Mazda CX-7 (2012 year). Manual

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Turbocharger Information

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:

The turbocharged engine is designed for optimal operation with premium unleaded
gasoline (page 4-2). Extra fuel additives are NOT recommended.

Change the engine oil and filter using the turbo engine interval outlined in the
maintenance schedule (for your driving condition).

Use only the recommended engine oil (page 8-19). Extra oil additives are NOT
recommended.

After 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.

Do not race or over-rev the engine when starting. This should not be done with ANY
engine, especially not with one that's turbocharged.

Do 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.

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Before Driving Your Mazda

Some models.

Driving Tips

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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 economy.
Never overload 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, differential, wheel bearings, and other
power train components.

qWeight Limits

TTW and GCWR

The total trailer weight (TTW), gross combination weight rating (GCWR), gross axle
weight rating (GAWR), trailer load, and trailer 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, vehicle passengers, and vehicle load. Never allow
the total trailer weight (TTW) to exceed specifications in the Trailer Towing-Load
Table.

The maximum GCWR is the combination weight of the trailer and load plus the
towing vehicle (including trailer hitch, vehicle passengers, and load). It must not
exceed 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, vehicle handling, braking, and performance will be affected.
These values are also on the Motor Vehicle Safety Certification Label posted on the driver's
door frame.

High-altitude operation

In a high-altitude operating environment, a gasoline engine loses power at a rate of 3 % to
4 % per 304 m (1,000 ft) of elevation. In these conditions, a reduction in gross vehicle
weight and gross combination weight is recommended.

Before Driving Your Mazda

Towing

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TRAILER TOWING-LOAD TABLE

Because vehicle weights vary, adjustments must be made to meet the requirements in this
table.

Item

Model

2.3-liter engine

2.5-liter

engine

2WD

AWD

2WD

MAX.
FRONTAL
AREA

2.97 m

(32 ft

)

MAX. TTW

Add trailer's weight, load and hitch; vehicle

passengers and vehicle load

907 kg (2,000 lb)

680 kg

(1,500 lb)

MAX. GCWR

2,815 kg

(6,206 lb)

2,914 kg

(6,424 lb)

2,526 kg

(5,569 lb)

MAX. GAWR

Front

1,150 kg

(2,535 lb)

1,189 kg

(2,621 lb)

1,104 kg

(2,434 lb)

Rear

1,022 kg

(2,253 lb)

1,083 kg

(2,388 lb)

1,025 kg

(2,260 lb)

MAX. GVWR

2,168 kg

(4,780 lb)

2,267 kg

(4,998 lb)

2,125 kg

(4,685 lb)

TRAILER-
TONGUE
LOAD

Tongue load

Tongue load/Trailer load × 100 = 10 % to 15 %

Trailer load

DISTRIBU-
TION OF
TRAILER
LOAD

Front

60 %

Rear

40 %

* i.e. baggage, food, camp gear

GCWR: Gross Combination Weight Rating (sum of TTW, vehicle weights and 2
passengers)
GAWR: Gross Axle Weight Rating
GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

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Towing

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WARNING

Always keep tow loads within specified limits as indicated in the Trailer Towing-Load
Table:

Attempting to tow loads greater than those specified is dangerous as it may cause
serious handling and performance problems that could result 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 trailer 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 can be determined by weighing the trailer
on platform scales at a highway weight station or a trucking company.

qTrailer Hitch

Use only a hitch ball recommended by the trailer manufacturer that conforms to the gross
trailer weight requirement.
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.

Before Driving Your Mazda

Towing

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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 endangering 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

Ø Make all hitch adjustments with actual loads. Do not load and unload vehicle

while adjusting hitch. This action will change the vehicle height.

Ø Do not use an axle-mounted hitch. This may damage the axle and related parts.

qTires

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 pressures should conform to tire manufacturer specifications.

WARNING

Never use the temporary spare tire when towing:

Using the temporary spare tire on your vehicle when towing a trailer is dangerous as
it could result in tire failure, loss of control, and injury to vehicle occupants.

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Towing

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qSafety 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. Leave enough slack to allow full turns. Consult literature published by your trailer or
hitch manufacturer for more details.

WARNING

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.

qTrailer Lights

Trailer lights must comply with all federal, state, and local regulations. Equip your trailer
as required before towing it day or night.

CAUTION

Do not connect a trailer lighting system directly to the lighting system of your
Mazda. This may damage your vehicle's electrical system and 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.

qTrailer 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.

WARNING

Do not connect a hydraulic trailer-brake system to your vehicle's brake system:

Connecting a hydraulic trailer-brake system directly to the vehicle brake system is
dangerous and will result in inadequate braking and possible injury.

qTrailer 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 abnormal 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 the 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 Your Mazda

Towing

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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-inspect all lights and connections after driving a short
distance.

Driving

Your Mazda will handle differently with a trailer 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 control and result in jackknifing, especially
so on wet or slippery roads.

Shift the shift lever to the D position when towing a trailer in hilly terrain or when
heavily loaded.

The D position will allow operating the 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 the 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.
To turn the trailer, place your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and turn it in the
direction you want the trailer to go. Make only slight movements to prevent sharp or
prolonged turning.

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Before Driving Your Mazda

Towing

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Ascending a hill

Shift into a lower gear to reduce the possibility of overloading or overheating the engine, or
both.

Descending a hill

Shift into a lower gear and use engine compression as a braking effect.

WARNING

Always use lower gears to reduce speed:

Holding the brake pedal down too long or too frequently is dangerous as it could
cause the brakes to overheat and lose power, resulting in loss of control and a
serious accident. Use lower gears to help reduce speed. Pull off the road and allow
brakes to cool down whenever braking performance feels reduced.

Overheated engine

The extra weight of the trailer may strain the engine on hot days and on long or steep
upgrades.
If the temperature gauge indicates overheating, turn off the air conditioner, drive safely to
the side of the road, park off the right-of-way and wait for engine to cool. Refer to
Overheating (page 7-12).

Parking

Always make sure the tires of the trailer and the tow vehicle are blocked while parked.
Apply the parking brake firmly and put the transaxle in P.

Avoid parking on an incline, but if you must, follow these instructions:

1. Depress and hold down the brake pedal.

2. Have a helper put wheel blocks against the downhill side of all vehicle and trailer tires.

3. Then release the brake pedal slowly until the blocks bear the load.

If the grade is downhill, turn the steering wheel so that the front of the front tires face
the curb.

If it is uphill, face the rear of the front tires against the curb.

4. Firmly apply the parking brake.

5. Shift the transaxle into P, and stop the engine.

To restart after parking on an incline:

1. With the transaxle in P, start the engine. (Be sure to depress and hold the brake pedal.)

2. Shift into gear.

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Towing

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3. Release the parking brake (also the foot brake) and pull away from the wheel blocks.

Stop; apply the parking brake and shift into P.

4. Have a helper retrieve the wheel blocks.

Fuel consumption

Trailer towing causes higher fuel consumption.

Maintenance

If you tow a trailer frequently, have your vehicle serviced as shown in Scheduled
Maintenance (page 8-3).

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Before Driving Your Mazda

Towing

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Ignition Switch

Auxiliary key (with advanced key)

NOTE

When starting the engine using the advanced
key, refer to Starting the Engine (page 3-10).

When starting the engine with the
auxiliary key, perform the following
procedure.

1. Remove the auxiliary key from the

advanced key (page 3-17).

2. Make sure the start knob is in OFF/

LOCK position.

3. Remove the start knob by pulling it

outward while pressing the buttons on
both the left and right sides.

4. Insert the auxiliary key in the ignition

switch.

qIgnition Switch Positions

With advanced
key

Without advanced
key

The engraved mark on the actual vehicle
may read OFF or LOCK depending on the
type of ignition system.

OFF/LOCK

The power supply to electrical devices is
turned off. Only in this position can the
key be removed.

5-2

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

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WARNING

Remove the key only when the vehicle
is parked (with steering lock
mechanism):

Removing the key from the ignition
switch while the vehicle is moving is
dangerous. Removing the key allows
the steering wheel to lock. You will
lose steering control and a serious
accident could occur. (For vehicles
equipped with the advanced key, the
steering wheel locks when the starter
knob is turned to the OFF/LOCK
position.)

Before leaving the driver's seat, always
switch the ignition to OFF/LOCK, set the
parking brake and make sure the shift
lever is in P:

It is important to switch the ignition
to OFF/LOCK even if you are not
removing the key from the ignition or
leaving the vehicle. Leaving the key
in other positions will disable some of
the vehicle security systems and run
the battery down.
Leaving the driver's seat without
switching the ignition to OFF/LOCK,
setting the parking brake and
shifting the shift lever to P is
dangerous. Unexpected vehicle
movement could occur. This could
cause an accident.

NOTE

If turning the key is difficult, move the steering
wheel left and right.
Leaving the key or start knob in any position
but the OFF/LOCK position also disables
some of the security features and may run the
battery down.

ACC (Accessory)

In this position, some electrical
accessories will operate.

This is the normal running position after
the engine is started. Some indicator
lights/warning lights should be inspected
before the engine is started (page 5-45).

NOTE

When the ignition is switched ON, the sound of
the fuel pump motor operating near the fuel
tank can be heard. This does not indicate an
abnormality.

START

The engine is started in this position. It
will crank until you release the key. It
then returns to the ON position.

qIgnition Key Reminder

If the ignition is switched off or the
ignition is switched to ACC with the key
inserted, a continuous beep sound will be
heard when the driver's door is opened.

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

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Starting the Engine

NOTE

Engine-starting is controlled by the spark
ignition system.
This system meets all Canadian Interference-
Causing Equipment Standard requirements
regulating the impulse electrical field strength
of radio noise.

1. Occupants should fasten their seat

belts.

2. Make sure the parking brake is on.

3. Depress the brake pedal.

4. Put the vehicle in park (P). If you must

restart the engine while the vehicle is
moving, shift into neutral (N).

NOTE

The starter will not operate if the shift lever is
not in P or N.

5. Switch the ignition to START and hold

(up to 10 seconds at a time) until the
engine starts.

CAUTION

Do not try the starter for more than
10 seconds at a time. If the engine
stalls or fails to start, wait 10 seconds
before trying again. Otherwise, you
may damage the starter and drain
the battery.

6. After starting the engine, let it idle for

about 10 seconds.

NOTE

In extremely cold weather or after the
vehicle has not been driven in several days,
let the engine warm up without operating
the accelerator.

Whether the engine is cold or warm, it
should be started without use of the
accelerator.

If the engine does not start the first time,
refer to Starting a Flooded Engine under
Emergency Starting. If the engine still does
not start, have your vehicle inspected by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer (page 7-14).

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Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

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Turning the Engine Off

1. Stop the vehicle completely.

2. Shift the shift lever to the P position.

3. Switch the ignition from ON to OFF/

LOCK.

WARNING

Do not stop the engine while the
vehicle is moving:

Stopping the engine while the vehicle
is moving for any reason other than
in an emergency is dangerous.
Stopping the engine while the vehicle
is moving will result in reduced
maneuverability and braking ability
due to the loss of power steering and
power braking, which could cause an
accident and serious injury.

CAUTION

When leaving the vehicle, make sure
the ignition is switched off.

NOTE

The electrical fan in the engine compartment
could turn on for a few minutes after the
ignition is switched from ON to OFF, whether
or not the A/C is on or off, to cool the engine
compartment quickly.

Brake System

qFoot Brake

Your Mazda has power-assisted brakes
that adjust automatically through normal
use.

Should power-assist fail, you can stop by
applying greater force than normal to the
brake pedal. But the distance required to
stop will be greater than usual.

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

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WARNING

Do not coast with the engine stalled or
turned off, find a safe place to stop:

Coasting with the engine stalled or
turned off is dangerous. Braking will
require more effort, and the brake's
power-assist could be depleted if you
pump the brake. This will cause
longer stopping distances or even an
accident.

Shift to a lower gear when going down
steep hills:

Driving with your foot continuously
on the brake pedal or steadily
applying the brakes for long
distances is dangerous. This causes
overheated brakes, resulting in
longer stopping distances or even
total brake failure. This could cause
loss of vehicle control and a serious
accident. Avoid continuous
application of the brakes.

Dry off brakes that have become wet
by driving slowly, releasing the
accelerator pedal and lightly applying
the brakes several times until the brake
performance returns to normal:

Driving with wet brakes is
dangerous. Increased stopping
distance or the vehicle pulling to one
side when braking could result in a
serious accident. Light braking will
indicate whether the brakes have
been affected.

CAUTION

Ø Do not drive with your foot held

on the brake pedal. Doing so could
result in the following:

The brake parts will wear out
more quickly.

The brakes can overheat and
adversely affect brake
performance.

Ø Always depress the brake pedal

with the right foot. Applying the
brakes with the unaccustomed left
foot could slow your reaction time
to an emergency situation
resulting in insufficient braking
operation.

Ø Wear shoes appropriate for driving

in order to avoid your shoe
contacting the brake pedal when
depressing the accelerator pedal.

5-6

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

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qParking Brake

WARNING

Before leaving the driver's seat, always
switch the ignition to OFF/LOCK, set the
parking brake and make sure the shift
lever is in P:

CAUTION

Driving with the parking brake on
will cause excessive wear of the brake
linings or pads.

NOTE

For parking in snow, refer to Winter Driving
(page 4-10) regarding parking brake use.

Setting the parking brake

Depress the brake pedal, then depress the
parking brake pedal fully.

Releasing the parking brake

Depress the brake pedal, then depress the
parking brake pedal until it releases.
Gradually let up on the parking brake
pedal.

NOTE

Release the parking brake pedal once before
trying to reapply it.

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

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Mazda CX-7 (2012 year). Manual - part 10