.
4. Depress the brake pedal.
5. Put the vehicle in park (P). If you must
restart the engine while the vehicle is
moving, shift into neutral (N).
NOTE
The starter will not operate if the shift
lever is not in P or N.
6. Push the start knob slowly all the way
in.
7. Verify that the KEY indicator light
(green) illuminates in the instrument
cluster. The KEY warning light (red)
means you cannot continue to start the
engine (page 3-21).
NOTE
In the following cases, the KEY
warning light (red) illuminates and the
engine will not start.
lThe advanced key battery is dead.
lThe advanced key is out of
operational range.
lThe advanced key is placed in areas
where it is difficult for the system to
detect the signal (page 3-7).
lA key from another manufacturer
similar to the advanced key is in the
operational range.
8. Turn the ignition switch to the ACC
position while pushing the start knob
in.
9. Turn the ignition switch from the ACC
position to the START position and
hold (up to 10 seconds at a time) until
the engine starts.
3-12
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
CX-7_8V28-EA-06B_Edition2 Page88
Monday, March 13 2006 5:5 PM
Form No.8V28-EA-06B
Black plate (141,1)
Before Getting In
lBe sure the windows, outside mirrors,
and outside lights are clean.
lInspect inflation pressures and
condition of tires.
lLook under the vehicle for any sign of
a leak.
lIf you plan to back up, make sure
nothing is in your way.
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid,
washer fluid, and other fluid levels
should be inspected. See Maintenance,
Section 8.
After Getting In
lAre all doors closed and locked?
lIs the seat adjusted properly?
lAre the inside and outside mirrors
adjusted?
lIs everyone's seat belt fastened?
lCheck all gauges.
lCheck all warning lights when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position.
lRelease the parking brake and make
sure the brake warning light goes off.
Always be thoroughly familiar with your
Mazda.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Before Starting the Engine
4-5
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Form No.8V28-EA-06B
Black plate (142,1)
Break-In Period
No special break-in is necessary, but a few
precautions in the first 1,000 km (600
miles) may add to the performance,
economy, and life of your Mazda.
lDon't race the engine.
lDon't maintain one constant speed,
either slow or fast, for a long period of
time.
lDon't drive constantly at full-throttle or
high engine rpm for extended periods
of time.
lAvoid unnecessary hard stops.
lAvoid full-throttle starts.
lDon't tow a trailer.
Money-Saving Suggestions
How you operate your Mazda determines
how far it will travel on a tank of fuel. Use
these suggestions to help save money on
fuel and repairs.
lAvoid long warm-ups. Once the engine
runs smoothly, begin driving.
lAvoid fast starts.
lKeep the engine tuned. Follow the
maintenance schedule (page 8-3) and
have an Authorized Mazda Dealer
perform inspections and servicing.
lUse the air conditioner only when
necessary.
lSlow down on rough roads.
lKeep the tires properly inflated.
lDon't carry unnecessary weight.
lDon't rest your foot on the brake pedal
while driving.
lKeep the wheels in correct alignment.
lKeep windows closed at high speeds.
lSlow down when driving in crosswinds
and headwinds.
WARNING
Never stop the engine when going
down a hill:
Stopping the engine when going down
a hill is dangerous. This causes the
loss of power steering and power
brake control, and may cause damage
to the drivetrain. Any loss of steering
or braking control could cause an
accident.
4-6
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
CX-7_8V28-EA-06B_Edition2 Page142
Monday, March 13 2006 5:6 PM
Form No.8V28-EA-06B
Black plate (143,1)
Hazardous Driving
qDriving on Slippery Surface
WARNING
Be extremely careful if it is necessary
to downshift on slippery surfaces:
Downshifting into lower gear while
driving on slippery surfaces is
dangerous. The sudden change in tire
speed could cause the tires to skid.
This could lead to loss of vehicle
control and an accident.
So do not rely on ABS as a substitute
for safe driving:
The ABS cannot compensate for
unsafe and reckless driving, excessive
speed, tailgating (following another
vehicle too closely), driving on ice and
snow, and hydroplaning (reduced tire
friction and road contact because of
water on the road surface). You can
still have an accident.
When driving on ice or in water, snow,
mud, sand, or similar hazards:
lBe cautious and allow extra distance
for braking.
lAvoid sudden braking and sudden
maneuvering.
lDo not pump the brakes. Continue to
press down on the brake pedal.
lIf you get stuck, select a lower gear and
accelerate slowly. Do not spin the front
wheels.
lFor more traction in starting on
slippery surfaces such as ice or packed
snow, use sand, rock salt, chains,
carpeting, or other nonslip material
under the front wheels.
NOTE
Use snow chains only on the front
wheels.
qRoll-over
WARNING
Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and
abrupt maneuvers when driving this
vehicles:
Vehicles with a higher center of
gravity such as utility and AWD
vehicles handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity.
Utility and AWD vehicles are not
designed for cornering at speeds as
high as passenger cars any more than
low-slung sport cars are designed to
perform satisfactorily under off-road
conditions. Failure to drive cautiously
could result in an increase risk of loss
of vehicle control, vehicle roll-over,
personal injury and death.
Utility vehicles have a significantly
higher rollover rate than other types of
vehicles.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
4-7
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Monday, March 13 2006 5:6 PM
Form No.8V28-EA-06B
Black plate (144,1)
Rocking the Vehicle
WARNING
Do not spin the wheels at more than
56 km/h (35 mph), and do not allow
anyone to stand behind a wheel when
pushing the vehicle:
When the vehicle is stuck, spinning
the wheels at high speed is dangerous.
The spinning tire could overheat and
explode. This could cause serious
injuries.
CAUTION
Too much rocking may cause engine
overheating, transaxle failure, and tire
damage.
If you must rock the vehicle to free it from
snow, sand or mud, depress the
accelerator slightly and slowly move the
shift lever from D to R.
Winter Driving
lCarry emergency gear, including tire
chains, window scraper, flares, a small
shovel, jumper cables, and a small bag
of sand or salt.
Ask an Authorized Mazda Dealer to
perform the following precautions:
lHave the proper ratio of antifreeze in
the radiator.
Refer to Engine Coolant on page 8-14.
lInspect the battery and its cables. Cold
reduces battery capacity.
lInspect the ignition system for damage
and loose connections.
lUse washer fluid made with
antifreeze―but don't use engine
coolant antifreeze for washer fluid
(page 8-20).
lDon't use the parking brake in freezing
weather as the parking brake may
freeze. Instead, shift to P and block the
rear wheels.
qSnow Tires
Use snow tires on all four wheels
Don't go faster than 120 km/h (75 mph)
while driving with snow tires. Inflate
snow tires 30 kPa (0.3 kgf/cm
2, 4.3 psi)
more than recommended on the tire
pressure label (driver's door frame), but
never more than the maximum cold-tire
pressure shown on the tires.
4-8
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
CX-7_8V28-EA-06B_Edition2 Page144
Monday, March 13 2006 5:6 PM
Form No.8V28-EA-06B