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 6-9 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 6-10 OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
54G27-03E
54G584S
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
cold engine, allow the engine to idle until
the temperature gauge pointer comes up
to the “C” position. In this position, the
engine is sufficiently warm for starting off.
Avoid “jackrabbit” 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.
CAUTION
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 shut off the engine or inter-
rupt the ignition when the transaxle
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 diagnos-
tic testing.
Do not idle the vehicle for pro-
longed periods if idling seems
rough or there are other malfunc-
tions.
Do not allow the fuel tank to get
near the empty level.
WARNING
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.
Catalytic Converter: NO
Improving Fuel Economy: NO
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 10-4 EMERGENCY SERVICE
54G27-03E
54G644
Jump Starting Instructions
When jump starting your vehicle, use
the following procedure:
60A269
1) Use only a 12 volt battery to jump start
your vehicle. Position the good 12V bat-
tery close to your vehicle so that the
jumper cables will reach both batteries.
When using a battery installed on
another vehicle, DO NOT LET THE
VEHICLES TOUCH. Set the parking
brakes fully on both vehicles.
CAUTION
To avoid damaging the lower body
trim, do not step on it.
WARNING
Never attempt to jump start your
vehicle if the battery appears to be
frozen. Batteries in this condition
may explode or rupture if jump
starting is attempted.
When making jumper cable con-
nections, be certain that your
hands and the jumper cables
remain clear from pulleys, belts or
fans.
Batteries produce flammable
hydrogen gas. Keep flames and
sparks away from the battery or an
explosion may occur. Never smoke
when working near the battery.
If the booster battery you use for
jump starting is installed in another
vehicle, make sure the two vehicles
are not touching each other.
If your battery discharges repeat-
edly, for no apparent reason, have
your vehicle inspected by an autho-
rized SUZUKI dealer.
To avoid harm to yourself or dam-
age to your vehicle or battery, fol-
low the jump starting instructions
below precisely and in order. If you
are in doubt, call for qualified road
service.
CAUTION
Your vehicle should not be started by
pushing or towing. This starting
method could result in permanent
damage to the catalytic converter.
Use jumper cables to start a vehicle
with a weak or run-down battery.12V BATTERY
Jacking Instructions: 5
Jump Starting Instructions: 7
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 11-2 APPEARANCE CARE
54G27-03E
Keep passenger and cargo compart-
ments clean
Moisture, dirt or mud can accumulate
under the floor mats and may cause corro-
sion. Occasionally, check under these
mats to ensure that this area is clean and
dry. More frequent checks are necessary if
the vehicle is used off road or in wet
weather.
Certain cargo such as chemicals, fertiliz-
ers, cleaners, salts, etc. are extremely cor-
rosive by nature. These products should
be transported in sealed containers. If a
spill or leak does occur, clean and dry the
area immediately.
Use the body trim
The use of the body trim will help protect
your vehicle, especially if you frequently
drive on gravel or salted roads. The fittings
for such guards should also be corrosion
resistant. Please check with your autho-
rized SUZUKI dealer for information on
these guards.
Store your vehicle in a dry, well-venti-
lated area
Do not park your vehicle in a damp, poorly
ventilated area. If you often wash your
vehicle in the garage or if you frequently
drive it in when wet, your garage may be
damp. The high humidity in the garage
may cause or accelerate corrosion. A wet
vehicle may corrode even in a heated
garage if the ventilation is poor.Cover your vehicle
50G203
If you can not regularly park your vehicle in
a garage, we recommend you use a vehi-
cle cover. Years of exposure to midday sun
can cause the colors in paint, plastic parts
and fabrics to fade. Covering your vehicle
with a high-quality, “breathable” vehicle
cover can help protect the finish from the
harmful UV rays in sunlight, and can
reduce the amount of dust and air pollutionreaching the surface. Your SUZUKI dealer
can help you select the right cover for your
vehicle.
WARNING
Do not apply additional undercoating
or rust preventive coating on or
around exhaust system components
such as the catalytic converter,
exhaust pipes, etc. A fire could be
started if the undercoating substance
becomes overheated.
Corrosion Prevention:
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 15-1 INDEX
15
54G27-03E
INDEXSymbols“AIR BAG” Light
..................................................................4-5
“CRUISE” Indicator Light
...................................................4-6
“O/D OFF” Indicator Light ..................................................4-6
“PANIC” button function
....................................................2-3
“PASS AIRBAG OFF” Indicator
..........................................4-14
“SET” Indicator Light
..........................................................4-6
Numerics4-Speed Automatic Transaxle
............................................6-4
AA/T Selector Position Indicator
..........................................4-7
Accelerator Pedal
................................................................5-2
Accessory Socket ................................................................5-10
Adding Engine Coolant
.......................................................9-18
Adjusting Seat Position ......................................................2-11
Adjusting Seatbacks
...........................................................2-12
Air Cleaner
...........................................................................9-20
Air Conditioning System
.....................................................9-43
All Seat Belts Except Rear Center
.....................................2-16
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
..........................................6-7
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
.................4-3
Armrest
.................................................................................5-6
Assist Grips
.........................................................................5-7
Audio Systems .....................................................................4-26
Automatic Heating and Air Conditioning System
(Climate Control) .................................................................4-22
Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)
..................................2-15
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
..................................................9-16
BBasic Operations
................................................................ 4-29
Battery
.................................................................................. 9-35
Brake Fluid
.......................................................................... 9-22
Brake Pedal ..................................................................5-2
, 9-23
Brake System Warning Light
............................................. 4-3
Brakes
.................................................................................. 9-22
Braking ................................................................................. 6-7
Break-In ................................................................................ 6-9
Brightness Control
............................................................. 4-8
Bulb Replacement ............................................................... 9-38
CCatalytic Converter
............................................................. 6-9
Changing Engine Oil and Filter
......................................... 9-12
Changing Wheels
................................................................ 9-31
Charging Light
.................................................................... 4-4
Child Lock System (rear side doors)
................................ 2-6
Child Restraint Systems
..................................................... 2-22
Cigarette Lighter and Ashtray
........................................... 4-11
Clock
.................................................................................... 4-13
Clutch Pedal
.................................................................5-2
, 9-25
Coat Hooks
.......................................................................... 5-8
Compact Spare Tire
............................................................ 9-30
Corrosion Prevention ......................................................... 11-1
Cruise Control
..................................................................... 3-6
Cup Holder and Storage Area
............................................ 5-9
DDaily Inspection Checklist
................................................. 6-1