Black plate (133,1)
CAUTION
When starting the engine do not
allow the following, as the engine
may not start due to the electronic
signal from the ignition key not being
transmitted correctly.
ØA key ring rests on the key grip.
ØMetal parts of other keys or metal
objects touch the key grip.
ØSpare keys or keys for other
vehicles equipped with an
immobilizer system touch or come
near the key grip.
ØDevices for electronic purchases, or
security passage which touch or
come near the key.NOTE
lThe keys carry a unique electronic code.
For this reason, and to assure your safety,
obtaining a replacement key requires some
waiting time. They are only available
through an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
lAlways keep a spare key, in case one is lost.
If a key is lost, contact an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
lIf you lose a key, an Authorized Mazda
Dealer will reset the electronic codes of
your remaining keys and immobilizer
system. Bring all the remaining keys to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer to reset.
Starting the vehicle with a key that has not
been reset is not possible.
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
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Form No.8AS7-EA-09E
Black plate (135,1)
qOperation
Arming
The system is armed when the ignition
switch is turned from the ON to the ACC
or LOCK position.
The security indicator light in the
instrument cluster flashes every two
seconds until the system is disarmed.
Disarming
The system is disarmed when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position with
the correct ignition key.
The security indicator light illuminates for
about three seconds and goes out.
If the engine does not start with the
correct ignition key, and the security
indicator light keeps illuminating or
flashing, the system may have a
malfunction. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.NOTE
lIf the security indicator light illuminates
and stays on or flashes when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position, the
engine will not start.
lSignals from a TV or radio station, or from
a transceiver or a mobile telephone, could
interfere with your immobilizer system. If
you are using the proper key and your
engine fails to start, check the security
indicator light. If it is flashing, remove the
ignition key and wait 2 seconds or more,
then reinsert it and try starting the engine
again. If it does not start after 3 or more
tries, contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
lIf the security indicator light flashes
continuously while you are driving, do not
shut off the engine. Go to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer and have it checked. If you
shut off the engine while the light is
flashing you will not be able to restart it.
lSince the electronic codes are reset when
repairing the immobilizer system, the keys
are needed. Bring all the existing keys to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qModification and Add-On
Equipment
Mazda cannot guarantee the immobilizer
system's operation if the system has been
modified or if any add-on equipment has
been installed.
CAUTION
To avoid damage to your vehicle, do
not modify the system or install any
add-on equipment to the immobilizer
system or the vehicle.
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
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Form No.8AS7-EA-09E
Black plate (138,1)
qTo Turn off an Armed System
An armed system can be turned off by any
one of the following methods:
lUnlock a door with the key.lPress the unlock button on the keyless
entry system transmitter.
lInsert the key into the ignition switch
and turn it to the ON position.
l(With advanced key)lPress a request switch or the unlock
button on the transmitter.
lTurn the start knob to the ON
position.
The hazard warning lights will flash twice
to indicate that the system is turned off.
NOTE
When the doors are unlocked by pressing the
unlock button on the transmitter or request
switch on the front doors or using the key
while the theft-deterrent system is turned off,
the hazard warning lights will flash twice to
indicate that the system is turned off.
qTo Stop an Alarm
A triggered alarm can be turned off by
any one of the following methods:
lUnlock a door with the key.lPress the unlock button on the keyless
entry system transmitter.
lThe engine is started with the ignition
key.
l(With advanced key)lPress a request switch.lPress the unlock button on the
transmitter.
lThe engine is started with the start
knob.
NOTE
If you have any problem with the theft-
deterrent system, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
qTheft-Deterrent Labels
A label indicating that your vehicle is
equipped with a Theft-Deterrent System is
in the glove compartment.
Mazda recommends that you affix it to the
lower rear corner of a front door window.
3-62
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
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Form No.8AS7-EA-09E
Black plate (143,1)
4Before Driving Your Mazda
Important information about driving your Mazda.
Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions ........................................ 4-2
Fuel Requirements .................................................................... 4-2
Emission Control System .......................................................... 4-4
Engine Exhaust (Carbon Monoxide) ......................................... 4-5
Before Starting the Engine ........................................................... 4-6
Before Getting In ...................................................................... 4-6
After Getting In ......................................................................... 4-6
Driving Tips ................................................................................... 4-7
Break-In Period ......................................................................... 4-7
Money-Saving Suggestions ...................................................... 4-7
Hazardous Driving .................................................................... 4-8
Floor Mat .................................................................................. 4-9
Rocking the Vehicle .................................................................. 4-9
Winter Driving ........................................................................ 4-10
Driving In Flooded Area ......................................................... 4-11
Overloading ............................................................................ 4-12
Driving on Uneven Road ........................................................ 4-13
Turbocharger Information
í.................................................... 4-14
Towing ......................................................................................... 4-15
Trailer Towing ......................................................................... 4-15
4-1íSome models.
CX-7_8AS7-EA-09E_Edition2 Page143
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Form No.8AS7-EA-09E
Black plate (144,1)
Fuel Requirements
Vehicles with catalytic converters or oxygen sensors must use ONLY UNLEADED FUEL,
which will reduce exhaust emissions and keep spark plug fouling to a minimum.
Your Mazda will perform best with fuel listed in the table.
2.3-liter engine
Fuel Octane Rating*(Anti-knock index)
Premium unleaded fuel 91 [ (R
M)/2 method] (96 RON) recommended
* U.S. federal law requires that octane ratings be posted on gasoline station pumps.
This vehicle is designed to use 91 [ (RM)/2 method] (96RON) or higher gasoline for
best performance. If 91 [ (R
M)/2 method] (96RON) is not available, 87[ (RM)/2
method] (91RON) gasoline can be used. Use of gasoline lower than 91 [ (R
M)/2
method] (96RON) can decrease performance, deteriorate shift quality and cause engine
knocking during its use.
2.5-liter engine
Fuel Octane Rating
*(Anti-knock index)
Regular unleaded fuel 87 [ (R
M)/2 method] or above (91 RON or above)
* U.S. federal law requires that octane ratings be posted on gasoline station pumps.
Fuel with a rating lower than 87 octane (91 RON) could cause the emission control system
to lose effectiveness. It could also cause engine knocking and serious engine damage.
CAUTION
ØUSE ONLY UNLEADED FUEL.
Leaded fuel is harmful to the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors and will lead
to deterioration of the emission control system and or failures.
ØYour vehicle can only use oxygenated fuels containing no more than 10 % ethanol
by volume. Damage to your vehicle may occur when ethanol exceeds this
recommendation, or if the gasoline contains any methanol. Stop using gasohol of
any kind if your vehicle engine is performing poorly.
ØNever add fuel system additives. Never add cleaning agents other than those
specified by Mazda. Other cleaning agents and additives may damage the system.
Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Gasoline blended with oxygenates such as alcohol or ether compounds are generally
referred to as oxygenated fuels. The common gasoline blend that can be used with your
vehicle is ethanol blended at no more than 10 %. Gasoline containing alcohol, such as
ethanol or methanol, may be marketed under the name“Gasohol”.
4-2
Before Driving Your Mazda
Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions
CX-7_8AS7-EA-09E_Edition2 Page144
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Form No.8AS7-EA-09E
Black plate (145,1)
Vehicle damage and drivability problems resulting from the use of the following may not
be covered by the Mazda warranty.
lGasohol containing more than 10 % ethanol.lGasoline or gasohol containing methanol.lLeaded fuel or leaded gasohol.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions
4-3
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Form No.8AS7-EA-09E
Black plate (146,1)
Emission Control System
Your vehicle is equipped with an emission control system (the catalytic converter is part of
this system) that enables your vehicle to comply with existing exhaust emissions
requirements.
WARNING
Never park over or near anything flammable:
Parking over or near anything flammable, such as dry grass, is dangerous. Even with
the engine turned off, the exhaust system remains very hot after normal use and
could ignite anything flammable. A resulting fire could cause serious injury or death.
CAUTION
Ignoring the following precautions could cause lead to accumulate on the catalyst
inside the converter or cause the converter to get very hot. Either condition will
damage the converter and cause poor performance.
ØUSE ONLY UNLEADED FUEL.
ØDo not drive your Mazda with any sign of engine malfunction.
ØDo not coast with the ignition switch turned off.
ØDo not descend steep grades in gear with the ignition switch turned off.
ØDo not operate the engine at high idle for more than 2 minutes.
ØDo not tamper with the emission control system. All inspections and adjustments
must be made by a qualified technician.
ØDo not push-start or pull-start your vehicle.
NOTE
Under U.S. federal law, any modification to the original-equipment emission control system before
the first sale and registration of a vehicle is subject to penalties. In some states, such modification
made on a used vehicle is also subject to penalties.
NOTE
While the engine is off, the sound of a valve opening and closing can be heard at the middle rear of
the vehicle, however this does not indicate an abnormality. Your vehicle has a self-checking device
and it operates while the engine is off.
4-4
Before Driving Your Mazda
Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions
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Form No.8AS7-EA-09E
Black plate (147,1)
Engine Exhaust (Carbon Monoxide)
WARNING
Do not drive your vehicle if you smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle:
Engine exhaust gas is dangerous. This gas contains carbon monoxide (CO), which is
colorless, odorless, and poisonous. When inhaled, it can cause loss of consciousness
and death. If you smell exhaust gas inside your vehicle, keep all windows fully open
and contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer immediately.
Do not run the engine when inside an enclosed area:
Running the engine inside an enclosed area, such as a garage, is dangerous. Exhaust
gas, which contains poisonous carbon monoxide, could easily enter the cabin. Loss
of consciousness or even death could occur.
Open the windows or adjust the heating or cooling system to draw fresh air when
idling the engine:
Exhaust gas is dangerous. When your vehicle is stopped with the windows closed
and the engine running for a long time even in an open area, exhaust gas, which
contains poisonous carbon monoxide, could enter the cabin. Loss of consciousness or
even death could occur.
Clear snow from underneath and around your vehicle, particularly the tail pipe,
before starting the engine:
Running the engine when a vehicle is stopped in deep snow is dangerous. The
exhaust pipe could be blocked by the snow, allowing exhaust gas to enter the cabin.
Because exhaust gas contains poisonous carbon monoxide, it could cause loss of
consciousness or even death to occupants in the cabin.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions
4-5
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Form No.8AS7-EA-09E