MAZDA MODEL CX-9 2014 Owners Manual (in English)
Manufacturer: MAZDA, Model Year: 2014, Model line: MODEL CX-9, Model: MAZDA MODEL CX-9 2014Pages: 600
Page 171 of 600

Black plate (171,1)
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
ØMake 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.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Towing
4-17
CX-9_8DA3-EA-13G_Edition2 Page171
Monday, September 9 2013 4:7 PM
Form No.8DA3-EA-13G
Page 172 of 600

Black plate (172,1)
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
lVerify 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.
lMake sure the trailer is properly loaded and the cargo is secure to prevent it from
shifting.
lMake sure the mirrors conform to all government regulations. If they do not, install
required rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.
4-18
Before Driving Your Mazda
Towing
CX-9_8DA3-EA-13G_Edition2 Page172
Monday, September 9 2013 4:7 PM
Form No.8DA3-EA-13G
Page 173 of 600

Black plate (173,1)
The three main causes of vehicle-trailer accidents are driver error, excessive speed, and
improper trailer loading.
Before driving
lHave your cooling and braking system checked by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.lBefore 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
lYour Mazda will handle differently with a trailer in tow, so practice turning, backing,
and stopping in a traffic-free area.
lTake time to get accustomed to the extra weight and length.lAllow 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.
lAvoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.lAvoid sudden braking. It may cause loss of control and result in jackknifing, especially
so on wet or slippery roads.
lShift 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.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Towing
4-19
CX-9_8DA3-EA-13G_Edition2 Page173
Monday, September 9 2013 4:7 PM
Form No.8DA3-EA-13G
Page 174 of 600

Black plate (174,1)
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 7-16).
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.
lIf the grade is downhill, turn the steering wheel so that the front of the front tires face
the curb.
lIf 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.
4-20
Before Driving Your Mazda
Towing
CX-9_8DA3-EA-13G_Edition2 Page174
Monday, September 9 2013 4:7 PM
Form No.8DA3-EA-13G
Page 175 of 600

Black plate (175,1)
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 8-4).
Before Driving Your Mazda
Towing
4-21
CX-9_8DA3-EA-13G_Edition2 Page175
Monday, September 9 2013 4:7 PM
Form No.8DA3-EA-13G
Page 176 of 600

Black plate (176,1)
4-22
CX-9_8DA3-EA-13G_Edition2 Page176
Monday, September 9 2013 4:7 PM
Form No.8DA3-EA-13G
Page 177 of 600

Black plate (177,1)
5Driving Your Mazda
Explanation of instruments and controls.
Starting and Driving ..................................................................... 5-2Ignition Switch .......................................................................... 5-2
Starting the Engine .................................................................... 5-4
Turning the Engine Off ............................................................. 5-5
Brake System ............................................................................ 5-5
Automatic Transaxle Controls ................................................. 5-11
Power Steering ........................................................................ 5-18
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Operation
í..................................... 5-18
Cruise Control ......................................................................... 5-21
Traction Control System (TCS) .............................................. 5-24
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)/Roll Stability Control
(RSC) ...................................................................................... 5-27
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
í......................................... 5-29
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) Systemí................................. 5-35
Parking Sensor System ........................................................... 5-46
Instrument Cluster and Indicators ............................................ 5-52 Meters and Gauges .................................................................. 5-52
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds ............................ 5-56 Warning/Indicator Lights ........................................................ 5-56
Beep Sounds ........................................................................... 5-70
Switches and Controls ................................................................ 5-72 Lighting Control ..................................................................... 5-72
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ............................................... 5-78
Fog Lights
í............................................................................ 5-79
Windshield Wipers and Washer .............................................. 5-80
Rear Window Wiper and Washer ............................................ 5-84
Rear Window Defroster ........................................................... 5-85
Horn ........................................................................................ 5-86
Hazard Warning Flasher .......................................................... 5-87
HomeLink Wireless Control System
í.................................... 5-88
5-1íSome models.
CX-9_8DA3-EA-13G_Edition2 Page177
Monday, September 9 2013 4:7 PM
Form No.8DA3-EA-13G
Page 178 of 600

Black plate (178,1)
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 theadvanced key (page 3-17).
2. Make sure the start knob is in the OFF 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 ignitionswitch.
qIgnition Switch Positions
With advanced
key
Without advanced
key
OFF
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
CX-9_8DA3-EA-13G_Edition2 Page178
Monday, September 9 2013 4:7 PM
Form No.8DA3-EA-13G
Page 179 of 600

Black plate (179,1)
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
braking ability due to the loss of
power braking, which could cause an
accident and serious injury.
Before leaving the driver's seat, always
switch the ignition to OFF, set the
parking brake and make sure the shift
lever is in P: It is important to switch the ignition
to OFF 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, setting
the parking brake and shifting the
shift lever to P is dangerous.
Unexpected vehicle movement could
occur. This could cause an accident.
ACC (Accessory)
In this position, some electrical
accessories will operate.
ON
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 5-56). 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.
NOTE
Vibration of the brake pedal may be felt when
the ignition is switched ON, however, this is a
normal operation of the DSC/RSC and 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.
q
Ignition 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
5-3
CX-9_8DA3-EA-13G_Edition2 Page179
Monday, September 9 2013 4:7 PM
Form No.8DA3-EA-13G
Page 180 of 600

Black plate (180,1)
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 seatbelts.
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
lIn extremely cold weather or after the
vehicle has not been driven in several days,
let the engine warm up without operating
the accelerator.
lWhether the engine is cold or warm, it
should be started without use of the
accelerator.
5-4
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
CX-9_8DA3-EA-13G_Edition2 Page180
Monday, September 9 2013 4:7 PM
Form No.8DA3-EA-13G