tow MAZDA CX9 2023 Owners Manual

1. With your back resting against the seatback, extend both arms, place them on the top of
the steering wheel, and pull the steering wheel towards you to the position of your
wrists.
2. Adjust the steering wheel height so that the gauges can be vi ewed easily.
3. Raise the lever to securely lock the steering wheel.
Adjusting the head r estraint position
To prevent shock to the head and neck, adjust the head restrain ts to their correct positions.
Refer to Height Adju stment on page 2-28.
▼Driving Position Memory*
The desired driving position can be called
up after programming the position.
The following driving positions can be
programmed.
Driver’s seat position
(seat slide, height
adjustment, front edge of seat bottom,
seat recline)
Refer to Adjusting the Driver's Seat on
page 2-5.
Active driving display (display position,
brightness level, display information)
Refer to Active Driving Display on page
4-57.
Essential Safety Equipment
Seats
2-10*Some models.
CX-9_8LJ2-EA-22H_Edition1_old 2022-6-9 13:33:08

Child-Restraint Precautions
Mazda strongly urges the use of child-restraint systems for children small enough to use
them.

You are required by law to use a child-restraint system for children in the U.S. and Canada.
Check your local and state or provincial laws for specific requ irements regarding the safety
of children riding in your vehicle.

Whatever child-restraint system you consider, please pick the a ppropriate one for the age
and size of the child, obey the law and follow the instructions that come with the individual
child-restraint system.

A child who has outgrown child-r estraint systems should sit in the rear and use seat belts,
both lap and shoulder. If the shoulder belt crosses the neck or face, move the child closer to
the center of the vehicle in the outboard seats, and towards the buckle on the right if the
child is seated on the center seat.

Statistics confirm that the rear seat is the best place for all children up to 12 years of age,
and more so with a supplemental restraint system (air bags).

A rear-facing child-restraint system should NEVER be used on the front seat with the air
bag system activated. The front passenger's seat is also the le ast preferred seat for other
child-restraint systems.

(With Front Passenger Occupa nt Classification System)
To reduce the chance of injuries caused by deployment of the fr ont passenger air bag, the
front passenger occupant classification sensor works as a part of the supplemental restraint
system. This system deactivates the front passenger front and side air bags and also the front
passenger seat belt pretensioner system when the front passenge r air bag deactivation
indicator light illuminates.

When an infant or small child sits on the front passenger seat, the system shuts off the front
passenger front and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner sy stem, so make sure the front
passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates.

Even if the front passenger air bag is shut off, Mazda strongly recommends that children be
properly restrained and child-rest raint systems of all kinds are properly secured on the rear
seats which are the best place for children.

For more details, refer to "Front passenger occupant classifica tion sensor" (page 2-84).

Essential Safety Equipment
Child Restraint
2-44
CX-9_8LJ2-EA-22H_Edition1_old 2022-6-9 13:33:08

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....................................... 3-18
Fuel and Emission........................... 3-27 Fuel and Engine Exhaust
Precautions................................. 3-27
Fuel-Filler Lid and Cap.............. 3-30
Mirrors............................................. 3-32 Mirrors........................................ 3-32
Windows........................................... 3-37 Power Windows..........................3-37
Moonroof
*.................................. 3-40
Security System............................... 3-43Modification and Add-On
Equipment...................................3-43
Immobilizer System....................3-43
Theft-Deterrent System
*.............3-45
Driving Tips..................................... 3-47 Break-In Period.......................... 3-47
Saving Fuel and Protection of the
Environment............................... 3-47
Hazardous Driving.... ..................3-48
Floor Mat.................................... 3-49
Rocking the Vehicle....................3-49
Winter Driving............................3-50
Driving In Flooded Area............ 3-52
Overloading................................ 3-52
Driving on Uneven Road............ 3-53
Turbocharger Information.......... 3-54
Towing.............................................. 3-55 Trailer Towing (U.S.A. and
Canada)....................................... 3-55
Recreational Towing................... 3-63
*Some models.3-1
CX-9_8LJ2-EA-22H_Edition1_old 2022-6-9 13:33:08

In the storage compartments such as
the glove compartment or the center
console
Next to a communication device such
as a mobile phone
When the ignition is switched to ACC or
ON, the vehicle lock-out prevention
feature prevents you from locking
yourself out of the vehicle.
All doors and the liftgate will
automatically unlock if they are locked
using the power door locks with any
door or the liftgate open.
The vehicle lock-out prevention feature
does not operate while the ignition is
switched off.
When all doors and the liftgate are
locked using the power door lock with
any door or the liftgate open, the closed
doors and the liftgate are locked. After
that, when all doors and the liftgate are
closed, all doors and the liftgate are
locked. However, if the key is inside the
vehicle, all doors and the liftgate are
automatically unlocked.
(With the advanced keyless function)
The beep sound is heard for about 10
seconds to notify the driver that the key
has been left in the vehicle.
(Without the advanced keyless
function)
The horn sound is heard twice to notify
the driver that the key has been left in
the vehicle.
(Door unlock (control) system with
collision detection)
This system automatically unlocks the
doors and the liftgate in the event the
vehicle is involved in an accident to
allow passengers to get out of the
vehicle immediatel y and prevent being
trapped inside. While the ignition is
switched ON and in the event the vehicle
receives an impact strong enough to
inflate the air bags, all the doors and the
liftgate are automatically unlocked after
about 6 seconds have elapsed from the
time of the accident.
The doors and the liftgate may not
unlock depending on how an impact is
applied, the force of the impact, and
other conditions of the accident.
If door-related systems or the battery is
malfunctioning, the doors and the
liftgate will not unlock.
▼ Locking, Unlocking with Auxiliary
Key
Turn the auxiliary key toward the front to
lock, toward the back to unlock.
To l o c k
All doors lock automatically when the
driver's door is locked using the auxiliary
key.
Before Driving
Doors and Locks
3-13
CX-9_8LJ2-EA-22H_Edition1_old
2022-6-9 13:33:08

▼Emission Control System
This vehicle is equipped with an
emission control system (the catalytic converter is part of
this system) that enables the vehicle to comply with existing e xhaust emissions
requirements.
WA R N I N G
Never park over or near anything flammable:
Parking over or near anything flammable, such as dry grass, is dangerous. Even with the
engine turned off, the exhaust system remains very hot after normal use and could ignite
anything flammable. A resulting fire could cause serious injury or death.
CAUTION
Ignoring the following precautions could cause le ad to accumulate on the catalyst inside the
converter or cause the converter to get very ho t. Either condition will damage the converter
and cause poor performance.
 USE ONLY UNLEADED FUEL.
 Do not drive your Mazda with any sign of engine malfunction.
 Do not coast with the ignition switched
off.
 Do not descend steep grades in gear with the ignition switched off.
 Do not operate the engine at hi gh idle for more than 2 minutes.
 Do not tamper with the emission control syst em. All inspections and adjustments must be
made by a qualified technician.
 Do not push-start or tow-start this vehicle.
NOTE
Under U.S. federal law, any modification to the original-equipment emission control
system before the first sale and registration of a vehicle is subject to penalties. In some
states, such modification made on a used vehicle is also subject to penalties.
While the engine is off, the sound of a valve opening and closing can be heard at the rear
of the vehicle, however this does not indicate an abnormality. The vehicle has a
self-checking device and it oper ates while the engine is off.
Before Driving
Fuel and Emission
3-28
CX-9_8LJ2-EA-22H_Edition1_old 2022-6-9 13:33:08

Break-In Period
No special break-in is necessary, but a few
precautions in the first 1,000 km (600
miles) may add to the performance,
economy, and life of the vehicle.
Do not race the engine.
Do not maintain one constant speed,
either slow or fast, for a long period of
time.
Do not drive constantly at full-throttle or
high engine rpm for extended periods of
time.
Avoid unnecessary hard stops.
Avoid full-throttle starts.
Do not tow a trailer.
Saving Fuel and Protection of the Environment
How you operate your Mazda determines
how far it will travel on a tank of fuel. Use
these suggestions to help save fuel and
reduce CO
2.
Avoid long warm-ups. Once the engine
runs smoothly, begin driving.
Avoid fast starts.
Drive at lower speeds.
Anticipate when to apply the brakes
(avoid sudden braking).
Follow the maintenance schedule (page
6-4) and have an Authorized Mazda
Dealer perform inspections and
servicing.
Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
Slow down on rough roads.
Keep the tires properly inflated.
Do not carry unnecessary weight.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal
while driving.
Keep the wheels in correct alignment.
Keep windows closed at high speeds.
Slow down when driving in crosswinds
and headwinds.
WA R N I N G
Never stop the engine when going down a
hill:
Stopping the engine when going down a
hill is dangerous. This causes the loss of
power steering and power brake control,
and may cause damage to the drivetrain.
Any loss of steering or braking control
could cause an accident.
Before Driving
Driving Tips
3-47
CX-9_8LJ2-EA-22H_Edition1_old 2022-6-9 13:33:08

Turbocharger Information
CAUTION
After driving at freeway speeds or up a long hill, trailer towing for a long time, idle the
engine at least 30 seconds before stoppi ng 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 de sign 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 Maintenan ce (page 6-4).
2. Use only recommended engine oil (page 6-20). Extra additives are NOT recommended.
Before Driving
Driving Tips
3-54
CX-9_8LJ2-EA-22H_Edition1_old 2022-6-9 13:33:08

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 thes e instructions because driver and passenger safety depends
on proper equipment and safe d riving habits. Towing a trailer w ill affect handling, braking,
durability, performance, and fuel economy.
Never overload your vehicle or trailer. Consult an Authorized M azda 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.
NOTE
When towing, use of gasoline with a octane rating of 91 or higher is recommended.
Your vehicle is equipped with a Trailer Stability Control (TSC) mechanism, which
enhances vehicle stability when towing a trailer.
Refer to Trailer Stability Control (TSC) on page 4-108.
▼ Weight Limits
TTW and GCWR
The total trailer weight (TTW), g
ross combination weight rating (GCWR), gross axle
weight rating (GAWR), trailer load, and trailer tongue load mus t be within the
prescribed limits.
The total trailer weight (TTW) i s 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 tota l trailer weight (TTW) to exceed specifications in the
Trailer Towing-Load Table.
The maximum GCWR is the combinat ion 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) an d GVWR (gross vehicle
weight rating). If you do, vehicle handling, braking, and perfo rmance will be affected. These
values are also on the Motor Vehicle Safety Certification Label posted on the driver's door
frame.
Before Driving
To w i n g
3-55
CX-9_8LJ2-EA-22H_Edition1_old 2022-6-9 13:33:08

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 other power-train parts may be damaged.
TRAILER TOWING-LOAD TABLE
Because vehicle weights vary, ad justments must be made to meet the requirements in this
table.
Item Model
FWD AWD
MAX. FRON‐
TA L A R E A
2.97 m2 (32 ft2)
MAX. TTW
1,587.5 kg (3,500 lb)
MAX. GCWR
3,629 kg (8,000.4 lb) 3,782 kg (8,337.7 lb)
MAX. GAWR
Front 1,225 kg (2,701 lb) 1,250 kg (2,756 lb)
Rear 1,383 kg (3,049 lb) 1,427 kg (3,146 lb)
MAX. GVWR
2,572 kg (5,670 lb) 2,641 kg (5,822 lb)
TRAIL‐
ER-TONGUE
LOAD Tongue load
Tongue load/Trailer load × 100 = 10 % to 15 %
Trailer load
DISTRIBU‐
TION OF
TRAILER
LOADFront 60 %
Rear 40 %
Before Driving
To w i n g
3-56
CX-9_8LJ2-EA-22H_Edition1_old 2022-6-9 13:33:08

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 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 withou t determining the total trailer weight and tongue load is
dangerous. Trailer sway from crosswinds, roug h 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.
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.
WA R N I N G
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.
Before Driving
To w i n g
3-57
CX-9_8LJ2-EA-22H_Edition1_old 2022-6-9 13:33:08