1999 SUZUKI BALENO ignition

60G-74E

STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS

WINDSCREEN WIPER AND

WASHER LEVER

60G-04-007E

Windscreen Wipers

To turn the windscreen wipers on, move the

lever down to one of the three operating

positions. In the "INT position (if equipped),

the wipers operate intermittently. The "INT'

position is very convenient for driving in mist

or light rain. In the "LO" position, the wipers

operate at a steady low speed. In the "HI"

position, the wipers operate at a steady high

speed. To turn off the wipers, move the lever

back to the "OFF position.
60G-04-008E

If the lever is equipped with "INT TIME" control,

turn the control toward the "SLOW" or "FAST'

positions to adjust the intermittent wiper

operation to the desired interval.

60G-04-011E

The operation of windscreen wiper and washer

Type-2 is same as Type-1.
60G-04-009E

Windscreen Washer

To spray windscreen washer fluid, pull the

lever toward you. The windscreen wipers will

automatically turn on at low speed if

they are not already on and the "INT" position

is equipped.

To prevent windscreen icing in cold

weather, turn on the defroster to heat

the windscreen before and during

windscreen washer use.

Do not use radiator antifreeze in the

windscreen washer reservoir. It can

severely impair visibility when

sprayed on the windscreen, and can

also damage your vehicle's paint.

35

4-4

STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS
60G-74E

CAUTION

To help prevent damage to the

windscreen wiper and washer system

components, you should take the

following precautions:

• Do not continue to hold in the lever

when there is no windscreen washer

fluid being sprayed or the washer

motor can be damaged.

• Do not attempt to remove dirt from

a dry windscreen with the wipers or

you can damage the windscreen and

the wiper blades. Always wet the

windscreen with washer fluid before

operating the wipers.

• Clear ice or packed snow from the

wiper blades before using the

wipers.

• Check the washer fluid level

regularly. Check it often when the

weather is bad.

• Only fill the washer fluid reservoir

3/4 full during cold weather to allow

room for expansion if the

temperature falls low enough to

freeze the solution.
HORN
REAR WIPER AND WASHER

(if equipped)

60G-04-010

Press the horn button of the steering wheel to

sound the horn. The horn will sound with the

ignition switch in any position.
Press the button located at the end of the

windscreen wiper and washer lever to operate

the rear washer and turn the lever anti

clockwise to operate the rear washer.

4-5
36

60G-74E
INSTRUMENT PANEL

INSTRUMENT PANEL

Instrument Panel 5-1

Instrument Cluster 5-2

Warning and Indicator Lights 5-3

Speedometer/Odometer/Tripmeter (if equipped) 5-5

Tachometer (if equipped) 5-6

Fuel Gauge 5-6

Temperature Gauge 5-6

Hazard Warning Switch 5-7

Rear Window Defroster Switch (if equipped) 5-7

Cigarette Lighter (if equipped) 5-7

Ashtray 5-8

Glove Box 5-8

Heating System (if equipped) 5-9

System Operating Instructions 5-10

Air Conditioning System (if equipped) 5-13

System Operating Instructions 5-13

37

INSTRUMENT PANEL
60G-74E

INSTRUMENT PANEL

1. Instrument cluster

2. Ignition switch

3. Lighting switch/Turn signal and

dimmer switch

4. Windscreen wiper and washer

switch

5. Hazard warning switch

6. Rear window defroster switch

(if equipped)

7. Other switches (if equipped)

8. Heater control panel

9. Audio system (if equipped)

10. Cigarette lighter (if equipped)

11. Ashtray

12. Bonnet release

13. Center ventilator

14. Side ventilator

15. Side defroster

16. Glove box

17. Fuse box

18. Cup holder (if equipped)

5-1
38

60G-74E
INSTRUMENT PANEL

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER

© Speedometer

® Odometer

© Trip meter (if equipped)

© Trip meter reset knob

© Tachometer (if equipped)

© Fuel gauge

® Temperature gauge

© Warning and indicator lights

60G-05-002

39

5-2

INSTRUMENT PANEL
60G-74E

WARNING AND INDICATOR LIGHTS

70F-07-070

Brake fluid level warning/Parking Brake

Indicator light

This light operates under three conditions:

1) when the ignition switch is turned to the

"START' position, 2) when the fluid in the brake

fluid reservoir falls below the specified level

or 3) when the parking brake is not fully

released and the ignition switch is in the "ON"

position. The light should go out after starting

the engine and fully releasing the parking

brake, if the fluid in the brake fluid reservoir is

adequate. If the light does not go off or comes

on whilst you are driving, it may mean that

there is something wrong with the vehicle's

braking system. If this happens, you should:

1) Pull off the road and stop carefully.

Remember that stopping distance may

be longer, you may have to push

harder on the pedal, and the pedal

may go down farther than normal.
2) Test the brakes by carefully starting and

stopping at the side of the road.

3) If you determine that it is safe, drive

carefully at low speed to the nearest dealer

for repairs.

Have the vehicle towed to the nearest

dealer for repairs.
or

4)

If any of the following conditions occur,

you should Immediately ask your

MARUTI dealer to inspect the brake

system.

• If the brake fluid level warning light

does not go out after the engine has

been started and the parking brake

has been fully released.

• If the brake fluid level warning light

does not come on when the ignition

switch is turned to the "START"

position.

• If the brake fluid level warning light

comes on at any time during vehicle

operation.

NOTE:

Because the disc brake system is self

adjusting, the fluid level will drop as the brake

pads become worn.

Replenishing the brake fluid reservoir is

considered normal periodic maintenance.
70F-03-039

Oil Pressure Light

This light comes on when the ignition switch

is turned on, and goes out when the engine

is started. The light will come on and remain

on if there is insufficient oil pressure. If the

light comes on when driving, pull off the

road as soon as you can and stop the

engine. Check the oil level and add oil if

necessary (see pages 9-8 and 9-9). If there

is enough oil, the lubrication system should

be inspected by your MARUTI dealer before

you drive the vehicle again.

5-3
40

60G-74E
INSTRUMENT PANEL

60G-09-002

CAUTION

If you operate the engine with this

light on, severe engine damage can

result.

Do not rely on the Oil Pressure Light

to indicate the need to add oil. Be

sure to periodically check the engine

oil level (see pages 9-8 and 9-9).
70F-03-009

Charging Light

This light comes on when the ignition switch

is turned on, and goes out when the engine is

started. The light will come on and remain on

if there is something wrong with the battery

charging system. If the light comes on when

the engine is running, the charging system

should be inspected immediately by your

MARUTI dealer.

CAUTION

Do not continue driving long with the

charging light ON as this will drain the

battery 'dead'.
72F-05-027

"Malfunction Indicator" Light

Your vehicle has a computer-controlled

emission control system. A "Malfunction

Indicator" light is provided on the instrument

panel to indicate when it is necessary to have

the emission control system serviced. The

"Malfunction Indicator" light comes on when

the ignition switch is turned to "ON" and goes

out when the engine is started.

If the "Malfunction Indicator" light comes on

when the engine is running, there is a problem

with the emission control system. Take the

vehicle to your MARUTI dealer to have the

problem corrected.

CAUTION

Continuing to drive the vehicle when

the "Malfunction Indicator" light is on

can cause permanent damage to the

vehicle's emission control system, and

can affect fuel economy and

driveability.

5-4

INSTRUMENT PANEL
60G-74E

70F-03-042

Turn Signal Indicators

When you turn on the left or right turn signals,

the corresponding green arrow on the

instrument panel will flash along with the

respective turn signal lights. When you turn

on the hazard warning switch, both arrows will

flash along with all of the turn signal lights.

70F-03-043

Main Beam (High Beam) Indicator Light

This indicator comes on when headlight main

beams (high beams) are turned on.
SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER/

TRIPMETER (if equipped)

60G-05-003

© Speedometer

© Odometer

(D Trip meter

© Trip meter reset knob

The speedometer indicates vehicle speed in

km/h.The odometer records the total distance

the vehicle has been driven. The tripmeter can

be used to measure the distance travelled on

short trips or between fuel stops. You can reset

the tripmeter to zero by pushing the reset

knob.
CAUTION

Keep track of your odometer reading

and check the maintenance schedule

regularly for required services.

Increased wear or damage to certain

parts can result from failure to perform

required services at the proper mileage

intervals and your warranty rights may

be affected.

5-5

42
41

60G-74E
INSTRUMENT PANEL

TACHOMETER (if equipped)

FUEL GAUGE
TEMPERATURE GAUGE

60G-05-004

The tachometer indicates engine speed in

revolutions per minute.

Never drive with the engine speed

indicator in the red zone or severe

engine damage can result.
60G-05-005

This gauge gives an approximate indication

of the amount of fuel in the fuel tank as shown

in figure. "P stands for full and "E" stands for

empty.

If the indicator gets in the red zone, refill the

tank as soon as possible.

Note:

This vehicle has fuel gauge of new design.

Even when the ignition switch is "OFF", the

needle will not return to "E" position but will

show the reading.
60G-05-006

When the ignition switch is on, this gauge

indicates the engine coolant temperature.

Under normal driving conditions, the indicator

should stay within the normal, acceptable

temperature range between "H" and "C". If the

indicator approaches "H", and maintains that

reading, overheating is indicated. Follow the

instructions for engine overheating in the

EMERGENCY REMEDIES section.

CAUTION

Continuing to drive the vehicle when

engine overheating is indicated, can

result in severe engine damage.

43

5-6

INSTRUMENT PANEL

60G-74E

HAZARD WARNING SWITCH
REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER SWITCH CIGARETTE LIGHTER (if equipped)

(if equipped)

60G-05-007

Push in the hazard warning switch to activate

the hazard warning lights. All four turn signal

lights and both turn signal indicators will flash

simultaneously. To turn off the lights, push the

switch again.

Use the hazard warning lights to warn other

traffic during emergency parking or when your

vehicle could otherwise become a traffic

hazard.
60G-05-008

When the rear window is misted, push this

switch to clear the window. An indicator light

will be lit when the defroster is on. The

defroster will only work when the ignition

switch is in the "ON position. To turn off the

defroster, push the switch again.

CAUTION

The rear window defroster uses a large

amount of electricity. Be sure to turn

off after the window has become clear.
60G-05-009

To use the cigarette lighter, push it all the way

into the receptacle and release it. It will

automatically heat up and will pop out to its

normal position when it is ready for use.

5-7
44

S0G-74E
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE

OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE

Exhaust Gas Warning 7-1

Daily Inspection Checklist 7-1

Starting the Engine 7-2

Using the Transmission 7-3

Braking 7-4

Running-in 7-5

Catalytic Converter (if equipped) 7-6

Improving Fuel Economy 7-7

Trailer Towing 7-7

OPERATING YOUR VECHILE

60G-74E

EXHAUST GAS WARNING
DAILY INSPECTION CHECKLIST

60G-07-001E

Avoid breathing exhaust gases.

Exhaust gases contain carbon

monoxide, a potentially lethal gas that

is colourless and odourless. Since

carbon monoxide is difficult to detect

by itself, be sure to take the following

precautions to help prevent carbon

monoxide from entering your vehicle.

• Do not leave the engine running in

garages or other confined areas.

• Do not park with the engine running

for a long period of time, even in an

open area. If it is necessary to sit for

a short time in a parked vehicle <=>
with the engine running, make sure

the air intake lever is set to "FRESH

AIR" and the fan is at high speed.

To allow proper operation of your

vehicle's ventilation system, keep

the air inlet grille in front of the

windscreen clear of snow, leaves, or

other obstructions at all times.

Keep the exhaust tailpipe area clear

of snow and other material to help

reduce the buildup of exhaust gases

under the vehicle.This is particularly

important when parked in blizzard

conditions.

Have the exhaust system inspected

periodically for damage and leaks.

Any damage or leaks should be

repaired immediately.

7-1
70F-05-007

Before driving:

1) Make sure that windows, mirrors, lights,

and reflectors are clean and unobstructed.

2) Check the tyres.

3) Look for fluid and oil leaks.

NOTE:

It is normal for water to drip from the air

conditioning system after use.

4) Adjust the seat/head restraint.

5) Check the brake pedal and the parking

brake lever.

6) Adjust the mirrors.

7) Make sure that you and passengers have

properly fastened your seat belts.

8) Make sure that all warning lights come on

as the key is turned to the "ON" or "START'

position.

9) Check all gauges.

10) Make sure that the brake fluid level

warning light is off when the parking brake

is released with the ignition switch in "ON"

position.

66
65

60G-74E
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE

Once a week, or each time you fill your fuel

tank, perform the following under-bonnet

checks:

1) Engine oil level.

2) Coolant level.

3) Brake fluid level.

4) Power steering (if equipped) fluid level.

5) Windscreen washer fluid level.

6) Battery solution level.

7) Bonnet latch operation.

Pull the bonnet release handle inside the

vehicle. Make sure that you can not open

the hood all the way without releasing the

secondary latch. Be sure to close the hood

securely after checking for proper

operation. See "All Latches, Hinges &

Locks" of "PERIODIC MAINTENANCE

SCHEDULE" in the "INSPECTION AND

MAINTENANCE" section for lubrication

schedule.

Make sure the bonnet is fully closed

and latched before driving. If it is not,

it can fly up unexpectedly during

driving, obstructing your view and

resulting in an accident.
STARTING THE ENGINE

Before starting the engine:

1) Make sure the parking brake is applied

fully.

2) Manual Transmission - Shift into "N"

(neutral) and depress the clutch pedal all

the way to the floor. Hold it while starting

the engine.

Make sure that the parking brake is

applied fully and the transmission is in

Neutral before attempting to start the

engine.

CAUTION

Stop turning the starter immediately

after the engine has started or the

starter system can be damaged.

Do not crank the engine for more

than 15 seconds at a time. If the

engine doesn't start on the first try,

wait about 15 seconds before trying

again.
Starting a Cold Engine

Engine which is started after 6 hours should

be treated as cold engine.

For Electronic fuel injection models

• With your foot off the accelerator pedal,

crank the engine by turning the ignition

key to "START1. Release the key when the

engine starts.

• If the engine does not start after 15

seconds of cranking, wait about 15

seconds, then press down the accelerator

pedal to 1/3 of its travel and try cranking

the engine again. Release the key and

accelerator pedal when the engine starts.

• If the engine still does not start, try holding

the accelerator pedal all the way to the

floor while cranking. This should clear the

engine if it is flooded.

Starting a Warm Engine

For Electronic fuel injection models:

Use the same procedure as for "Starting a cold

Engine".

67

7-2

OPERATING YOUR VECHILE

60G-74E

USING THE TRANSMISSION

70F-04-005E

Starting off

To start off, depress and maintain pressure

upon the clutch pedal and change into 1st

gear. After releasing the parking brake,

gradually release the clutch. When you hear

a change in the engine's sound (speed), gently

apply pressure to the accelerator to keep the

engine sound (speed) constant whilst

continuing to gradually release the clutch.
Gear changing

All forward gears are synchronized, which

provides for quiet, easy changing. Always

depress the clutch pedal fully before changing

gears.The following table shows the maximum

allowable speed for each gear.
GEAR

First

Second

Third

Fourth

Fifth
MAXIMUM SPEED

50 km/h

95 km/h

140 km/h

Top Speed

Top Speed

7-3
68

60G-74E
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE

CATALYTIC CONVERTER

(if equipped)

70F-05-005

The purpose of the catalytic converter installed

on your vehicle is to convert exhaust pollutants

to harmless water vapour, carbon dioxide, and

nitrogen. Use of leaded fuel in vehicles

equipped with catalytic converters is

prohibited, because lead deactivates the

pollutant-reducing components of the catalyst

system.

It is very important to keep the engine properly

tuned. Engine misfiring, which can result from

an improperly tuned engine, may cause

overheating of the catalyst. This may result in

permanent heat damage to the catalyst and

other vehicle components.
CAUTION

To minimize the possibility of catalyst

or other vehicle damage:

• Maintain the engine in the proper

operating condition.

• In the event of an engine

malfunction, particularly one

involving engine misfire or other

apparent loss of performance, have

the vehicle serviced promptly.

• Do not turn off the engine or

interrupt the ignition when the

transmission is in gear and the

vehicle is in motion.

• Do not try to start the engine by

pushing or towing the vehicle, or

coasting down a hill.

• Do not idle the engine with any spark

plug wires disconnected or

removed, such as during diagnostic

testing.

• Do not idle the vehicle for prolonged

periods if idling seems rough or

there are other malfunctions.

• Do not allow the fuel tank to get near

the empty level.
60Q-07-002E

Be careful where you park and drive;

the catalytic converter and other

exhaust components can get very hot.

As with any vehicle, do not park or

operate this vehicle in areas where

combustible materials such as dry

grass or leaves can come in contact

with a hot exhaust system.

7-6

OPERATING YOUR VECHILE

60G-74E

IMPROVING FUEL ECONOMY

The following instructions will help you improve

fuel economy.

Avoid excessive idling:

If you are to wait for more than a minute while

you are parked, stop the engine and start it

again later. When warming up a cold engine,

allow the engine to idle until the temperature

gauge pointer comes up to the "C" position. In

this position, the engine is sufficiently warm

for starting off.

Avoid "fast" starts:

Fast starts away from lights or stop signs will

consume fuel unnecessarily and shorten

engine life. Start off slowly.

Avoid unnecessary stops:

Avoid unnecessary deceleration and stopping.

Try to maintain a slow, steady speed whenever

possible. Slowing down and then accelerating

again uses more fuel.

Keep a steady cruising speed:

Keep as constant a speed as road and traffic

conditions will permit.
Air Outlet side

(Facing up)

60G-09-010

Keep the air cleaner clean:

A dirty air cleaner will cause the carburation

system to supply too much fuel to the engine

for the amount of air being supplied. The result

is waste of fuel due to incomplete combustion.

Keep weight to a minimum:

The heavier the load, the more fuel the vehicle

consumes. Take out any luggage or cargo

when it is not necessary.

Keep tyre pressures correct:

Under-inflation of the tyres can waste fuel due

to increased running resistance of the tyres.

Keep your tyres inflated to the correct pressure

shown on the label on the driver's side door

or door lock pillar.
TRAILER TOWING

Your MARUTI was originally designed to carry

people and a normal amount of cargo, not to

tow a trailer. Maruti does not recommend you

use your vehicle to tow a trailer.Towing a trailer

can adversely affect handling, durability, and

fuel economy.

7-7

72
71