Black plate (144,1)
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_8CG3-EA-11J_Edition1 Page144
Saturday, September 24 2011 10:32 AM
Form No.8CG3-EA-11J
Black plate (148,1)
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 8-23.
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 8-29).
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.
lBraking performance can be adversely
affected if snow or ice adheres to the
brake equipment. If this situation
occurs, drive the vehicle slowly,
releasing the accelerator pedal and
lightly applying the brakes several
times until the brake performance
returns to normal.
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
5-33).
4-10
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
CX-7_8CG3-EA-11J_Edition1 Page148
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Form No.8CG3-EA-11J
Black plate (152,1)
Turbocharger Informationí
The turbocharger greatly enhances engine power. Its advanced design provides improved
operation and requires minimum additional maintenance. To get maximum performance
from your turbocharged engine, take note of the following tips:
lThe turbocharged engine is designed for optimal operation with premium unleaded
gasoline (page 4-2). Extra fuel additives are NOT recommended.
lChange the engine oil and filter using the turbo engine interval outlined in the
maintenance schedule (for your driving condition).
lUse only the recommended engine oil (page 8-19). Extra oil additives are NOT
recommended.
lAfter driving at freeway speeds or up a long hill, idle the engine at least 30 seconds to
cool the turbo before turning off the engine. Avoid simply shutting the engine off
abruptly after a hard or long drive. Damage to the turbocharger may result.
lDo not race or over-rev the engine when starting. This should not be done with ANY
engine, especially not with one that's turbocharged.
lDo not add any aftermarket devices to alter the engine's ignition timing, fuel delivery, or
turbo boost pressure. This may lead to serious engine damage and may void your
warranty.
4-14
Before Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Driving Tips
CX-7_8CG3-EA-11J_Edition1 Page152
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Form No.8CG3-EA-11J
Black plate (180,1)
qAWD Warning Light
This warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.
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.
5-20
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
CX-7_8CG3-EA-11J_Edition1 Page180
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Form No.8CG3-EA-11J
Black plate (205,1)
Warning/Indicator Lights
Warning/Indicator lights will appear in any of the highlighted areas Warning/Indicator lights will appear in any of the highlighted areas With Black-out meter With Black-out meter
Without Black-out meter Without Black-out meter
Signal Warning/Indicator Lights Page
Brake System Warning Light 5-47
Charging System Warning Light 5-49
Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light 5-49
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-45
CX-7_8CG3-EA-11J_Edition1 Page205
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Form No.8CG3-EA-11J
Black plate (209,1)
qCharging System Warning Light
This warning light illuminates when the
ignition is switched ON and turns off
when the engine is started.
If the warning light illuminates while
driving, it indicates a malfunction of the
alternator or of the charging system.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving when the
charging system warning light is
illuminated because the engine could
stop unexpectedly.
qEngine Oil Pressure Warning Light
This warning light illuminates when the
ignition is switched ON and turns off
when the engine is started.
This warning light indicates low engine
oil pressure.If the light illuminates while driving:
1. Drive to the side of the road and park
off the right-of-way on level ground.
2. Turn off the engine and wait 5 minutes
for the oil to drain back into the oil
pan.
3. Inspect the engine oil level (page 8-21).
If it's low, add the appropriate amount
of engine oil while being careful not to
overfill.
4. Start the engine and check the warning
light.
If the light remains illuminated even after
you add oil, stop the engine immediately
and have your vehicle towed to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
Do not run the engine if the oil
pressure is low. It could result in
extensive engine damage.
qCheck Engine Light
This indicator light illuminates when the
ignition is switched ON and turns off
when the engine is started.
If this light illuminates while driving, the
vehicle may have a problem. It is
important to note the driving conditions
when the light illuminated and consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-49
CX-7_8CG3-EA-11J_Edition1 Page209
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Form No.8CG3-EA-11J
Black plate (213,1)
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 is switched
ON.
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.
qTire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) Warning Lightí
This warning light illuminates for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.
Thereafter, the warning light illuminates
and a beep is heard when tire pressure is
too low in one or more tires, and flashes
when there is a system malfunction.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-53íSome models. CX-7_8CG3-EA-11J_Edition1 Page213
Saturday, September 24 2011 10:32 AM
Form No.8CG3-EA-11J
Black plate (378,1)
To install the nut
1. Place the key on top of the nut, and be
sure to hold the key square to it. If you
hold the key at an angle, you may
damage both key and nut. Do not use a
power impact wrench.
2. Place the lug wrench on top of the key,
apply pressure, and turn it clockwise.
qMounting the Spare Tire
1. Remove dirt and grime from the
mounting surfaces of the wheel and
hub, including the hub bolts, with a
cloth.
WARNING
Make sure the mounting surfaces of
the wheel, hub and lug nuts are clean
before changing or replacing tires:
When changing or replacing a tire,
not removing dirt and grime from the
mounting surfaces of the wheel, hub
and hub bolts is dangerous. The lug
nuts could loosen while driving and
cause the tire to come off, resulting in
an accident.
2. Mount the spare tire.3. Install the lug nuts with the beveled
edge inward; tighten them by hand.
WARNING
Do not apply oil or grease to lug nuts
and bolts and do not tighten the lug
nuts beyond the recommended
tightening torque:
Applying oil or grease to lug nuts and
bolts is dangerous. The lug nuts
could loosen while driving and cause
the tire to come off, resulting in an
accident. In addition, lug nuts and
bolts could be damaged if tightened
more than necessary.
4. Turn the jack handle counterclockwise
and lower the vehicle. Use the lug
wrench to tighten the nuts in the order
shown.
7-10
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
CX-7_8CG3-EA-11J_Edition1 Page378
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Form No.8CG3-EA-11J