1999 SUZUKI BALENO operating your vehicle

60G-74E

TABLE OF CONTENTS
MAINTENANCE SERVICE RECORD

WARRANTY POLICY

BEFORE DRIVING

STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS

INSTRUMENT PANEL

OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT

OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE

DRIVING TIPS AND SAFE DRIVING

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

EMERGENCY SERVICE

BODY WORK CARE

GENERAL INFORMATION

SPECIFICATIONS

SERVICE NETWORK

60G-74E

FOREWORD

This manual is an essential part of your

vehicle and should be kept with the vehicle

at all times. Please read this manual carefully

and review it from time to time. It contains

important information on safety, operation,

and maintenance. It is especially important

that this manual remain with the vehicle at

the time of resale. The next owner will need

this information also.

You are invited to avail the three free

inspection services as described in this

manual.Three free inspection coupons are

attached to this manual. Please show this

manual to your dealer when you take your

vehicle for any service.

To prolong the life of your vehicle and reduce

maintenance cost, the periodic maintenance

must be carried out according to the

"PERIODIC MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE"

described in "INSPECTION AND

MAINTENANCE" section of this manual.

Periodic maintenance is essential for

preventing trouble and accidents to ensure

your satisfaction and sefety.

Daily Inspection and Care as per "DAILY

INSPECTION CHECKLIST described in the

"INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE" section

of this Manual is essential for prolonging the

operating lite of the vehicle and for safe driving.
MARUTI UDYOG LIMITED believes in

conservation and protection of Earth's

natural resources.

To that end, we encourage every vehicle

owner to recycle, trade in, or properly

dispose of, as appropriate, used motor oil,

coolant, and' other fluids; batteries; and

tyres.

MARUTI UDYOG LIMITED

All information in this manual is

based on the latest product

information available at the time of

publication. Due to improvements

or other changes, there may be

discrepancies between information

in this manual and your vehicle.

Maruti reserves the right to make

changes at any time without notice.

This vehicle may not comply with

standards or regulations of other

countries. Before attempting to

register this vehicle in any other

country, check all applicable

regulations and make any necessary

modifications.
IMPORTANT

WARNING/CAUTION/NOTE

Please read this manual and follow its

instructions carefully. To emphasise special

information, the words WARNING,

CAUTION, and NOTE have special

meanings. Information following these signal

words should be carefully reviewed.

WARNING

The personal safety of the driver,

passengers, or by standers may be

involved. Disregarding this information

could result in their injury or death.

CAUTION

These instructions point out special

service procedures or precautions that

must be followed to avoid damaging

the vehicle.

NOTE:

This provides special information to make

maintenance easier or important instructions

clearer.

0-1
3

60G-74E

MODIFICATION WARNING

60G-00-004

The circle with a slash in this manual

means "Don't do this" or "Don't let this

happen".
Do not modify this vehicle. Modification

could adversely affect safety, handling,

performance, or durability and may

contravene regulations. In addition,

damage or performance problems

resulting from modification may not be

covered under warranty.
Improper installation of mobile

communication equipment such as

cellular talephones or CB (Citizen's

Band) radios may cause electronic

interference with your vehicle's ignition

system, resulting in vehicle

performance problems. Consult your

MARUTI dealer or qualified service

technician for advice on installing such

mobile communication equipment.

0-2
Copying, quoting or reproduction of any

part of this manual is not permitted without

explicit approval by MARUTI UDYOG

LIMITED.

60G-74E

WARRANTY POLICY

WARRANTY POLICY

Maruti Udyog Limited (hereinafter called "Maruti"), warrants that each

new Maruti vehicle distributed in India by Maruti and sold by an

authorised Maruti dealer will be free, under normal use and service,

from any defects in material and workmanship at the time of

manufacture SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND

CONDITIONS:

(1) Qualification:

To qualify for this warranty:

(a) The Maruti vehicle must be delivered by Maruti authorised

dealer and set-up, serviced by Maruti authorised dealer/

service station.

(b) The warranty registration card in respect of each vehicle

must be completed by the dealer at the time of delivery

of the vehicle and dealer should retain the same.

(2) Term:

The term of the warranty shall be twenty four (24) months

or 40,000 kilometers (whichever occurs first) from the date

of delivery to the first owner.

(3) Maruti's Warranty Obligation:

If any defect(s) should be found in a Maruti vehicle within the

term stipulated above, Maruti's only obligation is to repair or

replace at its sole discretion any part shown to be defective,

with a new part or the equivalent at no cost to the owner for

parts or labour, when Maruti acknowledges that such a defect

is attributable to faulty material or workmanship at the time of

manufacture. The owner is responsible of any repair or

replacements which are not covered by this warranty.
(4) Limitation:

This warranty shall not apply to:

(a) normal maintenance service required other than the three

free services, including without limitation, oil and fluid

changes, headlight aiming, fastener retightening, wheel

balancing, wheelalignment and tyre rotation, cleaning of

injectors, adjustments of carburettor, ignition timing, clutch

and valve clearance.

(b) the replacement of normal wear parts including without

limitation, bulbs, battery, tyres and tubes, spark plugs, belts,

hoses, filters, wiper blades, brushes, contact points, fuses,

clutch disc, brake shoes, brake pads, cable and all rubber

parts (except oil seal and glass run).

(c) any vehicle which has been used for competition or racing.

(d) any repairs or replacement required as a result of accidents

or collision.

(e) any defects caused by misuse, negligence, abnormal use or

insufficient care.

(f) any vehicle which has been modified or altered, including

without limitation, the installation of performance accessories.

(g) any vehicle on which parts or accessories not approved by

Maruti have been used.

(h) any vehicle which has not been operated in accordance with

the operating instructions in the Maruti Owner's Manual,

(i) any vehicle which has not received, during the warranty

term, the service inspections prescribed in the Maruti

Owner's Manual.

G) any vehicle which has been assembled, disassembled,

adjusted or repaired by other than an Maruti authorised

2-1

60G-74E

MODIFICATION WARNING

60G-00-004

The circle with a slash in this manual

means "Don't do this" or "Don't let this

happen".
Do not modify this vehicle. Modification

could adversely affect safety, handling,

performance, or durability and may

contravene regulations. In addition,

damage or performance problems

resulting from modification may not be

covered under warranty.
Improper installation of mobile

communication equipment such as

cellular talephones or CB (Citizen's

Band) radios may cause electronic

interference with your vehicle's ignition

system, resulting in vehicle

performance problems. Consult your

MARUTI dealer or qualified service

technician for advice on installing such

mobile communication equipment.

0-2
Copying, quoting or reproduction of any

part of this manual is not permitted without

explicit approval by MARUTI UDYOG

LIMITED.

60G-74E

WARRANTY POLICY

WARRANTY POLICY

Maruti Udyog Limited (hereinafter called "Maruti"), warrants that each

new Maruti vehicle distributed in India by Maruti and sold by an

authorised Maruti dealer will be free, under normal use and service,

from any defects in material and workmanship at the time of

manufacture SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND

CONDITIONS:

(1) Qualification:

To qualify for this warranty:

(a) The Maruti vehicle must be delivered by Maruti authorised

dealer and set-up, serviced by Maruti authorised dealer/

service station.

(b) The warranty registration card in respect of each vehicle

must be completed by the dealer at the time of delivery

of the vehicle and dealer should retain the same.

(2) Term:

The term of the warranty shall be twenty four (24) months

or 40,000 kilometers (whichever occurs first) from the date

of delivery to the first owner.

(3) Maruti's Warranty Obligation:

If any defect(s) should be found in a Maruti vehicle within the

term stipulated above, Maruti's only obligation is to repair or

replace at its sole discretion any part shown to be defective,

with a new part or the equivalent at no cost to the owner for

parts or labour, when Maruti acknowledges that such a defect

is attributable to faulty material or workmanship at the time of

manufacture. The owner is responsible of any repair or

replacements which are not covered by this warranty.
(4) Limitation:

This warranty shall not apply to:

(a) normal maintenance service required other than the three

free services, including without limitation, oil and fluid

changes, headlight aiming, fastener retightening, wheel

balancing, wheelalignment and tyre rotation, cleaning of

injectors, adjustments of carburettor, ignition timing, clutch

and valve clearance.

(b) the replacement of normal wear parts including without

limitation, bulbs, battery, tyres and tubes, spark plugs, belts,

hoses, filters, wiper blades, brushes, contact points, fuses,

clutch disc, brake shoes, brake pads, cable and all rubber

parts (except oil seal and glass run).

(c) any vehicle which has been used for competition or racing.

(d) any repairs or replacement required as a result of accidents

or collision.

(e) any defects caused by misuse, negligence, abnormal use or

insufficient care.

(f) any vehicle which has been modified or altered, including

without limitation, the installation of performance accessories.

(g) any vehicle on which parts or accessories not approved by

Maruti have been used.

(h) any vehicle which has not been operated in accordance with

the operating instructions in the Maruti Owner's Manual,

(i) any vehicle which has not received, during the warranty

term, the service inspections prescribed in the Maruti

Owner's Manual.

G) any vehicle which has been assembled, disassembled,

adjusted or repaired by other than an Maruti authorised

2-1

60Q-74E
BEFORE DRIVING

70F-01-025

Your vehicle is equipped with the shoulder

anchor height adjusters for the front seat belts,

adjust the shoulder anchor height so that the

shoulder belt rides on the center of the

outboard shoulder. To adjust the shoulder

anchor height, slide the anchor up or down

while pulling the lock knob out. After

adjustment, make sure that the acnhor is

securely locked.

No modifications or additions of any

sort should be made to the seat belt or

its operating mechanism.
60G-03-017

Seat Belt Hanger (if equipped)

When you move a seatback, make sure

the belt webbing is hooked in the belt

hangers so the seat belts are not

caught by the seatback, seat hinge, or

seat latch. This helps prevent damage

to the belt system.
60G-03-018E

Lap belt

On this belt the adjuster is incorporated in

the tongue unit.

To tighten the belt, pull the free end of the

belt across alongside the lap strap until it

is adjusted to a snug comfortable position.

27

3-14

BEFORE DRIVING

60G-74E

60G-03-019E

To lengthen, release the tongue from the

buckle unit, pull the tongue (adjuster) in the

direction of the arrow, at right angles to the

belt. The tongue should then be refitted into

the buckle unit and the belt tightened as

previously described.
60G-03-020E

NOTE:

To identify the center seat belt buckle catch

and tongue in the rear seat, "CENTER" is

moulded on the buckle catch and tongue of

the center lap belt. The buckle catches are

designed so a buckle tongue can not be

inserted into the wrong buckle catch.
70F-01-030

Child Restraint Systems

MARUTI highly recommends that you use a

child restraint system to restrain infants and

small children. Many different types of child

restraint systems are available; make sure that

the restaint system you select meets

applicable safety standards.

All child restraint systems are designed to be

secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or the

lap portion of lap-shoulder belts. Whenever

possible, Maruti recommends that child

restraint systems be installed on the rear seat.

According to accident statistics children are

safer when properly restrained in rear seating

positions than in front seating positions.

3-15
28

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

STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS

WINDSCREEN WIPER AND

WASHER LEVER

60G-04-007E

Windscreen Wipers

To turn the windscreen wipers on, move the

lever down to one of the three operating

positions. In the "INT position (if equipped),

the wipers operate intermittently. The "INT'

position is very convenient for driving in mist

or light rain. In the "LO" position, the wipers

operate at a steady low speed. In the "HI"

position, the wipers operate at a steady high

speed. To turn off the wipers, move the lever

back to the "OFF position.
60G-04-008E

If the lever is equipped with "INT TIME" control,

turn the control toward the "SLOW" or "FAST'

positions to adjust the intermittent wiper

operation to the desired interval.

60G-04-011E

The operation of windscreen wiper and washer

Type-2 is same as Type-1.
60G-04-009E

Windscreen Washer

To spray windscreen washer fluid, pull the

lever toward you. The windscreen wipers will

automatically turn on at low speed if

they are not already on and the "INT" position

is equipped.

To prevent windscreen icing in cold

weather, turn on the defroster to heat

the windscreen before and during

windscreen washer use.

Do not use radiator antifreeze in the

windscreen washer reservoir. It can

severely impair visibility when

sprayed on the windscreen, and can

also damage your vehicle's paint.

35

4-4

STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS
60G-74E

CAUTION

To help prevent damage to the

windscreen wiper and washer system

components, you should take the

following precautions:

• Do not continue to hold in the lever

when there is no windscreen washer

fluid being sprayed or the washer

motor can be damaged.

• Do not attempt to remove dirt from

a dry windscreen with the wipers or

you can damage the windscreen and

the wiper blades. Always wet the

windscreen with washer fluid before

operating the wipers.

• Clear ice or packed snow from the

wiper blades before using the

wipers.

• Check the washer fluid level

regularly. Check it often when the

weather is bad.

• Only fill the washer fluid reservoir

3/4 full during cold weather to allow

room for expansion if the

temperature falls low enough to

freeze the solution.
HORN
REAR WIPER AND WASHER

(if equipped)

60G-04-010

Press the horn button of the steering wheel to

sound the horn. The horn will sound with the

ignition switch in any position.
Press the button located at the end of the

windscreen wiper and washer lever to operate

the rear washer and turn the lever anti

clockwise to operate the rear washer.

4-5
36

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