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Mazda CX-7 Fuel Type

11 messages,  Last post on Jan 08, 2009 at 12:27 PM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda CX-7, Gasoline, SUV

    

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#1 of 11 Mazda 7 fuel type by ratgirl

Nov 18, 2008 (11:55 am)

We purchased a new 08 a couple months back, and were told that with the 08's, you no longer needed to use premium gasoline - that that was one of the major changes that were made. Also, the dealership mechanic ( who was elderly and appeared to be one of those very wise mechanics that know so much more than the young guys) told us that whichever fuel type we chose, to stick with it. don't change, don't try to use regular and then every once in a while fill the tank w/ premium to "help it" ( which is something I would do!). He said that is the worst thing to do, that once we start on regular, stick with it, the engine calibrates itsself to it, or something like that.
 
My question is 1) is that true that we don't need to use premium (even tho the owners manual has not been changed to state that regular is ok) and 2) is he correct about the consistency in the type of fuel used? thanks very much and p.s. we absolutely LOVE the power this car has. Had a Pacifica previous and it was a dog. ( but miss the interior space.)

#2 of 11 Re: Mazda 7 fuel type [ratgirl] by wwest

Nov 19, 2008 (3:45 pm)

Replying to: ratgirl (Nov 18, 2008 11:55 am)
With the advent of Mazda adopting the new wide band knock/ping sensors even the slightest level of knock/ping will be detected and the A/F mixture adjusted, and re-adjusted, accordingly.
 
Regular fuel will simply result in slightly less HP, mostly at the "top" end.
 
But your information from the "old man of the sea" is outdated. The latest engine/transaxle ECU firmware is designed to continously search for, and "re-learn" the optimal operational parameters, A/F mixture, timing, etc.

#3 of 11 Re: Mazda 7 fuel type [wwest] by ratgirl

Nov 19, 2008 (5:53 pm)

Replying to: wwest (Nov 19, 2008 3:45 pm)
Thanks so much for your quick response! Ok, so to put in simple terms, if I'm understanding you correctly, I am not harming the engine by using regular fuel. And also if I should use premium, the engine will "re-adjust" to the fuel. If so, should I use premium every now and then, or is that a waste of money......?

#4 of 11 Re: Mazda 7 fuel type [ratgirl] by wwest

Nov 20, 2008 (3:54 pm)

Replying to: ratgirl (Nov 19, 2008 5:53 pm)
Toss-up...!!
 
Your engine will provide more HP/torque with preminum fuel and less so with regular. If you romp on the throttle fairly often then I would use premium, if not...
 
Basically MPG might be lower with regular but the payback, difference in price, may still make sense.

#5 of 11 Re: Mazda 7 fuel type [wwest] by scordo17

Dec 01, 2008 (7:48 pm)

Replying to: wwest (Nov 20, 2008 3:54 pm)
Hi all-
 
Wanted to get others opinions on this. Just bought an 07 with 20,000 miles. Love it so far. When we asked the salesman at the Mazda dealer about what fuel we would need to use, he said that some 07's have been adjusted after the fact so that 87 octane could be used. This sounds a little fishy to me. I know they did make updates to the 08s so that 87 could be used, but has anyone heard about changes or add-ons that are being made to 07s so you don't have to use 91+?
 
Thanks

#6 of 11 Re: Mazda 7 fuel type [scordo17] by steve_ HOST

Dec 01, 2008 (8:01 pm)

Replying to: scordo17 (Dec 01, 2008 7:48 pm)
I would think that if Mazda was making a change like that, they would issue a TSB about it.
 
The Edmunds Maintenance Guide keeps track of TSBs.

#7 of 11 Re: Mazda 7 fuel type [scordo17] by wwest

Dec 02, 2008 (11:50 am)

Replying to: scordo17 (Dec 01, 2008 7:48 pm)
The "key" to this seems to involve the use of the new(er) wide bandwidt non-resonant knock/ping sensors. If your CX-7 is so equipped then the engine/transaxle firmware can be written/updated to adjust the A/F mixture in accordance with octane rating.

#8 of 11 Re: Mazda 7 fuel type [steve_] by 022540

Jan 01, 2009 (3:31 pm)

Replying to: steve_ (Dec 01, 2008 8:01 pm)
I am taking my CX-7 in next week for 12,000 check up . I will try to find out about the fuel situation. When gas was over $4.00 per gallon we didnot drive the CX-7 except for long trips. I would fill one tank premium, next tank 89 octane. I was making over 25mpg on the interstate, non mountain areas. went from deep SW Louisiana to extreme northern AR.
I also need to find out how many quarts of oil are needed with a oil filter and oil change. I cannot find it in the manual at all.
 
I am going to try the Pennzoil Platinum full systhetic 5W 30 this time.

#9 of 11 Re: Mazda 7 fuel type [022540] by steve_ HOST

Jan 01, 2009 (4:10 pm)

Replying to: 022540 (Jan 01, 2009 3:31 pm)
You might get a better answer from Mazda USA than the dealer.
 
The manual that I downloaded says that you use 6 US quarts of oil when you do both an oil and filter change. 5.6 quarts just for an oil change.
 
How To Find Your Car Owner's Manual Online
 
Hmm, Venice to Bull Shoals eh? (oh, SW LA - haven't spent much time around Lake Charles, went south of there on my last road trip).

#10 of 11 Re: Mazda 7 fuel type [wwest] by fonefixer

Jan 08, 2009 (10:42 am)

Replying to: wwest (Dec 02, 2008 11:50 am)
Does anyone know if the 2009 model Cx-7 is engineered to use regular fuel?

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