maintenance MAZDA MODEL CX-7 2012 (in English) Workshop Manual

Black plate (419,1)
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
OK
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
ØLow fluid level causes transaxle
slippage. Overfilling can cause
foaming, loss of fluid, and
transaxle malfunction.
ØIt 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
Owner Maintenance
8-27
CX-7_8CG3-EA-11J_Edition1 Page419
Saturday, September 24 2011 10:33 AM
Form No.8CG3-EA-11J

Black plate (420,1)
5. Pull it out again.
The proper fluid level is marked on the
dipstick as follows.
A
B 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
ØUse the cold scale only as a
reference.
ØIf outside temperature is lower
than about 20 °C (70 °F), start the
engine and inspect the fluid level
after the engine reaches operating
temperature.
ØIf 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.
8-28
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
CX-7_8CG3-EA-11J_Edition1 Page420
Saturday, September 24 2011 10:33 AM
Form No.8CG3-EA-11J

Black plate (421,1)
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
8-29
CX-7_8CG3-EA-11J_Edition1 Page421
Saturday, September 24 2011 10:33 AM
Form No.8CG3-EA-11J

Black plate (422,1)
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
ØHot waxes applied by automatic
car washers have been known to
affect the wiper's ability to clean
windows.
ØTo prevent damage to the wiper
blades, do not use gasoline,
kerosene, paint thinner, or other
solvents on or near them.
ØWhen the wiper lever is in the
AUTO position and the ignition is
switched ON, the wipers may
move automatically in the
following cases:
ØIf the windshield above the rain
sensor is touched.
ØIf the windshield above the rain
sensor is wiped with a cloth.
ØIf the windshield is struck with
a hand or other object.
ØIf 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.
8-30
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
CX-7_8CG3-EA-11J_Edition1 Page422
Saturday, September 24 2011 10:33 AM
Form No.8CG3-EA-11J

Black plate (423,1)
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
8-31
CX-7_8CG3-EA-11J_Edition1 Page423
Saturday, September 24 2011 10:33 AM
Form No.8CG3-EA-11J

Black plate (424,1)
5. Remove the metal stiffeners from each
blade rubber and install them in the
new blade.
CAUTION
ØDon't bend or discard the
stiffeners. You need to use them
again.
ØIf the metal stiffeners are
switched, the blade's wiping
efficiency could be reduced.
So don't use the driver's side metal
stiffeners on the passenger's side,
or vice versa.
ØBe sure to reinstall the metal
stiffeners in the new blade rubber
so that the curve is the same as it
was in the old blade rubber.6. Carefully insert the new blade rubber.
Then install the blade assembly in the
reverse order of removal.
qReplacing Rear Window Wiper
Blade
When the wiper no longer cleans well, the
blade is probably worn or cracked.
Replace it.
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the wiper arm
and other components, don't try to
sweep the wiper arm by hand.
1. Remove the cover and raise the wiper
arm.
8-32
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
CX-7_8CG3-EA-11J_Edition1 Page424
Saturday, September 24 2011 10:33 AM
Form No.8CG3-EA-11J

Black plate (425,1)
2. Firmly rotate the wiper blade to the
right until it unlocks, then remove the
blade.
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the rear
window let the wiper arm down
easily, don't let it slap down on the
rear window.
3. Pull down the blade rubber and slide it
out of the blade holder.
4. Remove the metal stiffeners from each
blade rubber and install them in the
new blade.
CAUTION
Don't bend or discard the stiffeners.
You need to use them again.
5. Carefully insert the new blade rubber.
Then install the blade assembly in the
reverse order of removal.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-33
CX-7_8CG3-EA-11J_Edition1 Page425
Saturday, September 24 2011 10:33 AM
Form No.8CG3-EA-11J

Black plate (426,1)
Battery
WARNING
Wash hands after handling the battery and related accessories:
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm.
Read the following precautions carefully before using the battery or inspecting
to ensure safe and correct handling:
Always wear eye protection when working near the battery:
Working without eye protection is dangerous. Battery fluid contains SULFURIC ACID
which could cause blindness if splashed into your eyes. Also, hydrogen gas produced
during normal battery operation, could ignite and cause the battery to explode.
Wear eye protection and protective gloves to prevent contact with battery
fluid:
Spilled battery fluid is dangerous.
Battery fluid contains SULFURIC ACID which could cause serious injuries if it gets in
eyes, or on the skin or clothing. If this happens, immediately flush your eyes with
water for 15 minutes or wash your skin thoroughly and get medical attention.
Always keep batteries out of the reach of children:
Allowing children to play near batteries is dangerous. Battery fluid could cause
serious injuries if it gets in the eyes or on the skin.
Keep flames and sparks away from open battery cells and do not allow metal
tools to contact the positive (
) or negative () terminal of the battery when
working near a battery. Do not allow the positive (
) terminal to contact the vehicle
body:
Flames and sparks near open battery cells are dangerous. Hydrogen gas, produced
during normal battery operation, could ignite and cause the battery to explode. An
exploding battery can cause serious burns and injuries. Keep all flames including
cigarettes and sparks away from open battery cells.
8-34
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
CX-7_8CG3-EA-11J_Edition1 Page426
Saturday, September 24 2011 10:33 AM
Form No.8CG3-EA-11J

Black plate (427,1)
Keep all flames, including cigarettes, and sparks away from open battery cells:
Flames and sparks near open battery cells are dangerous. Hydrogen gas, produced
during normal battery operation, could ignite and cause the battery to explode. An
exploding battery can cause serious burns and injuries.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-35
CX-7_8CG3-EA-11J_Edition1 Page427
Saturday, September 24 2011 10:33 AM
Form No.8CG3-EA-11J

Black plate (428,1)
NOTE
Remove the battery cover before performing
battery maintenance.
qBattery Maintenance
To get the best service from a battery:lKeep it securely mounted.lKeep the top clean and dry.lKeep terminals and connections clean,
tight, and coated with petroleum jelly
or terminal grease.
lRinse off spilled electrolyte
immediately with a solution of water
and baking soda.
lIf the vehicle will not be used for an
extended time, disconnect the battery
cables.
Tires
For reasons of proper performance, safety,
and better fuel economy, always maintain
recommended tire inflation pressures and
stay within the recommended load limits
and weight distribution.
WARNING
Using Different Tire Types:
Driving your vehicle with different
types of tires is dangerous. It could
cause poor handling and poor
braking; leading to loss of control.
Except for the limited use of the
temporary spare tire, use only the
same type tires (radial, bias-belted,
bias-type) on all four wheels.
Using Wrong-Sized Tires:
Using any other tire size than what is
specified for your Mazda (page 10-7)
is dangerous. It could seriously affect
ride, handling, ground clearance, tire
clearance, and speedometer
calibration. This could cause you to
have an accident. Use only tires that
are the correct size specified for your
Mazda.
8-36
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
CX-7_8CG3-EA-11J_Edition1 Page428
Saturday, September 24 2011 10:33 AM
Form No.8CG3-EA-11J