
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 6-9 OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
54G27-03E
How the ABS WorksA computer continuously monitors wheel
speed. The computer compares the
changes in wheel speed when braking. If
the wheels slow suddenly, indicating a
skidding situation, the computer will
change braking pressure several times
each second to prevent the wheels from
locking. When you start your vehicle or
when you accelerate after a hard stop, you
may hear a momentary motor or clicking
noise as the system resets or checks itself.
Break-In Catalytic Converter
54G236
The purpose of the catalytic converter is to
minimize the amount of harmful pollutants
in your vehicle’s exhaust. Use of leaded
fuel in vehicles equipped with catalytic
converters is prohibited by federal law,
because lead deactivates the pollutant-
reducing components of the catalyst sys-
tem.
The converter is designed to last the life of
the vehicle under normal usage and when
unleaded fuel is used. No special mainte-
nance is required on the converter. How-
ever, it is very important to keep the engine
properly tuned. Engine misfiring, which
can result from an improperly tuned
engine, may cause overheating of the cat-
alyst. This may result in permanent heat
damage to the catalyst and other vehicle
components.
WARNING
The ABS may not work properly if
tires or wheels other than those
specified in the owner’s manual are
used. This is because the ABS works
by comparing changes in wheel
speed. When replacing tires or
wheels, use only the size and type
specified in this owner’s manual.
CAUTION
The future performance and reliabil-
ity of the engine depends on the care
and restraint exercised during its
early life. It is especially important to
observe the following precautions
during the initial 960 km (600 miles)
of vehicle operation.
After starting, do not race the
engine. Warm it up gradually.
Avoid prolonged vehicle operation
at a constant speed. Moving parts
will break in better if you vary your
speed.
Start off from a stop slowly. Avoid
full throttle starts.
Avoid hard stopping, especially
during the first 320 km (200 miles)
of driving.
Do not drive slowly with the tran-
saxle in a high gear.
Drive the vehicle at moderate
engine speeds.
Braking: 6
Break-In: 6
Catalytic Converter: NO

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 7-2 DRIVING TIPS
54G27-03E
Driving on Slippery Roads
60G089S
Under wet road conditions you should
drive at a lower speed than on dry roads
due to possible slippage of tires during
braking. When driving on icy, snow-cov-
ered, or muddy roads, reduce your speed
and avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt
braking, or sharp steering movements.All-Wheel Drive (AWD) ModelsYour AWD provides greater traction on slip-
pery roads than 2-wheel drive models.
However, your AWD will not have as much
traction in deep snow, mud or sand as mul-
tipurpose 4WD vehicles. You should not
attempt to drive your AWD in deep snow,
mud or sand. AWD models are not sport/
utility vehicles, and are not designed for
off-road use.If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
If your vehicle gets stuck in snow, mud or
sand, follow the directions below:
1) Shift the transaxle back and forth
between a forward range (or first gear
for manual transaxle) and reverse. This
will create a rocking motion which may
give you enough momentum to free the
vehicle. Press gently on the accelerator
to keep wheel spin to a minimum.
Remove your foot from the accelerator
while shifting.
Do not race the engine. Excessive
wheel spin will cause the tires to dig
deeper, making it more difficult to free
the vehicle.
2) If your vehicle remains stuck after a few
minutes of rocking, get another vehicle
to pull you out.
WARNING
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 and automatic transaxle (if
equipped) damage may result.
WARNING
Do not allow anyone to stand near the
vehicle when you are rocking it, and
do not spin the wheels faster than an
indicated 40 km/h (25 mph) on the
speedometer. Personal injury and/or
vehicle damage may result from spin-
ning the wheels too fast.
Driving on Hills: NO
Driving on Slippery Roads: NO

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 7-3 DRIVING TIPS
54G27-03E
Tire ChainsTire chains should only be used if they are
needed to increase traction or are required
by law. Make sure that the chains you use
are small-link chains or cable-type chains
and are the correct size for your vehicle’s
tires. Also make sure that there is enough
clearance between the fenders and the
chains as installed on the tires.
Install the chains on the front tires tightly,
according to the chain manufacturer’s
instructions. Retighten the chains after
driving about 1.0 km (1/2 mile) if neces-
sary. With the chains installed, drive slowly.Do not drive through deep or rushing
water
Driving in deep or rushing water can be
hazardous. You could lose control of the
vehicle and the occupants could drown.
Also, your vehicle could be seriously dam-
aged. To avoid these risks, observe the fol-
lowing instructions and precautions.
Do not drive through deep or rushing
water. Deep or rushing water, such as
fast-moving streams or floodwaters,
could carry your vehicle away from your
intended path. The water is too deep if it
covers your wheel hubs, axles or
exhaust tailpipe. Know the depth of the
water before you attempt to drive
through it.
If water blocks the tailpipe, the engine
may not start or run. If the water is deep
enough to get drawn into the engine
intake system, the engine will be badly
damaged.
Submerged brakes will have poor brak-
ing performance. Drive slowly and care-
fully. Driving slowly will also help avoid
water splashing onto the ignition system,
which could cause the engine to stall.
Even when driving through shallow or
still waters, drive carefully since the
water may be hiding ground hazards
such as holes, ditches or bumps.
54G638S
CAUTION
Do not continue rocking the vehicle
for more than a few minutes. Pro-
longed rocking can cause engine
overheating, transaxle or transfer
case damage or tire damage.
CAUTION
If you hear the chains hitting against
the vehicle body while driving, stop
and tighten them.
If your vehicle is equipped with full
wheel caps, remove the wheel caps
before installing the chains or the
wheel caps can be damaged by the
chain bands.
WARNING
In addition to following the driving
tips in this section, it is important to
observe the following precautions.
Make sure your tires are in good
condition and always maintain the
specified tire pressure. Refer to
“Tires” in the “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section for
details.
Do not use tires other than those
specified by SUZUKI. Never use dif-
ferent sizes or types of tires on the
front and rear wheels. For informa-
tion regarding the specified tires,
refer to the Tire Information Label
located on the driver’s side door
pillar.
(Continued)
Driving on Slippery Roads: NO

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 8-2 VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
54G27-03E
Trailer Towing
54G639
Do not use your vehicle to tow a trailer. The
vehicle is not designed or intended for
such use. Towing a trailer can adversely
affect handling, durability and fuel econ-
omy.
Towing Your Vehicle
(recreational towing)Your vehicle may be towed behind another
vehicle (such as a motorhome), provided
your vehicle is 2 wheel drive (2WD) and
you use the proper towing method speci-
fied for your vehicle. The towing method
you must use depends on the specifica-
tions of your vehicle: whether it is a manual
transaxle vehicle or an automatic transaxle
vehicle.
Use the towing instruction table to select
the proper towing method for your vehicle,
and carefully follow the corresponding
instructions. Be sure to use proper towing
equipment designed for recreational tow-
ing and make sure that towing speed does
not exceed 90 km/h (55 mph).TOWING INSTRUCTION TABLE
54G640
WARNING
Always use a safety chain when tow-
ing your vehicle and be sure to
observe federal, state, and local
requirements for trailer hitches, tow
bars, lights, etc.
DRIVE
TRAINTRAN-
SAXLETOWING
METHOD
2WDA/T (AUTO)A
M/T
(MANUAL)A B
AWD A/Tnone
CAUTION
For All-wheel drive (AWD) models,
don’t tow your vehicle behind
another vehicle such as a motor-
home, or the drive train may be seri-
ously damaged.
Trailer Towing: 5, 11, 13
Towing Your Vehicle (recreational towing): 13

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 8-3 VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
54G27-03E
54G212
TOWING METHOD AFROM THE FRONT:
FRONT WHEELS ON A DOLLY
AND REAR WHEELS ON THE GROUND
A: 2WD VEHICLES WITH MANUAL
TRANSAXLE OR AUTOMATIC TRAN-
SAXLE
1) Secure the front wheels on a towing
dolly according to the instructions pro-
vided by the dolly manufacturer.
2) Release the parking brake.
54G641
CAUTION
Towing an automatic transaxle vehi-
cle with four wheels on the ground
can result in damage to the automatic
transaxle.
Towing Your Vehicle (recreational towing): 13

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 8-4 VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
54G27-03E
54G213
TOWING METHOD BFROM THE FRONT:
FOUR WHEELS ON THE GROUND
B: 2WD VEHICLES WITH MANUAL
TRANSAXLE
1) Shift the manual transaxle lever into
neutral.
2) Turn the ignition key to the “ACC” posi-
tion to unlock the steering wheel.
3) Release the parking brake.
54G642
CAUTION
The steering column is not strong
enough to withstand shocks trans-
mitted from the front wheels during
towing. Always unlock the steering
wheel before towing.
CAUTION
Towing an automatic transaxle vehi-
cle with four wheels on the ground
can result in damage to the automatic
transaxle.
Towing Your Vehicle (recreational towing): 13

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
9
54G27-03E
60G410
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCEMaintenance Schedule ....................................................... 9-2
Periodic Maintenance Schedule ........................................ 9-3
Maintenance Recommended under Severe Driving
Conditions ........................................................................... 9-7
Engine Oil and Filter ........................................................... 9-11
Gear Oil ................................................................................ 9-14
Automatic Transaxle Fluid ................................................. 9-16
Engine Coolant .................................................................... 9-17
Windshield Washer Fluid ................................................... 9-19
Air Cleaner ........................................................................... 9-20
Spark Plugs ......................................................................... 9-21
Brakes .................................................................................. 9-22
Steering Wheel .................................................................... 9-24
Clutch Pedal ........................................................................ 9-25
Tires ...................................................................................... 9-25
Battery .................................................................................. 9-35
Fuses .................................................................................... 9-35
Headlight Aiming ................................................................. 9-37
Bulb Replacement ............................................................... 9-38
Wiper Blades ....................................................................... 9-41
Air Conditioning System .................................................... 9-43

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 9-5 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
54G27-03E
R: Replace or change
I : Inspect and correct, replace or lubricate if necessaryInterval: This interval should be judged by odometer
reading or months, whichever comes first.miles (x 1000) 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60 67.5 75
km (x 1000) 12.52537.55062.57587.5100112.5125
months 7.5 1522.53037.54552.56067.575CHASSIS AND BODY
1. Clutch (for manual transaxle)
Pedal and fluid level
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*2. Brake discs and pads (front) I – I – I – I – I –
Brake drums and shoes
(rear)
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
*3. Brake hoses and pipes I – I – I – I – I –
4.Brake fluid level check, *replacement
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
R
–
I
5. Brake pedal stroke check, *adjustment – I – I – I – I – I
6.Parking brake lever and *cableLever movement check, *adjustment I–I–I–I–I–7.Tires (including tire rotation)
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
8.Wheel discs IIIIIIIIII
*9.
Suspension system
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
*10. Propeller shafts (AWD)/Drive axle boots I I I I I I I I I I
*11.
Manual transaxle oilLevel check, *replacement I – –R– I –R– I
12.
Automatic transaxle (A/T)
Fluid level
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*Fluid change Replace every 175000 km (105000 miles)-----4-speed A/T
*Fluid hose
–
–
–
–
–
I
–
–
–
–
*13. Transfer oil (AWD) I – – I – I – R – I
*14.
Rear differential oil (AWD)
R
–
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
15. Steering system
Steering wheel movement,
*linkage
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
16. Power steering (if equipped) I I I I I I I I I I
17.
All latches, hinges and locks
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Maintenance Recommended under Severe Driving Condi-
tions: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10