2021 MAZDA MODEL CX-5 towing

3Before Driving
Use of various features, including keys, doors, mirrors and windows.
Keys.................................................... 3-2 Keys.............................................. 3-2
Keyless Entry System................... 3-4
Advanced Keyless Entry
System...............................................3-10 Advanced Keyless Entry System
*.....
.................................................... 3-10
Operational Range...................... 3-11
Doors and Locks.............................. 3-12 Door Locks................................. 3-12
Liftgate....................................... 3-20
Fuel and Emission........................... 3-27 Fuel and Engine Exhaust
Precautions................................. 3-27
Fuel-Filler Lid and Cap.............. 3-33
Mirrors............................................. 3-35 Mirrors........................................ 3-35
Windows........................................... 3-40 Power Windows..........................3-40
Moonroof
*.................................. 3-43
Security System............................... 3-46Modification and Add-On
Equipment...................................3-46
Immobilizer System....................3-46
Theft-Deterrent System
*.............3-48
Driving Tips..................................... 3-50 Break-In Period.......................... 3-50
Saving Fuel and Protection of the
Environment............................... 3-50
Hazardous Driving.... ..................3-51
Floor Mat.................................... 3-52
Rocking the Vehicle....................3-52
Winter Driving............................3-53
Driving In Flooded Area............ 3-55
Overloading................................ 3-55
Driving on Uneven Road............ 3-56
Turbocharger Information
(SKYACTIV-G 2.5T, SKYACTIV-D
2.2).............................................. 3-57
Towing.............................................. 3-58 Trailer Towing (U.S.A. and
Canada)....................................... 3-58
Recreational Towing................... 3-66
*Some models.3-1
CX-5_8JM9-EA-20G_Edition6_old 2021-12-9 11:43:53

Turbocharger Information (SKYACTIV-G 2.5T,SKYACTIV-D 2.2)
CAUTION
After driving at freeway speeds or up a long h ill, trailer towing for a long time, idle the
engine at least 30 seconds before stopping it. Otherwise, the turbocharger could be
damaged.
 Racing or over-revving the engine, particularly after it's just been started, can damage the
turbocharger.
 To protect the engine from damage, the engine is designed so that it cannot be raced just
after starting it in extremely cold weather.
The turbocharger greatly enhances engine power. Its advanced design provides improved
operation and requires minimum maintenance.

To get the most from it, observe the following.
1. Change engine oil and filter according to Scheduled Maintenance (page 6-4).
2. Use only recommended engine oil (page 6- 22). Extra additives are NOT recommended.
Before Driving
Driving Tips
3-57
CX-5_8JM9-EA-20G_Edition6_old 2021-12-9 11:43:53

Trailer Towing (U.S.A. and Canada)
Your Mazda was designed and built primarily to carry passengers and cargo.
If you tow a trailer, follow these instructions because driver and passenger safety depends
on proper equipment and safe driving habits. Towing a trailer will affect handling, braking,
durability, performance, and fuel economy.
Never overload your vehicle or trailer. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer if you need
further details.
CAUTION
Do not tow a trailer during the first 1,000 km (600 miles) of your new Mazda. If you do, you
may damage the engine, transaxle, differenti al, wheel bearings, and other power-train
components.
NOTE
When towing, use of gasoline with a octane rating of 91 or higher is recommended.
▼ We i g h t L i m i t s
TTW and GCWR
The total trailer weight (TTW), gross comb
ination weight rating (GCWR), gross axle
weight rating (GAWR), trailer load, and tr ailer tongue load must be within the
prescribed limits.
The total trailer weight (TTW) is the sum of the weights of the trailer load (trailer
weight plus cargo), trailer hitch, 2 passengers, and vehicle load (baggage, food, camp
gear, etc.). Never allow the total trailer weight (TTW) to exceed specifications in the
Trailer Towing-Load Table.
The maximum GCWR is the combination weig ht of the trailer and load plus the
towing vehicle (including trailer hitch, ve hicle passengers, and load). It must not
exceed the specifications in the load table.
GAWR and GVWR
Do not exceed front and rear GAWR (gross axle weight rating) and GVWR (gross vehicle
weight rating). If you do, vehi cle handling, braking, and performance will be affected. These
values are also on the Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Label posted on the driver's door
frame.
Before Driving
To w i n g
3-58
CX-5_8JM9-EA-20G_Edition6_old 2021-12-9 11:43:53

High-altitude operation
CAUTION
Be aware of the towing load weight differences when towing at high altitudes. For altitudes
exceeding 1,000 meter (3,280 ft 10 in), always reduce the towing load by 10 % for every 1,000
meter (3,280 ft 10 in) increase in altitude from the load indicated under the maximum GCWR
heading in the trailer towing-load table. If the determined maximum total towing load
weight is exceeded, the engine and ot her power-train parts may be damaged.
TRAILER TOWING-LOAD TABLE
Because vehicle weights vary, adjustments must be made to meet the requirements in this
table.
Item Model
SKYACTIV-G 2.5 SKYACTIV-G 2.5T SKYACTIV-D 2.2
FWD AWD FWD AWD FWD AWD
Automatic transaxle Automatic transaxle Automatic transaxle
MAX.
FRON ‐
TA L
AREA
2.97 m2 (32 ft2)
MAX.
TTW
907 kg (2,000 lb) 1587.5 kg (3,500 lb)
MAX.
GCWR
2,725 kg (6,007.5 lb) 2,784 kg
(6,137.6 lb) 2,750 kg
(6,062.6 lb) 2,810 kg
(6,194.9 lb) 3,503 kg
(7,722.7 lb) 3,571 kg
(7,872.6 lb)
MAX.
GAWR
Front 1,060 kg
(2,337 lb)/ 1,075 kg (2,370
lb)
*1
1,100 kg
(2,425 lb) 1,120 kg
(2,469 lb) 1,140 kg
(2,513 lb) 1,150 kg
(2,535 lb) 1,170 kg
(2,579 lb)
Rear 1,000 kg
(2,205 lb) 1,043 kg
(2,299 lb) 1,020 kg
(2,249 lb) 1,040 kg
(2,293 lb) 1,025 kg
(2,260 lb) 1,070 kg
(2,359 lb)
MAX.
GVWR
2,060 kg
(4,541 lb)/ 2,075 kg
(4,575
lb)
*1
2,143 kg
(4,724 lb) 2,140 kg
(4,718 lb) 2,180 kg
(4,806 lb) 2,175 kg
(4,795 lb) 2,240 kg
(4,938 lb)
Before Driving
To w i n g
3-59
CX-5_8JM9-EA-20G_Edition6_old 2021-12-9 11:43:53

ItemModel
SKYACTIV-G 2.5 SKYACTIV-G 2.5T SKYACTIV-D 2.2 FWD AWD FWD AWD FWD AWD
Automatic transaxle Automatic transaxle Automatic transaxle
TRAIL‐
ER-TON
GUE
LOAD Tongue
load
Tongue load/Trailer load
× 100 = 10 % to 15 %
Trailer
load
DISTRI ‐
BUTION
OF
TRAILER
LOADFront 60 %
Rear 40 %
*1 Check the maximum GAWR and the maximum GVWR on the Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Label posted on
the driver's door frame (page 9-2).
WA R N I N G
Always keep tow loads within specified limits as indicated in the Trailer Towing-Load Table:
Attempting to tow loads greater than those sp ecified is dangerous as it may cause serious
handling and performance problems that could res ult in personal injury or vehicle damage,
or both.
Load your trailer with the weight about 60 % toward the front and 40 % toward the rear:
Loading the trailer with more weight in the rear than in the front is dangerous. Doing so could
cause you to lose control. The tr ailer tongue load must be 10 %―15 % of the total trailer load
(sum of the weights of the trailer and cargo).
Always have the total trailer weight and tongue load determined prior to departure:
Attempting to tow loads without determining the total trailer weight and tongue load is
dangerous. Trailer sway from crosswinds, rough roads or other causes could result in loss of
control and a serious accident.
CAUTION
The total trailer weight and tongue load ca n be determined by weighing the trailer on
platform scales at a highway weight station or a trucking company.
▼ Trailer Hitch
Use only a hitch ball recommended by the trailer manufacturer that conforms to the gross
trailer weight requirement.
Before Driving
To w i n g
3-60
CX-5_8JM9-EA-20G_Edition6_old
2021-12-9 11:43:53

When not towing a trailer, remove the trailer hitch (if detachable) to reduce the possibility of
damage as a result of the vehicle being rear-ended.
WARNING
Always make sure the trailer hitch is securely attached before departure:
An unsecured trailer hitch is dangerous as it causes greater trailer sway from crosswinds,
rough roads or other causes, resulting in loss of control and a serious accident.
Examine all trailer-hitch mounting bolts regularly and tighten any that are loose. If the hitch
is removed, seal any open mounting holes to prevent exhaust, dust, water, dirt and other
foreign elements from filtering in, possibly en dangering personal safety and damaging your
vehicle.
Do not install a hitch that stiffens the bumper as it will reduce the bumper's performance.
Make sure there are no exhaust gas leaks into the passenger compartment if any mounting
bolts are connected to the body:
Modifying your vehicle exhaust system is dangerous. Exhaust gas entering the vehicle could
cause loss of consciousness or even death.
When mounting the trailer hitch, make no modifications to the vehicle exhaust system.
CAUTION
 Make all hitch adjustments with actual load s. Do not load and unload vehicle while
adjusting hitch. This action w ill change the vehicle height.
 Do not use an axle-mounted hitch. This may damage the axle and related parts.
▼ Tires
When towing a trailer, make sure all tires
are inflated to the recommended cold-tire
pressure, as indicated on the tire pressure chart on the driver's door frame. Trailer tire size,
load rating, and inflation pres sures should conform to tire manufacturer specifications.
WARNING
Never use the temporary spare tire when towing:
Using the temporary spare tire on your vehicle wh en towing a trailer is dangerous as it could
result in tire failure, loss of control, and injury to vehicle occupants.
▼ Safety Chains
Safety chains must be used as a precautionary measure should the trailer become
unintentionally unhitched. They should cross under the trailer tongue and attach to the hitch.
Before Driving
To w i n g
3-61
CX-5_8JM9-EA-20G_Edition6_old
2021-12-9 11:43:53

Leave enough slack to allow full turns. Consult literature published by your trailer or hitch
manufacturer for more details.
WA R N I N G
Make sure the safety chain is securely attached to both the trailer and the vehicle prior to
departure:
Towing a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both the trailer and the
vehicle is dangerous. If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball, the trailer could
wander into another lane and cause a collision.
▼ Trailer Lights
Trailer lights must comply with all federal, st
ate, and local regulations. Equip your trailer as
required before towing it day or night.
CAUTION
Do not connect a trailer lighting system directl y to the lighting system of your Mazda. This
may damage your vehicle's electrical system an d lighting systems. Have a recreational vehicle
dealer or trailer rental agency connect the system, and inspect the brake lights and turn
signals yourself before each trip.
▼ Trailer Brakes
If the total trailer weight exceeds 450 kg (1,000
lb), trailer brakes are required. If your trailer
has brakes, make sure they comply with all federal, state, and local regulations.
WA R N I N G
Do not connect a hydraulic trailer-brake system to your vehicle's brake system:
Connecting a hydraulic trailer-brake system direc tly to the vehicle brake system is dangerous
and will result in inadequate braking and possible injury.
▼ Trailer Towing Tips
Verify that your Mazda maintains a near-normal attitude when a loaded or unloaded trailer
is connected. Do not drive if it has an abnor
mal front-up or front-down position. Inspect
for incorrect tongue load, worn suspension parts, and trailer overloading.
Make sure the trailer is properly loaded and th e cargo is secure to prevent it from shifting.
Make sure the mirrors conform to all government regulations. If they do not, install
required rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.
Before Driving
To w i n g
3-62
CX-5_8JM9-EA-20G_Edition6_old 2021-12-9 11:43:53

The three main causes of vehicle-trailer accidents are driver error, excessive speed, and
improper trailer loading.
Before driving
Have your cooling and braking system checked by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Before starting out, inspect the operation of all vehicle and trailer lights and all
vehicle-to-trailer connections. Stop and re-inspec t all lights and connections after driving
a short distance.
Driving
Your Mazda will handle differently with a traile r in tow, so practice turning, backing, and
stopping in a traffic-free area.
Take time to get accustomed to the extra weight and length.
Allow more room between your vehicle and the one in front because braking distance
increases with a trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow at least one vehicle
and trailer length between your Mazda and the vehicle ahead.
Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
Avoid sudden braking. It may cause loss of co ntrol and result in jackknifing, especially so
on wet or slippery roads.
Shift the selector lever to the D position wh en towing a trailer in hilly terrain or when
heavily loaded.
The D position will allow operating th e vehicle without frequent shifting.
Lane changes and turning
Avoid quick lane changes, sudden turns, and tight turns. Slow down before turning to avoid
the need of sudden braking.
A turning trailer will make a tighter arc than th e tow vehicle. Compensate with turns that are
larger than normal.
Passing
Plan well ahead to pass other vehicles, and provide plenty of room before changing lanes.
Crosswinds from passing vehicles, especially larger ones, and the effects of rough roads will
affect handling.
If swaying occurs, firmly grip the steering wheel and reduce speed immediately, but
gradually.
Steer straight ahead. If no extreme correction of steering or braking is made, the
combination of less speed and firm steering will result in stability.
Backing up
Backing a vehicle with a trailer requires practice and patience. Back slowly, and have a
helper outside at the rear of the trailer to reduce the risk of an accident.
Before Driving
To w i n g
3-63
CX-5_8JM9-EA-20G_Edition6_old 2021-12-9 11:43:53