5-14 SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
85Z03-03E
When replacing the pressure cap, make
sure it is hand-tight.Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
Engine OverheatingYou will find a coolant temperature gauge
on your vehicle’s instrument panel. See
“Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge” in
section 3.If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
If No Steam Is Coming From Your
Engine
If you get an engine overheat warning, but
see or hear no steam, the problem may not
be too serious. Sometimes the engine can
get a little too hot when you:
Climb a long hill on a hot day.
Stop after high-speed driving.
Idle for long periods in traffic.
If you get the overheat warning with no
sign of steam, try this for a minute or so:
1) In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in
NEUTRAL while stopped. If it is safe to
do so, pull off the road, shift to PARK
(P) or NEUTRAL and let the engine
idle.
2) Turn on your heater to full hot at the
highest fan speed and open the window
as necessary.
If you no longer have the overheat warn-
ing, you can drive. Just to be safe, drive
slower for about 10 minutes. If the warning
doesn’t come back on, you can drive nor-
mally.
CAUTION
Your coolant surge tank cap is a
pressure-type cap and must be
tightly installed to prevent coolant
loss and possible engine damage
from overheating. See “Capacities
and Specifications” for more informa-
tion.
WARNING
Steam from an overheated engine
can burn you badly, even if you just
open the hood. Stay away from the
engine if you see or hear steam com-
ing from it. Just turn it off and get
everyone away from the vehicle until
it cools down. Wait until there is no
sign of steam or coolant before you
open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine
is overheated, the liquids in it can
catch fire. You or others could be
badly burned. Stop your engine if it
overheats, and get out of the vehicle
until the engine is cool.
CAUTION
If your engine catches fire because
you keep driving with no coolant,
your vehicle can be badly damaged.
The costly repairs would not be cov-
ered by your warranty.
Checking Things Under the Hood:
5-15 SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
85Z03-03E
If the warning continues and you have not
stopped, pull over, stop, and park your
vehicle right away.
If there’s still no sign of steam, you can idle
the engine for three minutes while you’re
parked. If you still have the warning, turn
off the engine and get everyone out of the
vehicle until it cools down.
You may decide not to lift the hood, but to
get service help right away.Cooling SystemThe engine coolant surge tank is located in
the rear of the engine compartment on the
driver’s side.If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank
is boiling, don’t do anything else until it
cools down. The vehicle should be parked
on a level surface. Make sure that the air
conditioning is turned off.
The coolant level should be between the
MIN and MAX marks on the coolant surge
tank when the engine is cool. If it isn’t, you
may have a leak at the pressure cap or in
the radiator hoses, heater hoses, radiator,
water pump or somewhere else in the cool-
ing system.If there seems to be no leak, with the
engine on, check to see if the electric
engine cooling fan is running. If the engine
is overheating, the fan should be running.
If it isn’t, your vehicle needs service.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
If you haven’t found a problem yet, check
to see if coolant is visible in the surge tank.
If coolant is visible but the coolant level
isn’t between the MIN and MAX marks,
add a 60/40 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and proper coolant at the coolant
surge tank, but be sure the cooling system,
including the coolant surge tank pressure
cap, is cool before you do it. See “Engine
Coolant” in this section for more informa-
tion.
If no coolant is visible in the surge tank,
add coolant as follows:
WARNING
An electric engine cooling fan under
the hood can start up even when the
engine is not running and can injure
you. Keep hands, clothing and tools
away from any underhood electric
fan.
WARNING
Heater and radiator hoses, and other
engine parts, can be very hot. Don’t
touch them. If you do, you can be
burned.
Don’t run the engine if there is a leak.
If you run the engine, it could lose all
of the coolant. That could cause an
engine fire, and you could be burned.
Get any leak fixed before you drive
the vehicle.
CAUTION
Engine damage from running your
engine without coolant isn’t covered
by your warranty.
CAUTION
This vehicle has a specific coolant fill
procedure. Failure to follow this pro-
cedure could cause your engine to
overheat and be severely damaged.
Checking Things Under the Hood:
5-16 SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
85Z03-03E
1) Park the vehicle on a level surface. You
can remove the coolant surge tank
pressure cap when the cooling system,
including the coolant surge tank pres-
sure cap and upper radiator hose, is no
longer hot. Turn the pressure cap
slowly counterclockwise (left) about two
or two and one-half turns. If you hear a
hiss, wait for that to stop. This will allow
any pressure still left to be vented out
the discharge hose.
WARNING
Never turn the cap when the cooling
system, including the coolant surge
tank pressure cap, is hot.
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system can blow out and
burn you badly. They are under pres-
sure, and if you loosen the coolant
surge tank pressure cap – even a lit-
tle – they can come out at high
speed. Wait for the cooling system
and coolant surge tank pressure cap
to cool if you ever have to loosen the
pressure cap.
WARNING
Adding only plain water to your cool-
ing system can be dangerous. Plain
water, or some other liquid such as
alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. Your vehicle’s
coolant warning system is set for the
proper coolant mixture. With plain
water or the wrong mixture, your
engine could get too hot but you
wouldn’t get the overheat warning.
Your engine could catch fire and you
or others could be burned. Use a 60/
40 mixture of clean, drinkable water
and a proper coolant.
L3U5019A
CAUTION
In cold weather, water can freeze and
crack the engine, radiator, heater
core and other parts. Use the recom-
mended coolant and the proper cool-
ant mixture.
WARNING
You can be burned if you spill coolant
on hot engine parts. Coolant con-
tains ethylene glycol and it will burn
if the engine parts are hot enough.
Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine.
Checking Things Under the Hood:
5-17 SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
85Z03-03E
2) Then keep turning the pressure cap
slowly, and remove it.
3) Fill the coolant surge tank with the
proper mixture to the MAX mark on the
coolant surge tank. Wait about five min-
utes, then check to see if the level is
below the MAX mark. If the level is
below the MAX mark, add additional
coolant to bring the level up to the MAX
mark. Repeat this procedure until the
level remains constant at the MAX mark
for at least five minutes.
4) With the coolant surge tank pressure
cap off, start the engine and let it run
until you can feel the upper radiator
hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level inside the
coolant surge tank may be lower. If thelevel is lower than the MAX mark, add
more of the proper mixture to the cool-
ant surge tank until the level reaches
the MAX mark.
5) Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure
the pressure cap is hand-tight and fully
seated. See your SUZUKI dealer, if
necessary.
Power Steering FluidThe power steering fluid reservoir is
located toward the front of the engine com-
partment on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
See “Engine Compartment Overview” in
this section for more information on loca-
tion.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check
power steering fluid unless you suspect
there is a leak in the system or you hear an
unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system
inspected and repaired.How to Check Power Steering Fluid
Turn the key off and then check the fluid
level. The level should be between the MIN
and MAX marks on the reservoir. If the
level is below the MIN mark, add power
steering fluid.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in
section 6. Always use the proper fluid. Fail-
ure to use the proper fluid can cause leaks
and can damage hoses and seals.
Checking Things Under the Hood:
5-18 SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
85Z03-03E
Windshield Washer FluidThe windshield washer fluid reservoir is
located in the front of the engine compart-
ment on the driver’s side. See “Engine
Compartment Overview” in this section for
more information on location.
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid,
be sure to read the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions before use. If you will be operating
your vehicle in an area where the tempera-
ture may fall below freezing, use a fluid
that has sufficient protection against freez-
ing.Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer symbol on it.
Add washer fluid until the tank is full.
BrakesBrake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder reservoir is
located near the back of the engine com-
partment on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
It is filled with DOT-3 brake fluid. See
“Engine Compartment Overview” in this
section for the location of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake
fluid level in the reservoir might go down.
The first is that the brake fluid goes down
to an acceptable level during normal brake
lining wear.
When new linings are put in, the fluid level
goes back up. The other reason is that fluid
is leaking out of the brake system. If it is,
you should have your brake system fixed,
since a leak means that sooner or later
your brakes won’t work well, or won’t work
at all.
So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off” your
brake fluid. Adding brake fluid won’t correct
a leak. If you add fluid when your linings
are worn, then you’ll have too much fluid
when you get new brake linings. You
should add (or remove) brake fluid, as nec-
essary, only when work is done on the
brake hydraulic system.
CAUTION
When using concentrated washer
fluid, follow the manufacturer’s
instructions for adding water.
Don’t mix water with ready-to-use
washer fluid. Water can cause the
solution to freeze and damage your
washer fluid tank and other parts of
the washer system. Also, water
doesn’t clean as well as washer
fluid.
Fill your washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it’s very
cold. This allows for expansion if
freezing occurs, which could dam-
age the tank if it is completely full.
Don’t use engine coolant (anti-
freeze) in your windshield washer.
It can damage your washer system
and paint.
Checking Things Under the Hood:
5-54 SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
85Z03-03E
Capacities and SpecificationsThe following approximate capacities are
given in English and metric conversions. CapacitiesSpecifications
EngineChassis
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Air Conditioning
Refrigerant R-134a1.41 lbs 0.64 kg
Brake/Clutch Fluid 0.53
quarts0.5 L
Engine Coolant 7.9
quarts7.4 L
Engine Oil with Filter 4.2
quarts4.0 L
Fuel Tank 14.5
gallons55.0 L
Power Steering Fluid 1.2
quarts1.1 L
Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid
(Complete Overhaul)7.3 ± 0.2
quarts6.9 ±
0.2 L
Manual Transmission
Fluid (Complete Drain
and Refill)1.9
quarts1.8 L
Wheel Nut Torque 81 lb-ft 110 N.m
All capacities are approximate. When
adding, be sure to fill to the approximately
level, as recommended in this manual. Engine 2.0 L DOHC (L6)
VIN Code Z
Type 4-Cylinder / In-Line
Valve Train DOHC 16 Valve
Displacement 121.9 in
3 (1,998 cc)
Bore x stroke 3.39 in x 3.39 in
(86 mm x 86 mm)
Compression Ratio 9.6 : 1
Octane Rating 87 (Ron 91) or
higher
Spark
plugType FLR8LDCU
Gap 0.039 in (1.0 mm)
Battery Rating 12V – 55AH
Cold
Cranking
Ampere610 CCA
Front Suspension Type McPherson
Strut Type
Rear Suspension Type Dual Link
Type
Alignment
(Curb
Weight)Front Camber –0°33’ ± 45’
Rear Camber –1°00’ ± 45’
Caster 4°00’ ± 45’
Front Toe-in 0°00’ ± 10’
Rear Toe-in 0°12’ ± 10’
6-2 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
85Z03-03E
MaintenanceScheduled Maintenance ServicesMaintenance services and record retention are the owner’s responsibility. You should retain evidence that proper maintenance has been
performed on your vehicle in accordance with the scheduled maintenance services chart.Maintenance Recommended under Normal Driving ConditionsEngine Control SystemMaintenance
IntervalKilometers (miles) or time in months, whichever comes first
Months 6 1218243036424854606672788490
Maintenance
Itemx 1,000 miles 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60 67.5 75 82.5 90 97.5 105 112.5
x 1,000 km 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120 132 144 156 168 180
Drive Belt (Alternator, Power steering
Pump & A/C Compressor)IIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Engine Oil & Oil Filter RRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Cooling System Hose & Connections I I I I I I I
Engine Coolant Silicate based I I I R I I I R I I I R I I I
Dex-cool Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, and
replace every 150,000 miles (240,000 km) or 60 months.
Fuel Filter (integrated in Fuel Pump) I* I* R*
Fuel Line & Connections I* I* I* I* I* I* I*
Air Cleaner Element I* I* I* R* I* I* I* R* I* I* I* R* I* I* I*
Spark Plugs I* R* I* R* I* R* I*
Spark Plug Wires Replace every 60,000 miles (96,000 km)
EVAP Canister and Vapor Lines I* I* I*
EVAP Canister Vent Valve Filter I* R* I*
PCV System I* I* I* I* I*
Timing Belt I R I
6-3 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
85Z03-03E
Engine Control System (continued)Maintenance
IntervalKilometers (miles) or time in months, whichever comes first
Months 96 102 108 114 120 126 132 138 144 150 156 162 168 174 180
Maintenance
Itemx 1,000 miles 120 127.5 135 142.5 150 157.5 165 172.5 180 187.5 195 202.5 210 217.5 225
x 1,000 km 192 204 216 228 240 252 264 276 288 300 312 324 336 348 360
Drive Belt (Alternator, Power steering
Pump & A/C Compressor)IIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Engine Oil & Oil Filter RRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Cooling System Hose & Connections I I I I I I I I
Engine Coolant Silicate based R I I I R I I I R I I I R I I
Dex-cool Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, and
replace every 150,000 miles (240,000 km) or 60 months.
Fuel Line & Connections I* I* I* I* I* I* I* I*
Air Cleaner Element R* I* I* I* R* I* I* I* R* I* I* I* R* I* I*
Spark Plugs R* I* R* I* RI* I* R* I*
Spark Plug Wires Replace every 60,000 miles (96,000 km)
EVAP Canister and Vapor Lines I* I* I* I*
EVAP Canister Vent Valve Filter R* I* R* I*
PCV System I* I* I* I* I*
Timing Belt RIRI