Black plate (209,1)
qLow Fuel Warning Light
Low fuel
warning light
This warning light in the fuel gauge
signals that the fuel tank will soon be
empty.
Refuel as soon as possible.
qCheck Fuel Cap Warning Light
This warning light illuminates for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.
If the check fuel cap warning light
illuminates while driving, the fuel-filler
cap may not be installed properly. Stop
the engine and reinstall the fuel-filler cap.
Refer to Fuel-Filler Cap on page 3-39.
qSeat Belt Warning Light/Beep
The seat belt warning light illuminates
and a beep sound will be heard if the
driver's seat belt is not fastened when the
ignition is switched ON.
Conditions of operation
Condition Result
The driver's seat belt is not
fastened when the ignition is
switched ON.The warning light
flashes and a beep
sound will be heard
for about 6 seconds.
The driver's seat belt is
fastened while the warning
light and the beep sound are
activated.The warning light
turns off and the beep
sound stops.
The driver's seat belt is
fastened before the ignition
is switched ON.The warning light will
not illuminate and the
beep sound will not be
heard.
Belt reminder
NOTE
Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer to
deactivate or restore the belt reminder. Though
the belt reminder can be deactivated, doing so
will defeat the purpose of the system to warn
the driver and the front passenger in the event
that their seat belts are not fastened. For the
safety of the driver and front passenger, Mazda
recommends not deactivating the belt
reminder.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-51
CX-7_8BM8-EA-10I_Edition1 Page209
Friday, September 10 2010 4:23 PM
Form No.8BM8-EA-10I
Black plate (238,1)
Operating Tips
qOperating the Climate Control
System
Operate the climate control system with
the engine running.
NOTE
To prevent the battery from being discharged,
do not leave the fan control dial on for a long
period of time with the ignition switched ON
when the engine is not running.
qClearing the Air Inlet
Clear all obstructions such as leaves,
snow and ice from the hood and the air
inlet in the cowl grille to improve the
system efficiency.
qFoggy Windows
The windows may fog up easily in humid
weather. Use the climate control system to
defog the windows.
To help defog the windows, operate the
air conditioner to dehumidify the air.
NOTE
The air conditioner may be used along with the
heater to dehumidify the air.
qParking in Direct Sunlight
If the vehicle has been parked in direct
sunlight during hot weather, open the
windows to let warm air escape, then run
the climate control system.
qNot Using for a Long Period
Run the air conditioner about 10 minutes
at least once a month to keep internal
parts lubricated.
qCheck the Refrigerant before the
Weather Gets Hot
Have the air conditioner checked before
the weather gets hot. Lack of refrigerant
may make the air conditioner less
efficient. Consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer for refrigerant inspection.
The air conditioner is filled with
HFC134a (R134a), a refrigerant that will
not damage the ozone layer.
If the air conditioner is low on refrigerant
or has a malfunction, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
6-2
Interior Comfort
Climate Control System
CX-7_8BM8-EA-10I_Edition1 Page238
Friday, September 10 2010 4:23 PM
Form No.8BM8-EA-10I
Black plate (380,1)
Overheating
If the temperature gauge indicates
overheating, the vehicle loses power, or
you hear a loud knocking or pinging
noise, the engine is probably too hot.
WARNING
Switch the ignition to off 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 caps 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.
Open the hood ONLY after steam is no
longer escaping from the engine:
Steam from an overheated engine is
dangerous. The escaping steam could
seriously burn you.
If the temperature gauge indicates
overheating:
1. Drive safely to the side of the road and
park off the right-of-way.
2. Shift into park (P).3. Apply the parking brake.
4. Turn off the air conditioner.
5. Check whether coolant or steam is
escaping from under the hood or from
the engine compartment.
If steam is coming from the engine
compartment:
Do not go near the front of the vehicle.
Stop the engine.
Wait until the steam dissipates, then
open the hood and start the engine.
If neither coolant nor steam is
escaping:
Open the hood and idle the engine until
it cools.
CAUTION
If the cooling fan does not operate
while the engine is running, the
engine temperature will increase.
Stop the engine and call an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
6. Make sure the cooling fan is operating,
then turn off the engine after the
temperature has decreased.
7. When cool, check the coolant reservoir
level.
If it's low, look for coolant leaks from
the radiator and hoses.
7-12
In Case of an Emergency
Overheating
CX-7_8BM8-EA-10I_Edition1 Page380
Friday, September 10 2010 4:24 PM
Form No.8BM8-EA-10I
Black plate (409,1)
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_8BM8-EA-10I_Edition1 Page409
Friday, September 10 2010 4:24 PM
Form No.8BM8-EA-10I
Black plate (418,1)
Power Steering Fluid
qInspecting Power Steering Fluid
Level
CAUTION
To avoid damage to the power
steering pump, don't operate the
vehicle for long periods when the
power steering fluid level is low.
NOTE
Use specified power steering fluid (page 10-4).
Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir at
each engine oil change with the engine off
and cold. Add fluid if necessary; it does
not require periodic changing.
The level must be kept between MAX and
MIN.
Visually examine the lines and hoses for
leaks and damage.
If new fluid is required frequently, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
(ATF)
qInspecting Automatic Transaxle
Fluid Level
The automatic transaxle fluid level should
be inspected regularly. Measure it as
described below.
5-speed transaxle
CAUTION
ØAlways check the automatic
transaxle fluid level according to
the following procedure. If the
procedure is not done correctly,
the automatic transaxle fluid level
cannot be measured accurately
which could lead to automatic
transaxle damage.
ØA low fluid level can cause
transaxle slippage. Overfilling can
cause foaming, loss of fluid, and
transaxle malfunction.
ØIt is recommended to use Mazda
Genuine automatic transaxle fluid
(page 10-4).
1. Park on a level surface and set the
parking brake firmly.
2. Make sure there is no ATF leakage
from the ATF hose or the housing.
3. Shift the shift lever to the park position
(P), start the engine and warm it up.
CAUTION
Do not shift the shift lever while the
engine is warming up. If the ATF level
is extremely low, the automatic
transaxle could be damaged.
8-26
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
CX-7_8BM8-EA-10I_Edition1 Page418
Friday, September 10 2010 4:24 PM
Form No.8BM8-EA-10I
Black plate (419,1)
4. While the engine is still idling, pull out
the dipstick and wipe it clean, and then
put it back.
5. Check the ATF level. If there is no ATF
adhering 5 mm from the end of the
dipstick, add ATF.
CAUTION
If there is no ATF adhering to the
dipstick even after the engine has
been warmed up, do not drive the
vehicle. Otherwise, the automatic
transaxle could be damaged.
6. Shift the shift lever to each range and
position, and make sure there is no
abnormality.
7. Drive the vehicle on city roads for
5 km (3.1 mile) or more.
8. Park on a level surface and set the
parking brake firmly.
9. Shift the shift lever to the park position
(P), check the ATF level while the
engine is idling, and make sure that the
ATF level is within the proper level. If
the ATF level is not within the proper
level, add ATF.
The proper fluid level is marked on the
dipstick as follows.
Full
OK
Low
6-speed transaxle
The volume of fluid changes with
temperature. Fluid must be checked while
idling the engine without driving at
normal operating temperature.
CAUTION
ØLow fluid level causes transaxle
slippage. Overfilling can cause
foaming, loss of fluid, and
transaxle malfunction.
ØIt is recommended to use Mazda
Genuine automatic transaxle fluid
(page 10-4).
1. Park on a level surface and set the
parking brake firmly.
2. Start the engine and depress the brake
pedal.
3. Move the shift lever through all ranges,
then set it at P.
WARNING
Make sure the brake pedal is applied
before shifting the shift lever:
Shifting the shift lever without first
depressing the brake pedal is
dangerous. The vehicle could move
suddenly and cause an accident.
4. With the engine still idling, pull out the
dipstick, wipe it clean, and put it back.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-27
CX-7_8BM8-EA-10I_Edition1 Page419
Friday, September 10 2010 4:24 PM
Form No.8BM8-EA-10I
Black plate (453,1)
NOTElDo not use a wire brush or any abrasive
cleaner, polishing compound, or solvent on
aluminum wheels. They may damage the
coating.
lAlways use a sponge or soft cloth to clean
the wheels.
Rinse the wheels thoroughly with lukewarm
or cold water. Also, be sure to clean the
wheels after driving on dusty or salted
roads to help prevent corrosion.
lAvoid washing your vehicle in an automatic
car wash that uses high-speed or hard
brushes.
lIf your aluminum wheels lose luster, wax
the wheels.
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
Check special requirements for Tire Pressure
Monitoring System.
Refer to Tires and Wheels on page 5-33.
qPlastic Part Maintenance
lWhen cleaning the plastic lenses of the
lights, do not use gasoline, kerosene,
rectified spirit, paint, thinner, highly
acidic detergents, or strongly alkaline
detergents. Otherwise, these chemical
agents can discolor or damage the
surfaces resulting in a significant loss
in functionality. If plastic parts become
inadvertently exposed to any of these
chemical agents, flush with water
immediately.
lIf plastic parts such as the bumpers
become inadvertently exposed to
chemical agents or fluids such as
gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery
fluid, it could cause discoloration,
staining, or paint peeling. Wipe off any
such chemical agents or fluids using a
soft cloth immediately.
lHigh water temperature and high water
pressure car washers are available
depending on the type of high pressure
car washer device. If the car washer
nozzle is put too close to the vehicle or
aimed at one area for an extended
period of time, it could deform plastic
parts or damage the paint.
lDo not use wax containing compounds
(polish). Otherwise, it could result in
paint damage.
lIn addition, do not use an electrical or
air tool to apply wax. Otherwise, the
frictional heat generated could result in
deformation of plastic parts or paint
damage.
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
8-61
CX-7_8BM8-EA-10I_Edition1 Page453
Friday, September 10 2010 4:24 PM
Form No.8BM8-EA-10I
Black plate (509,1)
qCapacities
(Approximate Quantities)
Item Capacity
Engine oil2.3-liter engineWith oil filter replacement 5.7 L (6.0 US qt, 5.0 Imp qt)
Without oil filter replacement 5.3 L (5.6 US qt, 4.7 Imp qt)
2.5-liter engineWith oil filter replacement 5.0 L (5.3 US qt, 4.4 Imp qt)
Without oil filter replacement 4.6 L (4.9 US qt, 4.0 Imp qt)
Coolant 9.0 L (9.5 US qt, 7.9 Imp qt)
Automatic transaxle fluid5-speed transaxle 8.14 L (8.60 US qt, 7.16 Imp qt)
6-speed transaxle 7.0 L (7.4 US qt, 6.2 Imp qt)
Transfer case oil 1.2 L (1.3 US qt, 1.1 Imp qt)
Rear differential oil 1.0 L (1.1 US qt, 0.9 Imp qt)
Washer fluidWith low washer fluid level warning
light4.5 L (4.8 US qt, 4.0 Imp qt)
Without low washer fluid level
warning light2.5 L (2.6 US qt, 2.2 Imp qt)
Fuel tank2.3-liter engine 69.0 L (18.2 US gal, 15.2 Imp gal)
2.5-liter engine 62.0 L (16.4 US gal, 13.6 Imp gal)
Check oil and fluid levels with dipsticks or reservoir gauges.
qDimensions
Item Vehicle specification
Overall lengthWith license plate holder 4,694 mm (184.8 in)
Without license plate holder 4,682 mm (184.3 in)
Overall width 1,872 mm (73.7 in)
Overall height 1,645 mm (64.8 in)
Front tread17 inch 1,627 mm (64.1 in)
18 or 19 inch 1,617 mm (63.7 in)
Rear tread17 inch 1,622 mm (63.9 in)
18 or 19 inch 1,612 mm (63.5 in)
Wheelbase 2,750 mm (108.3 in)
qWeights
2.3-liter engine
ItemWeight
2WD AWD
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) 2,233 kg (4,923 lbs) 2,322 kg (5,119 lbs)
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)Front 1,188 kg (2,619 lbs) 1,217 kg (2,683 lbs)
Rear 1,049 kg (2,313 lbs) 1,115 kg (2,458 lbs)
Specifications
10-5
CX-7_8BM8-EA-10I_Edition1 Page509
Friday, September 10 2010 4:24 PM
Form No.8BM8-EA-10I