Mazda CX-7 (2012 year). Manual

Black plate (168,1)

qBrake System Warning Light

This warning has the following functions:

Parking brake warning

The light illuminates when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switched
to START or ON. It turns off when the
parking brake is fully released.

Low brake fluid level warning

If the light stays on after the parking brake
is fully released, you may have a brake
problem.

Brake system warning

Illuminates when there is a malfunction in
the brake switch.

Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way.

You may notice that the pedal is harder to
depress or that it may go closer to the
floor. In either case, it will take longer to
stop the vehicle.

1. With the engine stopped, open the

hood and check the brake fluid level
immediately, and then add fluid if
required (page 8-25).

2. After adding fluid, check the light

again.

If the warning light remains on, or if the
brakes do not operate properly, do not
drive the vehicle. Have it towed to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.

Even if the light turns off have your brake
system inspected as soon as possible by
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

NOTE

Having to add brake fluid is sometimes an
indicator of leakage. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible even if the
brake light is no longer illuminated.

WARNING

Do not drive with the brake system
warning light illuminated. Contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer to have the
brakes inspected as soon as possible:

Driving with the brake system
warning light illuminated is
dangerous. It indicates that your
brakes may not work at all or that
they could completely fail at any
time. If this light remains
illuminated, after checking that the
parking brake is fully released, have
the brakes inspected immediately.

qParking Brake Reminder

If the parking brake has not been
completely released and the vehicle is
driven at about 5 km/h (3 mph) or faster, a
continuous beep sound will be heard to
notify the driver that the parking brake
has not been released.

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qAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

The ABS control unit continuously
monitors the speed of each wheel. If one
is about to lock up, the ABS responds by
automatically releasing and reapplying
that wheel's brake.

The driver will feel a slight vibration in
the brake pedal and may hear a chattering
noise from the brake system. This is
normal when the ABS operates. Continue
to depress the brake pedal without
pumping the brakes.

WARNING

Do not rely on ABS as a substitute for
safe driving:

The ABS cannot compensate for
unsafe and reckless driving, excessive
speed, tailgating (following another
vehicle too closely), driving on ice and
snow, and hydroplaning (reduced tire
friction and road contact because of
water on the road surface). You can
still have an accident.

NOTE

Braking distances may be longer on loose
surfaces (snow or gravel, for example)
which usually have a hard foundation. A
vehicle with a normal braking system may
require less distance to stop under these
conditions because the tires will build up a
wedge of surface layer when the wheels
skid.

The sound of the ABS operating may be
heard when starting the engine or
immediately after starting the vehicle.
However, it does not indicate a malfunction.

qABS Warning Light

The warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.

If the ABS warning light stays on while
you're driving, the ABS control unit has
detected a system malfunction. If this
occurs, your brakes will function normally
as if the vehicle had no ABS.
Should this happen, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.

NOTE

When the engine is jump-started to charge
the battery, uneven rpm occurs and the ABS
warning light may illuminate. If this occurs,
it is the result of the weak battery and does
not indicate an ABS malfunction.
Recharge the battery.

The brake assist system does not operate
while the ABS warning light is illuminated.

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qElectronic Brake Force

Distribution System Warning

If the electronic brake force distribution
control unit determines that some
components are operating incorrectly, the
control unit may illuminate the brake
system warning light and the ABS
warning light on simultaneously. The
problem is likely to be the electronic
brake force distribution system.

WARNING

Do not drive with both the ABS warning
light and brake warning light
illuminated. Have the vehicle towed to
an Authorized Mazda Dealer to have
the brakes inspected as soon as
possible:

Driving when the brake system
warning light and ABS warning light
are illuminated simultaneously is
dangerous.
When both lights are illuminated, the
rear wheels could lock more quickly
in an emergency stop than under
normal circumstances.

qBrake Assist

During emergency braking situations
when it is necessary to depress the brake
pedal with greater force, the brake assist
system provides braking assistance, thus
enhancing braking performance.

When the brake pedal is depressed hard or
depressed more quickly, the brakes apply
more firmly.

NOTE

When the brake pedal is depressed hard or
depressed more quickly, the pedal will feel
softer but the brakes will apply more firmly.
This is a normal effect of the brake assist
operation and does not indicate an
abnormality.

When the brake pedal is depressed hard or
depressed more quickly, a motor/pump
operation noise may be heard. This is a
normal effect of the brake assist and does
not indicate an abnormality.

The brake assist equipment does not
supersede the functionality of the vehicle's
main braking system.

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Automatic Transaxle Controls

Indicates that you must depress the brake pedal to shift (The ignition
must be switched to ACC or ON).

Indicates the shift lever can be shifted freely into any position.

Various Lockouts:

NOTE

The Sport AT has an option that is not included in the traditional automatic transaxle giving the
driver the option of selecting each gear instead of leaving it to the transaxle to shift gears. Even if
you intend to use the automatic transaxle functions as a traditional automatic, you should also be
aware that you can inadvertently shift into manual shift mode and an inappropriate gear may be
retained as the vehicle speed increases. If you notice the engine speed going higher or hear the
engine racing, confirm you have not accidentally slipped into manual shift mode (page 5-14).

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qTransaxle Ranges

The shift lever must be in P or N to
operate the starter.

P (Park)

P locks the transaxle and prevents the
front wheels from rotating.

WARNING

Always set the shift lever to P and set
the parking brake:

Only setting the shift lever to the P
position without using the parking
brake to hold the vehicle is
dangerous. If P fails to hold, the
vehicle could move and cause an
accident.

CAUTION

Ø Shifting into P, N or R while the

vehicle is moving can damage
your transaxle.

Ø Shifting into a driving gear or

reverse when the engine is running
faster than idle can damage the
transaxle.

R (Reverse)

In position R, the vehicle moves only
backward. You must be at a complete stop
before shifting to or from R, except under
rare circumstances as explained in
Rocking the Vehicle (page 4-9).

N (Neutral)

In N, the wheels and transaxle are not
locked. The vehicle will roll freely even
on the slightest incline unless the parking
brake or brakes are on.

WARNING

If the engine is running faster than idle,
do not shift from N or P into a driving
gear:

It's dangerous to shift from N or P
into a driving gear when the engine
is running faster than idle. If this is
done, the vehicle could move
suddenly, causing an accident or
serious injury.

Do not shift into N when driving the
vehicle:

Shifting into N while driving is
dangerous. Engine braking cannot be
applied when decelerating which
could lead to an accident or serious
injury.

CAUTION

Do not shift into N when driving the
vehicle. Doing so can cause transaxle
damage.

NOTE

Apply the parking brake or depress the brake
pedal before moving the shift lever from N to
prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.

D (Drive)

D is the normal driving position. From a
stop, the transaxle will automatically shift
through a 5-gear/6-gear

sequence.

* 2.3-liter engine model

M (Manual)

M is the manual shift mode position.
Gears can be shifted up or down by
operating the shift lever.
Refer to Manual Shift Mode (page 5-14).

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qActive Adaptive Shift (AAS)

Active Adaptive Shift (AAS)
automatically controls the transaxle shift
points to best suit the road conditions and
driver input. This optimizes engine
performance and improves driving
comfort. When cornering the vehicle,
AAS mode will hold the transaxle in the
gear the vehicle was in before entering the
curve, allowing the vehicle to be
accelerated from the same gear after
exiting the curve.
If the driver accelerates rapidly, or
accelerates and decelerates rapidly by
operating the accelerator and brake pedal
for a certain period of time while the
selector lever is in the D position, AAS
mode could activate. When this occurs,
AAS mode will maintain the transaxle in
the optimum gear and the driver may
sense that the transaxle is not shifting,
however this does not indicate an
abnormality.

qShift-Lock System

The shift-lock system prevents shifting
out of P unless the brake pedal is
depressed.

To shift from P:

1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.

2. Start the engine.

3. Move the shift lever.

NOTE

When the ignition is switched off, the shift
lever cannot be shifted from P.

To be sure the vehicle is in park, the
ignition key cannot be removed unless the
shift lever is in P.

(With Advanced Key)
The ignition cannot be switched from ACC
to OFF when the shift lever is not in P.

qManual Shift Mode

This mode gives you the feel of driving a
manual transaxle vehicle by operating the
shift lever and allows you to control
engine rpm and torque to the drive wheels
much like a manual transaxle when more
control is desired.

To change to manual shift mode, shift the
lever from D to M.

NOTE

Changing to manual shift mode while driving
will not damage the transaxle.

To return to automatic shift mode, shift
the lever from M to D.

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NOTE

If you change to manual shift mode when
the vehicle is stopped, the gear will shift to
M1.

If you change to manual shift mode without
depressing the accelerator pedal when
driving in D range, 5th gear, the gear will
shift to M4.

(2.3-liter engine model)
If you change to manual shift mode without
depressing the accelerator pedal when
driving in D range, 6th gear, the gear will
shift to M5.

Indicators

Shift position indicator

In manual shift mode, the

“M” of the shift

position indicator in the instrument panel
illuminates.

Gear position indicator

The numeral for the selected gear
illuminates.

Shift position
indicator

Gear position indicator

NOTE

If the gears cannot be shifted down when
driving at higher speeds, the gear position
indicator will flash twice to signal that the
gears cannot be shifted down (to protect the
transaxle).

(2.5-liter engine model)
If the automatic transaxle fluid (ATF)
temperature becomes too high, there is the
possibility that the transaxle will switch to
automatic shift mode, canceling manual
shift mode and turning off the gear position
indicator illumination. This is a normal
function to protect the AT. After the ATF
temperature has decreased, the gear
position indicator illumination turns back
on and driving in manual shift mode is
restored.

Shifting

Manually Shifting up

(M1

→ M2 → M3 → M4 → M5 →

)

To shift up to a higher gear, tap the shift
lever back (

) once.

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NOTE

When driving slowly, the gears may not
shift up.

In manual shift mode, gears do not shift up
automatically. Do not run the engine with
the tachometer needle in the RED ZONE. If
the tachometer needle enters the RED
ZONE, you may feel engine-braking
because the fuel delivery will be stopped to
protect the engine. However, this does not
indicate an abnormality.

When depressing the accelerator fully, the
transaxle will shift to a lower gear,
depending on vehicle speed.

Manually Shifting down

( M6

→ M5 → M4 → M3 → M2 →

M1)
To shift down to a lower gear, tap the shift
lever forward (

) once.

WARNING

Do not use engine braking on slippery
road surfaces or at high speeds:

Shifting down while driving on wet,
snowy, or frozen roads, or while
driving at high speeds causes sudden
engine braking, which is dangerous.
The sudden change in tire speed
could cause the tires to skid. This
could lead to loss of vehicle control
and an accident.

NOTE

When driving at high speeds, the gear may
not shift down.

During deceleration, the gear may
automatically shift down depending on
vehicle speed.

When depressing the accelerator fully, the
transaxle will shift to a lower gear,
depending on vehicle speed.

Second gear fixed mode

When the shift lever is tapped back (

)

while the vehicle is stopped or driven at
the following speeds, the transaxle is set
in the second gear fixed mode.
2.5-liter engine model:
12 km/h (7.5 mph) or less
2.3-liter engine model:
16 km/h (9.9 mph) or less

The gear is fixed in second while in this
mode for easier starting and driving on
slippery roads. If the shift lever is tapped
back (

) or forward (

) while in the

second gear fixed mode, the mode will be
canceled.

Shifting specification

Shifting up

If the vehicle speed is lower than the
speed specified for each gear, the gear
cannot be shifted up to a higher gear.

Gear

Vehicle speed

2.5-liter engine

model

2.3-liter engine

model

→ M2

You can shift up to M2 whether the
vehicle is stopped or moving.

→ M3 21 km/h (13 mph) 9 km/h (6 mph)

→ M4

38 km/h (24 mph)

26 km/h (16 mph)

→ M5

36 km/h (22 mph)

→ M6

―

53 km/h (33 mph)

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Shifting down

If the vehicle speed is higher than the
speed specified for each gear, the gear
cannot be shifted to a lower gear so as to
protect the transaxle.

Gear

Vehicle speed

2.5-liter engine

model

2.3-liter engine

model

→ M5

―

230 km/h
(143 mph)

→ M4

216 km/h
(135 mph)

182 km/h
(113 mph)

→ M3 150 km/h (93 mph) 135 km/h (83 mph)

→ M2 99 km/h (62 mph) 86 km/h (53 mph)

→ M1 50 km/h (31 mph) 45 km/h (28 mph)

NOTE

Regarding the vehicle speed at the highest
gear indicated above, achieving this speed
may not actually be possible depending on
various driving conditions such as the wind,
upslope, and road surface.

During deceleration, the gears shift down
automatically when speed is reduced to
the following:

Gear

Vehicle speed

2.5-liter engine

model

2.3-liter engine

model

→ M5

―

52 km/h (32 mph)

→ M4

34 km/h (21 mph)

→ M3

25 km/h (15 mph)

M3 or
M2

→M1

11 km/h (7 mph)

8 km/h (5 mph)

NOTE

The gear does not shift down to M1
automatically while in the second gear fixed
mode.

If the vehicle is kicked down at the
following speeds or lower, the gears shift
down automatically:

Gear

Vehicle speed

2.5-liter engine

model

2.3-liter engine

model

→ M5

―

220 km/h
(136 mph)

→ M4

202 km/h
(126 mph)

50 km/h (31 mph)

→ M3 140 km/h (87 mph) 30 km/h (18 mph)

→ M2 54 km/h (34 mph)

8 km/h (5 mph)

→ M1

―

Recommendations for shifting

Upshifting

For normal acceleration and cruising, we
recommend these shift points.

Gear

Vehicle speed

M1 to M2

24 km/h (15 mph)

M2 to M3

40 km/h (25 mph)

M3 to M4

65 km/h (40 mph)

M4 to M5

73 km/h (45 mph)

M5 to M6

80 km/h (50 mph)

* 2.3-liter engine model

Downshifting

When you must slow down in heavy
traffic or on a steep upgrade, downshift
before the engine starts to overwork. This
gives better acceleration when you need
more speed.

On a steep downgrade, downshifting
helps maintain safe speed and prolongs
brake life.

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qDriving Tips

WARNING

Do not allow the vehicle to move in
reverse on an up-slope while the
selector lever is in a forward gear
position, or move forward on a down-
slope while the selector lever is in the
reverse position.

Otherwise, the engine will stop,
causing the loss of the power brake
and power steering functions, and
make it difficult to control the vehicle
which could result in an accident.

Passing

For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing steep grades, depress
the accelerator fully. The transaxle will
shift to a lower gear, depending on vehicle
speed.

Climbing steep grades from a stop

To climb a steep grade from a stopped
position:

1. Depress the brake pedal.

2. Shift to D or M1, depending on the

load weight and grade steepness.

3. Release the brake pedal while

gradually accelerating.

Descending steep grades

When descending a steep grade, shift to
lower gears, depending on load weight
and grade steepness. Descend slowly,
using the brakes only occasionally to
prevent them from overheating.

Power Steering

Power steering is only operable when the
engine is running. If the engine is off or if
the power steering system is inoperable,
you can still steer, but it requires more
physical effort.

If the steering feels stiffer than usual
during normal driving, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.

CAUTION

Never hold the steering wheel to the
extreme left or right for more than 5
seconds with the engine running.
This could damage the power
steering system.

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All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Operation

AWD provides excellent driveability on
snow-covered and ice-packed roads, sand
and mud, as well as on steep slopes and
other slippery surfaces.

qAWD Driving

WARNING

Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and
abrupt maneuvers when driving this
vehicle:

Sharp turns, excessive speed and
abrupt maneuvering of this vehicle is
dangerous as it could result in the
increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle roll-over, personal
injury or death.
This vehicle has a higher center of
gravity. Vehicles with a higher center
of gravity such as utility and AWD
vehicles handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of
gravity.
Utility and AWD vehicles are not
designed for cornering at high speeds
any more than low profile sports cars
are designed to perform satisfactorily
under off-road conditions. In
addition, utility vehicles have a
significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.

Drive carefully when the vehicle is
loaded by lowering vehicle speed and
applying the brakes earlier:

Abrupt maneuvering and sudden
braking when driving a loaded
vehicle is dangerous as the driving
behavior of a vehicle with a high
center of gravity is different when it is
loaded compared to when it is not,
and could result in the loss of vehicle
control and an accident.

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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:

Illuminates when there is an
abnormality with the AWD system.

Flashes when the differential oil
temperature is abnormally high.

Flashes 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

When replacing tires, always replace
all front and rear tires at the same time.

All tires must be of the same size,
manufacture, brand and tread pattern.
Pay particular attention when
equipping snow or other types of
winter tires.

Do not mix tread-worn tires with
normal tires.

Inspect 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.

Make 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.

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Tire chains

Install tire chains to the front tires.

Do not use tire chains on the rear
wheels.

Do not drive the vehicle faster than 30
km/h (19 mph) with the tire chains
installed.

Do not drive the vehicle with tire
chains on road conditions other than
snow or ice.

qTowing

If the vehicle requires towing, have it
towed with all four wheels completely off
the ground(page 7-19).

Cruise Control

With cruise control, you can set and
automatically maintain any speed of more
than about 30 km/h (19 mph).

WARNING

Do not use the cruise control under the
following conditions:

Using the cruise control under the
following conditions is dangerous
and could result in loss of vehicle
control.

Ø Hilly terrain

Ø Steep inclines

Ø Heavy or unsteady traffic

Ø Slippery or winding roads

Ø Similar restrictions that require

inconsistent speed

qCruise Main Indicator Light

(Amber)/Cruise Set Indicator
Light (Green)

The indicator light has two colors.

Cruise Main Indicator Light (Amber)

The indicator light illuminates amber
when the CRUISE ON switch is pressed
and the cruise control system is activated.

Cruise Set Indicator Light (Green)

The indicator light illuminates green when
a cruising speed has been set.

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qActivation/Deactivation

To activate the system, press the CRUISE
ON switch.
The cruise main indicator light
illuminates.

To deactivate the system, press the OFF
switch.
The cruise main indicator light turns off.

WARNING

Always turn off the cruise control
system when it is not in use:

Leaving the cruise control system in
an activation-ready state while the
cruise control is not in use is
dangerous as the cruise control could
unexpectedly activate if the
activation button is accidentally
pressed, and result in loss of vehicle
control and an accident.

qTo Set Speed

1. Activate the cruise control system by

pressing the CRUISE ON switch.

2. Accelerate to the desired speed, which

must be more than 30 km/h (19 mph).

3. Set the cruise control by pressing the

SET

or SET - switch at the desired

speed. The cruise control is set at the
moment the SET

or SET - switch is

pressed. Release the accelerator pedal
simultaneously.

NOTE

Release the SET

or SET - switch at the

desired speed, otherwise the speed will
continue increasing while the SET
switch is pressed and held, and continue
decreasing while the SET - switch is pressed
and held (except when the accelerator
pedal is depressed).

On a steep grade, the vehicle may
momentarily slow down while ascending,
or speed up while descending.

Cruise control will turn off if the vehicle
speed decreases below 23 km/h (14 mph)
when cruise is activated, such as when
climbing a steep grade.

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qTo Increase Cruising Speed

Follow either of these procedures.

To increase speed using cruise control
switch

Press the SET

switch and hold it. Your

vehicle will accelerate.
Release the switch at the speed you want.

Your vehicle has a tap-up feature that
allows you to increase your current speed
in increments of 1.6 km/h (1 mph) by a
momentary tap of the SET

switch.

Multiple taps will increase your vehicle
speed 1.6 km/h (1 mph) for each tap.

To increase speed using accelerator
pedal

Depress the accelerator pedal to accelerate
to the desired speed. Press the SET

SET - switch and release it immediately.

NOTE

Accelerate if you want to speed up temporarily
when the cruise control is on. Greater speed
will not interfere with or change the set speed.
Take your foot off the accelerator to return to
the set speed.

qTo Decrease Cruising Speed

Press the SET - switch and hold it. The
vehicle will gradually slow.
Release the switch at the speed you want.

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Mazda CX-7 (2012 year). Manual - part 11