I just purchased a 2009 cx-7 touring as well. Are you able to view the external temperature on your dash? Mine appears all lit up when it's really got out, so I can tell that option is there. It also shows what looks like AC controls. My clock works and the stereo display works but the external...
Were you able to figure this out? I just recently purchased a 2009 cx-7 and the external temperature and AV controls are visible (all light up) when it is hot out (I'm in California), but I don't have an Ambient control button like it shows in the manual. Is this the same problem you are having...