Page 88 of 520

Black plate (88,1)
qStarting the Engine
Ignition switch positions
As there is no traditional key, some of the
ignition switch functions are different.
Start knob
The engraved mark (LOCK) indicated in
the illustration may differ from that
indicated on the actual vehicle (it may
read OFF).
OFF/LOCK―Knob Released
The power supply to electrical devices is
turned off.
OFF/LOCK―Knob Depressed
The ignition can be switched to ACC
when the KEY indicator light (green)
illuminates in the instrument cluster.
WARNING
Before leaving the driver's seat, always
switch the ignition to OFF/LOCK, set the
parking brake and make sure the shift
lever is in P:
It is important to switch the ignition
to OFF/LOCK even if you are not
removing the key from the ignition or
leaving the vehicle. Leaving the key
in other positions will disable some of
the vehicle security systems and run
the battery down.
Leaving the driver's seat without
switching the ignition to OFF/LOCK,
setting the parking brake and
shifting the shift lever to P is
dangerous. Unexpected vehicle
movement could occur. This could
cause an accident.
NOTE
lIf turning the ignition switch is difficult,
jiggle the steering wheel from side to side.
lThe ignition cannot be switched from ACC
to OFF/LOCK when the shift lever is not in
P.
ACC (Accessory)
In this position, some electrical
accessories will operate.
NOTE
The Advanced Keyless Entry System does not
function in the ACC position, and the doors
will not lock/unlock using the transmitter or
request switches even if the advanced key is
carried away from the vehicle.
ON
This is the normal running position after
the engine is started. The warning lights
(except brakes) should be inspected
before the engine is started (page 5-45).
3-10
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
CX-7_8BM8-EA-10I_Edition1 Page88
Friday, September 10 2010 4:22 PM
Form No.8BM8-EA-10I
Page 133 of 520

Black plate (133,1)
Steering Wheel
WARNING
Never adjust the steering wheel while
the vehicle is moving:
Adjusting the steering wheel while
the vehicle is moving is dangerous.
Moving it can very easily cause the
driver to abruptly turn to the left or
right. This can lead to loss of control
or an accident.
qSteering Wheel Adjustment
To change the angle or length of the
steering wheel:
1. Stop the vehicle, pull down the lock
release lever under the steering
column.
Lock release lever
2. Tilt the steering wheel and/or adjust the
steering column length to the desired
positions, push the lever up to lock the
column.
3. Push the wheel up and down to be
certain it's locked before driving.
Mirrors
qOutside Mirrors
Check the mirror angles before driving.
Mirror type
Flat type (driver's side)
Flat surface mirror.
Convex type (front passenger side)
The mirror has single curvature on its
surface.
WARNING
Be sure to look over your shoulder
before changing lanes:
Changing lanes without taking into
account the actual distance of the
vehicle in the convex mirror is
dangerous. You could have a serious
accident. What you see in the convex
mirror is closer than it appears.
Power mirror
The ignition must be switched to ACC or
ON.
To adjust:
1. Press the left or right side of the
selector switch to choose the left or
right side mirror.
Knowing Your Mazda
Steering Wheel and Mirrors
3-55
CX-7_8BM8-EA-10I_Edition1 Page133
Friday, September 10 2010 4:22 PM
Form No.8BM8-EA-10I
Page 134 of 520

Black plate (134,1)
2. Depress the mirror switch in the
appropriate direction.
Outside mirror
Mirror switchSelector switch
After adjusting the mirror, lock the control
by placing the selector switch in the
center position.
Folding the mirror
Fold the outside mirror rearward until it is
flush with the vehicle.
WARNING
Always return the outside mirrors to
the driving position before you start
driving:
Driving with the outside mirrors
folded in is dangerous. Your rear view
will be restricted, and you could have
an accident.
qRearview Mirror
WARNING
Do not stack cargo or objects higher
than the seatbacks:
Cargo stacked higher than the
seatbacks is dangerous. It can block
your view in the rearview mirror,
which might cause you to hit another
car when changing lanes.
Rearview mirror adjustment
Before driving, adjust the rearview mirror
to center on the scene through the rear
window.
Manual day/night mirror
Auto-dimming mirror
3-56
Knowing Your Mazda
Steering Wheel and Mirrors
CX-7_8BM8-EA-10I_Edition1 Page134
Friday, September 10 2010 4:22 PM
Form No.8BM8-EA-10I
Page 135 of 520
Black plate (135,1)
NOTE
For the manual day/night mirror, perform the
adjustment with the day/night lever in the day
position.
Reducing glare from headlights
Manual day/night mirror
Push the day/night lever forward for day
driving. Pull it back to reduce glare of
headlights from cars at the rear.
Night DayDay/Night lever
Auto-dimming mirror
The auto-dimming mirror automatically
reduces glare of headlights from cars at
the rear when the ignition is switched ON.Press the OFF button (
) to cancel the
automatic dimming function. The
indicator light will turn off.
To reactivate the automatic dimming
function, press the ON button (
). The
indicator light will illuminate.
Indicator lightOFF button
ON button
Knowing Your Mazda
Steering Wheel and Mirrors
3-57
CX-7_8BM8-EA-10I_Edition1 Page135
Friday, September 10 2010 4:22 PM
Form No.8BM8-EA-10I
Page 136 of 520
Black plate (136,1)
NOTElDo not use glass cleaner or suspend objects
on or around the light sensor. Otherwise,
light sensor sensitivity will be affected and
may not operate normally.
Light sensor
Light sensor
lFor information regarding the 3 buttons
(
,,) on the auto-dimming
mirror, refer to HomeLink Wireless Control
System (page 5-75).
3-58
Knowing Your Mazda
Steering Wheel and Mirrors
CX-7_8BM8-EA-10I_Edition1 Page136
Friday, September 10 2010 4:22 PM
Form No.8BM8-EA-10I
Page 142 of 520
Black plate (142,1)
Before Getting In
lBe sure the windows, outside mirrors,
and outside lights are clean.
lInspect inflation pressures and
condition of tires.
lLook under the vehicle for any sign of
fluid leaks.
lIf you plan to back up, make sure
nothing is in your way.
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid, washer
fluid, and other fluid levels should be
inspected. See Maintenance, Section 8.
After Getting In
lAre all doors closed and locked?lIs the seat adjusted properly?lAre the inside and outside mirrors
adjusted?
lIs the steering wheel adjusted properly?lIs everyone's seat belt fastened?lCheck all gauges.lCheck all warning lights when the
ignition is switched ON.
lRelease the parking brake and make
sure the brake warning light goes off.
Always be thoroughly familiar with your
Mazda.
4-6
Before Driving Your Mazda
Before Starting the Engine
CX-7_8BM8-EA-10I_Edition1 Page142
Friday, September 10 2010 4:22 PM
Form No.8BM8-EA-10I
Page 143 of 520

Black plate (143,1)
Break-In Period
No special break-in is necessary, but a few
precautions in the first 1,000 km (600
miles) may add to the performance,
economy, and life of your Mazda.
lDo not race the engine.lDo not maintain one constant speed,
either slow or fast, for a long period of
time.
lDo not drive constantly at full-throttle
or high engine rpm for extended
periods of time.
lAvoid unnecessary hard stops.lAvoid full-throttle starts.lDo not tow a trailer.
Money-Saving Suggestions
How you operate your Mazda determines
how far it will travel on a tank of fuel. Use
these suggestions to help save money on
fuel and repairs.
lAvoid long warm-ups. Once the engine
runs smoothly, begin driving.
lAvoid fast starts.lKeep the engine tuned. Follow the
maintenance schedule (page 8-3) and
have an Authorized Mazda Dealer
perform inspections and servicing.
lUse the air conditioner only when
necessary.
lSlow down on rough roads.lKeep the tires properly inflated.lDo not carry unnecessary weight.lDo not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving.
lKeep the wheels in correct alignment.lKeep windows closed at high speeds.lSlow down when driving in crosswinds
and headwinds.
WARNING
Never stop the engine when going
down a hill:
Stopping the engine when going
down a hill is dangerous. This causes
the loss of power steering and power
brake control, and may cause
damage to the drivetrain. Any loss of
steering or braking control could
cause an accident.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
4-7
CX-7_8BM8-EA-10I_Edition1 Page143
Friday, September 10 2010 4:22 PM
Form No.8BM8-EA-10I
Page 144 of 520

Black plate (144,1)
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
CX-7_8BM8-EA-10I_Edition1 Page144
Friday, September 10 2010 4:22 PM
Form No.8BM8-EA-10I