Black plate (313,1)
NOTE
When closing the engine oil cap, place the cap
with the (
) mark aligned at the OPEN ()
position and then turn the cap to the CLOSE
(
) position.
Engine Coolant
q Inspecting Coolant Level
WARNING
Do not use a match or live flame in the
engine compartment. DO NOT ADD
COOLANT WHEN THE ENGINE IS HOT:
A hot engine is dangerous. If the
engine has been running, parts of the
engine compartment can become
very hot. You could be burned.
Carefully inspect the engine coolant
in the coolant reservoir, but do not
open it.
Turn off the ignition switch and
make sure the fan is not running before
attempting to work near the cooling
fan: Working near the cooling fan when it
is running is dangerous. The fan
could continue running indefinitely
even if the engine has stopped and
the engine compartment temperature
is high. You could be hit by the fan
and seriously injured.
Do not remove either cooling
system cap when the engine and
radiator are hot: When the engine and radiator are
hot, scalding coolant and steam may
shoot out under pressure and cause
serious injury.
NOTE
Changing the coolant should be done by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-21
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Form No.8X59-EA-07E
Black plate (316,1)
qAdding Brake Fluid
WARNING
Be careful not to spill brake fluid on
yourself or on the engine:
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.
If the brake/clutch fluid level is low,
have the brakes and clutch inspected: 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 the fluid level is low, add fluid until it
reaches MAX.
Before adding fluid, thoroughly clean the
area around the cap.
CAUTION
Ø Brake fluid will damage painted
surfaces. If brake fluid does get on
a painted surface, wash it off with
water immediately.
Ø Using 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.
3. Remove the filler cap and attached dipstick.
4. Wipe them clean and put them back.
8-24
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
CX-7_8X59-EA-07E_Edition3 Page316
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Form No.8X59-EA-07E
Black plate (320,1)
Body Lubrication
All moving points of the body, such as
door and hood hinges and locks, should
be lubricated each time the engine oil is
changed. Use a nonfreezing lubricant on
locks during cold weather.
Make sure the hood's secondary latch
keeps the hood from opening when the
primary latch is released.
Wiper Blades
CAUTION
ØHot waxes applied by automatic
car washers have been known to
affect the wiper's ability to clean
windows.
Ø To prevent damage to the wiper
blades, don't use gasoline,
kerosene, paint thinner, or other
solvents on or near them.
Contamination of either the windshield or
the blades with foreign matter can reduce
wiper effectiveness. Common sources are
insects, tree sap, and hot wax treatments
used by some commercial car washes.
If the blades are not wiping properly,
clean the window and blades with a good
cleaner or mild detergent; then rinse
thoroughly with clean water. Repeat if
necessary.
qReplacing Windshield Wiper Blades
When the wipers no longer clean well, the
blades are probably worn or cracked.
Replace them.
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the wiper arms
and other components, don't try to
sweep the wiper arm by hand.
NOTE
To prevent damage to the wiper arm blades
when raising both the driver and passenger
side wiper arms, raise the driver side wiper
arm first. Conversely, when setting down the
wiper arms, set the passenger side wiper arm
down first.
1. Raise the wiper arm.
8-28
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
CX-7_8X59-EA-07E_Edition3 Page320
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Form No.8X59-EA-07E
Black plate (332,1)
WARNING
Do not replace the xenon fusion bulbs
yourself:Replacing the xenon fusion bulbs
yourself is dangerous. Because the
xenon fusion bulbs require high
voltage, you could receive an electric
shock if the bulbs are handled
incorrectly. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer when the replacement
is necessary.
Never touch the glass portion of a
halogen bulb with your bare hands and
always wear eye protection when
handling or working around the bulbs: When a halogen bulb breaks, it is
dangerous. These bulbs contain
pressurized gas. If one is broken, it
will explode and serious injuries
could be caused by the flying glass.
If the glass portion is touched with
bare hands, body oil could cause the
bulb to overheat and explode when
lit.
Always keep halogen bulbs out of the
reach of children: Playing with a halogen bulb is
dangerous. Serious injuries could be
caused by dropping a halogen bulb
or breaking it some other way.
qReplacing Exterior Light Bulbs
Replacing a headlight bulb
High-beam bulb
1. Make sure the ignition switch is turned
off and the headlight switch is off.
2. Lift the hood. 3. Turn the socket and bulb assembly
counterclockwise and remove it.
Carefully remove the High-beam bulb
from its socket in the reflector by
gently pulling it straight backward out
of the socket.
4. Disconnect the bulb from the electrical connector by pressing the tab on the
connector with your finger and pulling
the bulb upward.
5. Install the new bulb in the reverse orderof 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 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.
8-40
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
CX-7_8X59-EA-07E_Edition3 Page332
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Form No.8X59-EA-07E
Black plate (345,1)
After washing the vehicle, dry it with a
clean chamois to prevent water spots from
forming.
WARNING
Dry wet brakes 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.
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.
q Repairing 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.
4. After drying it completely, apply a suitable top coat material to the area.
Of course there will be no problem if you
assign the work to an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
8-53
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Form No.8X59-EA-07E
Black plate (347,1)
qUndercoating
This special coating is applied to the
critical parts of the underside to protect
vehicles from damage caused by
chemicals or stones. This coating is liable
to be damaged with time. Check this
coating periodically.
An Authorized Mazda Dealer are well
informed on how repairs should be made.
Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qAluminum Wheel Maintenance
A protective coating is provided over the
aluminum wheels. Special care is needed
to protect this coating.
NOTE
lDon't use a wire brush or any abrasive
cleaner, polishing compound, or solvent on
aluminum wheels. They may damage the
coating.
lOnly use a mild soap or neutral detergent
and always use a sponge or soft cloth to
clean the wheels.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm or cold
water. Also, be sure to clean the wheels
after driving on dusty or salted roads. This
helps prevent corrosion.
lAvoid washing your vehicle in an automatic
car wash that uses high-speed or hard
brushes.
lIf your aluminum wheels lose luster, wax
the wheels.
Interior Care
qDashboard Precautions
Prevent caustic solutions such as perfume
and cosmetic oils from contacting the
dashboard. They'll damage and discolor it.
If these solutions get on the dashboard,
wipe them off immediately.
CAUTION
Do not use glazing agents.
Glazing agents contain ingredients
which may cause discoloration,
wrinkling, cracks and peeling.
qCleaning the Upholstery and
Interior Trim
Vinyl
Remove dust and loose dirt from vinyl
with a whisk broom or vacuum cleaner.
Clean vinyl with a leather-and-vinyl
cleaner.
Leatherí
Real leather isn't uniform and may have
scars, scratches, and wrinkles. Clean it
with a leather cleaner or mild soap.
Wipe it with a dampsoft cloth; then dry
and buff it with a drysoft cloth.
Fabric
Remove dust and loose dirt from fabric
with a whisk broom or vacuum cleaner.
Clean it with a mild soap solution good
for upholstery and carpets. Remove fresh
spots immediately with a fabric spot
cleaner.
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
8-55íSome models.
CX-7_8X59-EA-07E_Edition3 Page347
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Form No.8X59-EA-07E
Black plate (348,1)
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
Have an Authorized Mazda Dealer
replace damaged seat belts
immediately:
Using damaged seat belts is
dangerous. In a collision, damaged
belts cannot provide adequate
protection.
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.
8-56
Maintenance and Care
íSome models.
Appearance Care
CX-7_8X59-EA-07E_Edition3 Page348
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Form No.8X59-EA-07E
Black plate (398,1)
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
Battery 12V-48AH/5HR MF
12V-55AH/5HR MF
Spark-plug number L3K9 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.
q Lubricant Quality
Lubricant Classification
Engine oil Refer to the recommended SAE viscosity numbers on page 8-19.
Automatic transaxle fluid 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_8X59-EA-07E_Edition3 Page398
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Form No.8X59-EA-07E