2007 MAZDA MODEL CX-7 brakes

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
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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
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Form No.8V28-EA-06B

Black plate (146,1)
Installing the chains
1. Remove the wheel covers, or the chain
bands will scratch them.
2. Secure the chains on the front tires as
tightly as possible. Always follow the
chain manufacturer's instructions.
3. Retighten the chains after driving 1/2
―1 km (1/4―1/2 mile).Driving In Flooded Area
WARNING
Dry wet brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance returns to normal:
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.
CAUTION
Make sure water does not enter the
vehicle interior or the engine area.
Interior materials could get moldy, and
many electronic devices in the cabin
and the engine could be damaged.
4-10
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
CX-7_8V28-EA-06B_Edition2 Page146
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Form No.8V28-EA-06B

Black plate (153,1)
qSafety Chains
Safety chains must be used as a precautionary measure should the trailer become
unintentionally unhitched. They should cross under the trailer tongue and attach to the
hitch. Leave enough slack to allow full turns. Consult literature published by your trailer or
hitch manufacturer for more details.
WARNING
Make sure the safety chain is securely attached to both the trailer and the vehicle prior
to departure:
Towing a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both the trailer and
the vehicle is dangerous. If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball, the
trailer could wander into another lane and cause a collision.
qTrailer Lights
Trailer lights must comply with all federal, state, and local regulations. Equip your trailer
as required before towing it day or night.
CAUTION
Don't connect a trailer lighting system directly to the lighting system of your Mazda.
This may damage your vehicle's electrical system and lighting systems. Have a
recreational vehicle dealer or trailer rental agency connect the system, and inspect the
brake lights and turn signals yourself before each trip.
qTrailer Brakes
If the total trailer weight exceeds 450 kg (1,000 lb), trailer brakes are required. If your
trailer has brakes, make sure they comply with all federal, state, and local regulations.
WARNING
Do not connect a hydraulic trailer-brake system to your vehicle's brake system:
Connecting a hydraulic trailer-brake system directly to the vehicle brake system is
dangerous and will result in inadequate braking and possible injury.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Towing
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Form No.8V28-EA-06B

Black plate (155,1)
Passing
Plan well ahead to pass other vehicles, and provide plenty of room before changing lanes.
Crosswinds from passing vehicles, especially larger ones, and the effects of rough roads
will affect handling.
If swaying occurs, firmly grip the steering wheel and reduce speed immediately, but
gradually.
Steer straight ahead. If no extreme correction of steering or braking is made, the
combination of less speed and firm steering will result in stability.
Backing up
Backing a vehicle with a trailer requires practice and patience. Back slowly, and have a
helper outside at the rear of the trailer to reduce the risk of an accident.
To turn the trailer, place your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and turn it in the
direction you want the trailer to go. Make only slight movements to prevent sharp or
prolonged turning.
Ascending a hill
Shift into a lower gear to reduce the possibility of overloading or overheating the engine, or
both.
Descending a hill
Shift into a lower gear and use engine compression as a braking effect.
WARNING
Always use lower gears to reduce speed:
Holding the brake pedal down too long or too frequently is dangerous as it could
cause the brakes to overheat and lose power, resulting in loss of control and a serious
accident. Use lower gears to help reduce speed. Pull off the road and allow brakes to
cool down whenever braking performance feels reduced.
Overheated engine
The extra weight of the trailer may strain the engine on hot days and on long or steep
upgrades.
If the temperature gauge indicates overheating, turn off the air conditioner, drive safely to
the side of the road, park off the right-of-way and wait for engine to cool. Refer to
Overheating (page 7-12).
Parking
Always make sure the tires of the trailer and the tow vehicle are blocked while parked.
Apply the parking brake firmly and put the transaxle in P.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Towing
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Form No.8V28-EA-06B

Black plate (159,1)
NOTE
If turning the key is difficult, jiggle the
steering wheel from side to side.
ACC(Accessory)
The steering wheel unlocks and some
electrical accessories will operate.
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 key; then
it returns to the ON position. The brake
warning light can be checked after the
engine is started (page 5-36).
qIgnition Key Reminder
If the ignition switch is in the LOCK or
ACC position with the key inserted, a
continuous beep sound will be heard
when the driver's door is opened.
Starting the Engine
NOTE
Engine-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.
1. Occupants should fasten their seat
belts.
2. Make sure the parking brake is on.
3. Depress the brake pedal.
4. 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 isnotin P or N.
5. Turn the ignition switch to the START
position and hold (up to 10 seconds at
a time) until the engine starts.
CAUTION
Don't try the starter for more than 10
seconds at a time. If the engine stalls or
fails to start, wait 10 seconds before
trying again. Otherwise, you may
damage the starter and drain the battery.
6. After starting the engine, let it idle for
about 10 seconds.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8V28-EA-06B

Black plate (160,1)
NOTE
lIn extremely cold weather, below
_
18 °C (0 °F), or after the vehicle
has not been driven in several days,
let the engine warm up without
operating the accelerator.
lWhether the engine is cold or warm,
it should be started without use of
the accelerator.
Brake System
qFoot Brake
Your Mazda has power-assisted brakes
that adjust automatically through normal
use.
Should power-assist fail, you can stop by
applying greater force than normal to the
brake pedal. But the distance required to
stop will be greater than usual.
WARNING
Do not coast with the engine stalled or
turned off, find a safe place to stop:
Casting with the engine stalled or
turned off is dangerous. Braking will
require more effort, and the brake's
power-assist could be depleted if you
pump the brake. This will cause
longer stopping distances or even an
accident.
Shift to a lower gear when going down
steep hills:
Driving with your foot continuously
on the brake pedal or steadily applying
the brakes for long distances is
dangerous. This causes overheated
brakes, resulting in longer stopping
distances or even total brake failure.
This could cause loss of vehicle
control and a serious accident. Avoid
continuous application of the brakes.
5-4
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8V28-EA-06B

Black plate (161,1)
WARNING
Dry brakes that have become wet by
driving very slowly and applying the
brakes lightly until brake performance
is normal:
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.
qParking Brake
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.
CAUTION
Driving with the parking brake on will
cause excessive wear of the brake
linings or pads.
NOTE
For parking in snow, refer to Winter
Driving (page 4-8) regarding parking
brake use.
Setting the parking brake
Depress the brake pedal, then depress the
parking brake pedal fully.
Releasing the parking brake
Depress the brake pedal, then depress the
parking brake pedal until it releases.
Gradually let up on the parking brake
pedal.
NOTE
Release the parking brake once before
trying to reapply it.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8V28-EA-06B