Black plate (11,1)
Front
Hood .................................................................................................................. page 3-40
Windshield wiper blades .................................................................................... page 8-30
Moonroof ........................................................................................................... page 3-42
Doors and keys .................................................................................................. page 3-28
Fuel-filler lid ...................................................................................................... page 3-39
Tires ................................................................................................................... page 8-36
Light bulbs ......................................................................................................... page 8-42
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Exterior Overview
1-5The equipment and installation position varies by vehicle CX-7_8CG3-EA-11J_Edition1 Page11
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Form No.8CG3-EA-11J
Black plate (222,1)
Lighting Control
qHeadlights
CAUTION
(With AUTO position)
ØDo not shade the light sensor by adhering a sticker or a label on the windshield.
Otherwise the light sensor will not operate correctly.
Light sensor
ØThe light sensor also works as a rain sensor for the auto-wiper control. Keep
hands and scrapers clear of the windshield when the wiper lever is in the AUTO
position and the ignition is switched ON as fingers could be pinched or the wipers
and wiper blades damaged when the wipers activate automatically. If you are
going to clean the windshield, be sure the wipers are turned off completely - this is
particularly important when clearing ice and snow - when it is particularly
tempting to leave the engine running.
NOTE
lIf the light switch is left on, the lights will automatically switch off approximately 30 seconds after
switching the ignition to ACC or switching the ignition off.
lTo prevent discharging the battery, do not leave the lights on while the engine is off unless safety
requires them.
(With AUTO position)lThe headlights, other exterior lights and dashboard illumination may not turn off
immediately even if the surrounding area becomes well-lit because the light sensor
determines that it is nighttime if the surrounding area is continuously dark for several
minutes such as inside long tunnels, traffic jams inside tunnels, or in indoor parking lots.
In this case, the light turns off if the light switch is turned to the OFF position.
lThe timing for turning on the headlights, other exterior lights and dashboard
illumination can be delayed by adjusting the sensitivity of the light sensor. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer regarding sensor adjustment.
5-62
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
CX-7_8CG3-EA-11J_Edition1 Page222
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Form No.8CG3-EA-11J
Black plate (229,1)
Windshield Wipers and
Washer
The ignition must be switched ON.
WARNING
Use only windshield washer fluid or
plain water in the reservoir:
Using radiator antifreeze as washer
fluid is dangerous. If sprayed on the
windshield, it will dirty the
windshield, affect your visibility, and
could result in an accident.
Only use windshield washer fluid
mixed with anti-freeze protection in
freezing weather conditions:
Using windshield washer fluid
without anti-freeze protection in
freezing weather conditions is
dangerous as it could freeze on the
windshield and block your vision
which could cause an accident.
In addition, make sure the
windshield is sufficiently warmed
using the defroster before spraying
the washer fluid.NOTE
Because heavy ice and snow can jam the wiper
blades, the wiper motor is protected from
motor breakdown, overheating and possible
fire by a circuit breaker. This mechanism will
automatically stop operation of the blades, but
only for about 5 minutes.
If this happens, turn off the wiper switch and
park off the right-of-way, and remove the snow
and ice.
After 5 minutes, turn on the switch and the
blades should operate normally. If they do not
resume functioning, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible. Drive to
the side of the road and park off the right-of-
way. Wait until the weather clears before trying
to drive with the wipers inoperative.
qWindshield Wipers
Turn the wipers on by pressing the lever
up or down.
With INT position
Switch
PositionWiper operation
Single wipe cycle (mist)
Intermittent
Low speed
High speed
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
5-69
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Form No.8CG3-EA-11J
Black plate (231,1)
CAUTION
ØDo not shade the rain sensor by
adhering a sticker or a label on
the windshield. Otherwise the rain
sensor will not operate correctly.
Rain sensor
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 or wiped with
a cloth.
ØIf the windshield is struck with
a hand or other object from
either outside or inside the
vehicle.
Keep hands and scrapers clear of
the windshield when the wiper
lever is in the AUTO position and
the ignition is switched ON as
fingers could be pinched or the
wipers and wiper blades damaged
when the wipers activate
automatically.
If you are going to clean the
windshield, be sure the wipers are
turned off completely―this is
particularly important when
clearing ice and snow―when it is
most likely that the engine is left
running.
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
5-71
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Form No.8CG3-EA-11J
Black plate (393,1)
8Maintenance and Care
How to keep your Mazda in top condition.
Introduction .................................................................................. 8-2
Introduction ............................................................................... 8-2
Scheduled Maintenance ................................................................ 8-3
Scheduled Maintenance (USA, Canada, and Puerto Rico) ....... 8-3
Scheduled Maintenance (Mexico) ............................................. 8-9
Owner Maintenance ................................................................... 8-16
Owner Maintenance Schedule ................................................ 8-16
Owner Maintenance Precautions ............................................. 8-17
Engine Compartment Overview .............................................. 8-18
Engine Oil ............................................................................... 8-19
Engine Coolant ....................................................................... 8-23
Brake Fluid ............................................................................. 8-25
Power Steering Fluid ............................................................... 8-26
Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF) ........................................... 8-26
Washer Fluid ........................................................................... 8-29
Body Lubrication .................................................................... 8-30
Wiper Blades ........................................................................... 8-30
Battery ..................................................................................... 8-34
Tires ........................................................................................ 8-36
Light Bulbs ............................................................................. 8-42
Fuses ....................................................................................... 8-49
Appearance Care ........................................................................ 8-56
How to Minimize Environmental Paint Damage .................... 8-56
Exterior Care ........................................................................... 8-58
Interior Care ............................................................................ 8-63
8-1
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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
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Form No.8CG3-EA-11J
Black plate (423,1)
qReplacing Windshield Wiper Blades
When the wipers no longer clean well, the
blades are probably worn or cracked.
Replace them.
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the wiper arms
and other components, don't try to
sweep the wiper arm by hand.
NOTE
To prevent damage to the wiper arm blades
when raising both the driver and passenger
side wiper arms, raise the driver side wiper
arm first. Conversely, when setting down the
wiper arms, set the passenger side wiper arm
down first.
1. Raise the wiper arm.
2. Open the clip and slide the blade
assembly in the direction of the arrow.
3. Tilt the blade assembly and remove it
from the arm.
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the windshield
let the wiper arm down easily, don't
let it slap down on the windshield.
4. Pull down the blade rubber and slide it
out of blade holder.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-31
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Form No.8CG3-EA-11J
Black plate (450,1)
Exterior Care
Followalllabel and container directions
when using a chemical cleaner or polish.
Read all warnings and cautions.
qMaintaining the Finish
Washing
CAUTION
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 or wiped with
a cloth.
ØIf the windshield is struck with
a hand or other object from
either outside or inside the
vehicle.
Keep hands and scrapers clear of
the windshield when the wiper
lever is in the AUTO position and
the ignition is switched ON as
fingers could be pinched or the
wipers and wiper blades damaged
when the wipers activate
automatically.
If you are going to clean the
windshield, be sure the wipers are
turned off completely―this is
particularly important when
clearing ice and snow―when it is
most likely that the engine is left
running.
ØDo not spray water in the engine
compartment. Otherwise, it could
result in engine-starting problems
or damage to electrical parts.To help protect the finish from rust and
deterioration, wash your Mazda
thoroughly and frequently, at least once a
month, with lukewarm or cold water.
If the vehicle is washed improperly, the
paint surface could be scratched. Here are
some examples of how scratching could
occur.
Scratches occur on the paint surface
when:
lThe vehicle is washed without first
rinsing off dirt and other foreign
matter.
lThe vehicle is washed with a rough,
dry, or dirty cloth.
lThe vehicle is washed at a car wash
that uses brushes that are dirty or too
stiff.
lCleansers or wax containing abrasives
are used.
NOTE
lMazda is not responsible for scratches
caused by automatic car washes or
improper washing.
lScratches are more noticeable on vehicles
with darker paint finishes.
To minimize scratches on the vehicle's
paint finish:
lRinse off any dirt or other foreign
matter using lukewarm or cold water
before washing.
lUse plenty of lukewarm or cold water
and a soft cloth when washing the
vehicle. Do not use a nylon cloth.
lRub gently when washing or drying the
vehicle.
lTake your vehicle only to a car wash
that keeps its brushes well maintained.
lDo not use abrasive cleansers or wax
that contain abrasives.
8-58
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
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Form No.8CG3-EA-11J