1999 SUZUKI BALENO operating

60G-74E
INSTRUMENT PANEL

Description of Controls

Function Buttons ©: These buttons are used

to select one of the functions described below:

VENTILATION ©: Temperature-

controlled air comes out of the

center and side air outlets.

BI-LEVEL ®: Temperature-

controlled air comes out of the floor

outlets and cooler air comes out of

the center and side outlets. When

the temperature control lever is in

the fully "COOL" position or fully

"HOT" position, however, the air from

the floor outlets and the air from the

center and side outlets will be the

same temperature.

HEAT ©: Temperature-controlled air

comes out of the floor outlets.

HEAT & DEFROST ©: Tempera-

ture-controlled air comes out of the

floor outlets, the windscreen de-

froster outlets, and the side defroster

outlets.
DEFROST ©: Temperature-

controlled air comes out of the

windscreen defroster outlets and the

side defroster outlets.

Air Intake Lever ©:This lever is used to select

between circulating outside air (FRESH AIR)

or recirculating inside air (RECIRCULATED

AIR).

Temperature Control Lever ©: This lever is

used to control the temperature of the air that

comes out of the air outlets.

Fan switch ©: This switch is used to turn on

the fan and to select fan speed. There are five

positions: OFF, LOW, MEDIUM, MEDIUM

HIGH and HIGH.
SYSTEM OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

60G-05-014

Natural Ventilation

Push the "VENTILATION" button and move the

air intake lever to "FRESH AIR", the

temperature control lever to the desired

temperature position, and the fan switch to

"OFF. Fresh air will flow through the vehicle

when it is moving.

70F-03-032

47
5-10

INSTRUMENT PANEL

60G-74E

60G-05-015

Forced Ventilation

The lever settings are the same as for natural

ventilation except you move the fan switch to

a position other than "OFF".
1

I
*
A/C

1
OFF
| | ••

= =11

60G-05-016

Normal Heating (Using outside air)

Push the "HEAT" button and move the air

intake lever to "FRESH AIR", the temperature

control lever to the desired temperature

position, and the fan switch to the desired fan

speed position. Moving the fan switch to a

higher fan speed position increases heating

efficiency.
60G-05-017

Quick Heating (Using recirculated air)

The lever settings are the same as for normal

heating except you move the air intake lever

to "RECIRCULATED AIR". If you use this

heating method for an extended period of time,

the air in the vehicle can become

contaminated and the windows can become

misty. Therefore, use this method only for quick

heating and change to the normal heating

method as soon as possible.

5-11
70F-03-031
70F-03-030
70F-03-029

60G-74E
INSTRUMENT PANEL

60G-05-018

Cool Face/Warm Feet

Push the "BI-LEVEL" button and move the air

intake lever to "FRESH AIR", the temperature

control lever to the desired temperature

position, and the fan switch to the desired fan

speed position. Unless the temperature control

lever is in the fully "COOL" position or fully

"HOT position, the air that comes out of the

center and side outlets will be cooler than the

air that comes out of the floor outlets.
60G-05-019

Defrosting/Warm Feet

Push the "HEAT & DEFROST' button and

move the air intake lever to "FRESH AIR", the

temperature control lever to the desired

temperature position, and the fan switch to

"HIGH". When the windscreen has become

clear, move the fan switch to the desired fan

speed position.
60G-05-020

Defrosting

Push the "DEFROST' button and move the

air intake lever to "FRESH AIR", the

temperature control lever to the desired

temperature position, and the fan switch to

"HIGH" Moving the temperature control lever

to a higher temperature position increases

defrosting efficiency. When the windscreen

has become clear, move the fan switch to the

desired fan speed position.

49

5-12

INSTRUMENT PANEL

60G-74E

AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

(if equipped)
SYSTEM OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

60G-05-021

The air conditioning system can be used to

provide cooling and dehumidifying, as

described below. To turn on the air conditioning

system, push in the A/C button and move the

fan switch to a position other than "OFF". An

indicator light will come on when the air

conditioning system is on. To turn off the air

conditioning system, push the A/C button again.

During operation of the air conditioner, you may

notice slight changes in engine speed. These

changes are normal, the system is designed

so that the compressor turns on or off to

maintain the desired temperature. Less

operation of the compressor results in better

fuel economy.
60G-05-022

Normal Cooling (using outside air)

Push in the A/C button and the

"VENTILATION" button, and the move the air

intake lever to "FRESH AIR", the temperature

control lever to the "COOL" position, and the

fan switch to the desired fan speed position.

Moving the fan switch to a higher fan speed

position increases cooling efficiency.

If the ambient temperature is high enough to

cause insufficient cooling, use the "Quick

Cooling" as following.
60G -05-023

Quick Cooling (Using recirculated air)

The lever settings are the same as for normal

cooling except you move the air intake lever

to "RECIRCULATED AIR". If you use this

cooling method for a extended period of time,

the air in the vehicle can become

contaminated. Therefore, you should

occasionally move the air intake lever to

"FRESH AIR".

NOTE:

If your vehicle has been left in the sun with

the windows closed, it will cool faster if you

open the windows briefly while you operate

the air conditioner with the air intake lever at

"FRESH AIR" and the fan at high speed.

5-13
50

OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTS
60G-74E

PARKING BRAKE LEVER

63B-06-001E

The parking brake lever is located between

the seats. To apply the parking brake, hold the

brake pedal down and pull the parking brake

lever all the way up.
63B-06-002E

To release the parking brake, hold the brake

pedal down, pull up slightly on the parking

brake lever, push the button on the end of the

lever with your thumb, and lower the lever to

its original position.
Never drive your vehicle with the

parking brake on: rear brake

effectiveness can be reduced from

over heating, brake life may be

shortened, or permanent brake

damage may result.

If the parking brake does not hold

the vehicle securely or does not fully

release, have your vehicle inspected

immediately by an authorized

MARUTI dealer.

Always apply the parking brake fully

before leaving your vehicle or it may

move, causing injury or damage. When

parking, make sure the gear shift lever

is left in first gear or reverse.

Remember, even though the

transmission is in gear, you must

always apply the parking brake fully.

6-1
54

60G-74E
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT

PEDALS

GEAR LEVER

60G-06-001

Clutch Pedal ©

The clutch pedal is used to disengage the drive

to the wheels when starting the engine,

stopping, or shifting the transmission lever.

Depressing the pedal disengages the clutch.

CAUTION

Do not drive with your foot resting on

the clutch pedal. It could result in

excessive clutch wear, clutch damage,

or unexpected loss of engine braking.
Brake Pedal ®

Your MARUTI vehicle is equipped with front

disc brakes and rear drum brakes. Depressing

the brake pedal applies both sets of brakes.

You may hear occasional brake squeal when

you apply the brakes. This is a normal

condition caused by environmental factors

such as cold, wet, snow, etc.

If brake squeal is excessive and occurs

each time the brakes are applied, you

should have the brakes checked by

your MARUTI dealer.

A WARNING

Do not "ride" the brakes by applying

them continuously or resting your foot

on the pedal. This will result in

overheating of the brakes which could

cause unpredictable braking action,

longer stopping distances, or

permanent brake damage.

Accelerator Pedal ®

This pedal controls the speed of the engine.

Depressing the accelerator pedal increases

power output and speed.
70F-04-005E

The gear change pattern is shown in the

illustration. For details on how to use the

transmission, refer to USING THE

TRANSMISSION in the OPERATING YOUR

VEHICLE section.

55

6-2

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

Reduce your speed and change

down to a lower gear before going

down a long or steep hill. A lower

gear will allow the engine to provide

braking. Avoid riding the brakes or

they may overheat, resulting in brake

failure.

When driving on slippery roads, be

sure to slow down before changing

down. Excessive and or sudden

changes in engine speed may cause

loss of traction, which could cause

you to lose control.

Make sure that the vehicle is

completely stationary before you

change into reverse.
CAUTION

To help avoid clutch damage, do not

use the clutch pedal as a footrest

while driving or use the clutch to

keep the vehicle stationary on a hill.

Depress the clutch fully when

changing gear.

When changing gears or starting off,

do not race the engine. Racing the

engine can shorten engine life and

prevent smooth operation.
BRAKING

The distance needed to bring any vehicle to a

halt increases with the speed of the vehicle.

The braking distance needed, for example, at

60 km/h will be approximately 4 times greater

than the braking distance needed at 20 km/h.

Start to brake the vehicle when there is plenty

of distance between your vehicle and the

stopping point, and slow down gradually.

69

7-4

OPERATING YOUR VECHILE

60G-74E

RUNNING-IN

Servo assisted brakes

Your vehicle has servo assisted brakes which

works with the assistance of engine vacuum.

Do not switch off the engine while

vehicle is in motion, for example, while

driving down a hill as this will cause

loss of vacuum assistance leading to

reduction of braking efficiency

substantially.

If servo assistance is lost due to a stalled

engine or other failures, the system is still fully

operational on reserve power and you can

bring the vehicle to a complete stop by

pressing the brake pedal once and holding it

down. The reserve power is partly used up

each time you depress the brake pedal. Apply

smooth and constant pressure to the pedal.

Do not pump the pedal.
Even without reserve power in the

brake system, you can still stop the

vehicle by pressing the brake pedal

harder than normally required.

However, the stopping distance may be

lonaer.

On loose surface where the wheels can

easily loose traction (such as gravel,

etc.), the stopping distance required for

your vehicle may be greater than for a

comparable vehicle with a conventional

brake system. Allow for extra stopping

distance when driving on loose

surfaces.
CAUTION

The future performance and reliability

of the engine depends on the care and

restraint exercised during its early life.

It is especially important to observe the

following precautions during the initial

1000 km of vehicle operation.

• After starting, do not race the

engine. Warm it up gradually.

• Avoid prolonged vehicle operation at

a constant speed. Moving parts will

bed in better if you vary your speed.

• Do not exceed 100 km/h.

• Start off from a stop slowly. Avoid

full throttle starts.

• If possible, avoid hard braking,

especially during the first 300 km of

driving.

• Do not drive slowly with the

transmission in a high gear.

• Drive the vehicle at moderate engine

speeds.

7-5
70
If water gets into the brake drums,

brake performance may become poor

and unpredictable. After driving

through water or washing the

underside of the vehicle, test the brakes

while driving at a slow speed to see if

they have maintained their normal

effectiveness. If the brakes are less

effective than normal, dry them by

repeatedly applying the brakes while

driving slowly until the brakes have

regained their normal effectiveness.

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

60G-74E
DRIVING TIPS AND SAFE DRIVING

DRIVING TIPS AND SAFE DRIVING

High Speed Driving 8-1

Driving on Hills 8-1

Driving on Slippery Roads 8-2

Driving on Wet Roads 8-2

Do's and Don'ts for Safe Driving 8-3

73

DRIVING TIPS AND SAFE DRIVING

60G-74E

70F-06-001

Wear Your Seat Belts at All Times.

The driver and passengers should

be property restrained at all times,

using the seatbelts provided. Refer

to the "SEATBELTS" section for

instructions on proper use of the

seatbelts.

Never drive while under the

influence of alcohol or other drugs.

Alcohol and drugs can seriously

impair your ability to drive safely,

greatly increasing the risk of injury

to yourself and others. You should

also avoid driving when you are

tired, sick, irritated, or under stress.
HIGH-SPEED DRIVING

When driving at a high-speed, pay attention to

the following:

• Stopping distance progressively increases

with vehicle speed. Apply the brakes far

enough ahead of the stopping point to

allow for the extra stopping distance.

• On rainy days, "Aquaplaning" can occur.

"Aquaplaning" is the loss of direct contact

between the road surface and the vehicle's

tyres due to a water film forming between

them. Steering or braking the vehicle while

"Aquaplaning" can be very difficult, and

loss of control can occur. Keep speed

down when the road surface is wet.

• At high speeds, the vehicle may be

affected by side winds. Therefore, reduce

speed and be prepared for unexpected

buffeting, which can occur at the exits of

tunnels, when passing by a cut of a hill, or

when being overtaken by large vehicles,

etc.

DRIVING ON HILLS

• When climbing steep hills, the vehicle may

begin to slow down and show a lack of

power. If this happens, you should change

to a lower gear so that the engine will again

be operating in its normal power range.

Change rapidly to prevent the vehicle from

losing momentum.
When driving down a hill, the engine

should be used for braking by shifting to

next lower gear.

Try not to hold the brake pedal down

too long or too often while going down

a steep or long hill. This could cause

the brakes to overheat, resulting in

reduced braking efficiency. Failure to

take this precaution could result in loss

of vehicle control.

CAUTION

When descending a down hill, NEVER

turn the ignition key to the "OFF"

position. Emission control system and

automatic transmission (if equipped)

damage may result.

DRIVING ON SLIPPERY ROADS

Under wet road conditions you should drive

at a lower speed than on dry roads due to

possible slippage of tyres during braking.

When driving on icy, snowcovered, or muddy

roads, reduce your speed and avoid sudden

acceleration, abrupt braking, or sharp steering

movements.

8-1