Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 8-2 VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
66J21-03E
Trailer TowingYou can use your SUZUKI to tow a trailer,
but you should always observe the require-
ments and recommendations in this sec-
tion. If you intend to tow a trailer, it is
essential to select a trailer and trailer tow-
ing equipment which are compatible. A
reputable trailer dealer can help you.
For Automatic transmission vehicles, shift
into “3” (Low 2) or “L” (Low 1) (if necessary)
and frequently monitor the coolant temper-
ature gauge when towing up a steep hill. If
the gauge indicates overheating, park the
vehicle in a safe place and let the enginecool down. Refer to “If the Engine Over-
heats” section for details on how to deal
with overheating.
HitchesUse only a trailer hitch bracket that is
designed to bolt to the frame of your vehi-
cle, and a hitch that is designed to bolt to
this bracket. We recommend that you use
a genuine SUZUKI trailer hitch bracket and
trailer hitch (available as options), or equiv-
alent.Safety ChainsAlways attach safety chains between your
vehicle and trailer. Cross safety chains
under the tongue of the trailer so that the
tongue will not drop to the road if the trailer
becomes separated from the hitch. Follow
the manufacturer’s recommendation for
attaching safety chains. Always leave just
enough slack to permit full turning. Never
allow safety chains to drag on the road.
Trailer LightsMake sure your trailer is equipped with
lights which meet federal, state and local
requirements. Always check for the proper
operation of all trailer lights before you
start to tow.Brakes CAUTION
Trailer towing puts additional stress
on the engine, drive train and brakes
of your vehicle. Never tow a trailer
during the first 960 km (600 miles) of
vehicle operation.
CAUTION
Because towing a trailer puts addi-
tional stress on your vehicle, more
frequent maintenance will be
required than under normal driving
conditions. Follow the schedule for
Maintenance Recommended Under
Severe Driving Conditions or perform
more frequent maintenance as nec-
essary.
CAUTION
Towing in “D” range up a steep hill
can cause coolant overheating which
may result in engine/automatic trans-
mission damage.
WARNING
Never use a bumper hitch or a hitch
which attaches to the axle of your
vehicle.
WARNING
Never attach safety chains to the
bumper of your vehicle. Secure con-
nections so that they can’t come
loose.
WARNING
Never splice trailer lights directly into
your vehicle’s electrical system, or
electrical system damage may occur.
WARNING
If trailer brakes are used, you should
follow all instructions provided by the
manufacturer. Never tap into the
brake system of your vehicle.
Trailer Towing: 5, 11, 13
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 9-21 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
66J21-03E
deposits with a wire or pin and adjust the
spark plug gap.
To access the spark plugs:
1) Remove the engine cover.
2) Disconnect the coupler (1) while push-
ing the release lever.
3) Remove the bolt.
4) Pull the ignition coil out.
80G093
BrakesBrake Fluid
64J154
Check the brake fluid level by looking at
the reservoir in the engine compartment.
Check that the fluid level is between the
“MAX” and “MIN” lines. If the brake fluid
level is near the “MIN” line, fill it up to the
“MAX” line with DOT3 brake fluid.
65D477
CAUTION
When replacing spark plugs, you
should use the brand and type speci-
fied for your vehicle. For the speci-
fied plugs, refer to the
“SPECIFICATIONS” section at the
end of this book. If you wish to use a
brand of spark plug other than the
specified plugs, consult your SUZUKI
dealer.1.0 – 1.1 mm
(0.039 – 0.043 in.)
WARNING
Failure to follow the guidelines below
can result in personal injury or seri-
ous damage to the brake system.
If the brake fluid in the reservoir
drops below a certain level, the
brake warning light on the instru-
ment panel will come on (the
engine must be running with the
parking brake fully disengaged.)
Should the light come on, immedi-
ately ask your SUZUKI dealer to
inspect the brake system.
A rapid fluid loss indicates a leak in
the brake system which should be
inspected by your SUZUKI dealer
immediately.
Brake fluid can harm your eyes and
damage painted surfaces. Use cau-
tion when refilling the reservoir.
(Continued)
Brakes: 6
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 9-23 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
66J21-03E
60G104
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
54G110
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 specification or
you find anything else to be wrong, an
inspection must be performed by your
SUZUKI dealer.
WARNING
If you experience any of the following
problems with your vehicle’s brake
system, have the vehicle inspected
immediately by your SUZUKI dealer.
Poor braking performance
Uneven braking (Brakes not work-
ing uniformly on all wheels.)
Excessive pedal travel
Brake dragging
Excessive noise
(Except ABS equipped vehicle)
Pedal pulsation (Pedal pulsates
when pressed for braking.)
Ratchet tooth specification “b”
5th – 7th
200 N (44 lbs, 20 kg)
“b”
EXAMPLE
Steering wheel play “c”
0 – 30 mm (0.0 – 1.2 in.)EXAMPLE
Tires: 6
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 9-35 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
66J21-03E
Battery
60A269
Your vehicle is equipped with a battery that
requires infrequent maintenance. You will
never have to add water. You should, how-
ever, periodically check the battery, battery
terminals and battery hold-down bracket
for corrosion. Remove corrosion using a
stiff brush and ammonia mixed with water,
or baking soda mixed with water. After
removing corrosion, rinse with clean water.
The test indicator on the top of the battery
provides information on the condition of
the battery.
If your vehicle is not going to be driven for
a month or longer, disconnect the cable
from the negative terminal of the battery to
help prevent discharge.
FusesYour vehicle has three types of fuses, as
described below:
Main Fuse – The main fuse takes current
directly from the battery.
Primary Fuses – These fuses are between
the main fuse and individual fuses, and are
for electrical load groups.
Individual Fuses – These fuses are for indi-
vidual electrical circuits.
For details on protected circuits, refer to
the “FUSES AND PROTECTED CIR-
CUITS” section in this manual.
WARNING
Batteries produce flammable hydro-
gen gas. Keep flames and sparks
away from the battery or an explosion
may occur. Never smoke when work-
ing near the battery.
WARNING
When checking or servicing the bat-
tery, disconnect the negative cable.
Be careful not to cause a short circuit
by allowing metal objects to contact
the battery posts and the vehicle at
the same time.EXAMPLE
WARNING
To avoid harm to yourself or damage
to your vehicle or battery, follow the
jump starting instructions in the
“EMERGENCY SERVICE” section of
this manual if it is necessary to jump
start your vehicle.
WARNING
Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after han-
dling.
Fuses: 7
Headlight Aiming:
Bulb Replacement: 7
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 11-2 APPEARANCE CARE
66J21-03E
Repair finish damage
Carefully examine your vehicle for damage
to the painted surfaces, especially if it is
used off-road. Should you find any chips or
scratches in the paint, touch them up
immediately to prevent corrosion from
starting. If the chips or scratches have
gone through to the bare metal, have a
qualified body shop make the repair.
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 mud and gravel shields
The use of mud and gravel shields will help
protect your vehicle, especially if you fre-
quently drive on gravel or salted roads.
Full-size shields, which extend as close to
the road as is practical, are the best. The
fittings for such shields should also be cor-
rosion resistant. Please check with yourauthorized SUZUKI dealer for information
on these shields.
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 pollution
reaching 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: 5
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 11-4 APPEARANCE CARE
66J21-03E
WashingWhen washing the vehicle, follow the
instructions below:
1) Flush the underside of body and wheel
housings with pressurized water to
remove mud and debris. Use plenty of
water.2) Rinse the body to loosen the dirt.
Remove dirt and mud from the body
exterior with running water. You may
use a soft sponge or brush. Do not use
hard materials which can scratch the
paint or plastic. Remember that the
headlight covers or lenses are made of
plastic in many cases.
3) Wash the entire exterior with a mild
detergent or car wash soap using a
sponge or soft cloth. The sponge or
cloth should be frequently soaked in the
soap solution.
4) Once the dirt has been completely
removed, rinse off the detergent with
running water.
5) After rinsing, wipe off the vehicle body
with a wet chamois or cloth and allow it
to dry in the shade.6) Check carefully for damage to painted
surfaces. If there is any damage,
“touch-up” the damage following the
procedure below:
1. Clean all damaged spots and allow
them to dry.
2. Stir the paint and “touch-up” the
damaged spots lightly using a small
brush.
3. Allow the paint to dry completely.
Waxing
60B211S
After washing the vehicle, waxing and pol-
ishing are recommended to further protect
and beautify the paint.
Only use waxes and polishes of good
quality.
When using waxes and polishes,
observe the precautions specified by the
manufacturers.
WARNING
Never attempt to wash and wax
your vehicle with the engine run-
ning.
When cleaning the underside of the
body and fender, where there may
be sharp-edged parts, you should
wear gloves and a long-sleeved
shirt to protect your hands and
arms from being cut.
After washing your vehicle, care-
fully test the brakes before driving
to make sure they have maintained
their normal effectiveness.
CAUTION
When washing the vehicle, avoid
directing steam or hot water of
more than 80°C (176°F) on plastic
parts.
To avoid damaging engine compo-
nents, do not use pressurized
water in the engine compartment.
CAUTION
To avoid damage to the paint or plas-
tic surface, do not wipe the dirt off
without ample water. Be sure to fol-
low above procedure.
CAUTION
When using a commercial car wash
product, observe the cautions speci-
fied by the manufacturer. Never use
strong household detergents or
soaps.
Vehicle Cleaning: 5
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 15-2 INDEX
66J21-03E
Cup Holder and Storage Bin
...............................................5-14
DDaily Inspection Checklist
..................................................6-2
Daytime Running Light (D.R.L.) Indicator Light
...............4-10
Daytime Running Light (D.R.L.) System
............................3-7
Door Locks
...........................................................................2-2
Drive Belt
..............................................................................9-9
Driver’s Seat Belt Reminder Light
.....................................4-7
EElectronic Stability Program (ESP®)
.................................6-18
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) .................................2-22
Emission Compliance Label (for U.S.A.)
...........................12-2
Engine Block Heater
............................................................6-4
Engine Coolant
....................................................................9-17
Engine Coolant Level Check
..............................................9-17
Engine Coolant Replacement .............................................9-18
Engine Hood
........................................................................5-13
Engine Oil and Filter
............................................................9-9
Engine Serial Number .........................................................12-1
Exhaust Gas Warning .........................................................6-1
FFluid Level Check
................................................................9-15
Folding Rear Seats ..............................................................5-4
Folding Seats
.......................................................................5-4
Frame Hooks ........................................................................5-17
Front Air Bags ......................................................................2-39
Front Fog Light Switch
.......................................................4-16
Front Passenger’s Seat Belt Reminder Light
...................4-3
Front Seat Back Pocket
......................................................5-19
Front Seat Heater
.................................................................5-9
Fuel Consumption and Driving Range
..............................4-18Fuel Filler Cap
..................................................................... 5-3
Fuel Gauge
.......................................................................... 4-13
Fuel Pump Labeling
............................................................ 1-1
Fuel Recommendation ....................................................... 1-1
Fuse under the Dash Board
............................................... 9-37
Fuses
.................................................................................... 9-35
FUSES AND PROTECTED CIRCUITS
................................ 13-1
GGasoline Containing MTBE
................................................ 1-1
Gasoline/Ethanol blends
.................................................... 1-1
Gasoline/Methanol blends ................................................. 1-1
Gear Oil
................................................................................ 9-13
Gear Oil Level Check
.......................................................... 9-14
Gear Oil Replacement ......................................................... 9-15
Gearshift Lever
.................................................................... 5-2
GLOSSARY OF TIRE TERMINOLOGY
............................... 9-32
Glove Box
............................................................................ 4-17
HHazard Warning Switch
...................................................... 4-15
Head Restraints
................................................................... 2-19
Headlight Aiming ................................................................ 9-38
Heating and Air Conditioning System
.............................. 4-20
Heating System
................................................................... 4-22
High Beam Indicator Light
................................................. 4-10
HomeLink®
.......................................................................... 5-25
Horn
...................................................................................... 3-12
IIdentification Numbers
....................................................... 12-1
If the Engine is Flooded ..................................................... 10-5
If the Engine Overheats ...................................................... 10-5
If the Starter Does Not Operate
......................................... 10-4
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 15-3 INDEX
66J21-03E
If You Can Not Shift Automatic Transmission Gearshift
Lever Out of “P” (PARK)
.....................................................10-6
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck ..................................................7-4
Ignition Key Reminder
........................................................2-1
Ignition Switch
.....................................................................3-1
Illumination Indicator Light
................................................4-10
Important Vehicle Design Features To Know
...................7-1
Improving Fuel Economy
....................................................6-26
Information Display
.............................................................4-17
Inside Rearview Mirror ........................................................2-16
Installation with Lap-Shoulder Seat Belts
(Child Restraint with No Top Strap)
...................................2-29
Installation with the LATCH System ..................................2-31
Installation-Child Restraint with Top Strap
.......................2-34
Instrument Cluster
...............................................................4-2
Instrument Panel
.................................................................4-1
Interior Light Switch ............................................................5-7
JJacking Instructions
............................................................10-1
Jump Starting Instructions
.................................................10-3
KKeyless Entry System Transmitter (Type B)
.....................2-10
Keyless Start System Indicator Light
................................4-9
Keyless Start System Remote Controller (Type A)
..........2-3
Keyless Start System Remote Controller/
Keyless Entry System Transmitter
....................................2-3
Keys
......................................................................................2-1
LLap-Shoulder Belt
................................................................2-22
Lighting Operation ..............................................................3-6
Lighting/Turn Signal Control Lever
...................................3-5Lights “On” reminder
......................................................... 3-7
Listening to a CD
................................................................ 4-36
Listening to a CD from an External CD Changer
(Option)
................................................................................ 4-47
Listening to a XM Satellite Radio (Option)
....................... 4-44
Listening to Audio for AUX (Option)
................................. 4-46
Listening to the Radio
........................................................ 4-34
Low Fuel Warning Light ..................................................... 4-9
Low Tire Pressure Warning Light
...............................4-3
, 6-21
Luggage Compartment Cover
........................................... 5-20
Luggage Compartment Light ............................................. 5-9
Luggage Restraint Loops
................................................... 5-19
MMaintenance Recommended under Severe Driving
Conditions
........................................................................... 9-7
Maintenance Schedule
....................................................... 9-2
Malfunction Indicator Light
................................................ 4-8
Manual Transmission
......................................................... 6-7
Mirrors
.................................................................................. 2-16
NNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA)
............................................................................... 12-4
OOdometer
............................................................................. 4-11
Off-Road Driving
................................................................. 7-4
Oil Level Check ................................................................... 9-10
Oil Pressure Light ............................................................... 4-7
On-Board Vehicle Computers and Event Data
Recorders
............................................................................ 12-3
On-Pavement Driving
......................................................... 7-2
Open Door Warning Light
.................................................. 4-9