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BEFORE DRIVING
4-29
The light also comes on together with the
ABS warning light when the rear brake force
control function (Proportioning valve
function) of the ABS system fails.
If the brake system warning light comes on
while you are driving the vehicle, it may
mean that there is something wrong with
the vehicle’s brake system. If this happens,
you should:
1) Pull off the road and stop carefully.
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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.
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If the brake system warning light
does not go out after the engine
has been started and the parking
brake has been fully released.
If the brake system warning light
does not come on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” or
“START” position.
If the brake system warning light
comes on at any time during vehi-
cle operation.
2) Test the brakes by carefully starting and
stopping at the side of the road.
– If you determine that it is safe, drive
carefully at low speed to the nearest
MARUTI SUZUKI dealer for repairs, or
– Have the vehicle towed to the nearest
MARUTI SUZUKI dealer for repairs.
V VV V
V
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If any of the following conditions
occur, you should immediately ask
your MARUTI SUZUKI dealer to
inspect the brake system.
V VV V
V
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.Seat Belt Warning Light (if
equipped)This light blinks as a reminder until the
driver’s seat belt is buckled.
83K-02-073
Warning and Indicator LightsBrake System Warning LightFor working check of this light, there are
following three different type operations
depending on the vehicle’s specification.
1) The light comes on briefly when the
ignition switch is turned to the “ON” and/
or “START” position.
2) The light comes on when the parking
brake is engaged with the ignition switch
in the “ON” position.
3) The light comes on when under either
or both of above two conditions.
The light also comes on when the fluid in
the brake fluid reservoir falls below the
specified level.
The light should go out after starting the
engine and fully releasing the parking brake,
if the fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir
is adequate.
83K-02-072

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BEFORE DRIVING
4-30 “AIR BAG” Light (if equipped)This light blinks or comes on for several
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the “ON” position so you can check if the
light is working.
The light will come on and stay on if there
is a problem in the air bag system.
83K-02-074
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If the “AIR BAG” light does not blink
or come on briefly when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position,
stays on for more than 10 seconds, or
comes on while driving, the air bag
system may not work properly. Have
both systems inspected by an autho-
rized MARUTI SUZUKI dealer.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light (if equipped)
83K-02-075
When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position, the light comes on briefly so
you can check that the light is working.
If the light stays on, or comes on when
driving, there may be something wrong with
the ABS.
If this happens:
1) Pull off the road and stop carefully.
2) Turn the ignition switch to “LOCK” and
then start the engine again.
If the warning light comes on briefly then
turns off, the system is normal. If the warn-
ing light still stays on, there is something
wrong in the system.
If the light and the brake system warning
light stay on, or come on simultaneously
when driving, your ABS system is equipped
with the rear brake force control function
(Proportioning valve function) and there may
be something wrong with both the rear
brake force control function and anti-lock
function of the ABS system.
If one of these happens, have the system
inspected by your MARUTI SUZUKI dealer.Malfunction Indicator Light
83K-02-076
If the ABS becomes inoperative, the brake
system will function as an ordinary brake
system that does not have this ABS system.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”
position to let you know the light is working
and goes out when the engine is started.
If the malfunction indicator light comes on
or blinks when the engine is running, there
is a damage in the emission control system.
Bring the vehicle to your MARUTI SUZUKI
dealer to have the damage fixed.
Also, if the light comes on, there may be
something wrong with the transaxle system.

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BEFORE DRIVING
4-31
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.
CAUTION
Have the system inspected by an authorized
MARUTI SUZUKI dealer.
This light comes on when the ignition switch
is turned to the “ON” position, and goes off
when the engine is started.
If this light comes on while driving, the
power steering system may not work prop-
erly. Have the system inspected by your
MARUTI SUZUKI dealer.NOTE:
If the power steering system does not work
properly, you will feel heavier to steer but
you still will be able to steer.
83K-02-077
Electric Power Steering Light
This light comes on when the ignition switch
is turned to the “ON” position, 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.
If there is enough oil, the lubrication sys-
tem should be inspected by your MARUTI
SUZUKI dealer before you drive the vehi-
cle again.Oil Pressure Light
83K-02-078
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.
Charging LightThis light comes on when the ignition switch
is turned to the “ON” position, and goes off
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 SUZUKI dealer.High Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light (red color)
83K-02-07983K-02-080
When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position, this light comes on briefly so
you can check that the light is working. If
this light blinks while driving, it means the
engine is running hot. Avoid driving condi-

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BEFORE DRIVING
4-32
CAUTION
Continuing to drive the vehicle when
engine overheating is indicated can
result in severe engine damage.Immobilizer System Light (Petrol)
83K-02-081
tions that may lead to actual overheating.
If the light stays on without blinking, then
the engine is overheating. Follow the
instructions in the “If the Engine Overheats”
of “EMERGENCY SERVICE” section.
83K-02-082
This light comes on when the ignition switch
is turned to the “ON” position, and goes off
when the engine is started. If this light
blinks with the ignition switch turned to
“ON”, there may be something wrong with
the immobilizer system. Contact your
MARUTI SUZUKI dealer to have the sys-
tem inspected.
Service Vehicle Soon (SVS) Light
(Diesel)When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position, this light comes on briefly.
If this light comes on when the engine is
running, there may be something wrong with
the engine electronics system. Ask your
MARUTI SUZUKI dealer to have the system
inspected.
If this light blinks with the ignition switch
turned "ON", there may be something wrong
with the immobilizer system. Ask your
MARUTI SUZUKI dealer to have the system
inspected.
Vehicle will not start in this condition.Glow Plug Indicator Light
(Diesel)
83K-02-083
Open Door Warning Light
(if equipped)
83K-02-084
Turn Signal Indicators
83K-02-085
This light remains on until all doors (includ-
ing or excluding the tailgate, depending on
specification of vehicle) are completely
closed.When you turn on the left or right turn sig-
nals, 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 If the coolant temperature is cool enough,
this light comes on when the ignition switch
is turned on and goes out when the glow
plug is heated enough for engine starting.

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BEFORE DRIVING
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will flash along with all of the turn signal
lights.Main Beam (high beam) Indicator
Light
83K-02-086
This indicator comes on when headlight
main beams (high beams) are turned on.
83K-02-087
Water in fuel filter warning light (if
equipped) (For diesel only)If this light comes on, and keeps on glow-
ing, get the water drained from the fuel fil-
ter.
83K-02-08883K-02-088A
Automatic Transmission Warning
Light (if equipped)This light comes on for several seconds
when the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position so you can check the light is
working. If this light comes on, there is the
problem with the automatic transmission
system. Ask your MARUTI SUZUKI dealer
to have the system inspected.
Transmission Selector Position
Indicator (if equipped)
83K-02-089
EXAMPLEWhen the ignition switchs in the "ON"
position, the indicator shows the selector
position of automatice transmission.
Rear Fog Light Indicator Light (if
equipped)The rear fog light indicator light comes on
when the rear fog light operates.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 5783K4) Make sure the bonnet is fully closed and
latched.
5) Check the headlights, turn signal lights,
brake lights and horn for proper opera-
tion.
6) Adjust the seat and adjustable head
restraint (if equipped).
7) Check the brake pedal and the parking
brake lever.
8) Adjust the mirrors.
9) Make sure that you and all passengers
have properly fastened your seat belts.
10)Make sure that all warning lights come
on as the key is turned to the “ON” or
“START” position.
11)Check all gauges.
12)Make sure that the BRAKE SYSTEM
WARNING light turns off when the
parking brake is released.
Once a week, or each time you fill your fuel
tank, perform the following under-hood
checks:
1) Engine oil level
2) Coolant level
3) Brake fluid level
4) Windshield washer fluid level
5) Battery solution level
6) Bonnet latch operation
Pull the Bonnet release handle inside the
vehicle. Make sure that you cannot open
the Bonnet all the way without releasingthe secondary latch. Be sure to close
the Bonnet securely after checking for
proper latch operation. See “All latches,
hinges & locks” of “CHASSIS AND
BODY” in the “Periodic Maintenance
Schedule” in the “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section for lubrication
schedule.
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w WARNING
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.
Once a month, or each time you fill your
fuel tank, check the tyre pressure using a
tyre pressure gauge. Also check the tyre
pressure of the spare tyre.since its pistons, piston rings and cylinder
walls have not yet become conditioned. New
engines reach the normal level of oil
consumption only after approximately 5000
km (3000 miles) driving.
When judging the amount of oil consump-
tion, note that the oil may become diluted
and make it difficult to accurately judge the
true oil level.
As an example, if a vehicle is used for
repeated short trips, and consumes a nor-
mal amount of oil, the dipstick may not
show any drop in the oil level at all, even
after 1000 km (600 miles) or more of driv-
ing. This is because the oil is gradually
becoming diluted with fuel or moisture,
making it appear that the oil level has not
changed.
You should also be aware that the diluting
ingredients evaporate out when the vehicle
is subsequently driven at high speeds, such
as on an expressway, making it appear that
oil is excessively consumed after high-speed
driving.
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
5-2
Engine Oil ConsumptionIt is normal for the engine to consume some
engine oil during normal vehicle operation.
The amount of engine oil consumed
depends on the viscosity of the oil, the
quality of the oil and the conditions the
vehicle is driven under.
More oil is consumed during high-speed
driving and when there is frequent acceler-
ation and deceleration. Under high loads,
your engine also will consume more oil.
A new engine also consumes more oil,
83K-03-003
Ignition SwitchEXAMPLE

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w WARNING
To avoid possible injury, do not oper-
ate controls by reaching through the
steering wheel.
83K-03-004
EXAMPLE OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
5-3The ignition switch has the following four
positions:LOCKThis is the normal parking position. It is the
only position in which the key can be
removed.
You must push in the key to turn it to the
“LOCK” position. It locks the ignition, and
prevents normal use of the steering wheel
after the key is removed.
To release the steering lock, insert the key
and turn it clockwise to one of the other
positions. If you have trouble turning the keyto unlock the steering, try turning the
steering wheel slightly to the right or left
while turning the key.
ACCAccessories such as the radio can operate,
but the engine is off.ONThis is the normal operating position. All
electrical systems are on.STARTThis 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.
Ignition key reminder (if equipped)
A buzzer sounds intermittently to remind you
to remove the ignition key if it is in the ignition
switch when the driver’s door is opened.
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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.
Always remove the ignition key
when leaving the vehicle even if a
short time. Also do not leave chil-
dren alone in a parked vehicle.
Unattended children could cause
accidental movement of the vehicle
or could tamper with power win-
dows. They also could suffer from
heat stroke in warm or hot weather.
These could result in severe injury
or even death.
NOTICE
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
SUZUKI dealer.
Do not leave the ignition switch in
the “ON” position if the engine is
not running as the battery will dis-
charge.
83K-03-005

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OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
5-5 Brake Pedal (2)Your SUZUKI 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.
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If brake squeal is excessive and
occurs each time the brakes are
applied, you should have the brakes
checked by your SUZUKI dealer.
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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 (3)This pedal controls the speed of the engine.
Depressing the accelerator pedal increases
power output and speed.
Starting the EngineBefore Starting the Engine
83K-03-008A
1) Make sure the parking brake is set fully.
2) Manual transaxle – Shift into “N”
(Neutral) and depress the clutch pedal
all the way to the floor. Hold the clutch
pedal while starting the engine.
Automatic transaxle – If the gearshift
lever is not in “P” (Park) position, shift
into “P” (Park). (if you need to re-start
the engine while the vehicle is moving,
shift into “N”.)NOTE:
Automatic transaxle vehicles have a starter
interlock device which is designed to keep
the starter from operating if the transaxle
is in any of the drive positions.
Make sure that the parking brake is set
fully and the transaxle is in Neutral
before attempting to start the engine.
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Starting a Cold and Warm EngineWith your foot off the accelerator pedal,
crank the engine by turning the ignition key
to “START”. Release the key when the
engine starts.
NOTICE
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.
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.