Black plate (182,1)
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.
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.
qTires and Tire Chains
The condition of the tires plays a large
role in the performance of the vehicle.
Moreover, to prevent adverse effects to
the drive assembly, please note the
following:
Tires
lWhen replacing tires, always replace
all front and rear tires at the same time.
lAll tires must be of the same size,
manufacture, brand and tread pattern.
Pay particular attention when
equipping snow or other types of
winter tires.
lDo not mix tread-worn tires with
normal tires.
lInspect tire inflation pressures at the
specified periods and adjust to the
specified pressures.
NOTE
Check the tire inflation pressure label attached
to driver's door frame for the correct tire
inflation pressure.
lMake sure to equip the vehicle with
genuine wheels of the specified size,
on all wheels. With AWD, the system
is calibrated for all four wheels being
of the same dimensions.
5-18
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8AS7-EA-09E
Black plate (215,1)
qDoor-Ajar Warning Light
This warning light illuminates when any
door or liftgate is not securely closed.
Close the door or liftgate securely before
driving the vehicle.
qLow Washer Fluid Level
Warning Lightí
This warning light indicates that little
washer fluid remains. Add fluid (page
8-28).
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.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-51íSome models. CX-7_8AS7-EA-09E_Edition2 Page215
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Form No.8AS7-EA-09E
Black plate (259,1)
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.
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.
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.
lThis unit may not be able to play
certain discs made using a computer
due to the application (writing
software) setting used. (For details,
consult the store where the application
was purchased.)
lIt is possible that certain text data, such
as titles, recorded on a CD-R/CD-RW
may not be displayed when musical
data (CD-DA) is playing.
lThe period from when a CD-RW is
inserted to when it begins playing is
longer than a normal CD or CD-R.
lCompletely read the instruction manual
and cautions for CD-R/CD-RWs.
Interior Comfort
Audio System
6-19
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Form No.8AS7-EA-09E
Black plate (392,1)
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_8AS7-EA-09E_Edition2 Page392
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Form No.8AS7-EA-09E
Black plate (401,1)
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
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Form No.8AS7-EA-09E
Black plate (405,1)
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
2.3-liter engine
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.
The level is normal if it is between
MIN and MAX.
If it is near or below MIN, add enough
oil to bring the level to MAX.
CAUTION
Do not 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.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-21
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Form No.8AS7-EA-09E
Black plate (406,1)
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.
2.5-liter engine
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. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and
reinsert it fully.
Full
OK
Low
5. Pull it out again and examine the level.
The level is normal if it is between
Low and Full. If it is near or below
Low, add enough oil to bring the level
to Full.
CAUTION
Do not add engine oil over Full. This
may cause engine damage.
6. Make sure the O-ring on the dipstick is
positioned properly before reinserting
the dipstick.
7. Reinsert the dipstick fully.
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.
8-22
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
CX-7_8AS7-EA-09E_Edition2 Page406
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Form No.8AS7-EA-09E
Black plate (505,1)
B
Bulb Replacement ............................. 8-41
C
Capacities .......................................... 10-5
Carbon Monoxide ............................... 4-5
Cargo Securing Loops .................... 6-121
Catalytic Converter ............................. 4-4
Cell Phones ....................................... 9-21
Center Console ................................ 6-121
Child Restraint
Child restraint precautions ......... 2-30
Installing child-restraint
systems ....................................... 2-34
LATCH child-restraint
systems ....................................... 2-40
Child Safety Locks for Rear Doors ... 3-35
Climate Control System ...................... 6-2
Gas specifications ...................... 10-6
Cruise Control ................................... 5-19
Cup Holder ...................................... 6-119
Customer Assistance ........................... 9-2
D
Dashboard Illumination .................... 5-41
Daytime Running Lights ................... 5-64
Defroster
Mirror ......................................... 5-70
Rear window .............................. 5-70
Dimensions ....................................... 10-5
Door Locks ....................................... 3-31
Driving In Flooded Area ................... 4-11
Driving on Uneven Road .................. 4-13
D
Driving Tips ........................................ 4-7
Automatic transaxle ................... 5-16
Break-in period ............................ 4-7
Driving in flooded area .............. 4-11
Driving on uneven road ............. 4-13
Hazardous driving ........................ 4-8
Money-saving suggestions ........... 4-7
Rocking the vehicle ...................... 4-9
Turbocharged vehicles ............... 4-14
Winter driving ............................ 4-10
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) ..... 5-26
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 .................... 4-4
Engine
Coolant ....................................... 8-22
Exhaust gas .................................. 4-5
Hood release .............................. 3-48
Oil .............................................. 8-19
Overheating ................................ 7-11
Starting ......................................... 5-4
Engine Compartment Overview ........ 8-18
Engine Coolant
Overheating ................................ 7-11
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge ................................................ 5-40
Exhaust Gas ........................................ 4-5
Exterior Care ..................................... 8-56
Index
11-3
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Form No.8AS7-EA-09E