1999 SUZUKI BALENO parking brake

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-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

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

Once a week, or each time you fill your fuel

tank, perform the following under-bonnet

checks:

1) Engine oil level.

2) Coolant level.

3) Brake fluid level.

4) Power steering (if equipped) fluid level.

5) Windscreen washer fluid level.

6) Battery solution level.

7) Bonnet latch operation.

Pull the bonnet release handle inside the

vehicle. Make sure that you can not open

the hood all the way without releasing the

secondary latch. Be sure to close the hood

securely after checking for proper

operation. See "All Latches, Hinges &

Locks" of "PERIODIC MAINTENANCE

SCHEDULE" in the "INSPECTION AND

MAINTENANCE" section for lubrication

schedule.

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.
STARTING THE ENGINE

Before starting the engine:

1) Make sure the parking brake is applied

fully.

2) Manual Transmission - Shift into "N"

(neutral) and depress the clutch pedal all

the way to the floor. Hold it while starting

the engine.

Make sure that the parking brake is

applied fully and the transmission is in

Neutral before attempting to start the

engine.

CAUTION

Stop turning the starter immediately

after the engine has started or the

starter system can be damaged.

Do not crank the engine for more

than 15 seconds at a time. If the

engine doesn't start on the first try,

wait about 15 seconds before trying

again.
Starting a Cold Engine

Engine which is started after 6 hours should

be treated as cold engine.

For Electronic fuel injection models

• With your foot off the accelerator pedal,

crank the engine by turning the ignition

key to "START1. Release the key when the

engine starts.

• If the engine does not start after 15

seconds of cranking, wait about 15

seconds, then press down the accelerator

pedal to 1/3 of its travel and try cranking

the engine again. Release the key and

accelerator pedal when the engine starts.

• If the engine still does not start, try holding

the accelerator pedal all the way to the

floor while cranking. This should clear the

engine if it is flooded.

Starting a Warm Engine

For Electronic fuel injection models:

Use the same procedure as for "Starting a cold

Engine".

67

7-2

OPERATING YOUR VECHILE

60G-74E

USING THE TRANSMISSION

70F-04-005E

Starting off

To start off, depress and maintain pressure

upon the clutch pedal and change into 1st

gear. After releasing the parking brake,

gradually release the clutch. When you hear

a change in the engine's sound (speed), gently

apply pressure to the accelerator to keep the

engine sound (speed) constant whilst

continuing to gradually release the clutch.
Gear changing

All forward gears are synchronized, which

provides for quiet, easy changing. Always

depress the clutch pedal fully before changing

gears.The following table shows the maximum

allowable speed for each gear.
GEAR

First

Second

Third

Fourth

Fifth
MAXIMUM SPEED

50 km/h

95 km/h

140 km/h

Top Speed

Top Speed

7-3
68

60G-74E
DRIVING TIPS AND SAFE DRIVING

72F-08-011

Braking

1. Use the parking brake when parking your

vehicle and shift the gear shift lever into

the first gear or reverse gear position for

the sake of safety.
72F-08-012

Don't use handbraking unless

unavoidable. It causes the vehicle to

skid and a rear end collision occur. It is

especially dangerous when the tyres are

worn, for they allow a larger skid.

Use foot brake in three stages

(1) Warn the vehicle behind you

(2) Gradually apply the brake.

(3) Bring the vehicle to a halt.
3. When driving on a downhill, try not to apply

the brake but use the engine brake

effectively. Overuse of the footbrake may

result in total brake failure.

79

8-6

DRIVING TIPS AND SAFE DRIVING

60G-74E

72F-08-014

Avoid reckless high speed driving and try

to drive at a safe speed suitable for the

road conditions while maintaining a

constant speed.
5.
72F-08-015

The higher the speed, the narrower the

driver's visual range becomes. In such a

state, it is difficult to anticipate any hazard

and the driver feels much fatigued.

Never do sharp handling during high

speed driving. You will lose your control

over your car.

When overtaking or changing the lane

while driving at a high speed, keep an

ample car-to-car distance.

72F-08-017

8-7
80
72F-08-013

72F-08-016

60G-74E
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

Periodic Maintenance Schedule.. 9-2

Engine Oil and Filter 9-7

Gear OH 9-10

Engine Coolant 9-11

Windscreen Washer Fluid 9-13

Air Cleaner 9-13

Spark Plugs 9-14

Brakes 9-15

Steering 9-17

Power Steering (if equipped) 9-18

Clutch Pedal 9-18

Tyres... 9-19

Battery 9-22

Fuses 9-23

Bulb Replacement , 9-25

Wiper Blades 9-29

83

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

60G-74E

70F-05-002

You should take extreme care when

working on your vehicle to prevent

accidental injury. Here are a few

precautions that you should be

especially careful to observe:

• Do not leave the engine running in

garages or other confined areas.

• When the engine Is running, keep

hands, clothing, tools, and other

objects away from the fan and water

pump belt. Even though the fan may

not be moving, it can automatically

turn on without warning. ^
When it is necessary to do service

work with the engine running, make

sure that the parking brake is applied

fully and the transmission is in

Neutral.

Do not touch ignition wires or other

ignition system parts when starting

the engine or when the engine is

running, or you could receive an

electric shock.

Be careful not to touch a hot engine,

exhaust manifold and pipes, muffler,

radiator and water hoses.

Do not allow smoking, sparks, or

flames around gasoline or the

battery. Flammable fumes are

present.

Do not get under your vehicle if it is

supported only with the portable

jack provided in your vehicle.

Be careful not to cause accidental

short circuits between the positive

and negative battery terminals.

Keep used oil, coolant, and other

fluids away from children and pets.

Dispose of used fluids properly;

never pour them on the ground, into

sewers, etc.

9-1
84