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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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OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
5-4
Parking Brake Lever
83K-03-006
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w WARNING
Never drive your vehicle with the
parking brake on: rear brake effec-
tiveness 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 (1) To apply
(2) To release
(3) To release
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. 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 origi-
nal position.
V VV V
V
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V VV V
V
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Always apply the parking brake fully
before leaving your vehicle or it may
move, causing injury or damage.
When parking, make sure the gearshift
lever is in 1st gear or “R” (Reverse).
Remember, even though the
transmission is in gear, you must
apply the parking brake fully.fully release, have your vehicle
inspected immediately by MARUTI
SUZUKI authorized dealer.
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w WARNING
When parking the vehicle on a slope,
the following procedure should be
used:
1) Apply the parking brake.
2) Shift the transmission into reverse
or first gear.
3) With the engine off, get out of the
vehicle and put chocks under the
wheels.
4) Release the parking brake.
When you return to your vehicle,
you must remember to first apply
the parking brake, then remove the
wheel chocks.
EXAMPLE
PedalManual transaxle
83K-03-007
EXAMPLE
Automatic transaxle
83K-03-008
EXAMPLE
Clutch Pedal (1)
(For manual transaxle)The clutch pedal is used to disengage the
drive to the wheels when starting the
engine, stopping, or shifting the gearshift
lever. Depressing the pedal disengages the
clutch.
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w WARNING
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.

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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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OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
5-8
Use the gearshift lever positions as
described below:
P (Park)
Use this position to lock the transaxle when
the vehicle is parked or when starting the
engine. Shift into Park only when the vehicle
is completely stationary.
R (Reverse)
Use this position to reverse the vehicle from
stop. Make sure that vehicle is completely
stationary before shifting into Reverse.
N (Neutral)
Use this position for starting the engine if the
engine stalls and you need to restart it while
the vehicle is moving. You may also shift into
Neutral and depress the brake pedal to hold
the vehicle stationary during idling.
D (Drive)
Use this position for all normal driving. With
the gearshift lever in “D” range you can get
an automatic downshift by pressing the
accelerator pedal. The higher the vehicle
speed is, the more you need to press the
accelerator pedal to get a downshift.
3 (Low 3)
Use this position for driving on moderate
uphill and downhill gradients. The engine
braking effect on moderate downhills can be
used in this position. The transaxle shifts up
only to 3rd gear.2 (Low 2)
Use this position to provide extra power
when climbing hills, or to provide engine
braking when going down hills.
L (Low 1)
Use this position to provide maximum power
when climbing steep hills or driving through
deep snow or mud, or to provide maximum
engine braking when going down steep hills.
NOTE:
If you move the gearshift lever to a lower
gear while driving faster than the maximum
allowable speed for the lower gear, the
transaxle will not actually downshift until
your speed drops below the maximum
speed for the lower gear.
NOTICE
Be sure to take the following
precautions to help avoid damage to
the automatic transaxle:
Make sure that the vehicle is
completely stationary before shifting
into “P” or “R”.
Do not shift from “P” or “N” to “R”,
“D”, “3”, “2”, or “L” when the
engine is running above idle speed.
Do not rev the engine with the
transaxle in a drive position (“R”,
“D”, “3”, “2”, or “L”) and the front
wheels not moving.
If You Cannot Shift Automatic Tran-
saxle Gearshift Lever Out of “P”
(PARK)
83K-03-011C
Vehicles with an automatic transaxle have
an electrically operated park-lock feature. If
the vehicle’s battery is discharged, or there
is some other electrical failure, the
automatic transaxle cannot be shifted out of
Park in the normal way. Jump starting may
correct the condition. If not, follow the
procedure described below. This procedure
will permit shifting the transaxle out of Park.
NOTICE
Do not use the accelerator to hold
the vehicle on a hill. Use the
vehicle’s brakes.
1) Be sure the parking brake is firmly
applied.
2) If the engine is running, stop the engine.
3) Make sure the key is in the “ON” or
“ACC” position.

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w ww w
w WARNING
If water gets into the brake drums,
brake performance may become poor
and unpredictable.
After driving through water or wash-
ing the underside of the vehicle, test
the brakes while driving at a slow
speed to see if they have maintained
their normal effectiveness. If the
brakes are less effective than normal,
dry them by repeatedly applying the
brakes while driving slowly until the
brakes have regained their normal
effectiveness.
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Even without reserve power in the
brake system, you can still stop the
vehicle by pressing the brake pedal
harder than normally required. How-
ever, the stopping distance may be
longer.
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
5-9Braking
83K-03-012
EXAMPLE4) With pushing the release button (1), shift
the gearshift lever to the desired
position.
This procedure is for emergency use only.
If repeated use of this procedure is
necessary, or the procedure does not work
as described, take the vehicle to your dealer
for repair.
The distance needed to bring any vehicle
to a halt increases with the speed of the
vehicle. The braking distance needed, for
example, at 60 km/h (37 mph) will be
approximately 4 times greater than the
braking distance needed at 30 km/h (19
mph). Start to brake the vehicle when there
is plenty of distance between your vehicleand the stopping point, and slow down
gradually.
Power Assisted Brakes (if
equipped)Your vehicle has power assisted brakes. If
power assistance is lost due to a stalled
engine or other failures, the system is still
fully operational on reserve power and you
can bring the vehicle to a complete stop by
pressing the brake pedal once and holding
it down. The reserve power is partly used
up when you depress the brake pedal and
reduces each time the pedal is pressed.
Apply smooth and even pressure to the
pedal. Do not pump the pedal.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
(if equipped)ABS will help you avoid skidding by elec-
tronically controlling braking pressure. It will
also help you maintain steering control when
braking on slippery surfaces or when
braking hard.
The ABS works automatically, so you do not
need any special braking technique. Just
push the brake pedal down without
pumping. The ABS will operate whenever it
senses that the wheels are locking up. You
may feel the brake pedal moves a little
while the ABS is operating.NOTE:
The ABS will not work if vehicle speed is
under about 10 km/h (6 mph).