1999 SUZUKI BALENO Owners Manual

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

Hitting curbs and running over rocks

can damage tyres and affect wheel

alignment. Be sure to have tyres and

wheel alignment checked periodically

by your MARUTI dealer.

4) Check for loose wheel nuts.

5) Check that there are no nails, stones, or

other objects sticking into the tyres.

Your MARUTI is equipped with tyres

which are all the same type and size.

This is important to ensure proper

steering and handling of the vehicle.

Never mix tyres of different size or type

on the four wheels of your vehicle. The

size and type of tyres used should be

only those approved by MARUTI as

standard or optional equipment for

your vehicle.
Replacing the wheels and tyres

equipped on your vehicle with certain

combinations of aftermarket wheels

and tyres can significantly change the

steering and handling characteristics

of your vehicle. Therefore, use only

those wheel and tyre combinations

approved by MARUTI as standard or

optional equipment for your vehicle.

CAUTION

Replacing the original tyres with tyres

of a different size may result in false

speedometer or odometer readings.
60G-09-019E

Tyre Rotation

To avoid uneven wear of your tyres and to

prolong their life, rotate the tyres as illustrated.

Tyres should be rotated every 5,000 km as

recommended in the periodic maintenance

schedule. After rotation, adjust front and rear

tyre pressures to the specification listed on

your vehicle's Tyre Inflation Pressure Label.

103

9-20

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

60G-74E

60G-06-009

5)
Changing Wheels

To change a wheel, use the following

procedure:

1) Remove the jack , tools and spare wheel

from the vehicle

2) Loosen, but do not remove the wheel nuts. '

3) Jack up the vehicle (follow the jacking

instructions in the EMERGENCY

SERVICE section in this manual)

4) Remove the wheel nuts and wheel.
60G-09-020E

Install the new wheel and replace the

wheel nuts with their cone shaped end

facing the wheel. Tighten each nut snugly

by hand until the wheel is securely seated

on the hub.

Lower the jack and fully tighten the nuts

[to 8.5 kg-m (61.5 Ib-ft)] in a crisscross

fashion with a wrench as shown in the

illustration.
60G-09-021

Full Wheel Cover (if equipped)

Your vehicle includes a jack crank, which has

a flat end. Use the jack crank to remove the

full wheel cap, as shown above.

9-21
104

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

60G-74E
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

60G-09-026

Always be sure to replace a blown fuse

with a fuse of the correct amperage.

Never use a substitute such as

aluminium foil or wire to replace a

blown fuse. If you replace a fuse and

the new one blows In a short period of

time, you may have a major electrical

problem. Have your vehicle Inspected

immediately by your MARUTI dealer.
60G-09-027E

NOTE:

Make sure that the fuse box always carries

spare fuses.
70F-07-04SE

60G-09-028E

107

9-24

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

60G-74E

BULB REPLACEMENT

Light bulbs can be hot enough to

burn your finger right after being

turned off.This is true especially for

halogen headlight bulbs. Replace

the bulbs after they become cool

enough.

The headlight bulbs are filled with

pressurized halogen gas. They can

burst and injure you if they are hit

or dropped. Handle them carefully.

CAUTION

The oils from your skin may cause a

halogen bulb to overheat and burst

when the lights are on. Grasp a new

bulb with a clean cloth.

CAUTION

Frequent replacement of a bulb

indicates the need for an inspection of

the electrical system. This should be

carried out by your MARUTI dealer.
60G-09-029

Interior Light

Press down the lens by using a plain screw

driver covered with a soft cloth as shown. To

install it, simply push it back in.

The bulb can be removed by simply pulling it

out. When replacing the bulb, make sure that

the contact springs are holding the bulb

securely.
60G-09-030

NOTE:

If the air cleaner inlet duct (A) obstructs

replacement of the bulbs in the right headlight

housing, remove the duct (A).

After reinstalling the duct, make sure it is

secured in place

9-25
108

60G-74E
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

60G-09-031

Headlights

Open the bonnet. Disconnect the coupler.Turn

the lock ring counterclockwise and remove it.

Remove the sealing rubber.

NOTE:

Your vehicle is provided with two spare

headlight bulbs for replacement in

emegency.
60G-09-037

Push the retaining spring forward and unhook

it. Then remove the bulb. Install a new bulb in

the reverse order of removal.

NOTE:

Your vehicle is provided with two spare

headlight bulbs for replacement in emergency

situations.
70F-07-0S0E

Front Clearance/Turn Signal Light, Side

Turn Signal Light, rear Combination

Light, Registration Plate Light.

To remove a bulb holder from a light housing,

turn the holder counterclockwise and pull it

out. To install the holder, push the holder in

and turn it clockwise.

Two types (small oval and round) of bulb are

used for these lights. To remove and install a

small oval bulb, simply pull out or push in the

bulb.

109

9-26

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

60G-74E

70F-07-051E

To remove a round bulb from a bulb holder,

push in the bulb and turn it counterclockwise.

To install a new bulb, push it in and turn it

clockwise. You can access the individual bulb

holders as described above:
60G-09-032

Front clearance light (A)

Open the bonnet.

Front turn signal light (B)

Trust this replacement job to your authorized

MARUTI dealer as the front bumper and the

headlight housing must be removed for this

job.
70F-07-054

Side turn signal light

Remove the lens by using a plain screw driver

covered with a soft cloth.

9-27
110

60G-74E
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

60G-09-033

60G-09-034

60G-09-035

Rear combination light (tail, stop, turn Registration plate tight Trunk (boot) light (if equipped)

signal, etc.) Undo the two screws and remove the light Turn the lens counterclockwise and pull it off.

Undo the screws that secure the housing and housing.

remove the housing by sliding in the direction

of the white arrow in the illustration.

111

9-28

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

60G-74E

WIPER BLADES

60G-09-036

High mount stop light

Trust this replacement job to your authorized

MARUTI dealer.
70F-07-059

If the wiper blades become brittle or damaged,

or make streaks when wiping, replace the

wiper blades.

To install new wiper blades, follow the

procedure below.

CAUTION

To avoid scratching or breaking the

window, do not let the wiper arm strike

the windshield while replacing the

wiper blade.
NOTE:

Some wiper blades may be different from the

ones described here depending on vehicle

specifications. If so consult your MARUTI

dealer for proper replacement method.

The left and the right wiper arm

assemblies are different from each

other. In case you have to remove the

wiper arm assemblies for any reason,

remember not to interchange the two

while fitting them back. Wrong fitment

may lead to windshield breakage.

9-29
112

60G-74E
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

70F-07-060

For windshield wipers:

1. Hold the wiper arm away from the

window.
72F-09-008

2. Squeeze lock lever (A) towards wiper arms

(B) and remove the wiper frame from the

arm as shown.

113

9-30

60G-74E
EMERGENCY SERVICE

EMERGENCY SERVICE

Jacking Instructions 10-1

Jump Starting Instructions 10-2

Towing 10-4

Emergency Remedies 10-4

Warning Triangle 10-5

115