CX7 Early Observations

[erhayes]

I've driven my CX7 several hundred miles now and I clearly have an excellent vehicle. I have found several things however that are annoying. I have difficulty in reading the tachometer and speedometer in sunlight. I find that I often turn on the parking lights so I get the dash lights on. The second and more important issue is the throttle tip-in from idle. I find it takes quite a bit of concentration to achieve a smooth take off at light or medium from idle. If I'm not very careful I find it very easy to jump to 3,000+ rpm in 1st gear when I wanted to have the auto shift at 2,000 or so to achieve a fairly slow acceleration. I don't know if this what I've heard about the TSB for "poor performance under 2000 RPM" COMMENTS Thank you. Ed

 

[koala]

Ed, see if your CX-7 has the updated engine software... once I had this done it takes off much better from a stop as the power comes on smoother... so you wont rev it to 3.5-4k without trying anymore.

I also notice with the new transmission software the shifts are much smoother, especially downshifts. On the highway it'll go from 6th to 4th for passing without a lot of throttle, but it's smooth and the boost comes on nicely now... actually makes it feel kind of fast!

As for the visibility of the gauges... I've never personally had a problem, but I understand there are two different gauge sets used in the CX-7 depending on model? Maybe someone who knows more can add some insight on this.

 

[erhayes]

Ed, see if your CX-7 has the updated engine software... once I had this done it takes off much better from a stop as the power comes on smoother... so you wont rev it to 3.5-4k without trying anymore.

I also notice with the new transmission software the shifts are much smoother, especially downshifts. On the highway it'll go from 6th to 4th for passing without a lot of throttle, but it's smooth and the boost comes on nicely now... actually makes it feel kind of fast!

As for the visibility of the gauges... I've never personally had a problem, but I understand there are two different gauge sets used in the CX-7 depending on model? Maybe someone who knows more can add some insight on this.

Is there an TSB on a transmission software upgrade? Ed

 

[koala]

Is there an TSB on a transmission software upgrade? Ed

Yes sir...

http://www.finishlineperformance.com/cx7/docs/05-012-06-1728a.pdf

It's a different issue listed as the actual TSB, but this is the excuse I used to get them to reflash the TCM anyway... and I'm convinced they changed how the vehicle changes gears as well... it's much smoother.

Oh, and here is the one for the hesitation under 2krpm in case you didn't have it

http://www.finishlineperformance.com/cx7/docs/01-053-06-1737b.pdf

 

[erhayes]

Thank you koala: My vin # is JM3ER29370164052. There are no stickers on the drivers door indicating that the dealer did the updates. I think that since my vin # is higher than the Engine TSB that I may be Ok there unless they have a newer one. COMMENTS? Ed

 

[TheMAN]

did you try pressing the dimmer button on the gauge cluster?
your drivability problems DO have something to do with that TSB... a ECU update will fix that problem and driving will be a lot smoother... however your vehicle is built after those dates and have the newer programming applied, but updates are continually released by mazda for the CX-7 as they've been having on going drivability problems

NO, the dealer will NOT list any warranty work done on the sticker prior to sale

 

[Mazda3]

I think he has the base model with the plain white numbered gages. I agree with him. The base gages are hard to see in the daytime. The GT models with the red lit gages are fine though.

 

[erhayes]

I think he has the base model with the plain white numbered gages. I agree with him. The base gages are hard to see in the daytime. The GT models with the red lit gages are fine though.

I have the touring model and my understanding is that the GT has blue gauges. I suspect I have the same as the base. Ed

 

[erhayes]

My CX7 vin # ends with 70164052. I've seen others use 7*...... Is there any significance to the * ? Ed

 

[Mazdaspeedgirl]

I have the touring model and my understanding is that the GT has blue gauges. I suspect I have the same as the base. Ed

Yes. The GT is the only model with the "blue" Electroluminescent gauges.

wow, that's a long word...

I drive my touring with my lights on during the day, so I just pushed the button to keep the dashlights on the daytime bright setting at all times.

 

[erhayes]

Now that I have about 300 miles on my new CX7 I decided to go on a 30 miles 2 lane highway run. I varied the speed between 30 and 70 mph frequently and tossed in a few medium power runs to ~3,800 rpm to seat the rings. The car ran beautifully and the complaint about the throttle tip-in (off idle) seems to be less. If the transmission is the adaptive type (learns) then that might explain my initial complaint. I hope it continues to improve or I'll ask the dealer to reflash the ECM. cheers and good driving. Ed

 

[cruzdreamer]

You just need to push the button above the speedometer and it will brighten up during the day....unless you already tried that. I think we all have the orange/red numbers and the GT has the blue glow around it. I have almost 13,000 miles on her and she performs beautifully.