1999 SUZUKI BALENO check engine light

6OG-74E
STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS

ACC

Accessories such as the radio can operate,

but the engine is off.

ON

This is the normal operating position. All

electrical systems are on.

START

This is the position for starting the engine using

the starter motor. The key should be released

from this position as soon as the engine starts.

Never remove the ignition key while

the vehicle is moving. The steering

wheel will lock and you will not be

able to steer the vehicle.

Do not leave children alone In a

parked vehicle. Unattended children

could cause accidental movement of

the vehicle, which could result in

severe personal Injury.

Always remove the key when parked

to prevent unintentional operation of

the vehicle and to improve security.
LIGHTING/TURN SIGNAL

CONTROL LEVER

CAUTION

Do not use the starter motor for

more than 15 seconds at a time. If

the engine does not start; wait 15

seconds before trying again. If the

engine does not start after several

attempts, check the fuel and ignition

systems or consult your MARUTI

dealer.

Do not leave the ignition switch in

the "ON" position if the engine is not

running as the battery will

discharge.
60G-04-003

This control lever is located on the outboard

side of the steering column. Operate the lever

as described below.

Lighting Operation

To turn the lights on or off, twist the knob on

the end of the lever. There are three positions:

in the "OFF" position all lights are off; in the

middle position the front parking lights, tail-

lights, registration plate light, and instrument

lights are on, but the headlights are off; in the

third position the headlights come on in

addition to the other lights.

33

4-2

STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS
60G-74E

With the headlights on, push the lever forward

to switch to the high beams (main beams) or

pull the lever toward you to switch to the low

beams. When the high beams (main beams)

are on, a light on the instrument panel will

come on. To flash the high beams (main

beams) pull the lever slightly towards you and

release it.

Lights "On" Reminder (if Equipped)

A buzzer/chime sounds to remind you to turn

off the lights if they are left on when the ignition

key is removed and the driver's door is opened.
Turn Signal Operation

With the ignition switch in the "ON" position,

move the lever up or down to activate the left

or right turn signals.

Normal Turn Signal

Move the lever clockwise until it clicks to signal

a right turn or anticlockwise to signal a left

turn. When the turn is completed, the signal

will cancel and the lever will return to its normal

position.
6OG-04-006

Lane Change Signal

Some times, such as when changing lanes,

the steering wheel is not turned far enough

to cancel the turn signal. For convenience,

you can flash the turn signal by moving the

lever part way and holding it there. The

lever will return to its normal position when

you release it.

4-3
34
60G-04-006

60G-04-005

60G-04-004E

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

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
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

SPARK PLUGS

60G-09-010E

CAUTION

The air cleaner element should be

replaced every 40,000 km. More

frequent replacement is necessary

when you drive under dusty conditions.
60G-09-011E

You should inspect spark plugs periodically

for carbon deposits. When carbon

accumulates on a spark plug, a strong spark

may not be produced. Remove carbon

deposits with a wire or pin and adjust the spark

plug gap.
60G-09-012E

CAUTION

When disconnecting the spark plug

cables, pull on the boot, not on the

cable itself. Pulling on the cable can

damage it.

When installing the spark plugs,

screw them in with your fingers to

avoid stripping the threads.Tighten

with a torque wrench to 2.0-3.0 kgm

(20.0-30.0 N-m, 15.0-22.0 Ib-ft). Do

not allow contaminants to enter the

engine through the spark plug holes

when the plugs are removed.

Never use spark plugs with the

wrong thread size or length.

97

9-14

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

60G-74E

BRAKES

70F-07-026E

CAUTION

When replacing spark plugs, you

should use the brand and type

specified for your vehicle. For the

specified plugs, refer to the

"SPECIFICATIONS" section at the end

of this book.
60G-09-013E

NOTE:

If you experience some firing problem of spark

plugs, such as, hard engine-starting, misfire

etc., the cause may be located not only on

spark plugs but also on deteriorated ignition

wiring (generally, used for more than 80,000

km or five years). If spark plug replacement

does not solve the problem, have the ignition

wiring and other ignition system inspected by

your MARUTI dealer.
60Q-09-014E

Brake Fluid

Check the brake fluid level by looking at the

reservoir in the engine compartment. Check

that the fluid level is between the "MAX" and

"MIN" lines. If the brake fluid level is near the

"MIN" line, fill it up to the "MAX" line with SAE

J1703 or DOT-3 brake fluid.

Failure to follow the guidelines below

can result in personal injury or serious

damage to the brake system.

• If the brake fluid in the reservoir

drops below a certain level, the brake

warning light on the instrument

9-15
98

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