1999 SUZUKI BALENO catalytic converter

60G-74E
BEFORE DRIVING

BEFORE DRIVING

Fuel Recommendation 3-1

Remote Keyless Entry System (if equipped) 3-2

Keys 3-2

Door Locks 3-3

Windows 3-5

Mirrors 3-8

Front Seat Adjustment 3-9

Driver Seat Height Adjuster 3-10

Adjustable Head Restraints (if equipped) 3-10

Seat Belts 3-11

BEFORE DRIVING

60G-74E

FUEL RECOMMENDATION

UNLEADED

FUEL ONLY

You must use unleaded petrol with an

octane number (RON) of 87 or higher. Your

vehicle is fitted with a restrictor in the fuel

filler pipe which will not allow the use of

large nozzle used for dispensing leaded fuel

at filling station. A label is also attached

near the fuel filler pipe of your vehicle that

states: "UNLEADED FUEL ONLY".

CAUTION

Use of leaded fuel in vehicle equipped

with catalytic converter is prohibited,

because leads deactivates the pollutant

reducing components of catalytic

converter and may result in permanent

damage to catalytic converter.
Petrol/Ethanol Blends

Blends of unleaded petrol and ethanol (grain

alcohol), also known as gasohol, are

commercially available in some areas.

Blends of this type may be used in your

vehicle if they are no more than 10%

ethanol. Make sure this petrol-ethanol blend

has octane ratings no lower than those

recommended for petrol.

Petrol/Methanol Blends

Blends of unleaded petrol and methanol (wood

alcohol) are also commercially

available in some areas. DO NOT USE

fuels containing more than 5% methanol

under any circumstances. Fuel system

damage or vehicle performance problems

resulting from the use of such fuels are not

the responsibility of MARUTI and may not

be covered under Warranty.

Fuels containing 5% or less methanol may

be suitable for use in your vehicle if they

contain cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors.

NOTE:

If you are not satisfied with the driveability

or fuel economy of your vehicle when you

are using a petmrol/alcohol blend, you should

switch back to unleaded petrol containing no

alcohol.
CAUTION

Be careful not to spill fuel containing

alcohol while refuelling. Fuels

containing alcohol can cause paint

damage, which is not covered under

Warranty.

CAUTION

The fuel tank has an air space to allow

for fuel expansion in hot weather. If you

continue to add fuel after the filler

nozzle has automatically shut off or an

initial blowback occurs, the air chamber

will become full. Exposure to heat when

fully fuelled in this manner will result

in leakage due to fuel expansion. To

prevent such fuel leakage, stop filling

after the filler nozzle has automatically

shut off, or when using an alternative

non automatic system, initial vent

blowback occurs.

3-1

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

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

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.

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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.

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