
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 9-16 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
54G27-03E
Automatic Transaxle FluidSpecified FluidUse an automatic transaxle fluid equiva-
lent to DEXRON
®-III.
Fluid Level CheckYou must check the fluid level with the
automatic transaxle fluid at normal operat-
ing temperature.
To check the fluid level:
1) To warm up the transaxle fluid, drive
the vehicle or idle the engine until the
temperature gauge indicates normal
operating temperature.
2) Then drive for ten more minutes.
NOTE:
Do not check the fluid level if you have just
driven the vehicle for a long time at high
speed, or if you have driven in city traffic in
hot weather. Wait until the fluid cools down
(about 30 minutes), or the fluid level indi-
cation will not be correct.
3) Park your vehicle on level ground.
4) Apply the parking brake and then start
the engine in “P” (Park). Let it idle for
two minutes and keep it running during
the fluid level check.5) With your foot on the brake pedal,
move the gearshift lever through each
gear, pausing for about three seconds
in each range. Then move it back to the
“P” (Park) position.
75F08654G317
(1) FULL
(2) LOW
(3) The lowest point = Fluid level
6) The handle of the A/T fluid dipstick is
colored red for easy identification.
Remove the dipstick, clean it and push
it back in until the cap seats. Pull out
the dipstick and read the fluid level.
The fluid level should be between the
two marks in the “HOT” range on the
dipstick.
7) Add just enough specified fluid through
the dipstick hole to fill the transaxle to
the proper level. It takes only 0.4 liters
(0.85 US pt) for 4-speed automatic
transaxle to raise the level from “LOW”
to “FULL”.
CAUTION
Driving with too much or too little
fluid can damage the transaxle.
WARNING
Be sure to depress the brake pedal
when moving the gearshift lever, or
the vehicle can move suddenly.
(1)(2) (3)(1)
(2)(3)
Windshield Washer Fluid: 3
Air Cleaner: 1, 2

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 9-17 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
54G27-03E
Changing OilSince special procedures, materials and
tools are required to change the automatic
transaxle oil, it is recommended that you
trust this job to your authorized SUZUKI
dealer.
Engine Coolant
54G101
60A208
Selection of CoolantTo maintain optimum performance and
durability of your engine, use SUZUKI
Genuine Coolant or equivalent.
This type of coolant is best for your cooling
system as it:
Helps maintain proper engine tempera-
ture.
Gives proper protection against freezing
and boiling.
Gives proper protection against corro-
sion and rust.
Failure to use the proper coolant can dam-
age your cooling system. Your authorized
SUZUKI dealer can help you select the
proper coolant.
CAUTION
After checking or adding oil, be sure
to insert the dipstick securely.
FULLLOW
EXAMPLE
FULL
LOW
CAUTION
To avoid damaging your cooling sys-
tem:
Always use a high quality ethylene
glycol base phosphate type coolant
diluted with distilled water at the
correct mixture concentration.
Make sure that the proper mix is 50/
50 coolant to distilled water and in
no case higher than 70/30. Concen-
trations greater than 70/30 coolant
to distilled water will cause over-
heating conditions.
Do not use straight coolant nor
plain water.
(Continued)
Spark Plugs: 1, 2

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 9-18 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
54G27-03E
Engine Coolant Level CheckCheck the engine coolant level at the
reserve tank, not at the radiator. With the
engine cool, the engine coolant level
should be between the “FULL” and “LOW”
marks.Adding Engine CoolantIf the engine coolant level is below the
“LOW” mark, more engine coolant should
be added. Remove the reserve tank cap
and add engine coolant until the reserve
tank level reaches the “FULL” mark. Never
fill the reserve tank above the “FULL”
mark.
Engine Coolant Replacement
60G099
1) When the engine is cool, remove the
radiator cap by turning it slowly to the
left until a “stop” is felt. Do not press
down while turning the cap. Wait until
any pressure is released, then press
down on the cap and continue turning it
to the left.
CAUTION
(Continued)
Do not add extra inhibitors or addi-
tives. They may not be compatible
with your cooling system.
Do not mix different types of base
coolants. Doing so may result in
accelerated seal wear and/or the
possibility of severe overheating
and extensive engine/automatic
transaxle damage.
CAUTION
The mixture you use should con-
tain 50% concentration of anti-
freeze.
If the lowest ambient temperature
in your area is expected to be –
35°C (–31°F) or below, use higher
concentrations up to 60% following
the instructions on the antifreeze
container.
When putting the cap on the reser-
voir tank, line up the arrow on the
cap and the arrow on the tank. Fail-
ure to follow this can result in cool-
ant leakage.
WARNING
Engine coolant is harmful or fatal if
swallowed or inhaled. Do not drink
antifreeze or coolant solution. If swal-
lowed, do not induce vomiting. Imme-
diately contact a poison control
center or a physician. Avoid inhaling
mist or hot vapors; if inhaled, remove
to fresh air. If coolant gets in eyes,
flush eyes with water and seek medi-
cal attention. Wash thoroughly after
handling. Solution can be poisonous
to animals. Keep out of the reach of
children and animals.
Open
Close
Brakes: 6

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 9-24 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
54G27-03E
Parking Brake Lever
60A226
Check the parking brake for proper adjust-
ment by counting the number of clicks
made by the ratchet teeth as you slowly
pull up on the parking brake lever to the
point of full engagement. The parking
brake lever should stop between the speci-
fied ratchet teeth and the rear wheels
should be securely locked. If the parking
brake is not properly adjusted or the
brakes drag after the lever has been fully
released, have the parking brake
inspected and/or adjusted by your SUZUKI
dealer.
Steering Wheel
65D187
Check the play of the steering wheel by
gently turning it from left to right and mea-
suring the distance that it moves before
you feel slight resistance. The play should
be between the specified values. Check
that the steering wheel turns easily and
smoothly without rattling by turning it all
the way to the right and to the left while
driving very slowly in an open area. If the
amount of free play is outside the specifi-
cation or you find anything else to be
wrong, an inspection must be performed
by your SUZUKI dealer.
Power Steering (if equipped)
54G225
(1) UPPER
(2) LOWER
Check the steering box case, vane pump
and hose connections for leaks or dam-
age.Power Steering FluidCheck the fluid level by looking at the res-
ervoir in the engine compartment when the
fluid is cold (about room temperature).
Check that the fluid level is between the
“UPPER” and “LOWER” lines. If the fluid
level is near the “LOWER” line, fill it up to
the “UPPER” line with an automatic tran-
saxle fluid equivalent to ATF DEXRON
®-II
(Esso JWS 2326) or DEXRON
®-III. Do not
overfill. Ratchet tooth specification “b”
6th – 8th
200 N (44 lbs, 20 kg)
“b”
Steering wheel play “c”
0 – 30 mm (0.0 – 1.2 in.)
“c”
EXAMPLE
Tires: 6

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 9-32 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
54G27-03E
GLOSSARY OF TIRE TERMINOL-
OGYAccessory Weight – the combined weight
(in excess of those standard items which
may be replaced) of automatic transaxle,
power steering, power brakes, power win-
dows, power seats, radio, and heater, to
the extent that these items are available as
factory-installed equipment (whether
installed or not).
Cold Tire Inflation Pressure – the pressure
in a tire that has been driven less than 1
mile or has been standing for three hours
or more.
Curb Weight – the weight of a motor vehi-
cle with standard equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant,
and, if so equipped, air conditioning and
additional weight optional engine.
Intended Outboard Sidewall – (1) the side-
wall that contains a whitewall, bears white
lettering or bears manufacturer, brand,
and/or model name molding that is higher
or deeper than the same molding on the
other sidewall of the tire, or (2) the outward
facing sidewall of an asymmetrical tire that
has a particular side that must always face
outward when mounted on a vehicle.
Maximum Inflation Pressure – the maxi-
mum cold inflation pressure a tire is
designed to support in normal service.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight – the
sum of curb weight, accessory weight,vehicle capacity weight (total load capac-
ity), and production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight – 68 kilograms
times the number of occupants specified in
the second column of Table 1 (shown
below).
Occupant distribution – distribution of
occupants in a vehicle as specified in the
third column of Table 1 (shown below).
Production Options Weight – the combined
weight of those installed regular production
options weighing over 2.3 kilograms in
excess of those standard items which they
replace, not previously considered in curb
weight or accessory weight, including
heavy duty brakes, ride levelers, roof rack,
heavy duty battery, and special trim.
Recommended Inflation Pressure – the
cold tire inflation pressure recommended
by a manufacturer.
Rim – metal support for a tire or tire and
tube assembly upon which the tire beads
are seated.
Vehicle Capacity Weight – the rated cargo
and luggage load plus 68 kilograms (150
lbs) times the vehicle’s designated seating
capacity.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire – the
load on an individual tire that is determined
by distributing to each axle its share of the
maximum loaded vehicle weight and divid-
ing by two.Vehicle Normal Load on the Tire – the load
on an individual tire that is determined by
distributing to each axle its share of the
curb weight, accessory weight, and normal
occupant weight (distributed in accordance
with Table 1 shown below) and dividing by
2.
TABLE 1 – Occupant Loading and Dis-
tribution For Vehicle Normal Load For
Various Designated Seating Capacities
Vehicle LoadingYour vehicle was designed for specific
load capacities. The load capacities of
your vehicle are indicated by the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR, front and
rear), and the total load capacity, the seat-
ing capacity, and the cargo load capacity.
The GVWR and GAWR (front and rear) are
listed on the Safety Certification Label
which is located below the driver’s side
door latch striker. The total load capacity
and seating capacity are listed on the Tire
and Loading Information Label which is
located below the Safety CertificationDesignated
seating capac-
ity, number of
occupantsVehicle normal
load, number
of occupantsOccupant
distribution in
a normally
loaded vehicle
2 through 4 2 2 in front
5 through 10 32 in front, 1 in
second seat
Fuses: 7

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine EMERGENCY SERVICE
10
54G27-03E
60G411
EMERGENCY SERVICEJacking Instructions ........................................................... 10-1
Jump Starting Instructions ................................................ 10-4
Towing a Disabled Vehicle ................................................. 10-5
If the Starter Does Not Operate .......................................... 10-6
If the Engine is Flooded ...................................................... 10-6
If the Engine Overheats ...................................................... 10-6
If You Can Not Shift Automatic Transaxle Gearshift
Lever Out of “P” (PARK) .................................................... 10-8

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 10-1 EMERGENCY SERVICE
54G27-03E
Jacking Instructions
54G42075F062
1) Place the vehicle on level, hard ground.
2) Set the parking brake firmly and shift
into “P” (Park) if your vehicle has an
automatic transaxle, or shift into “R”
(Reverse) if your vehicle has a manual
transaxle.
3) Turn on the hazard warning flasher if
your vehicle is near traffic.
4) Block the front and rear of the wheel
diagonally opposite of the wheel being
lifted.
5) Place the spare wheel near the wheel
being lifted as shown in the illustration
in case that the jack slips.
54G253
6) Position the jack vertically and raise the
jack by turning the jack handle clock-
wise until the jack head recess fits
around the flange of the body between
two bosses as shown in the illustration.
NOTE:
For vehicles equipped with lower body
trim, the bosses are located behind the
body trim.
For your easy identification, there are ribs
on the body trim to indicate the position of
the bosses as shown in the illustration. Do
not operate the jack on the body trim.
7) Continue to raise the jack slowly and
smoothly until the tire clears the
ground. Do not raise the vehicle more
than necessary.
Jacking Instructions: 5

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 10-7 EMERGENCY SERVICE
54G27-03E
If the temperature indication does not
return to the normal condition:
1) Turn off the engine and check that the
water pump belt and pulleys are not
damaged or slipping. If any abnormality
is found, correct it.
2) Check the coolant level in the reservoir.
If it is found to be lower than the “LOW”
line, look for leaks at the radiator, water
pump and radiator and heater hoses. If
you locate any leaks that may have
caused the overheating, do not run the
engine until these problems have been
corrected.
3) If you do not find a leak, carefully add
coolant to the reservoir and then the
radiator, if necessary. (Refer to “Engine
Coolant” in the “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section.)
65D614
WARNING
If you see or hear escaping steam,
stop the vehicle in a safe place and
immediately turn off the engine to let
it cool. Do not open the hood when
steam is present. When the steam
can no longer be seen or heard, open
the hood to see if the coolant is still
boiling. If it is, you must wait until it
stops boiling before you proceed.
Also, be careful not to touch hot
engine parts (radiator, water hoses,
engine etc.).
WARNING
It is hazardous to remove the radia-
tor cap when the water temperature
is high, because scalding fluid and
steam may be blown out under
pressure. The cap should only be
taken off when the coolant temper-
ature has lowered.
To prevent personal injury, keep
hands, tools and clothing away
from the engine cooling fan and air-
conditioner fan (if equipped). These
electric fans can automatically turn
on without warning.
If the Engine Overheats: 2, 9