1999 SUZUKI BALENO check engine

60G-74E
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

GEAR OIL

CAUTION

To prevent oil leakage, make sure that

the oil filter is tight, but do not

overtighten it.

Refill with oil and check for leaks.

1) Pour 3.1 litres of oil through the filler hole

and install the filler cap.

2) Start the engine and look carefully for

leaks at the oil filter and drain plug. Run

the engine at various speeds for at least 5

minutes.

3) Stop the engine and wait for 5 minutes.

Check the oil level again and add oil if

necessary. Check for leaks again.

CAUTION

When replacing the oil filter, it is

recommended that you use a genuine

MARUTI replacement filter.
60G-09-006

CAUTION

Oil leaks from around the oil filter or

drain plug indicate incorrect

installation or gasket damage. If you

find any leaks or are not sure that the

fitter has been properly tightened, have

the vehicle inspected by your MARUTI

dealer.
70F-07-012E

Oil filler and level plug ©

Tightening torque: 2.1 kg-m (15.5 Ib-ft)

Specified Manual Transmission oil

When adding gear oil, use the appropriate

viscosity and grade as shown in the chart

below. We highly recommend you use API

GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil.

Type of oil
Gear oil, API GL-4

93

9-10

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

60G-74E

ENGINE COOLANT

70F-07-013E

Gear oil level check

To check the gear oil level, use the following

procedure:

1) Park the vehicle on a level surface with

the parking brake applied.

2) Clean casing around oil filler plug to

remove risk of any loose dirt or debris

entering oil filler plug hole. Remove the oil

filler plug ©.

3) Feel the inside of the hole with your finger.

If the oil level comes up to the bottom of

the plug hole, the oil level is correct. If so,

reinstall the plug.

4) If the oil level is low, add gear oil through

the filler plug hole © until the oil level

reaches the bottom of the filler hole, then

reinstall the plug.
After driving the vehicle, the

transmission oil temperature may be

high enough to burn you. Wait until the

oil filler plug is cool enough to touch

with your bare hands before inspecting

transmission oil.

CAUTION

When tightening the plug, apply sealing

compound to the plug threads to

prevent oil leakage.

Gear oil change

Since special procedures, materials and tools

are required, it is recommended that you trust

this job to your authorized MARUTI dealer.
60G-09-007

Coolant Level Check

Check the coolant level at the reservoir tank,

not at the radiator. With the engine cool, the

coolant level should be between the "FULL"

and "LOW" marks.

Adding Coolant

If the Coolant level is below the "LOW" mark,

more coolant should be added. Remove the

reservoir tank cap and add coolant until the

reservoir tank level reaches the "FULL" mark.

Never fill the reservoir tank above the "FULL"

mark.

9-11
94

60G-74E
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

CAUTION

When adding or replacing coolant,

use a high quality ethylene glycol

antifreeze and anticorrosion (Non-

Amine type) diluted with distilled

water. If the lowest ambient

temperature in your area is expected

to be -15°C (5°F) or above, make the

antifreeze concentration of the

mixture you use at least 30% but no

more than 50%. If -16°C (3°F) or

below, make the concentration at

least 50%. If the 50% concentration

does not provide adequate

protection against freezing, follow

the instructions on the antifreeze

container to obtain the desired

freezing point.

When putting the cap on the

reservoir tank, line up the arrow on

the cap and the arrow on the tank,

or coolant can leak out.
70F-07-019E

Coolant Replacement

1) When the engine is cool, remove the

radiator cap by turning it slowly to the left

until a "stop" is felt. Do not press down

while turning the cap. Wait until any

pressure is released, then press down on

the cap and continue turning it

anticlockwise.
60G-09-039E

It is dangerous to remove the radiator

cap when the water temperature is

high, because scalding fluid and steam

may be blown out under pressure. Watt

until the coolant temperature has

lowered before removing the cap.

2) Remove the reservoir tank cap. Remove

the reservoir by lifting it up, and drain the

reservoir completely by pouring the

coolant in to a suitable container.

95
9-12

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

60G-74E

WINDSCREEN WASHER FLUID

AIR CLEANER

60G-09-008

3) Loosen the drain plug attached to the

lower part of the radiator and drain the

coolant into a suitable container.

4) Tighten the drain plug on the radiator, fill

the radiator with coolant and install the

radiator cap.

5) Refit the reservoir and fill it with the correct

coolant to the "FULL" line. Refit the

reservoir tank cap, ensuring the arrows are

correctly aligned.

CAUTION

The coolant must be replaced with the

vehicle on level ground.
63B-09-001

Check that there is washer fluid in the tank.

Refill it if necessary. Use a good quality

windscreen washer fluid, diluted with water as

necessary.

Do not use "antifreeze" solution in the

windscreen washer reservoir.This can

severely impair visibility when sprayed

on the windscreen, and can also

damage your vehicle's paint.

CAUTION

Damage may result if the washer motor

is operated whilst the fluid or fluid

nozzles are frozen or with no fluid in

the washer tank.
6OG-09-009

If the air cleaner is clogged with dust, there

will be greater intake resistance, resulting in

decreased power output and increased fuel

consumption.

Take out the air cleaner element after

unhooking the clamps shown in the illustration.

Blow off dust on air cleaner element by

compressed air. If the air cleaner element

appears to be dirty, replace it with a new one.

9-13
96

60G-74E
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

SPARK PLUGS

60G-09-010E

CAUTION

The air cleaner element should be

replaced every 40,000 km. More

frequent replacement is necessary

when you drive under dusty conditions.
60G-09-011E

You should inspect spark plugs periodically

for carbon deposits. When carbon

accumulates on a spark plug, a strong spark

may not be produced. Remove carbon

deposits with a wire or pin and adjust the spark

plug gap.
60G-09-012E

CAUTION

When disconnecting the spark plug

cables, pull on the boot, not on the

cable itself. Pulling on the cable can

damage it.

When installing the spark plugs,

screw them in with your fingers to

avoid stripping the threads.Tighten

with a torque wrench to 2.0-3.0 kgm

(20.0-30.0 N-m, 15.0-22.0 Ib-ft). Do

not allow contaminants to enter the

engine through the spark plug holes

when the plugs are removed.

Never use spark plugs with the

wrong thread size or length.

97

9-14

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

60G-74E

BRAKES

70F-07-026E

CAUTION

When replacing spark plugs, you

should use the brand and type

specified for your vehicle. For the

specified plugs, refer to the

"SPECIFICATIONS" section at the end

of this book.
60G-09-013E

NOTE:

If you experience some firing problem of spark

plugs, such as, hard engine-starting, misfire

etc., the cause may be located not only on

spark plugs but also on deteriorated ignition

wiring (generally, used for more than 80,000

km or five years). If spark plug replacement

does not solve the problem, have the ignition

wiring and other ignition system inspected by

your MARUTI dealer.
60Q-09-014E

Brake Fluid

Check the brake fluid level by looking at the

reservoir in the engine compartment. Check

that the fluid level is between the "MAX" and

"MIN" lines. If the brake fluid level is near the

"MIN" line, fill it up to the "MAX" line with SAE

J1703 or DOT-3 brake fluid.

Failure to follow the guidelines below

can result in personal injury or serious

damage to the brake system.

• If the brake fluid in the reservoir

drops below a certain level, the brake

warning light on the instrument

9-15
98

60G-74E
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

70F-07-029
Do not use any fluid other than SAE

J1703 or DOT-3 brake fluid. Do not

use reclaimed fluid or fluid that has

been stored in old or open

containers. It is essential that foreign

particles and other liquids are kept

out of the brake fluid reservoir.

CAUTION

The brake fluid should be replaced

every two years or 20,000 km.

panel will come on (the engine must

be running with the parking brake

fully disengaged). Should the light

come on, immediately ask your

MARUTI dealer to inspect the brake

system.

A rapid fluid loss Indicates a leak in

the brake system which should be

inspected by your MARUTI dealer

immediately.

Brake fluid can harm your eyes and

damage painted surfaces. Use

caution when refilling the reservoir.
NOTE:

With disc brakes, the fluid level can be

expected to gradually fall as the brake pads

wear.

99
70F-07-030

Brake Pedal

Check if the brake pedal stops at the regular

height without "spongy" feeling when you

depress it. If not, have the brake system

inspected by your MARUTI dealer. If you doubt

the brake pedal for the regular height, check

it as follows:

With the engine running, measure the distance

between the brake pedal and floor wall when

the pedal is depressed with approximately 30

kg (66 lbs) of force. The minimum distance

required is 80 mm (3.1 in). Since your vehicle's

brake system is self-adjusting, there is no need

for pedal adjustment. If the pedal to floor wall

distance as measured above is less than the

minimum distance required, have your vehicle

inspected by your MARUTI dealer.

9-16

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

60G-74E

STEERING

60G-09-015E

NOTE:

When measuring the distance between the

brake pedal and floor wall, be sure not to

include any floor covering in the measurement.

If you experience any of the following

problems with your vehicle's brake

system, have the vehicle inspected

immediately by your MARUTI dealer.

Poor braking performance

Uneven braking (Brakes not working

uniformly on all wheels.)

Excessive pedal travel

Brake dragging

Excessive noise

Pedal pulsation (Pedal pulsates

when depressed.)
63B-09-00SE

Parking brake

Check the parking brake for proper adjustment

by counting the number of clicks made by the

ratchet teeth as you slowly pull up on the

parking brake lever to the point of full

engagement. The parking brake lever should

stop between the 3rd and 5th ratchet tooth

and the rear wheels should be securely locked.

If the parking brake is not properly adjusted

or the brakes drag after the lever has been

fully released, have the parking brake

inspected and/or adjusted by your MARUTI

dealer.
60G-09-016

Check the play of the steering wheel by gently

turning it from left to right and measuring the

distance that it moves before you feel slight

resistance. The play should be between 0 -

30
mm
(0.0 -1.2 in).

Check that the steering wheel turns easily and

smoothly without rattling by turning it all the

way to the right and to the left while driving

very slowly in an open area. If the amount of

free play is outside the specification or you

find anything else to be wrong, an inspection

must be performed by your MARUTI dealer.

9-17

100

60G-74E
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

POWER STEERING (if equipped)

CLUTCH PEDAL

60G-09-017

Check the steering box case, vane pump and

hose connections for leaks or damage.

Power steering fluid

Check the fluid level by looking at the reservoir

in the engine compartment when the fluid is

cold (about room temperature).

Check that the fluid level is between the

"UPPER" and "LOWER" lines. If the fluid level

is near the "LOWER" line, fill it up to the

"UPPER" line with an automatic transmission

fluid equivalent to DEXRON»-IIE or

DEXRON'-III. Do not overfill.
63B-09-00SE

Power steering belt

The tension of the belt should be such that

there is a deflection of 8-10mm (0.31 -0.39 in.)

when you press your thumb midway between

the pulleys.

The belt should also be examined to ensure

that it is not damaged. If necessary, have the

belt adjusted or replaced by your MARUTI

dealer.
70F-07-034

Measure the clutch pedal piay by moving the

clutch pedal with your hand and measuring

the distance it moves until you feel slight

resistance. The play in the clutch pedal should

be between 15-20 mm (0.6 - 0.8 in). If the

play is more or less than the above, or clutch

dragging is felt with the pedal fully depressed,

have the clutch inspected by your MARUTI

dealer.

101

9-18

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

60G-74E

TYRES

60G-09-018

The front and rear tyre pressure specifications

for your vehicle are listed on the Tyre Inflation

Pressure Label and in the "SPECIFICATIONS"

section at the end of this book. Both the front

and rear tyres should have the specified tyre

pressure.

Tyre Inspection

Inspect your vehicle's tyres periodically by

performing the following checks:

1) Measure the air pressure with a tyre

gauge. Adjust the pressure if necessary.
Air pressures should be checked

when the tyres are cold or you may

get inaccurate readings.

Check the inflation pressure from

time to time while inflating the tyre

gradually, until the specified

pressure is obtained.

Never underinf late or overinf late the

tyres.

Underinflation can cause unusual

handling characteristics or can

cause the rim to slip on the tyre

bead, resulting in an accident or

damage to the tyre or rim.

Overinflation can cause the tyre to

burst, resulting in personal injury.

Overinflation can also cause

unusual handling characteristics

which may result In an accident.
70F-07-037E

2) Check that the depth of the tread groove

is more than 1.6 mm (0.06 in). To help you

check this, the tyres have moulded in tread

wear indicators in the grooves. When the

indicators appear on the tread surface, the

remaining depth of the tread is 1.6 mm

(0.06 in) or less and the tyre should be

replaced.

3) Check for abnormal wear, cracks and

damage. Any tyres with cracks or other

damage should be replaced. If any tyres

show abnormal wear, have them inspected

by your MARUTI dealer.

9-19
102

60G-74E
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

BATTERY

60G-09-022E

When installing the cover, make sure that it is

positioned so that it does not cover or foul the

air valve.
60G-09-038

Batteries produce flammable hydrogen

gas. Keep flames and sparks away from

the battery or an explosion may occur.

Never smoke when working in the

vicinity of the battery .

When checking or servicing the battery,

disconnect the negative cable. Be

careful not to cause a short circuit by

allowing metal objects to contact the

battery posts and the vehicle at the

same time.
To avoid harm to yourself or damage

to your vehicle or battery, follow the

jump starting instructions in the

EMERGENCY SERVICE section of this

manual if it is necessary to jump start

your vehicle.

The level of the battery solution must be kept

between the "UPPER" and the "LOWER" level

lines at all times. If the level is found to be

below the "LOWER" level line, add distilled

water to the "UPPER" level line. You should

periodically check the battery, battery

terminals, and battery holddown bracket for

corrosion. Remove corrosion using a stiff

brush and ammonia mixed with water, or

baking soda mixed with water. After removing

corrosion, rinse with clean water.

If your vehicle is not going to be driven for a

month or longer, disconnect the cable from

the negative terminal of the battery to help

prevent discharge.

105

9-22

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

60G-74E

FUSES

60G-09-024E

©. Main fuse

®. Primary fuse (Lights)

®. Primary fuse (IG)

©. Radiator fan motor fuse

©. Primary fuse (A/C, HTR)

This vehicle has three types of fuses, as

described below:

Main Fuse - The main fuse takes current

directly from the battery.

Primary Fuses - These fuses are between the

main fuse and individual fuses, and are for

electrical load groups.

Individual Fuses - These fuses are in the fuse

box and for individual electrical circuits.
MAIN FUSE / PRIMARY FUSES

80A

60A

60A

30A

60A
All Electric Load

HEAD-R, HEAD-L, TAIL/DOME,

STOP/HORN, HAZARD

CIGAR/RADIO, I.G. COIL/

METER, WIPER/WASHER,

REAR DEF, TURN/BACK,

HEATER RELAY.

RADIATOR FAN MOTOR

A/C, HTR

Main Fuse and Primary Fuses

The main fuse and primary fuses are located

in the engine compartment. If the main fuse

blows, no electrical component will function.

If a primary fuse blows, no electrical

component in the corresponding load group

will function. When replacing the main fuse or

a primary fuse, use a genuine MARUTI

replacement.

If the main fuse or a primary fuse blows,

be sure to have your vehicle inspected

by an authorized MARUTI dealer.

Always use a genuine MARUTI

replacement. Never use a substitute

such as a wire even for a temporary

repair, or extensive electrical damage

and a fire can result.
60G-09-025E

Fuse Box

The fuse boxes are located in the engine

compartment and under the driver's side of

the dashboard.

To remove the fuse box cover under the

dashboard pull off the cover.

9-23
106

EMERGENCY SERVICE

60G-74E

CAUTION

Vehicle equipped with electronic fuel

injection system will not start by

pushing or towing as the fuel pump

will not work in this condition. This

starting method could also result in

permanent damage to the catalytic

converter. Use jump leads to start a

vehicle with a weak or flat battery.

60G-10-004E

When jump starting your vehicle, use the

following procedure:

1) Use only a 12 volt battery to jump start

your vehicle. Position the good 12V battery

close to your vehicle so that the jump leads

will reach both batteries. When using a

battery installed on another vehicle, DO

NOT LET THE VEHICLES TOUCH. Apply

the parking brakes fully on both vehicles.

2) Turn off all vehicle accessories, except

those necessary for safety reasons (for

example, headlights or hazard lights).
3) Make jump lead connections as follows:

a) Connect one end of the first jump lead

to the positive (+) terminal of the flat

battery.

b) Connect the other end to the positive

(+) terminal of the booster battery.

c) Connect one end of the second jump

lead to the negative (-) terminal of the

booster battery.

d) Make the final connection to an

unpainted, heavy metal part of the

engine of the vehicle with the flat

battery.

Never connect the jump lead directly

to the negative (-) terminal of the

discharged battery, or an explosion

may occur.

10-3
4) If the booster battery you are using is fitted

to another vehicle, start the engine of the

vehicle with the booster battery. Run the

engine at moderate speed.

5) Start the engine of the vehicle with the flat

battery.

6) Remove the jump leads in the exact

reverse order in which you connected

them.

118

60G-74E
EMERGENCY SERVICE

TOWING

If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact

a professional service.

CAUTION

To help avoid damage to your vehicle

during towing, proper equipment and

towing procedures must be used.

Manual Transmission

Whenever possible, your vehicle should be

towed from the front with the front wheels lifted.

If the steering and drivetrain are in good

condition, your vehicle may be towed from the

rear with the rear wheels lifted and the front

wheels on the ground. Before towing, make

sure the steering is unlocked and the

transmission is in neutral.
EMERGENCY REMEDIES

If the Starter Does Not Operate:

1) Try turning the ignition switch to the

"START" position with the headlights

turned on to determine the battery

condition. If the headlights go excessively

dim or go off, it usually means that either

the battery is flat or the battery terminal

contact is poor. Recharge the battery or

correct battery terminal contact as

necessary.

2) If the headlights remain bright, check the

fuses. If the reason for failure of the starter

is not obvious, there may be a major

electrical problem. Have the vehicle

inspected by your authorized MARUTI

dealer.

If the Engine is Flooded

If the engine is flooded with petrol, it may be

hard to start. If this happens, press the

accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and

hold it there while cranking the engine. (Do

not operate the starter motor for more than

15 seconds). Release the accelerator as soon

as the engine has started.
If the Engine Overheats

The engine could overheat temporarily under

severe driving conditions. If the engine coolant

temperature gauge indicates overheating

during driving:

1) Turn off the air conditioner, if equipped.

2) Take the vehicle to a safe place and park.

3) Let the engine run at normal idle speed

for a few minutes until the indicator is within

the normal, acceptable temperature range

between "H" and "C".

If you see or hear escaping steam, stop

the vehicle in a safe place and

Immediately turn off the engine to let it

cool. Do not open the bonnet when

steam is present. When the steam can

no longer be seen or heard, open the

hood to see if the coolant is still boiling.

If it is, you must wait until it stops

boiling before you proceed.

119

10-4

EMERGENCY SERVICE

60G-74E

WARNING TRIANGLE (TYPE-1)

If the temperature indication does not come

down to within the normal, acceptable range:

1) Turn off the engine and check that the

water pump belt and pulleys are not

damaged or slipping. If any abnormality is

found, correct it.

2) Check the coolant level in the reservoir. If

it is found to be lower than the "LOW" line,

look for leaks at the radiator, water pump,

and radiator and heater hoses. If you

locate any leaks that may have caused the

overheating, do not run the engine until

these problems have been corrected.

3) If you do not find a leak, carefully add

coolant to the reservoir and then the

radiator, if necessary. (Refer to "ENGINE

COOLANr in the "INSPECTION AND

MAINTENANCE" section.)
K is dangerous to remove the radiator

cap when the water temperature is

high, because scalding fluid and steam

may be blown out under pressure. The

cap should only be taken off when the

coolant temperature has lowered.

To help prevent personal Injury, keep

hands, tools and clothing away from the

engine cooling fan and airconditioner

fan (if equipped). These electric fans

can automatically turn on without

warning.
843-10-004

In case of vehicle break-down or during

emergency stopping where your vehicle could

become a potential traffic hazard, please keep

the warning triangle, provided with your

vehicle, on the pathway (road) behind the

vehicle so as to warn the approaching traffic,

at an approximate distance of 5-15 m, such

that reflecting side of the triangle faces the

rear. Please activate the hazard warning lamps

before alighting the vehicle to keep the warning

triangle.

10-5
120

60G-74E
EMERGENCY SERVICE

WARNING TRIANGLE (TYPE-2)

In case of vehicle breakdown or during

emergency stopping where your vehicle

could become a potential traffic hazard,

keep the warning triangle, provided with

your vehicle, on the road free from any

obstacles behind your vehicle so as to warn

the approaching traffic, at an approximate

distance of 50-100 m, the reflecting side of

the triangle should face the on coming

traffic. Please activate the hazard warning

lamps before alighting the vehicle to keep

the warning triangle.
Remove the warning triangle

carefully from the box as shown by arrow

1.

Open both the reflector arms as shown

by arrows and lock arms with each other

with the clip provided in the right arm.

Open the bottom stand in counter clock-

wise direction as shown by arrow 3.

Position the warning triangle behind the

vehicle on a plain surface.

Reverse the removal procedure

keeping inside the box.
for

121

10-6