Mazda CX-7 (2012 year). Manual

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Owner Maintenance Schedule

The owner or a qualified service technician should make these vehicle inspections at the
indicated intervals to ensure safe and dependable operation.

Bring any problem to the attention of an Authorized Mazda Dealer or qualified service
technician as soon as possible.

qWhen Refueling

Brake fluid level (page 8-25)

Engine coolant level (page 8-23)

Engine oil level (page 8-21)

Washer fluid level (page 8-29)

qAt Least Monthly

Tire inflation pressures (page 8-37)

qAt Least Twice a Year (For Example, Every Spring and Fall)

Automatic transaxle fluid level (page 8-26)

Power steering fluid level (page 8-26)

You can do the following scheduled maintenance items if you have some mechanical
ability and a few basic tools and if you closely follow the directions in this manual.

Engine coolant (page 8-23)

Engine oil (page 8-19)

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Owner Maintenance Precautions

Improper or incomplete service may result in problems. This section gives instructions only
for items that are easy to perform.

As explained in the Introduction (page 8-2), several procedures can be done only by a
qualified service technician with special tools.

Improper owner maintenance during the warranty period may affect warranty coverage.
For details, read the separate Mazda Warranty statement provided with the vehicle. If
you're unsure about any servicing or maintenance procedure, have it done by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.

There are strict environmental laws regarding the disposal of waste oil and fluids. Please
dispose of your waste properly and with due regard to the environment.

We recommend that you entrust the oil and fluid changes of your vehicle to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.

WARNING

Do not perform maintenance work if you lack sufficient knowledge and experience or
the proper tools and equipment to do the work. Have maintenance work done by a
qualified technician:

Performing maintenance work on a vehicle is dangerous if not done properly. You
can be seriously injured while performing some maintenance procedures.

If you must run the engine while working under the hood, make certain that you
remove all jewelry (especially rings, bracelets, watches, and necklaces) and all
neckties, scarves, and similar loose clothing before getting near the engine or cooling
fan which may turn on unexpectedly:

Working under the hood with the engine running is dangerous. It becomes even
more dangerous when you wear jewelry or loose clothing.
Either can become entangled in moving parts and result in injury.

Switch the ignition to off and make sure the fan is not running before attempting to
work near the cooling fan:

Working near the cooling fan when it is running is dangerous. The fan could
continue running indefinitely even if the engine has stopped and the engine
compartment temperature is high. You could be hit by the fan and seriously injured.

Do not leave items in the engine compartment:

After you have finished checking or doing servicing in the engine compartment, do
not forget and leave items such as tools or rags in the engine compartment.
Tools or other items left in the engine compartment could cause engine damage or a
fire leading to an unexpected accident.

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

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Engine Compartment Overview

Windshield washer
fluid reservoir

Engine oil-filler cap

Automatic transaxle fluid-level dipstick

Automatic transaxle
fluid-level dipstick

Brake fluid reservoir

Power steering fluid reservoir

Engine oil dipstick

Battery

Engine coolant reservoir

Fuse block

Cooling system cap

Windshield washer
fluid reservoir

2.3-liter engine

2.5-liter engine

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Engine Oil

NOTE

Changing the engine oil should be done by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.

qRecommended Oil

Use SAE 0W-20 engine oil (2.5-liter
engine).

Oil container labels provide important
information.
A chief contribution this type of oil makes
to fuel economy is reducing the amount of
fuel necessary to overcome engine
friction.

U.S.A. and CANADA

(ILSAC)

Only use oils

“Certified For Gasoline

Engines

” by the American Petroleum

Institute (API). An oil with this trademark
symbol conforms to the current engine
and emission system protection standards
and fuel economy requirements of the
International Lubricant Standardization
and Approval Committee (ILSAC),
comprised of U.S. and Japanese
automobile manufacturers.

0W-20

120

100

–20

–10

–20

–30

Except U.S.A. and CANADA

(ILSAC)

(Mexico)
Use SAE 0W-20 engine oil. If SAE 0W-
20 engine oil is not available, use SAE
5W-20, 5W-30 engine oil.

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

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The quality designation SM, or ILSAC
must be on the label.

0W-20

120

100

–20

–10

–20

–30

Use SAE 5W-30 engine oil (2.3-liter
engine).

Oil container labels provide important
information.
A chief contribution this type of oil makes
to fuel economy is reducing the amount of
fuel necessary to overcome engine
friction.
Mazda recommends Mazda Genuine Parts
and Castrol (U.S.A and Mexico). For
optimal engine performance, there are
certain types of engine oils and filters
suitable for your vehicle. Please consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

U.S.A. and CANADA

(ILSAC)

Only use oils

“Certified For Gasoline

Engines

” by the American Petroleum

–30 –20 –10

–20

100 120

5W-30

Except U.S.A. and CANADA

(ILSAC)

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The quality designation SM, or ILSAC
must be on the label.

–30 –20 –10

–20

100 120

5W-30

qInspecting Engine Oil Level

2.3-liter engine

1. Be sure the vehicle is on a level

surface.

2. Warm up the engine to normal

operating temperature.

3. Turn it off and wait at least 5 minutes

for the oil to return to the oil pan.

4. Open the cap.

5. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and

reinsert it fully.

Max

Min

6. Pull it out again and examine the level.

The level is normal if it is between
MIN and MAX.
If it is near or below MIN, add enough
oil to bring the level to MAX.

CAUTION

Do not add engine oil over MAX. This
may cause engine damage.

7. Make sure the O-ring on the dipstick is

positioned properly before reinserting
the dipstick.

8. Reinsert the dipstick fully.

9. Close the cap.

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

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NOTE

When closing the engine oil cap, place the cap
with the (

) mark aligned at the OPEN (

)

position and then turn the cap to the CLOSE
(

) position.

2.5-liter engine

1. Be sure the vehicle is on a level

surface.

2. Warm up the engine to normal

operating temperature.

3. Turn it off and wait at least 5 minutes

for the oil to return to the oil pan.

4. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and

reinsert it fully.

Type A

Full

Low

Type B

Full

Low

5. Pull it out again and examine the level.

The level is normal if it is between
Low and Full. If it is near or below
Low, add enough oil to bring the level
to Full.

CAUTION

Do not add engine oil over Full. This
may cause engine damage.

6. Make sure the O-ring on the dipstick is

positioned properly before reinserting
the dipstick.

7. Reinsert the dipstick fully.

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Engine Coolant

qInspecting Coolant Level

WARNING

Do not use a match or live flame in the
engine compartment. DO NOT ADD
COOLANT WHEN THE ENGINE IS HOT:

A hot engine is dangerous. If the
engine has been running, parts of the
engine compartment can become
very hot. You could be burned.
Carefully inspect the engine coolant
in the coolant reservoir, but do not
open it.

Switch the ignition to off and

make sure the fan is not running before
attempting to work near the cooling
fan:

Working near the cooling fan when it
is running is dangerous. The fan
could continue running indefinitely
even if the engine has stopped and
the engine compartment temperature
is high. You could be hit by the fan
and seriously injured.

Do not remove either cooling

system cap when the engine and
radiator are hot:

When the engine and radiator are
hot, scalding coolant and steam may
shoot out under pressure and cause
serious injury.

NOTE

Changing the coolant should be done by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.

Inspect the antifreeze protection and
coolant level in the coolant reservoir at
least once a year

―at the beginning of the

winter season

―and before traveling

where temperatures may drop below
freezing.

Inspect the condition and connections of
all cooling system and heater hoses.
Replace any that are swollen or
deteriorated.

The coolant should be at full in the
radiator and between the FULL and LOW
marks on the coolant reservoir when the
engine is cool.

If it is at or near LOW, add enough
coolant to the coolant reservoir to provide
freezing and corrosion protection and to
bring the level to FULL.
Securely tighten the coolant reservoir tank
cap after adding coolant.

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

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CAUTION

Ø Radiator coolant will damage

paint.
Rinse it off quickly if spilled.

Ø Use only soft (demineralized)

water in the coolant mixture.
Water that contains minerals will
cut down on the coolant's
effectiveness.

Ø Do not add only water. Always

add a proper coolant mixture.

Ø The engine has aluminum parts

and must be protected by an
ethylene-glycol-based coolant to
prevent corrosion and freezing.

Ø DO NOT USE coolants Containing

Alcohol, methanol, Borate or
Silicate.
These coolants could damage the
cooling system.

Ø DO NOT MIX alcohol or methanol

with the coolant. This could
damage the cooling system.

Ø Do not use a solution that

contains more than 60%
antifreeze.
This would reduce effectiveness.

NOTE

If the

“FL22” mark is shown on or near the

cooling system cap, it is recommended to use
Mazda Genuine FL22 engine coolant (page
8-3).

If the coolant reservoir is empty or new
coolant is required frequently, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.

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Brake Fluid

qInspecting Brake Fluid Level

Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir
regularly. It should be kept at MAX.
The level normally drops with
accumulated distance, a condition
associated with wear of brake linings. If it
is excessively low, have the brake system
inspected by an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.

qAdding Brake Fluid

WARNING

Be careful not to spill brake fluid on
yourself or on the engine:

Spilled brake fluid is dangerous. If it
gets in your eyes, they could be
seriously injured. If this happens,
immediately flush your eyes with
water and get medical attention.
Brake fluid spilled on a hot engine
could cause a fire.

If the brake fluid level is low, have the
brakes inspected:

Low brake fluid levels are dangerous.
Low levels could signal brake lining
wear or a brake system leak. Your
brakes could fail and cause an
accident.

If the fluid level is low, add fluid until it
reaches MAX.
Before adding fluid, thoroughly clean the
area around the cap.

CAUTION

Ø Brake fluid will damage painted

surfaces. If brake fluid does get on
a painted surface, wash it off with
water immediately.

Ø Using nonspecified brake fluids

(page 10-4) will damage the
system. Mixing different fluids will
also damage it.
If the brake system frequently
requires new fluid, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

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Power Steering Fluid

qInspecting Power Steering Fluid

Level

CAUTION

To avoid damage to the power
steering pump, don't operate the
vehicle for long periods when the
power steering fluid level is low.

NOTE

Use specified power steering fluid (page 10-4).

Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir at
each engine oil change with the engine off
and cold. Add fluid if necessary; it does
not require periodic changing.

The level must be kept between MAX and
MIN.

Visually examine the lines and hoses for
leaks and damage.

If new fluid is required frequently, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

Automatic Transaxle Fluid
(ATF)

qInspecting Automatic Transaxle

Fluid Level

The automatic transaxle fluid level should
be inspected regularly. Measure it as
described below.

5-speed transaxle

CAUTION

Ø Always check the automatic

transaxle fluid level according to
the following procedure. If the
procedure is not done correctly,
the automatic transaxle fluid level
cannot be measured accurately
which could lead to automatic
transaxle damage.

Ø A low fluid level can cause

transaxle slippage. Overfilling can
cause foaming, loss of fluid, and
transaxle malfunction.

Ø It is recommended to use Mazda

Genuine automatic transaxle fluid
(page 10-4).

1. Park on a level surface and set the

parking brake firmly.

2. Make sure there is no ATF leakage

from the ATF hose or the housing.

3. Shift the shift lever to the park position

(P), start the engine and warm it up.

CAUTION

Do not shift the shift lever while the
engine is warming up. If the ATF level
is extremely low, the automatic
transaxle could be damaged.

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4. While the engine is still idling, pull out

the dipstick and wipe it clean, and then
put it back.

5. Check the ATF level. If there is no ATF

adhering 5 mm from the end of the
dipstick, add ATF.

CAUTION

If there is no ATF adhering to the
dipstick even after the engine has
been warmed up, do not drive the
vehicle. Otherwise, the automatic
transaxle could be damaged.

6. Shift the shift lever to each range and

position, and make sure there is no
abnormality.

7. Drive the vehicle on city roads for

5 km (3.1 mile) or more.

8. Park on a level surface and set the

parking brake firmly.

9. Shift the shift lever to the park position

(P), check the ATF level while the
engine is idling, and make sure that the
ATF level is within the proper level. If
the ATF level is not within the proper
level, add ATF.
The proper fluid level is marked on the
dipstick as follows.

Full

Low

6-speed transaxle

The volume of fluid changes with
temperature. Fluid must be checked while
idling the engine without driving at
normal operating temperature.

CAUTION

Ø Low fluid level causes transaxle

slippage. Overfilling can cause
foaming, loss of fluid, and
transaxle malfunction.

Ø It is recommended to use Mazda

Genuine automatic transaxle fluid
(page 10-4).

1. Park on a level surface and set the

parking brake firmly.

2. Start the engine and depress the brake

pedal.

3. Move the shift lever through all ranges,

then set it at P.

WARNING

Make sure the brake pedal is applied
before shifting the shift lever:

Shifting the shift lever without first
depressing the brake pedal is
dangerous. The vehicle could move
suddenly and cause an accident.

4. With the engine still idling, pull out the

dipstick, wipe it clean, and put it back.

Maintenance and Care

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5. Pull it out again.

The proper fluid level is marked on the
dipstick as follows.

Full

Low

Full

Low

Fluid hot scale A

When the vehicle has been driven and the
fluid is at normal operating temperature,
about 65 °C (150 °F), the level must be
between Full and Low.

Fluid cold scale B

When the engine has not been running
and the outside temperature is about 20 °C
(70 °F), the fluid level should be close to,
but not above, the bottom notch on the
dipstick.

CAUTION

Ø Use the cold scale only as a

reference.

Ø If outside temperature is lower

than about 20 °C (70 °F), start the
engine and inspect the fluid level
after the engine reaches operating
temperature.

Ø If the vehicle has been driven for

an extended period at high speeds
or in city traffic in hot weather,
inspect the level only after
stopping the engine and allowing
the fluid to cool for 30 minutes.

Fully insert the dipstick. When adding
fluid, inspect with the dipstick to make
sure it does not pass full.

NOTE

Inspect the fluid on both sides of the dipstick in
a well lit area for an accurate reading.

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Washer Fluid

qInspecting Washer Fluid Level

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.

Using Washer Fluid Without Anti-freeze
Protection in Cold Weather:

Operating your vehicle in
temperatures below 4 degrees C (40
degrees F) using washer fluid without
anti-freeze protection is dangerous
as it could cause impaired windshield
vision and result in an accident. In
cold weather, always use washer
fluid with anti-freeze protection.

NOTE

State or local regulations may restrict the use
of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which
are commonly used as anti-freeze agents in
washer fluid. A washer fluid with limited VOC
content should be used only if it provides
adequate freeze resistance for all regions and
climates in which the vehicle will be operated.

Inspect fluid level in the washer fluid
reservoir; add fluid if necessary.

Use plain water if washer fluid is
unavailable.
But use only washer fluid in cold weather
to prevent it from freezing.

NOTE

Front and rear washer fluid is supplied from
the same reservoir.

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

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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

Ø Hot waxes applied by automatic

car washers have been known to
affect the wiper's ability to clean
windows.

Ø To prevent damage to the wiper

blades, do not use gasoline,
kerosene, paint thinner, or other
solvents on or near them.

Ø When the wiper lever is in the

AUTO position and the ignition is
switched ON, the wipers may
move automatically in the
following cases:

If the windshield above the rain
sensor is touched.

If the windshield above the rain
sensor is wiped with a cloth.

If the windshield is struck with
a hand or other object.

If 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.

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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

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Mazda CX-7 (2012 year). Manual - part 26