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Mazda CX-7

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  • lateralglateralg Member Posts: 929
    I'm curious about how the smart key works. (I have a CX-9 ordered)
    Assume I have the smart key in my pocket and my CX-7 is locked. Please give me a step-by-step of the actions I have to take to unlock and start the vehicle.

    And, once the vehicle is started, where is the magic smart key?
  • sssfegysssfegy Member Posts: 132
    You would walk to the handle, and there is a black button on the handle, that activates the lock and unlock. if the vehicle is locked, you will hear one beep and unlocks.
    To start , there is a plastic cover around the ignition switch when you turn it, the vehicle starts. The key is a chip with a sensor, all you need is have it on you.
  • lateralglateralg Member Posts: 929
    So I keep the key/sensor in my pocket ... don't have to pull it out?

    What is the size L x W x Thickness of the device I keep in my pocket?

    If I'm within the sensor's critical distance, and someone else touches the black button, will it unlock?

    What about the passenger side?
  • vx23hokievx23hokie Member Posts: 10
    Keep the "key" somewhere with you (it can stay in your pocket). It's about the size of a credit card and about 1/8" thick. The "key" needs to be within about 3 feet of the door handle to allow you to unlock the door using the button on the door handle. If you're next to the driver's side door, if someone pushes the bottton on the passenger side door it won't unlock -- it only works for the door that the sensor is next to.
  • lateralglateralg Member Posts: 929
    I'm liking it more all the time.

    A hypothetical situation: My wife & I go out to dinner. I have 3 beers, & we decide it's better that she drives home. I have the "key" in my pocket.

    What are our options?
  • cxrabbitcxrabbit Member Posts: 134
    A. You give her the smart key willingly because you're a smart guy

    B. She mugs you for the key

    C. You open the doors from the passenger side. She doesn't need to touch the key

    D. She carries the 2nd Smart Key in HER pocket.

    E. You drive home alone and she files for divorce.

    ;)
  • lateralglateralg Member Posts: 929
    A. Sounds okay.
    B. Sounds painful
    C. Sounds best. 1) Is there a routine for opening all doors from the passenger side outside button; e.g. press once for one door, press twice for all, or press & hold for all? 2) When I'm in the front passenger seat, will the smart key in my pocket enable her to start the car?
    D. Not likely
    E. Way too expensive
  • clpurnellclpurnell Member Posts: 1,083
    On my FX35 which had I-key you press twice to open all doors. you can even ride in the back seat with the key in your pocket. The driver does not need to have it. The infiniti smartkey was the size of a large key fob maybe 2"x1"x1" not sure on the mazda. some are credit card like to fit in your wallet.
  • johnny__rfjohnny__rf Member Posts: 83
    Have been using the smart key for 5 days now and I absolutely love it. It is always in my pocket (I don't even notice it is there) and at night I leave it on my night table next to my wallet.
    Salesman told me not to put it in my wallet. Not a good idea to sit on it he said........
    What is more convenient than walking up to your car and pushing a button to gain entry? No more digging in your pockets or for the ladies, searching through an overpopulated pocket book.........plus my kids fight over who pushes the door button when we get close to the car.

    Smart Key Rules!!!
  • aviboy97aviboy97 Member Posts: 3,159
    Makes you wonder what planet CR comes from. They poo-poo the car, yet Road & Track, Car & Driver, Edmunds, and many others rave about it.


    Well, since neither Honda or Toyota made it, it gets ripped.

    I do find CR accurate for reliability ratings, thats about it.

    It does make you wonder how they are the only publisher on the planet to knock it.
  • lateralglateralg Member Posts: 929
    Would someone post what the Owners' manual says about smart key operation? Or a link to a PDF document, or photos of the pages?

    Or a link to the CX-7 Owners' manual.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Salesman told me not to put it in my wallet. Not a good idea to sit on it he said........

    I switched to carrying my wallet in one of my front pockets years ago, but I only carry a few cards in it anyway, not like some of y'all who sit lopsided on your "filing cabinet."

    I wouldn't mind adding a smart key to the billfold collection though - a friend drove my wagon at lunch today and managed to set the alarm siren off twice hitting the wrong button on the fob, lol.
  • lateralglateralg Member Posts: 929
    I also relocated my wallet to a front pocket. A fat wallet in a back pocket has been proven to be a big contributor to back problems. Locating it in a front pocket also makes it less vulnerable to pick-pockets.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I had my wallet lifted one time and actually felt it leave my left front pocket. What we need is a VISA/MC that works like a smart key, so we can really bury the valuables. ;)
  • cxrabbitcxrabbit Member Posts: 134
    "Would someone post what the Owners' manual says about smart key operation? Or a link to a PDF document, or photos of the pages?
    Or a link to the CX-7 Owners' manual."

    Don't know where it is online. It's on Mazda's site, but only to registered owners as far as I can tell.

    It's way too much to post it... it depends on what you want to know.

    Basically, you keep it in your pocket, approach the car, press the small button on the door handle once to unlock driver's door, twice to unlock all doors. Range for this to work is a few feet (you'd need pretty long arms, or need to be standing fairly close to the person opening the car). You get in and turn the knob on the steering column (just like turning a key, but without the key) to start the car. Range is within the entire cabin, except for the furthest rear cargo area. Your smart key could be in the backseat and still work to start the car.

    It beeps to warn you if you leave the car running and get out. It beeps to warn you if you leave the smart key in the car, running or not. Ultimately, the goal is to keep the key in your pocket or pocketbook and never need to dig it out.

    Only problem now is I need smart-key access for my house! LOL

    I love the keyless entry/ignition. It's one of those things I didn't miss when I'd never had it, but now that I do, I'll never want to go back.
  • lateralglateralg Member Posts: 929
    Thanks for the good summary, rabbit.
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    how about locking the doors with the smart key...how does that work?
  • cxrabbitcxrabbit Member Posts: 134
    If you have auto-locking turned on at the dealership when you close the door and walk out of range of the car (about 3 feet) it will automatically lock.

    If you do not have auto-locking turned on, you press the button on the door to lock all doors (with the smart key still in your pocket).
  • johnny__rfjohnny__rf Member Posts: 83
    Here is the unformatted text from the manual:

    The advanced keyless functions (advanced keyless entry and start system) enables the
    following operations while the advanced key is being carried (page 3-7).
    l Locking/unlocking the doors and the liftgate without operating the key.
    l Starting the engine without operating the key.
    The advanced key enables additional functions other than those with the advanced keyless
    functions (page 3-14).
    l The following operations are possible using the keyless entry system from a distance
    (Lock/Unlock/Panic button):
    l Locking/unlocking the doors and the liftgate.
    l Opening the power windows and the moonroof.
    l Turning on the alarm.
    l Locking/unlocking the doors or starting the engine using the auxiliary key.
    WARNING
    Do not leave the keys in your vehicle with children and keep them in a place where
    your children will not find or play with them:
    Leaving children in a vehicle with the key is dangerous. This could result in someone
    being badly injured or even killed. These new kinds of keys are fascinating to
    children. They could play with power windows or other controls, or even make the
    vehicle move.
    Radio waves from the advanced key may affect medical equipment such as
    pacemakers:
    Before using the advanced key near people who use medical equipment, ask the
    medical equipment manufacturer or your physician if radio waves from the advanced
    key will affect the equipment.
    NOTE
    l The driver must carry the advanced key to ensure the system functions properly.
    l Refer to Immobilizer System (page 3-50) for information regarding keys and engine
    starting.
    l (With theft-deterrent system)
    Refer to Theft-Deterrent System (page 3-56) for information regarding keys and the
    prevention of vehicle and vehicle contents theft.
    3-2
    Knowing Your Mazda
    íSome models.
    Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
    CX-7_8V28-EA-06B_Edition2 Page78
    Monday, March 13 2006 5:5 PM
    Form No.8V28-EA-06B
    Black plate (79,1)
    Panic button
    Auxiliary key
    Key code number plate
    Operation indicator light
    Unlock button
    Lock button
    A code number is stamped on the plate attached to the key set; detach this plate and store it
    in a safe place (not in the vehicle) for use if you need to make a replacement key.
    Also write down the code number and keep it in another safe and handy place, but not in
    the vehicle.
    If your key is lost, consult your Authorized Mazda Dealer with the code number ready.
    Knowing Your Mazda
    Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
    3-3
    CX-7_8V28-EA-06B_Edition2 Page79
    Monday, March 13 2006 5:5 PM
    Form No.8V28-EA-06B
    Black plate (80,1)
    CAUTION
    l Because the advanced key uses low-intensity radio waves, it may not function
    correctly under the following conditions:
    l The advanced key is carried with communication devices such as cellular phones.
    l The advanced key contacts or is covered by a metal object.
    l The advanced key is near electronic devices such as personal computers.
    l Non-Mazda genuine electronic equipment is installed in the vehicle.
    l There is equipment which discharges radio waves near the vehicle.
    l If the vehicle is near equipment such as wireless pay devices installed at certain gas
    stations.
    l The advanced key may consume battery power excessively if it receives highintensity
    radio waves. Do not place the advanced key near electronic devices such as
    televisions or personal computers.
    l To avoid damage to the advanced key, DO NOT:
    l Drop the advanced key.
    l Get the advanced key wet.
    l Disassemble the advanced key.
    l Expose the advanced key to high temperatures on places such as the dashboard or
    hood, under direct sunlight.
    l Place heavy objects on the advanced key.
    l Put the advanced key in an ultrasonic cleaner.
    l Put any magnetized objects close to the advanced key.
    NOTE
    l Battery life is about one year. Replace the battery when the KEY indicator light
    (green) flashes in the instrument cluster.
    Refer to Advanced Key Dead Warning on page 3-18.
    l Additional advanced keys can be obtained at an Authorized Mazda Dealer. Up to 6
    advanced keys can be used with the advanced keyless functions per vehicle.
    3-4
    Knowing Your Mazda
    Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
    CX-7_8V28-EA-06B_Edition2 Page80
    Monday, March 13 2006 5:5 PM
    Form No.8V28-EA-06B
    Black plate (81,1)
    qAdvanced Key Maintenance
    CAUTION
    l Make sure the battery is installed
    with the correct pole facing upward.
    Battery leakage could occur if it is
    not installed correctly.
    l When replacing the battery, be
    careful not to bend the electrical
    terminals or get oil on them. Also be
    careful not to get dirt in the
    transmitter as it could be damaged.
    l There is the danger of explosion if
    the battery is not correctly replaced.
    l Replace only with the same type
    battery (CR2025 or equivalent).
    l Dispose of used batteries according
    to the following instructions.
    l Insulate the plus and minus
    terminals of the battery using
    cellophane or equivalent tape.
    l Never disassemble.
    l Never throw the battery into fire
    or water.
    l Never deform or crush.
    The following conditions indicate that the
    battery power is low:
    l The KEY indicator light (green) flashes
    in the instrument cluster when the
    engine is turned off.
    l The system does not operate and the
    operation indicator light does not flash
    when the buttons are pressed.
    l The system's operational range is
    reduced.
    Replacing the battery at an Authorized
    Mazda Dealer is recommended to prevent
    damage to the advanced key. If replacing
    the battery by yourself, follow the
    instruction below.
    Replacing the advanced key battery
    1. Pull out the auxiliary key.
    2. Release the cap using a flathead
    screwdriver, then rotate and remove the
    cap.
    Cap
    CAUTION
    Do not turn the cap excessively. The
    cap may be damaged.
    Knowing Your Mazda
    Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
    3-5
    CX-7_8V28-EA-06B_Edition2 Page81
    Monday, March 13 2006 5:5 PM
    Form No.8V28-EA-06B
    Black plate (82,1)
    3. Insert a flathead screwdriver into the
    crack and press the battery out.
    4. Insert the new battery (CR2025 or
    equivalent) with the positive pole ( )
    facing the ( ) mark on the cap.
    5. Rotate and close the cap.
    Cap
    6. Reinsert the auxiliary key.
    qService
    If you have a problem with the advanced
    keyless functions, consult an Authorized
    Mazda Dealer.
    If your advanced key is lost or stolen,
    bring all remaining advanced keys to an
    Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
    possible for a replacement and to make
    the lost or stolen advanced key
    inoperative.
    CAUTION
    Radio equipment like this is governed
    by laws in the United States.
    Changes or modifications not expressly
    approved by the party responsible for
    compliance could void the user's
    authority to operate the equipment.
    3-6
    Knowing Your Mazda
    Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
    CX-7_8V28-EA-06B_Edition2 Page82
    Monday, March 13 2006 5:5 PM
    Form No.8V28-EA-06B
    Black plate (83,1)
    Operation Using Advanced
  • vbbuiltvbbuilt Member Posts: 498
    The January edition has road tests of the Acura RDX, BMW X3, Mazda CX-7, Jeep Wrangler, and Toyota FJ Cruiser.

    Vince.
  • lateralglateralg Member Posts: 929
    Good show, Johnny. Thank you. How long did it take you to do that?
  • johnny__rfjohnny__rf Member Posts: 83
    took me 1/2 minute to cut and paste the text.....

    still loving the CX-7.

    just wish there were an audio jack to plug my mp3 player in to....

    plus, anybody know how to connect cel phone to audio system? Can this be done?
  • offset_98offset_98 Member Posts: 31
    So far so good! My wife and I are loving our CX-7 and are going to take it on a long trip this weekend from Vegas to Phoenix. So far so good on the mileage too. We got 19.7 MGP on the first tank and 19.1 MPG on the second tank. The first was commuting to and from work (rush hour traffic) and the second tank was 90% city driving.

    Only thing I see so far is all that plastic on the dash is starting to creek/rattle a bit but I'm not going to worry about it too much. Even my Acura has one little creek in the door panel.
  • vbbuiltvbbuilt Member Posts: 498
    The only reason your creaking and rattling is that you have your sound system cranked too high! Those Bose speakers will blow out the windows! :P

    Vince aka Mr. CX-7
  • cx7fortacx7forta Member Posts: 6
    Not sure if this is the write forum for this question, but I couldn't find one that seemed better.

    We just got our CX-7 GT with tech package and the advanced key. I've been reading the manual about the advanced key and think I have it pretty well understood. However, there is one thing that I can't find mention of in the manual at all and am wondering if it even exists.

    It seems like most new cars these days have the feature that when you put the car in drive or start to move (say, go over 5 mph) this will cause the doors to automatically lock. Upon putting the car in park or turning off the engine, the doors automatically unlock.

    Our new GT doesn't do this - should it? Should the doors automatically lock and unlock? It would seem wierd to me if that is not the case, but I can't find any mention of it in the manual (though the manual is confusing with all of the different sections due to advanced key, or retractable key, etc.)

    Please let me know if your CX-7 is the same way! Thanks -
  • cxrabbitcxrabbit Member Posts: 134
    Car doesn't have this feature. Yup, I thought it was strange too, and I do miss it (I had it on my much cheaper toyota matrix and it's a feature I liked a lot). I was hoping when I had auto-lock turned on it would also "turn on" autolocking like you're describing, but it only engages exterior auto lock (so when you walk outside the range of the smartkey remotes, the car automatically locks itself and engages alarm).
  • cx7fortacx7forta Member Posts: 6
    Ok, thanks for the info. For a car that has such advanced technologies, like opening the windows and moonroof from a distance and the advanced key operation, I find it quite surprising that they don't have this feature. Maybe it was just something that got overlooked in this initial production model.
  • johnny__rfjohnny__rf Member Posts: 83
    Just curious where folks are stashing their cel phones in the CX-7. I've tried a few spots but have settled on using the power jack in the center console storage bin and feeding the cable through that tiny recess when the bin cover is closed. From there I connect to my cel and place it in 1 of the cup holders... I had tried the power jack that is fwd on the console, but the cable kept getting snagged between front passenger seat and the console.

    Anybody have any better ideas?? I'd love to get a cup holder adapter for my razr, but don't know if any of them will fit the cx-7...

    thanx....
  • markmad3markmad3 Member Posts: 5
    ProClip works great for me (see link):

    link title
  • johnny__rfjohnny__rf Member Posts: 83
    thanks much. that looks like the best option. I see they have one that mounts to the console on either the driver side or the passenger side of the console. Which do you recommend??
  • markmad3markmad3 Member Posts: 5
    I got the one for the passenger side. It is more comfortable for me to work my blackberry when it is mounted there vs. right next to me.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Since you have a BBerry, check out the new app called "Maps". It's not quite a GPS, but free maps and directions, about as good as MapQuest. Free, too.

    -juice
  • nmknmk Member Posts: 111
    Mazda will uprate the 2.3-litre turbo engine from 244bhp in US spec to more than 250bhp for Europ :) e, and swap the six-speed auto gearbox for a manual :) . As things stand, performance is more than adequate, but arrives in a relaxed manner. There'll also be a turbodiesel, but not until 2008.

    Anyone know what the small difference is due to?????

    Darth Vader Grey GT AWD w/Tech Pack.
  • wjbushsrwjbushsr Member Posts: 135
    My guess is stricter emission controls in the U.S..

    California's emission laws are so strong, you can barely get a Europeon car in on the first year.
  • vbbuiltvbbuilt Member Posts: 498
    I think everyone gets these Zoom-Zoom stickers from Mazda when you buy a car.

    I couldn't figure out what to do with that sticker, until someone mentioned putting it up on the center brake light.

    Voila! What do you think? It shows up quite well when I step on the brakes.

    image

    Vince.
  • carlitos92carlitos92 Member Posts: 458
    I put my sticker on my laser printer at home. It's no faster. :P

    I was actually thinking of DE-blinging my car; i.e. taking off the "Mazda" and "CX-7" to cut down a bit on the tailgate clutter. It all looks just taped on. Anybody else removed these?
  • robert52robert52 Member Posts: 27
    Front passenger window has stopped working. 2000 miles. Nothing I love better than screwing up a day taking a brand new car back to a service dept. Anybody else experienced this wonderful little quirk?
  • aviboy97aviboy97 Member Posts: 3,159
    That's probably just a quick re-program fix. I could tell you how to do it your self if you want....it only takes a minute
  • robert52robert52 Member Posts: 27
    That would be great. The dealer is about 45 minutes from me. thanks.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Check out Removing stickers, labels, decals, glue, sap... for tips on dental floss, WD-40, etc. :shades:
  • nmknmk Member Posts: 111
    Yo!C-man:
    You have excellent taste in wanting to remove the badges. ;)

    For my part, I want to do what you are doing and in addition, put on light grey covers on top of the rear lights. :)

    Less "Glitz" is more! :shades:
  • defreitasmdefreitasm Member Posts: 152
    What stickers?????
  • vbbuiltvbbuilt Member Posts: 498
    Your question doesn't make sense. What are you asking?

    Vince.
  • astegmanastegman Member Posts: 171
    I think defreitasm is asking about the ZOOM ZOOM sticker.
  • d_hyperd_hyper Member Posts: 130
    Usually, new Mazda owners receive a Zoom-Zoom sticker by mail.
  • budhbudh Member Posts: 109
    Finding a SUV (or crossover CUV) with some luxury and with all of the following:

    1. AWD/ABS/stability control/traction control
    2. Highway mileage at least 22 miles per gallon
    3. Enough driver’s seat headroom and legroom for someone 6’3”, 32” inseam, and a LONG TORSO

    has been exasperating, to say the least! The headroom has been the major problem for me.

    Given the following possibilities:

    Mazda CX-7 or CX-9
    Hyundai Santa Fe
    Nissan Murano
    Lexus RX350

    which one would be the easiest to special order most or all the “bells and whistles” in a Limited type edition but avoid having a moonroof?

    (As a general comment, also, which manufacturer would be most apt to allow you to delete an option, like the moonroof, and still get nearly all the other available options?)

    Oh, and I don’t have any problem waiting several months for a special ordered vehicle to arrive.

    Bud H
  • lateralglateralg Member Posts: 929
    The CX-9 can be had with all the bells & whistles and NOT the moonroof. But, it would require the Rear Seat Entertainment System. Not all bad if "Are we there yet?" is an issue.
  • papercutpapercut Member Posts: 5
    Just wanna say hi to all as I just discovered this site 3 weeks ago and got loads of info on the CX-7 here. I am on the other end of the globe in Singapore. The first batch of CX-7 arrived in Feb 07 :D ....After a long month of consideration, I chose the CX-7 over the Rav4 & Forester, thanks to the kind thread here and if a lady with good taste in cars would trade-in her Lexus for the CX-7, hey, I sure could do that over my 03 BMW. I chose the Aurora Blue Mica with black interiors. My only gripe is that there's no NAV and no rear view camera available in SG. And get ready for the price, its US$65,000 :mad: to get it on the road here. It has just gone up by US$3K after I signed the papers 2 weeks ago :) . ....Read the MPG and had a bit of concern there, but hey.. for the ride, the look .. I just got hooked.. Dont know if I get to see the stickers here, Vince...its a great idea, slapping it on the rear brake light......Surfing around for accessories for the CX-7 today......Wats the opinion on the Broquet product ? Think it will help by throwing in a dozen or so of the pallets into the fuel tank to improve the fuel quality to give more power ? Thanks again...
  • carlitos92carlitos92 Member Posts: 458
    Sure, it might be $65,000 there, but at least your "Media" button on the dash does something, right? ;)

    The fuel additives and "catalysts" that purport to increase mileage AND power are usually a scam. I wouldn't bother with the Broquet product.
  • vbbuiltvbbuilt Member Posts: 498
    Wow, 65K??? I've been to Singapore before, but I never realized how expensive it can be!

    Ok, reality check! Now, that's something to TRULY gripe about. Put into context, I guess Americans really do gripe about the most trivial, silly things huh? Even gasoline is a lot more expensive over there, than here. So even our concerns over MPG pale in comparison to the what you're experiencing!

    I know you'll enjoy it! and WELCOME to the forums!

    Vince
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