Black plate (175,1)
qAWD Driving
WARNING
Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and
abrupt maneuvers when driving this
vehicle:
Sharp turns, excessive speed and
abrupt maneuvering of this vehicle is
dangerous as it could result in the
increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle roll-over, personal
injury or death.
This vehicle has a higher center of
gravity. 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 high speeds
any more than low profile sports cars
are designed to perform satisfactorily
under off-road conditions. In
addition, utility vehicles have a
significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.
Drive carefully when the vehicle is
loaded by lowering vehicle speed and
applying the brakes earlier:
Abrupt maneuvering and sudden
braking when driving a loaded
vehicle is dangerous as the driving
behavior of a vehicle with a high
center of gravity is different when it is
loaded compared to when it is not,
and could result in the loss of vehicle
control and an accident.
qAWD Warning Light
This warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
Thereafter, the warning light will
illuminate or flash under the following
conditions:
lIlluminates when there is an
abnormality with the AWD system.
lFlashes when the differential oil
temperature is abnormally high.
lFlashes when there are continually
large differences between front and rear
wheel rotation, such as when trying to
pull away from an icy surface, or when
trying to extricate the vehicle from
mud, sand or similar conditions.
If the AWD warning light illuminates:
If the AWD warning light illuminates,
contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
If the AWD warning light flashes:
Park the vehicle in a safe place. After a
few moments; if the warning light stops
flashing, you can resume driving. If the
light does not stop flashing, contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-17
CX-7_8Z60-EA-08D_Edition2 Page175
Friday, May 30 2008 5:27 PM
Form No.8Z60-EA-08D
Black plate (203,1)
qAutomatic Transaxle Warning Light
This warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
The light illuminates when the transaxle
has a problem.
CAUTION
If the automatic transaxle warning
light illuminates, the transaxle has
an electrical problem. Continuing to
drive your Mazda in this condition
could cause damage to your
transaxle. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
qAWD Warning Light (AWD)
This warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
Thereafter, the warning light will
illuminate or flash under the following
conditions:
lIlluminates when there is an
abnormality with the AWD system.
lFlashes when the differential oil
temperature is abnormally high.
lFlashes when there are continually
large differences between front and rear
wheel rotation, such as when trying to
pull away from an icy surface, or when
trying to extricate the vehicle from
mud, sand or similar conditions.
If the AWD warning light illuminates:
If the AWD warning light illuminates,
contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
If the AWD warning light flashes:
Park the vehicle in a safe place. After a
few moments; if the warning light stops
flashing, you can resume driving. If the
light does not stop flashing, contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
WARNING
Never spin a wheel that is off the
ground:
Spinning a wheel that is off the
ground as a result of the vehicle
being stuck or in a ditch is
dangerous. The drive assembly could
be seriously damaged which could
lead to an accident or could even
lead to overheating, oil leakage, and
a fire.
qTire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) Warning Lightí
This warning light illuminates for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-45íSome models. CX-7_8Z60-EA-08D_Edition2 Page203
Friday, May 30 2008 5:27 PM
Form No.8Z60-EA-08D
Black plate (242,1)
lUse discs that have been legitimately
produced. If illegally-copied discs such
as pirated discs are used, the system
may not operate properly.
lBe sure never to touch the signal
surface when handling the CDs. Pick
up a CD by grasping the outer edge or
the edge of the hole and the outer edge.
lDo not stick paper or tape on the CD.
Avoid scratching the reverse side (the
side without a label). The disc may not
eject resulting in a malfunction.
lDust, finger smudges, and dirt can
decrease the amount of light reflected
from the signal surface, thus affecting
sound quality. If the CD should
become soiled, gently wipe it with a
soft cloth from the center of the CD to
the edge.
lDo not use record sprays, antistatic
agents, or household spray cleaners.
Volatile chemicals such as benzine and
thinner can also damage the surface of
the CD and must not be used. Anything
that can damage, warp, or fog plastic
should never be used to clean CDs.
lInsert discs one by one. If two discs are
inserted at the same time, the system
may not operate properly.
lCD TEXT textual information cannot
be displayed by audio units other than
the CD player/In-dash CD changer.
(Only playback is possible.)
lThe following player can play MP3
files recorded in CD-ROM, CD-R, and
CD-RW.
· CD player
· In-dash CD changer
lThe CD player/In-dash CD changer
ejects the CD if the CD is inserted
upside down. Also dirty and/or
defective CDs may be ejected.
lAn 8 cm (3 in) CD can be played in the
CD player.
The In-dash CD changer is specially
made for 12 cm (5 in) CDs.
An 8 cm (3 in) CD can be played in the
In-dash CD changer if an 8 cm (3 in)
CD adapter is used.
If an 8 cm (3 in) CD adapter is not
used, the In-dash CD changer may be
damaged. Always use a CD adapter.
lDo not insert cleaning discs in the CD
player/In-dash CD changer.
lDo not insert any disc with a peel-off
seal affixed to it.
lThis unit may not be able to play
certain CD-R/CD-RWs made using a
computer or music CD recorder due to
disc characteristics, scratches,
smudges, dirt, etc., or due to dust or
condensation on the lens inside the
unit.
lStoring CDs in the vehicle exposed to
direct sunlight or high temperature may
damage the CD-R/CD-RWs, and make
them unplayable.
lCD-R/CD-RW exceeding 700 MB
cannot be played.
6-20
Interior Comfort
Audio System
CX-7_8Z60-EA-08D_Edition2 Page242
Friday, May 30 2008 5:28 PM
Form No.8Z60-EA-08D
Black plate (344,1)
Maintenance IntervalNumber of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first
Months 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
×1000 km 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96
×1000 miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM
Cabin air filter Replace every 40,000 km (25,000 miles) or 2 years
Chart symbols:
I:Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, fill up, or replace if necessary.
R:Replace
L:Lubricate
T:Tighten
Remarks:
*1 Use FL22 type coolant in vehicles with the inscription“FL22”on the radiator cap itself or the surrounding
area. Use FL22 when replacing the coolant.
*2 According to state/provincial and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these items will not
void your emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at
the recommended time or mileage/kilometer period to ensure long-term reliability.
*3 If the vehicle is operated primarily under any of the following conditions, replace the spark plugs at every
96,000 km (60,000 miles) or shorter.
a) Repeated short-distance driving
b) Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation
c) Driving for long periods in cold temperatures or extremely humid climates
*4 If the vehicle is operated primarily under any of the following conditions, replace the rear differential oil at
every 45,000 km (28,100 miles).
a) Towing a trailer or using a car-top carrier
b) Driving in dusty, sandy or wet conditions
c) Extended periods of idling or low speed operation
d) Repeated short trips of less than 16 km (10 miles)
*5 If this component has been submerged in water, the oil should be replaced.
8-8
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
CX-7_8Z60-EA-08D_Edition2 Page344
Friday, May 30 2008 5:28 PM
Form No.8Z60-EA-08D
Black plate (353,1)
Owner Maintenance Precautions
Improper or incomplete service may result in problems. This section gives instructions only
for items that are easy to perform.
As explained in the Introduction (page 8-2), several procedures can be done only by a
qualified service technician with special tools.
Improper owner maintenance during the warranty period may affect warranty coverage.
For details, read the separate Mazda Warranty statement provided with the vehicle. If
you're unsure about any servicing or maintenance procedure, have it done by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
There are strict environmental laws regarding the disposal of waste oil and fluids. Please
dispose of your waste properly and with due regard to the environment.
We recommend that you entrust the oil and fluid changes of your vehicle to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
WARNING
Do not perform maintenance work if you lack sufficient knowledge and experience or
the proper tools and equipment to do the work. Have maintenance work done by a
qualified technician:
Performing maintenance work on a vehicle is dangerous if not done properly. You
can be seriously injured while performing some maintenance procedures.
If you must run the engine while working under the hood, make certain that you
remove all jewelry (especially rings, bracelets, watches, and necklaces) and all
neckties, scarves, and similar loose clothing before getting near the engine or cooling
fan which may turn on unexpectedly:
Working under the hood with the engine running is dangerous. It becomes even
more dangerous when you wear jewelry or loose clothing.
Either can become entangled in moving parts and result in injury.
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 leave items in the engine compartment:
After you have finished checking or doing servicing in the engine compartment, do
not forget and leave items such as tools or rags in the engine compartment.
Tools or other items left in the engine compartment could cause engine damage or a
fire leading to an unexpected accident.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-17
CX-7_8Z60-EA-08D_Edition2 Page353
Friday, May 30 2008 5:28 PM
Form No.8Z60-EA-08D
Black plate (356,1)
The quality designation SM, or ILSAC
must be on the label.
–30 –20 –10 0 10 20 30 40 50
–20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120
5W-30
qInspecting Engine Oil Level
1. Be sure the vehicle is on a level
surface.
2. Warm up the engine to normal
operating temperature.
3. Turn it off and wait at least 5 minutes
for the oil to return to the oil pan.
4. Open the cap.
5. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and
reinsert it fully.
Max
OK
Min
6. Pull it out again and examine the level.
It's OK between MIN and MAX.
But if it's near or below MIN, add
enough oil to bring the level to MAX.
CAUTION
Don't add engine oil over MAX. This
may cause engine damage.
7. Make sure the O-ring on the dipstick is
positioned properly before reinserting
the dipstick.
8. Reinsert the dipstick fully.
9. Close the cap.
8-20
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
CX-7_8Z60-EA-08D_Edition2 Page356
Friday, May 30 2008 5:28 PM
Form No.8Z60-EA-08D
Black plate (357,1)
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
qInspecting 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
CX-7_8Z60-EA-08D_Edition2 Page357
Friday, May 30 2008 5:28 PM
Form No.8Z60-EA-08D
Black plate (449,1)
C
Carbon Monoxide ............................... 4-4
Cargo Securing Loops ...................... 6-90
Catalytic Converter ............................. 4-3
Cell Phones ....................................... 9-19
Center Console .................................. 6-89
Child Restraint
Child restraint precautions ......... 2-28
Installing child-restraint
systems ....................................... 2-32
LATCH child-restraint
systems ....................................... 2-41
Child Safety Locks for Rear Doors ... 3-30
Climate Control System ...................... 6-2
Gas specifications ...................... 10-5
Clock ................................................. 6-86
Cruise Control ................................... 5-19
Cup Holder ........................................ 6-87
Customer Assistance ........................... 9-2
D
Dashboard Illumination .................... 5-36
Daytime Running Lights ................... 5-55
Defroster
Mirror ......................................... 5-59
Rear window .............................. 5-59
Dimensions ....................................... 10-5
Door Locks ....................................... 3-27
Driving In Flooded Area ................... 4-10
Driving Tips ........................................ 4-6
Automatic transaxle ................... 5-15
Break-in period ............................ 4-6
Driving in flooded area .............. 4-10
Hazardous driving ........................ 4-7
Money-saving suggestions ........... 4-6
Rocking the vehicle ...................... 4-8
Turbocharged vehicles ............... 4-12
Winter driving .............................. 4-9
D
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) ..... 5-25
TCS/DSC Indicator light ............ 5-26
E
Emergency Starting ........................... 7-13
Flooded engine ........................... 7-13
Jump-starting .............................. 7-14
Push-starting .............................. 7-17
Emergency Towing ........................... 7-18
Emission Control System .................... 4-3
Engine
Coolant ....................................... 8-21
Exhaust gas .................................. 4-4
Hood release .............................. 3-42
Oil .............................................. 8-19
Overheating ................................ 7-11
Starting ......................................... 5-4
Engine Compartment Overview ........ 8-18
Engine Coolant
Overheating ................................ 7-11
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge ................................................ 5-35
Exhaust Gas ........................................ 4-4
Exterior Care ..................................... 8-52
F
Flasher
Hazard warning .......................... 5-60
Headlights .................................. 5-53
Flat Tire ............................................... 7-3
Changing ...................................... 7-6
Spare tire and tool storage ............ 7-3
Fluids
Classification .............................. 10-4
Owner maintenance ................... 8-16
Index
11-3
CX-7_8Z60-EA-08D_Edition2 Page449
Friday, May 30 2008 5:29 PM
Form No.8Z60-EA-08D