1999 SUZUKI BALENO Owners Manual

60G-74E
INSTRUMENT PANEL

60G-05-024

Dehumidifying

Push in the A/C button, and the desired

function 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.

NOTE:

Because the air conditioner dehumidifies the

air, turning it on will help keep the windows

clear, even when blowing heated air using the

DEMIST or HEATER & DEMIST functions.
60G-05-025

NOTE:

There are two types of air conditioning

systems used in MARUTI vehicles. One type

uses refrigerant CFC-12, commonly called R-

12; the other type uses the new refrigerant

HFC-134a, commonly called R-134a. For each

system, the correct refrigerant must be used.

To identify the system, a label that states

"R134a" or "HFC 134a" is stuck on the front

side of the engine compartment if the system

uses R-134a refrigerant.
CAUTION

Using the wrong refrigerant may

damage the air conditioning system.

Use correct refrigerant only. Do not mix

the two refrigerants.

60G-74E
5-14

OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT

OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT

Parking Brake Lever 6-1

Pedals 6-2

Gear Lever 6-2

Fuel Filler Cap 6-3

Folding Rear Seats 6-4

Sun Visor 6-5

Interior Light Switch 6-5

Assist Grips 6-5

Bonnet 6-6

Cup Holder (if equipped) 6-7

Tyre Changing Tools 6-7

Luggage Compartment Trim 6-8

Trunk (Boot) Light 6-8

Front Seat Back Pocket (if equipped) 6-9

Rear spoiler with Stop lamp (if equipped) 6-9

Alloy Wheels (if equipped) 6-9

Power Antenna (if equipped) 6-10

Leather Cover (if equipped) 6-10

High Mount Stop Lamp 6-10

53

60G-74E
INSTRUMENT PANEL

60G-05-024

Dehumidifying

Push in the A/C button, and the desired

function 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.

NOTE:

Because the air conditioner dehumidifies the

air, turning it on will help keep the windows

clear, even when blowing heated air using the

DEMIST or HEATER & DEMIST functions.
60G-05-025

NOTE:

There are two types of air conditioning

systems used in MARUTI vehicles. One type

uses refrigerant CFC-12, commonly called R-

12; the other type uses the new refrigerant

HFC-134a, commonly called R-134a. For each

system, the correct refrigerant must be used.

To identify the system, a label that states

"R134a" or "HFC 134a" is stuck on the front

side of the engine compartment if the system

uses R-134a refrigerant.
CAUTION

Using the wrong refrigerant may

damage the air conditioning system.

Use correct refrigerant only. Do not mix

the two refrigerants.

60G-74E
5-14

OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT

OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT

Parking Brake Lever 6-1

Pedals 6-2

Gear Lever 6-2

Fuel Filler Cap 6-3

Folding Rear Seats 6-4

Sun Visor 6-5

Interior Light Switch 6-5

Assist Grips 6-5

Bonnet 6-6

Cup Holder (if equipped) 6-7

Tyre Changing Tools 6-7

Luggage Compartment Trim 6-8

Trunk (Boot) Light 6-8

Front Seat Back Pocket (if equipped) 6-9

Rear spoiler with Stop lamp (if equipped) 6-9

Alloy Wheels (if equipped) 6-9

Power Antenna (if equipped) 6-10

Leather Cover (if equipped) 6-10

High Mount Stop Lamp 6-10

53

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

OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTS

60G-74E

FUEL FILLER CAP

60G-06-002

The fuel filler cap is located on the left rear

side of the vehicle. The fuel filler lid can be

unlocked by pulling up the opener lever located

on the outboard side of the driver's seat and

locked by simply closing the lid.

Remove the fuel filler cap slowly. The

fuel may be under pressure and may

spray out, causing injury.
Petrol Is extremely flammable. Do not

smoke when refuelling, and make sure

there are no open flames or sparks in

the area.
60G-06-OO3

The fuel tank filler cap has a "screw-on ratcheting

type" feature.

• To remove - turn the cap counterclockwise.

Turn the cap slowly to allow any residual

pressure to escape.

• To install - turn the cap clockwise and

tighten it securely until a "ratcheting"

(clicking) sound is heard. The "ratcheting"

sound indicates that the cap is on properly.

6-3
56

60G-74E
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT

FOLDING REAR SEATS

70F-04-008E

If you need to replace the fuel cap, use

only a cap specified for your model.

Using an improper fuel cap can cause

a serious malfunction of the fuel

system. You can get the correct

replacement cap from your MARUTI

dealer.
63B-06-013

The rear seat of your vehicle can be folded

forward ro provide additional luggage space.

To lower the seatback, hook the webbing of

both outboard lap-shoulder belts in the belt

hangers, pull up the lock knobs (© and @)

simultaneously and fold forward the seatback.

To raise the seatback, lift it up and push back

until it locks into place.

When you move a seatback, make sure

the belt webbing is hooked in the belt

hangers (if equipped) so the seat belts

are not caught by the seatback, seat

hinge, or seat latch.This helps prevent

damage to the belt system.
63B-06-014

When returning a rear seat to the

normal position, make sure that

movement of the seatback is

unobstructed and the seatback is

securely latched.

57

6-4

OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTS

60G-74E

SUN VISOR
INTERIOR LIGHT SWITCH

70F-04-024

Luggage or other cargo should be

stowed in the luggage compartment

with the rear seat in an upright position,

whenever possible. If you need to carry

cargo in the passenger compartment

with the rear seat back folded forward,

be sure to secure the cargo or it may

be thrown about, causing injury. Never

pile cargo higher than the seatbacks.
The sun visors can be pulled down to block

glare coming through the wind screen, or they

can be unhooked and turned to the side to

block glare coming through the side window.

CAUTION

When unhooking and hooking a sun

visor, be sure to handle it by the hard

plastic parts or the sun visor can be

damaged.
60G-06-004

This light switch has three positions which

function as described below:

© The light comes on and stays on

regardless of whether the door is open or

closed.

© The light comes on when the door is

opened.

® The light remains off even when the door

is opened.

NOTE:

Both Front and Rear doors are involved in

lighting operation of the interior light.

6-5
58

60G-74E
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT

ASSIST GRIPS
BONNET

70F-04-015

Assist grips are provided for passenger

convenience.

Do not hang Herns on the assist grips.

They could obstruct the driver's view,

resulting in an accident, or could be

thrown about in an accident or abrupt

manoeuvre, causing injury.
60G-06-005

To open the bonnet:

1) Pull the bonnet release handle located on

the outboard side of the driver's side of

the instrument panel. This will disengage

the bonnet lock halfway.
60G-06-006

2)
Push the under-bonnet release lever

sideways with your finger, as shown in the

illustration. While pushing the lever, lift up

the bonnet.

59
6-6

OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTS

60G-74E

CUP HOLDER (if equipped)
TYRE CHANGING TOOLS

60G-06-007

3)
Continue to lift up the bonnet until it is high

enough to support with the prop rod.

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.
60G-06-008

To use the cup holder, pull it out fully. After

using the holder, push it back in.

Do not use the cup holder to hold cups

containing hot liquids, or objects other

than cups. Objects in the cup holder

may be thrown about during a sudden

stop or impact, and could cause

personal injury.
60G-06-009

The jack, wheel wrench and jack crank are

stowed in the luggage compartment behind

the rear seat.

To remove the jack, turn its shaft

counterclockwise and pull the jack out of the

storage bracket. To stow the jack, place it in

the storage bracket and turn the shaft

clockwise until the jack is securely held in

place.

6-7
60

60G-74E
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT

LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT TRIM TRUNK (BOOT) LIGHT (if equipped)

Luggage or other cargo placed in the luggage

compartment are hidden from view by a

luggage compartment trim.

Do not carry items on top of the

luggage compartment trim, even if they

are small and light. Objects on top of

the trim could be thrown about In an

accident, causing injury, or could

obstruct the driver's rear view.

60G-06-010
6OG-O6-O11

The jack should be used only to change

wheels. It is important to read the

jacking Instructions in the

EMERGENCY SERVICE section of this

manual before attempting to use the

jack.
When you open the trunk (boot) lid, the trunk

(boot) light comes on and remains on as

long as you keep the lid open.

Do not leave the boot (trunk) lid open

for a long time, or the battery will

discharge.

After using the jack, jack crank and

wheel wrench, be sure to stow them

securely or they can cause injury if an

accident occurs.

61

6-8

OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTS
60G-74E

FRONT SEAT BACK POCKET

(if equipped)
REAR SPOILER WITH STOP LAMP

Other Controls (if equipped)

63B-06-022

This pocket is provided for holding light and

soft things such as gloves, newspapers or

magazines.

Do not put hard or breakable objects

In the pocket. If an accident occurs,

objects such as bottles, cans etc. can

injure the occupants in the rear seat.
60G-50-002E

Rear Spoiler is provided to improve

aerodynamic stability at higher speeds and

better asthetics. Stop Lamp (if equipped) is

fitted inside the Rear Spoiler. The stop lamp

will glow as and when the Brake Pedal is

depressed.

CAUTION

Never close the dicky door too hard or

with jerk or lift the dicky by holding

spoiler, rear spoiler may get damaged.

Close the dicky door gently and make

sure it is closed properly.
ALLOY WHEELS

Maintenance with tyre wears (if equipped)

60G-50-003E

Wider alloy wheels are provided in the vehicle

for better grip on the road and more fuel

economy. For balancing of wheels please

consult MARUTI authorised workshop.

CAUTION

Never try to remove the tyre from alloy

wheel rim in convention manner (by

hammering), it will damage the wheel

rim. Always insist on tyre changing

machine.

6-9
62

60G-74E

OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT

POWER ANTENNA Other Controls

(if equipped)
LEATHER COVER

Steering Column Controls (if equipped)

60G-50-004E

60G-50-006E

Power antenna on the rear side will

automatically come up on switching on the

AM/FM receiver fitted in the vehicle.
For better control on steering wheel leather

cover is provided.
HIGH MOUNT STOP LAMP

(if equipped)

High mount stop lamp is provided with your

vehicle and is fitted on rear parcel tray. The

stop lamp will glow as when the brake pedal

will be depressed.

To change the bulb of the stop lamp, remove

the clips at both sides of the cover, by

pressing the inner pin inside so that the clip

gets loose and remove the bulb on turning

it anticlock-wise

The rating of bulb is 21W/12V.There are one

bulb in high mount stop lamp.

63

6-10

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