Black plate (412,1)
The quality designation SM, or ILSAC
must be on the label.
0W-20
120 100
80
60 40
20
0 –20
50 40 30
20 10
0 –10
–20 –30
Use SAE 5W-30 engine oil (2.3-liter
engine).
Oil container labels provide important
information.
A chief contribution this type of oil makes
to fuel economy is reducing the amount of
fuel necessary to overcome engine
friction.
Mazda recommends Mazda Genuine Parts
and Castrol (U.S.A and Mexico). For
optimal engine performance, there are
certain types of engine oils and filters
suitable for your vehicle. Please consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
U.S.A. and CANADA
(ILSAC)
Only use oils“Certified For Gasoline
Engines”by the American Petroleum
Institute (API). An oil with this trademark
symbol conforms to the current engine
and emission system protection standards
and fuel economy requirements of the
International Lubricant Standardization
and Approval Committee (ILSAC),
comprised of U.S. and Japanese
automobile manufacturers.
–30 –20 –10 0 10 20 30 40 50
–20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120
5W-30
Except U.S.A. and CANADA
(ILSAC)
8-20
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
CX-7_8CG3-EA-11J_Edition1 Page412
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Form No.8CG3-EA-11J
Black plate (413,1)
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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Saturday, September 24 2011 10:33 AM
Form No.8CG3-EA-11J
Black plate (414,1)
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.
Type A
Full
OK
Low
Type B
OK Full
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.
8-22
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
CX-7_8CG3-EA-11J_Edition1 Page414
Saturday, September 24 2011 10:33 AM
Form No.8CG3-EA-11J
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_8CG3-EA-11J_Edition1 Page418
Saturday, September 24 2011 10:33 AM
Form No.8CG3-EA-11J
Black plate (422,1)
Body Lubrication
All moving points of the body, such as
door and hood hinges and locks, should
be lubricated each time the engine oil is
changed. Use a nonfreezing lubricant on
locks during cold weather.
Make sure the hood's secondary latch
keeps the hood from opening when the
primary latch is released.
Wiper Blades
CAUTION
ØHot waxes applied by automatic
car washers have been known to
affect the wiper's ability to clean
windows.
ØTo prevent damage to the wiper
blades, do not use gasoline,
kerosene, paint thinner, or other
solvents on or near them.
ØWhen the wiper lever is in the
AUTO position and the ignition is
switched ON, the wipers may
move automatically in the
following cases:
ØIf the windshield above the rain
sensor is touched.
ØIf the windshield above the rain
sensor is wiped with a cloth.
ØIf the windshield is struck with
a hand or other object.
ØIf the rain sensor is struck with
a hand or other object from
inside the vehicle.
Be careful not to pinch hands or
fingers as it may cause injury, or
damage the wipers. When
washing or servicing your Mazda,
make sure the wiper lever is in the
OFF position.
Contamination of either the windshield or
the blades with foreign matter can reduce
wiper effectiveness. Common sources are
insects, tree sap, and hot wax treatments
used by some commercial car washes.
If the blades are not wiping properly,
clean the window and blades with a good
cleaner or mild detergent; then rinse
thoroughly with clean water. Repeat if
necessary.
8-30
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
CX-7_8CG3-EA-11J_Edition1 Page422
Saturday, September 24 2011 10:33 AM
Form No.8CG3-EA-11J
Black plate (454,1)
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.
8-62
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
CX-7_8CG3-EA-11J_Edition1 Page454
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Form No.8CG3-EA-11J
Black plate (510,1)
Specifications
qEngine
ItemSpecification
2.3-liter engine 2.5-liter engine
Type DOHC-16V in-line, 4-cylinder
Bore × Stroke 87.5 × 94.0 mm (3.44 × 3.70 in) 89.0 × 100 mm (3.50 × 3.94 in)
Displacement 2,261 ml (2,261 cc, 138.0 cu in) 2,488 ml (2,488 cc, 151.8 cu in)
Compression ratio 9.5 9.7
qElectrical System
ItemClassification
2.3-liter engine 2.5-liter engine
Battery12V-48AH/5HR MF 12V-48AH/5HR MF
12V-55AH/5HR MF 12V-52AH/5HR MF
Spark-plug numberL3BD 18 110
*1LFG1 18 110*1
L3YD 18 110 L3Y2 18 110
Spark-plug gap 0.60―0.70 mm (0.024―0.027 in) 1.25―1.35 mm (0.049―0.053 in)
*1 ex factory
CAUTION
When cleaning the iridium plugs, do not use a wire brush. The fine particulate
coating on the iridium alloy and platinum tips could be damaged.
qLubricant Quality
Lubricant Classification
Engine oil Refer to Recommended Oil on page 8-19.
Automatic transaxle
fluid5-speed
transaxleMazda Genuine ATF M-V
6-speed
transaxleMazda Genuine JWS3309
Transfer case oil API Service GL-5 (SAE 80W-90)
Rear differential oil API Service GL-5 (SAE 80W-90)
Power steering fluid Mazda Genuine ATF M-III, M-V, or equivalent (e.g. Dexron® II)
Brake fluid SAE J1703 or FMVSS116 DOT-3
10-4
Specifications
CX-7_8CG3-EA-11J_Edition1 Page510
Saturday, September 24 2011 10:34 AM
Form No.8CG3-EA-11J
Black plate (511,1)
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_8CG3-EA-11J_Edition1 Page511
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Form No.8CG3-EA-11J