
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 5583KOPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
Exhaust Gas Warning........................................................................................................ 5-1
Daily Inspection Checklist................................................................................................ 5-1
Engine Oil Consumption................................................................................................... 5-2
Ignition Switch .................................................................................................................... 5-2
Parking Brake Lever.......................................................................................................... 5-4
Pedal..................................................................................................................................... 5-4
Starting the Engine............................................................................................................5-5
Using the Transmission.................................................................................................... 5-6
Braking .................................................................................................................................. 5-9
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE

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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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.

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OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
5-6
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.
Warm engine
Crank the engine by turning the ignition key
to “START”. Release the key when the
engine starts.
CAUTION
When stopping the engine with tur-
bocharger:Downshifting Km/h
2nd to 1st 20
3rd to 2nd 54
4th to 3rd 80
5th to 4th 112
83K-03-009
Using the Transmission
Starting off
To start off, push in 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, slowly press the accelerator while
continuing to gradually release the clutch.
Gear Changing
All forward gears are synchronized, which
provides for quiet, and easy changing.
Always push in the clutch pedal fully before
changing gears.Downshifting maximum allowable
speedsPetrol Engine
Downshifting Km/h
2nd to 1st 24
3rd to 2nd 60
4th to 3rd 92
5th to 4th 125
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.(For Diesel Engine Model)Cold engine
Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position
and wait until the glow plug indicator goes
out if it comes on. Crank the engine by
turning the ignition key to “START”. Release
the key when the engine starts. When stopping the engine after
climbing or high speed driving, let
the engine idle for about one minute
or more (if it is not prohibited) to
cool down the turbocharger and
engine oil. This is to prevent the
engine oil from over-deteriorating.
Deteriorated engine oil will damage
the bearings of the turbocharger.
Restarting diesel engine after fuel-
empty stop
The engine stops and the malfunction indi-
cator light comes on if the engine feels fuel
emptiness. To restart the engine, stop the
vehicles, hold the ignition key in “ON” posi-
tion for 5–10 seconds to feed fuel, then
perform above engine starting procedure.
Have the indicator light turned off by your
MARUTI SUZUKI dealer.
Diesel Engine
V VV V
V
CAUTION
V VV V
V

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To minimize the possibility of catalyst
or other vehicle damage:
Maintain the engine in the proper
operating condition.
In the event of an engine malfunc-
tion, particularly one involving
engine misfire or other apparent
loss of performance, have the vehi-
cle serviced promptly.
Do not turn off the engine or inter-
rupt the ignition when the transmis-
sion 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 pro-
longed periods if idling seems rough
or there are other malfunctions.
Do not allow the fuel tank to get
near the empty level.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.
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83K-04-003
engine, do not allow the engine to idle or
apply full throttle until the engine has
reached operating temperature. Allow the
engine to warm up by driving.
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 stop-
ping. 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 traf-
fic conditions will permit.
DRIVING TIPS
6-2
CAUTION
Improving Fuel EconomyThe 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 coldKeep the air cleaner clean
(Petrol engine)
EXAMPLE
83K-04-004
A dirty air cleaner will cause the fuel sys-
tem 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.

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DRIVING TIPS
6-3
(Diesel engine)
No cleaning is required. Replace as per
periodic maintenance schedule.
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
Underinflation of the tyres can waste fuel
due to increased running resistance of the
tyres. Keep your tyres inflated to the cor-
rect pressure shown on the label on the
driver’s side door pillar.Highway DrivingWhen driving at high speeds, pay attention
to the following:
Stopping distance progressively increa-
ses with vehicle speed. Apply the brakes
far enough ahead of the stopping point
to allow for the extra stopping distance.
On rainy days, “Aquaplaning” can occur.
“Aquaplaning” is the loss of direct con-
tact between the road surface and the
vehicle’s tyres due to a water film form-
ing between them. Steering or braking
the vehicle while “Aquaplaning” can be
very difficult, and loss of control can
occur. Keep speed down when the road
surface is wet.
At high speeds, the vehicle may be
affected by side winds. Therefore, reducespeed and be prepared for unexpected
buffeting, which can occur at the exits
of tunnels, when passing by a cut of a
hill, or when being overtaken by large
vehicles, etc.
Driving on Hills
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Try not to hold the brake pedal down
too long or too often while going
down a steep or long hill. This could
cause the brakes to overheat, result-
ing in reduced braking efficiency.
Failure to take this precaution could
result in loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION
When descending a down hill, NEVER
turn the ignition key to the “OFF”
position. Emission control system
damage may result.Driving on Slippery Roads
83K-04-006
83K-04-005
When climbing steep hills, the car may
begin to slow down and show a lack of
power. If this happens, you should shift
to a lower gear so that the engine will
again be operating in its normal power
range. Change rapidly to prevent the car
from losing momentum.
When driving down a hill, the engine
should be used for braking by moving
to next lower gear.

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OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
7-7
CAUTION
When unhooking and hooking a sun
visor, be sure to handle it by the hard
plastic parts or the sun visor can be
damaged.
83K-05-022
Interior Light Switch
then fade out. If you insert the key into
the ignition switch during that time, the
light will start to fade out immediately.
After removing the key from the ignition
switch, the light will turn on for about 15
seconds and then fade out.
3) The light remains off even when the
door is opened.
83K-05-023
EXAMPLE
NOTE:
The number of doors involved in the light-
ing operation of the interior light depends
on the vehicle specification. If there is a
switch (rubber projection) at the door
opening as shown, the door is involved in
the lighting operation. The tailgate is also
involved in this operation even without the
rubber projection.
block glare coming through the side window.
This light switch has three positions which
function as described below:
1) The light comes on and stays on
regardless of whether the door is open
or closed.
2) The light comes on when the door is
opened.
After closing all doors, the light will
remain on for about 15 seconds and
Accessory Socket
(if equipped)
83K-05-024
CAUTION
Use of inappropriate electrical acces-
sories can cause damage to your
vehicle’s electrical system. Make sure
that any electrical accessories you use
are designed to plug into this type of
socket. The accessory socket will work when the
ignition switch is in the “ACC” or “ON” posi-
tion. This socket can be used to provide 12
volt/120 watt power for electrical accessories.