Black plate (50,1)
Do not allow a child or anyone to lean
over or against the side window of a
vehicle with side and curtain air bags:
It is dangerous to allow anyone to
lean over or against the side window,
the area of the front passenger seat,
the front and rear window pillars and
the roof edge along both sides from
which the side and curtain air bags
deploy, even if a child-restraint
system is used. The impact of
inflation from a side or curtain air
bag could cause serious injury or
death to an out of position child.
Furthermore, leaning over or against
the front door could block the side
and curtain air bags and eliminate
the advantages of supplemental
protection. With the front air bag and
the additional side air bag that
comes out of the front seat, the rear
seat is always a better location for
children. Take special care not to
allow a child to lean over or against
the side window, even if the child is
seated in a child-restraint system.
qFront Passenger's Seat Child-
Restraint System Installation
1. Slide the seat as far back as possible.
2. Secure the child-restraint system with
the lap portion of the lap/shoulder belt.
See the manufacturer's instructions on
the child-restraint system for belt
routing instructions.
3. To get the retractor into the automatic
locking mode, pull the shoulder belt
portion of the seat belt until the entire
length of the belt is out of the retractor.
4. Push the child-restraint system firmly
into the vehicle seat. Be sure the belt
retracts as snugly as possible. A
clicking noise from the retractor will be
heard during retraction if the system is
in automatic locking mode. If the belt
does not lock the seat down tight,
repeat the previous step and also this
one.
NOTE
lInspect this function before each use of the
child-restraint system. You should not be
able to pull the shoulder belt out of the
retractor while the system is in the
automatic locking mode. When you remove
the child-restraint system, be sure the belt
fully retracts to return the system to
emergency locking mode before occupants
use the seat belts.
lFollow the child-restraint system
manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Depending on the type of child-restraint
system, it may not employ seat belts which
are in automatic locking mode.
2-38
Essential Safety Equipment
Child Restraint
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Form No.8AS7-EA-09E
Black plate (150,1)
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.
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
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.
4-8
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
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Form No.8AS7-EA-09E
Black plate (152,1)
Winter Driving
lCarry emergency gear, including tire
chains, window scraper, flares, a small
shovel, jumper cables, and a small bag
of sand or salt.
Ask an Authorized Mazda Dealer to
perform the following precautions:
lHave the proper ratio of antifreeze in
the radiator.
Refer to Engine Coolant on page 8-22.
lInspect the battery and its cables. Cold
reduces battery capacity.
lUse only cold-weather engine oil (page
8-19).
lInspect the ignition system for damage
and loose connections.
lUse washer fluid made with
antifreeze―but do not use engine
coolant antifreeze for washer fluid
(page 8-28).
lDo not use the parking brake in
freezing weather as it may freeze.
Instead, shift to P and block the rear
wheels.
lDo not apply excessive force to a
window scraper when removing ice or
frozen snow on the mirror glass and
windshield.
lNever use warm or hot water for
removing snow or ice from windows
and mirrors as it could result in the
glass cracking.
qSnow Tires
Use snow tires on all four wheels
Do not go faster than 120 km/h (75 mph)
while driving with snow tires. Inflate
snow tires 30 kPa (0.3 kgf/cm
2, 4.3 psi)
more than recommended on the tire
pressure label (driver's door frame), but
never more than the maximum cold-tire
pressure shown on the tires.
Your vehicle is originally equipped with
all season radials designed to be used all
year around. In some extreme climates
you may find it necessary to replace them
with snow tires during the winter months
to further improve traction on snow and
ice covered roads.
WARNING
Use only the same size and type tires
(snow, radial, or non-radial) on all four
wheels:
Using tires different in size or type is
dangerous. Your vehicle's handling
could be greatly affected and result
in an accident.
CAUTION
Check local regulations before using
studded tires.
NOTE
If your vehicle is equipped with the tire
pressure monitoring system, the system may
not function correctly when using tires with
steel wire reinforcement in the sidewalls (page
5-31).
4-10
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
CX-7_8AS7-EA-09E_Edition2 Page152
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Form No.8AS7-EA-09E
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
CX-7_8AS7-EA-09E_Edition2 Page182
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Form No.8AS7-EA-09E
Black plate (196,1)
3. After about 15 minutes, drive the
vehicle at a speed of at least 25 km/h
(16 mph) for 10 minutes and the tire
pressure sensor ID signal code will be
registered automatically.
NOTE
If the vehicle is driven within about 15 minutes
of changing tires, the tire pressure monitoring
system warning light will flash because the
sensor ID signal code would not have been
registered. If this happens, park the vehicle for
about 15 minutes, after which the sensor ID
signal code will register upon driving the
vehicle for 10 minutes.
Replacing tires and wheels
CAUTION
ØWhen replacing/repairing the tires
or wheels or both, have the work
done by an Authorized Mazda
Dealer, or the tire pressure sensors
may be damaged.
ØThe wheels equipped on your
Mazda are specially designed for
installation of the tire pressure
sensors. Do not use non-genuine
wheels, otherwise it may not be
possible to install the tire pressure
sensors.
Be sure to have the tire pressure sensors
installed whenever tires or wheels are
replaced.
When having a tire or wheel or both
replaced, the following types of tire
pressure sensor installations are possible.
lThe tire pressure sensor is removed
from the old wheel and installed to the
new one.
lThe same tire pressure sensor is used
with the same wheel. Only the tire is
replaced.
lA new tire pressure sensor is installed
to a new wheel.
NOTE
lThe tire pressure sensor ID signal code
must be registered when a new tire pressure
sensor is purchased. For purchase of a tire
pressure sensor and registration of the tire
pressure sensor ID signal code, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
lWhen reinstalling a previously removed tire
pressure sensor to a wheel, replace the
grommet (seal between valve body/sensor
and wheel) for the tire pressure sensor.
5-32
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
CX-7_8AS7-EA-09E_Edition2 Page196
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Form No.8AS7-EA-09E
Black plate (388,1)
qSchedule 1
Maintenance IntervalNumber of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
×1000 km 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
×1000 miles 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60
ENGINE
Engine valve clearanceAudibly inspect every 120,000 km (75,000 miles), if noisy,
adjust
Drive belts I
Engine oilRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filterRRRRRRRR
COOLING SYSTEM
Engine coolantFL22 type
*1Replace at first 192,000 km (120,000 miles) or 10 years; after
that, every 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or 5 years
OthersReplace at first 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or 4 years; after that,
every 2 years
FUEL SYSTEM
Air filter R
Fuel lines and hoses
*2II
Hoses and tubes for emission*2I
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plugs Replace every 120,000 km (75,000 miles)
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I
Disc brakesIIII
Tire (Rotation) Rotate every 12,000 km (7,500 miles)
Steering operation and linkages I I
Front and rear suspension, ball joints and wheel
bearing axial playII
Rear differential oil (AWD)
*3*4
Transfer oil (AWD)*4
Driveshaft dust boots I I
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body T T
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 5 years
All locks and hingesLLLLLLLL
8-4
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
CX-7_8AS7-EA-09E_Edition2 Page388
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Form No.8AS7-EA-09E
Black plate (394,1)
qSchedule 1
Maintenance IntervalNumber of months or kilometers, whichever comes first
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72
×1000 km 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120
ENGINE
Engine valve clearance Audibly inspect every 120,000 km, if noisy, adjust
Drive belts I I I
Engine oilRRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filterRRRRRRRRRRRR
COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling system I I I
Engine coolantFL22 type
*1Replace at first 190,000 km or 10 years; after that, every
60,000 km or 3 years
Others R R R
FUEL SYSTEM
Air filterRRRRRR
Fuel lines and hoses I
*2I*2I
Hoses and tubes for emission I*2I*2I
Fuel filter R R R
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plugs Replace every 60,000 km
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connectionsIIIIII
Brake fluid level I I I I I I I I I
Brake fluid R R R
Disc brakesIIIIIIIIIIII
Tire (Rotation) Rotate every 10,000 km
Tire inflation pressure and tire wearIIIIIIIIIIII
Steering operation and linkagesIIIIIIIIIIII
Power steering fluid levelIIIIIIIIIIII
Front and rear suspension, ball joints and wheel
bearing axial playIIIIII
Rear differential oil (AWD)
*3*4
Transfer oil (AWD)*4
Driveshaft dust bootsIIIIII
Bolts and nuts on chassis and bodyTTTTTT
Exhaust system and heat shieldsIIIIII
All locks and hingesLLLLLLLLLLLL
Washer fluid levelIIIIIIIIIIII
8-10
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
CX-7_8AS7-EA-09E_Edition2 Page394
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Form No.8AS7-EA-09E
Black plate (397,1)
Maintenance IntervalNumber of months or kilometers, whichever comes first
Months 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36
×1000 km 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I I
Brake fluid level I I I I I
Brake fluid R
Disc brakesIIIIII
Tire (Rotation) Rotate every 10,000 km
Tire inflation pressure and tire wearIIIIII
Steering operation and linkagesIIIIII
Power steering fluid levelIIIIII
Front and rear suspension, ball joints and wheel
bearing axial playIII
Rear differential oil (AWD)
*3*4
Transfer oil (AWD)*4
Driveshaft dust boots I I I
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body T T T
Exhaust system and heat shields I I I
All locks and hingesLLLLLL
Washer fluid levelIIIIII
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM
Cabin air filter R R R
Chart symbols:
I:Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, fill up, or replace if necessary.
R:Replace
L:Lubricate
C:Clean
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 kilometer period to ensure long-term reliability.
*3 If the vehicle is operated primarily under any of the following conditions, replace the rear differential oil at
every 40,000 km.
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
*4 If this component has been submerged in water, the oil should be replaced.
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
8-13
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Form No.8AS7-EA-09E