
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 9-28 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
66J21-03E
Uniform Tire Quality GradingThe U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration has developed a grading
system for evaluating the performance of
passenger car tires. The following informa-
tion will help you understand the grading
system, which applies to vehicles sold in
the U.S. Consult your SUZUKI dealer or
tire retailer for help in choosing the correct
replacement tires for your vehicle.
Quality grades can be found where appli-
cable on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature ADOT Quality Grades
Treadwear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B CAll Passenger Car Tires Must Conform To
Federal Safety Requirements in Addition
To These Grades
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rat-
ing based on the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use,
however and may depart significantly fromthe norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction – AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to low-
est, are AA, A, B and C. Those grades rep-
resent the tire’s ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
Temperature – A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the high-
est), B and C, representing the tire’s resis-
tance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high tem-
perature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden
tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a
level of performance which all passenger
car tires must meet under the Federal
WARNING
Replacing the wheels and tires
equipped on your vehicle with certain
combinations of aftermarket wheels
and tires can significantly change the
steering and handling characteris-
tics of your vehicle. Oversized tires
may also rub against the fender over
bumps, causing vehicle damage or
tire failure. Therefore, use only those
wheel and tire combinations
approved by SUZUKI Motor Corpora-
tion as standard or optional equip-
ment for your vehicle. For
information regarding the specified
tires, refer to the Tire Information
Label located on the driver’s side
door pillar or the “SPECIFICATIONS”
section.
CAUTION
Replacing the original tires with tires
of a different size may result in false
speedometer or odometer readings.
Check with your SUZUKI dealer
before purchasing replacement tires
that differ in size from the original
tires.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this
tire is based on straight-ahead brak-
ing traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning or peak traction charac-
teristics.
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

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 15-4 INDEX
66J21-03E
Outside Rearview Mirrors
...................................................2-17
Overhead Console Box
.......................................................5-15
PParking Brake Lever
.................................................... 5-1
, 9-23
Pedals
...................................................................................5-1
Periodic Maintenance Schedule
.........................................9-3
Power Assisted Brakes
.......................................................6-16
Power Door Locking System
..............................................2-2
Power Mirror Control
...........................................................2-17
Power Steering
....................................................................9-24
Power Steering Fluid
...........................................................9-24
Power Window Controls
.....................................................2-14
RRadio Antenna
.....................................................................4-36
Rear Door
.............................................................................2-14
Rear Window Defroster and Outside Rearview Mirrors
Defroster Switch
..................................................................4-15
Rear Window Wiper/Washer Switch
..................................3-9
Refill with Oil and Check for Leaks ....................................9-12
Remote Audio Controls
......................................................3-12
,
................................................................................................4-50
Replace the Oil Filter
...........................................................9-11
Replacing Tires and/or Wheels
..........................................6-24
Reporting Safety Defects
....................................................12-4
Roof Rails or Roof Rack Anchors
......................................5-23
SSafety Certification Label
...................................................12-2
Seat Adjustment
..................................................................2-17
Seat Belt Extender ...............................................................2-35
Seat Belt Inspection ............................................................2-27
Seat Belt Pretensioner System
..........................................2-36Seat Belt Reminder
............................................................. 2-24
Seat Belts and Child Restraint Systems
........................... 2-20
Selection of Coolant
........................................................... 9-17
Shopping Hook
................................................................... 5-19
Shoulder anchor height adjuster
....................................... 2-26
Side Air Bags and Side Curtain Air Bags
......................... 2-40
Side Door Locks
.................................................................. 2-2
SLIP Indicator Light
.....................................................4-6
, 6-19
Snow Tires
........................................................................... 9-31
Spare Tire Nut Lock
............................................................ 2-1
Spark Plugs
......................................................................... 9-20
SPECIFICATIONS
................................................................ 14-1
Specified Fluid
.................................................................... 9-15
Specified Gear Oil ............................................................... 9-13
Specified Oil
........................................................................ 9-9
Speedometer ....................................................................... 4-11
Spot Light
............................................................................ 5-8
Stability Control System
.................................................... 6-18
Starting the Engine
............................................................. 6-2
Steering Wheel
.................................................................... 9-23
Sun Visor
............................................................................. 5-7
Sunroof
................................................................................ 5-11
Supplemental Restraint System (air bags)
....................... 2-37
TTachometer
.......................................................................... 4-13
Temperature Gauge
............................................................ 4-14
Theft Deterrent Light .......................................................... 4-20
Thermometer
....................................................................... 4-18
Tilt Steering Lock Lever
..................................................... 3-10
Tire Chains
.......................................................................... 7-5
Tire Changing Tool
............................................................. 5-18