
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 5-8 OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
54G27-03E
Coat Hooks (if equipped)
54G303
You can hang clothing on the coat hooks.
These hooks are not designed for large or
heavy items.
Eyeglasses Holder
(if equipped)
86G067
To use the eyeglasses holder, open the
cover. Do not put heavy or sharp items in
the box.
Engine Hood
54G485
To open the engine hood:
1) Pull the hood release handle located on
the outboard side of the driver’s side of
the instrument panel. This will disen-
gage the engine hood lock half-way.
54G058
2) Push the under-hood release lever
sideways with your finger, as shown in
the illustration. While pushing the lever,
lift up the engine hood.
CAUTION
If you park your vehicle outdoors in
direct sunlight or in hot weather, the
eyeglasses holder can get very hot
since it is close to the roof. So, when
parking in such conditions:
Do not leave eyeglasses in the
holder. The heat may distort plastic
lenses or frames.
Do not place flammable items, such
as a lighter, in the holder. The heat
may cause a fire.
Folding Rear Seats: 3

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 5-12 OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
54G27-03E
The hook (2) is provided for sea shipping
purposes only. It can break if used for any
other purpose.
54G634
54G635
The hooks (3) and frame holes (4) are pro-
vided for shipping purposes only.
Tire Changing Tools
54G420
The jack, wheel wrench and jack handle
are stowed in the rear right of luggage
compartment.
Turn the knob and remove the cover to
access the tools.
To remove the jack, turn its shaft counter-
clockwise and pull the jack out of the stor-
age bracket. To stow the jack, place it in
the storage bracket and turn the shaft
clockwise until the jack is securely held in
place.
CAUTION
Do not use the right hand frame
hook, or the towing rope will bear
against the front bumper, possibly
damaging it.
(3)
EXAMPLE
(4)
EXAMPLE
Eyeglasses Holder:
Engine Hood: 5

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
6
54G27-03E
60G408
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLEExhaust Gas Warning ......................................................... 6-1
Daily Inspection Checklist .................................................. 6-1
Starting the Engine ............................................................. 6-2
Engine Block Heater (if equipped) ..................................... 6-3
Using the Transaxle ............................................................ 6-4
Braking ................................................................................. 6-7
Break-In ................................................................................ 6-9
Catalytic Converter ............................................................. 6-9
Improving Fuel Economy ................................................... 6-10

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 6-1 OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
54G27-03E
Exhaust Gas Warning
52D334
Daily Inspection ChecklistBefore Driving1) Make sure that windows, mirrors, lights
and reflectors are clean and unob-
structed.
2) Visually check the tires for the following
points:
– the depth of the tread groove
– abnormal wear, cracks and damage
– loose wheel nuts
– existence of foreign material such as
nails, stones, etc.
Refer to “Tires” in “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section for details.
3) Look for fluid, oil leaks.
NOTE:
It is normal for water to drip from the air
conditioning system after use.
4) Make sure the hood is fully closed and
latched.
5) Check the headlights, turn signal lights,
brake lights and horn for proper opera-
tion.
6) Lock all doors.
7) Adjust the seat and adjustable head
restraints (if equipped).
8) Check the brake pedal.
9) Adjust the mirrors.
10)Make sure that you and all passengers
have properly fastened your seat belts.
11)Make sure that all warning lights come
on as the key is turned to the “ON” or
“START” position.
WARNING
Avoid breathing exhaust gases.
Exhaust gases contain carbon mon-
oxide, a potentially lethal gas that is
colorless and odorless. 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.
(Continued)
WARNING
(Continued)
Do not park with the engine run-
ning for a long period of time, even
in an open area. If it is necessary to
sit for a short time in a parked vehi-
cle with the engine running, make
sure the air intake selector is set to
“FRESH AIR” and the blower is at
high speed.
Avoid operating the vehicle with
the trunk open. If it is necessary to
operate the vehicle with the trunk
open, make sure the sunroof (if
equipped) and all windows are
closed, and the blower is at high
speed with the air intake selector
set to “FRESH AIR”.
To allow proper operation of your
vehicle’s ventilation system, keep
the air inlet grille in front of the
windshield 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.
Exhaust Gas Warning: NO
Daily Inspection Checklist: NO

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 6-2 OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
54G27-03E
12)Check all gauges.
13)Make sure that the BRAKE 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) Power steering (if equipped) fluid level
5) Windshield washer fluid level
6) Hood latch operation
Pull the hood release handle inside the
vehicle. Make sure that you cannot
open the hood all the way without
releasing the secondary latch. Be sure
to close the hood securely after check-
ing for proper latch operation. See the
item “All latches, hinges and locks” of
“CHASSIS AND BODY” in the “Periodic
Maintenance Schedule” section in the
“INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE”
section for lubrication schedule.
Starting the EngineBefore Starting the Engine1) Make sure the parking brake is set fully.
2) Manual Transaxle – Shift into “N” (Neu-
tral) and depress the clutch pedal all
the way to the floor.
Hold it while starting the engine.
Automatic Transaxle – If the gearshift
lever is not in “P” (Park) position, shift
into “P”. (If you need to re-start the
engine while the vehicle is moving, shift
into “N”.)
NOTE:
The engine of manual transaxle vehicle will
not start unless the clutch pedal is
depressed.
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.
Starting a Cold EngineWith your foot off the accelerator pedal,
crank the engine by turning the ignition key
to “START”. Release the key when the
engine starts.
If the engine does not start after 15 sec-
onds 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.
If you are unable to start the engine using
this procedure, consult your SUZUKI
dealer.Starting a Warm EngineUse the same procedure as for “Starting a
Cold Engine”.
WARNING
Make sure the hood 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.
WARNING
Make sure that the parking brake is
set fully and the transaxle is in Neu-
tral (or Park for vehicles with an auto-
matic transaxle) before attempting to
start the engine.
CAUTION
Stop turning the starter immedi-
ately after the engine has started or
the starter system can be dam-
aged.
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 try-
ing again.
Daily Inspection Checklist: NO
Starting the Engine: 1

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54G27-03E
Engine Block Heater
(if equipped)
54G209
The engine block heater will help you start
the engine more easily in very cold
weather (–18°C (0°F) or below). To use the
engine block heater:
1) Turn off the engine.
2) Open the engine hood.
3) Untie the block heater cord and remove
the block heater plug cap. When the
engine block heater is not in use,
ensure the heater cord is secured to
prevent contact with any moving parts.
4) Using a heavy-duty, three-prong
grounded extension cord, plug the
female end into the block heater socket
and the male end into a normal,
grounded 110-volt AC outlet.NOTE:
Activate the heater at least four hours
before you start the engine. However, as
the heating time varies depending on the
ambient temperature and other factors,
adjust the time by observing the engine
cranking condition.
After using the block heater:
1) Unplug the extension cord and reinstall
the plug cap.
2) Tie the block heater cord back to its
original position.3) Close the engine hood securely before
starting the engine.
WARNING
To avoid serious personal injury
caused by electrical shock or fire:
Do not plug the cord into a non-
grounded outlet. Only use a prop-
erly grounded three-prong 110-volt
AC outlet.
Do not use a 2-wire (non-grounded)
extension cord.
Only use a heavy-duty, three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15
amps.
CAUTION
Secure the block heater cord back to
its original position or to the routed
position. A loose cord could get
caught in the engine accessory drive
belt(s) or other moving parts.
Engine Block Heater: 1

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 6-4 OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
54G27-03E
Using the Transaxle4-Speed Automatic Transaxle
54G606
(1) Overdrive off switch
The transaxle is a 4-speed (3-speed plus
overdrive) automatic transaxle. By operat-
ing the overdrive off switch, the transaxle
can be converted to a 3-speed automatic
transaxle that will not shift to the overdrive
position. To convert the transaxle to the 3-
speed mode, push in the overdrive off
switch and release it with the ignition
switch in the “ON” position. The “O/D OFF”
indicator light in the instrument cluster
comes on.
52D186
To return the transaxle to the 4-speed
mode, push in the overdrive off switch
again. The “O/D OFF” indicator light goes
off.
When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ACC” position, the transaxle in the 3-
speed mode is converted to the 4-speed
mode automatically.
The 3-speed mode is suitable for the fol-
lowing driving conditions:
Driving on hilly, winding roads
– You can drive more smoothly with less
frequent gearshifting
Going down a steep hill
– Some engine braking is provided
54G069
The gearshift lever has a lock mechanism
to help prevent accidental shifting into or
out of “P” (Park), into “R” (Reverse), from
“D” (Drive) to “2” (Low 2), and from “2”
(Low 2) to “L” (Low 1). To release the lock,
push in the lock button on your side of the
gearshift lever before shifting.
The gearshift lever is designed so that it
can not be shifted out of the “P” position
unless the ignition switch is in the “ON”
position and the brake pedal is depressed
at the time that you push in the gearshift
lever lock button.
(1)
EXAMPLE
4-speed 3-speed
Using the Transaxle: 10

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 6-5 OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
54G27-03E
For all normal driving, make sure that the
“O/D OFF” indicator light is off, then put the
gearshift lever into “D” (Drive). Use the
other gearshift lever positions as described
below:
P (Park)
Use this position to lock the transaxle
when the vehicle is parked or when start-
ing the engine. Shift into Park only when
the vehicle is completely stopped.
R (Reverse)
Use this position to back the vehicle from
stop. Make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped 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 selector in “D” range, you can get
an automatic downshift by pressing the
accelerator pedal. The higher the vehicle
speed is, the more you will need to press
the accelerator pedal to get a downshift.
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.
WARNING
Always depress the brake pedal
before shifting from “P” (Park) or “N”
(Neutral) to a forward or reverse gear,
to help prevent the vehicle from mov-
ing unexpectedly when you shift.
CAUTION
Be sure to take the following precau-
tions to help avoid damage to the
automatic transaxle:
Make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped before shifting into
“P” or “R”.
Do not shift from “P” or “N” to “R”,
“D”, “2” or “L” when the engine is
running above idle speed.
Do not rev the engine with the tran-
saxle in a drive position (“R”, “D”,
“2” or “L”) and the front wheels not
moving.
Do not use the accelerator to hold
the vehicle on a hill. Use the vehi-
cle’s brakes.
Using the Transaxle: 10