2007 SUZUKI XL7 Owners Manual

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Warning Lights, Gages, and
IndicatorsThis part describes the warning lights and
gages that may be on your vehicle. The
pictures will help you locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that
something is wrong before it becomes seri-
ous enough to cause an expensive repair
or replacement. Paying attention to your
warning lights and gages could also save
you or others from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may
be or is a problem with one of your vehi-
cle’s functions. As you will see in the
details on the following pages, some warn-
ing lights come on briefly when you start
the engine just to let you know they are
working. If you are familiar with this sec-
tion, you should not be alarmed when this
happens.
Gages can indicate when there may be or
is a problem with one of your vehicle’s
functions. Often gages and warning lights
work together to let you know when there
is a problem with your vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on
and stays on when you are driving, or
when one of the gages shows there may
be a problem, check the section that tells
you what to do about it. Please follow this
manual’s advice. Waiting to do repairs can
be costly and even dangerous. So pleaseget to know your warning lights and gages.
They are a big help.
Instrument Panel ClusterYour instrument panel cluster is designed
to let you know at a glance how your vehi-
cle is running. You will know how fast you
are going, how much fuel you are using,
and many other things you will need to
drive safely and economically.
United States version shown,
Canada similar
1716507
Speedometer and OdometerYour speedometer lets you see your speed
in both miles per hour (mph) and kilome-
ters per hour (km/h).
Your odometer shows how far your vehicle
has been driven, in either miles (used in
the United States) or kilometers (used in
Canada).
Your vehicle has a tamper resistant odom-
eter. The digital odometer will read 999999
if someone tries to turn it back.
You may wonder what happens if your
vehicle needs a new odometer installed. If
the new one can be set to the mileage total
of the old odometer, then it must be. If not,
then it is set at zero and a label must be
put on the driver’s door to show the old
mileage reading when the new odometer
was installed.Trip OdometerYour trip odometer is located in the Driver
Information Center and shows how far your
vehicle has been driven since the trip
odometer was last reset. For more infor-
mation refer to “DIC Operation and Dis-
plays” in this section.

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TachometerThe tachometer shows your engine speed
in revolutions per minute (rpm).Safety Belt Reminder LightWhen the key is turned to RUN or START,
a chime will come on for several seconds
to remind people to fasten their safety
belts, unless the driver’s safety belt is
already buckled.
808234
The safety belt light will also come on and
stay on for several seconds, then it will
flash for several more.
If the driver’s belt is already buckled, nei-
ther the chime nor the light will come on.
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder
LightSeveral seconds after the key is turned to
RUN or START, a chime will sound for sev-
eral seconds to remind the front passenger
to buckle their safety belt. This would only
occur if the passenger airbag is enabled.
Refer to “Passenger Sensing System” in
“Airbag System” in the “Seats and
Restraint Systems” section for more infor-
mation. The passenger safety belt light will
also come on and stay on for several sec-
onds, then it will flash for several more.
1468137
This chime and light will be repeated if the
passenger remains unbuckled and the
vehicle is in motion.
If the passenger’s safety belt is buckled,
neither the chime nor the light will come
on.
Airbag Readiness LightThere is an airbag readiness light on the
instrument panel, which shows the airbag
symbol. The system checks the airbag’s
electrical system for malfunctions. The
light tells you if there is an electrical prob-
lem. The system check includes the airbag
sensor, the airbag modules, the wiring and
the crash sensing and diagnostic module.
808322
This light will come on when you start your
vehicle, and it will flash for a few seconds.
Then the light should go out. This means
the system is ready.
If the airbag readiness light stays on after
you start the vehicle or comes on when
you are driving, your airbag system may
not work properly. Have your vehicle ser-
viced right away.
CAUTION
If you operate the engine with the
tachometer in the solid red area, your
vehicle could be damaged. The dam-
ages would not be covered by your
warranty. Do not operate the engine
in the solid red area.

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The airbag readiness light should flash for
a few seconds when you turn the ignition
key to RUN. If the light does not come on
then, have it fixed so it will be ready to
warn you if there is a problem.Passenger Airbag Status IndicatorYour vehicle has the passenger sensing
system. Your instrument panel has a pas-
senger airbag status indicator.United States
1476572
Canada
1476529
When the ignition key is turned to RUN or
START, the passenger airbag status indi-
cator will light ON and OFF, or the symbol
for on and off, for several seconds as a
system check. Then, after several more
seconds, the status indicator will light
either ON or OFF, or either the on or off
symbol to let you know the status of the
right front passenger’s frontal airbag.
There is a label on your sun visor that
says, “Never put a rear-facing child seat in
the front.” This is because the risk to the
rear-facing child is so great if the airbag
deploys.If your vehicle does not have a rear seat
that will accommodate a rear-facing child
restraint, never put a child in a rear-facing
child restraint in the right front passenger
seat unless the passenger airbag status
indicator shows off and the airbag is off.
Here is why:
WARNING
If the airbag readiness light stays on
after you start your vehicle, it means
the airbag system may not be work-
ing properly. The airbags in your
vehicle may not inflate in a crash, or
they could even inflate without a
crash. To help avoid injury to yourself
or others, have your vehicle serviced
right away if the airbag readiness
light stays on after you start your
vehicle.
WARNING
Even though the passenger sensing
system is designed to turn off the
passenger’s frontal airbag if the sys-
tem detects a rear-facing child
restraint, no system is fail-safe, and
no one can guarantee that an airbag
will not deploy under some unusual
circumstance, even though it is
turned off. We recommend that rear-
facing child restraints be secured in
the rear seat, even if the airbag is off.

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If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on the
passenger airbag status indicator, it means
that the right front passenger’s frontal air-
bag is enabled (may inflate).If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on
the airbag status indicator, it means that
the passenger sensing system has turned
off the right front passenger’s frontal air-
bag. Refer to “Passenger Sensing System”
in “Airbag System” in the “Seats and
Restraint Systems” section for more on
this, including important safety information.
If, after several seconds, all status indicator
lights remain on, or if there are no lights at
all, there may be a problem with the lights
or the passenger sensing system. See
your dealer for service.
WARNING
Even though the passenger sensing
system is designed to turn off the
passenger’s frontal airbag if the sys-
tem detects a rear-facing child
restraint, no system is fail-safe, and
no one can guarantee that an airbag
will not deploy under some unusual
circumstance, even though it is
turned off. We recommend that rear-
facing child restraints be trans-
ported in vehicles with a rear seat
that will accommodate a rear-facing
child restraint, whenever possible.
WARNING
If the on indicator comes on when
you have a rear-facing child restraint
installed in the right front passen-
ger’s seat, it means that the passen-
ger sensing system has not turned
off the passenger’s frontal airbag. A
child in a rear-facing child restraint
can be seriously injured or killed if
the right front passenger’s airbag
inflates. This is because the back of
the rear-facing child restraint would
be very close to the inflating airbag.
Do not use a rear-facing child
restraint in the right front passen-
ger’s seat if the airbag is turned on.
WARNING
If the off indicator and the airbag
readiness light ever come on
together, it means that something
may be wrong with the airbag sys-
tem. If this ever happens, have the
vehicle serviced promptly, because
an adult-size person sitting in the
right front passenger seat may not
have the protection of the frontal air-
bag. Refer to “Airbag Readiness
Light” in this section.

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Battery Warning Light
812700
Your vehicle has a battery warning light.
If this light comes on while you are driving,
be sure to turn off accessories such as the
radio and climate control system. Have
your vehicle serviced right away. The SER-
VICE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM
message may also appear in the Driver
Information Center. Refer to “DIC Warn-
ings and Messages” in this section for
more information.
Brake System Warning LightYour vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is
divided into two parts. If one part is not
working, the other part can still work and
stop you. For good braking, though, you
need both parts working well.
If the brake system warning light comes
on, there is a brake problem. Have your
brake system inspected right away.
United States
1240159
Canada
861215
The brake light is located in the instrument
panel cluster.
This light should come on briefly when you
turn the ignition key to RUN. If it does not
come on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.When the ignition is on, the brake light will
come on when you set your parking brake.
The light will stay on if your parking brake
does not release fully. A chime will also
sound if the parking brake is not fully
released and the vehicle is moving. If it
stays on after your parking brake is fully
released, it means you have a brake prob-
lem.
The brake light will also come on to indi-
cate a low brake fluid level. Refer to
“Brakes” in “Checking Things Under the
Hood” in the “Service and Appearance
Care” section for more information.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
pull off the road and stop carefully. You
may notice that the pedal is harder to push
or the pedal may go closer to the floor. It
may take longer to stop. If the light is still
on, have the vehicle towed for service.
Refer to “Towing Your Vehicle” in “Towing”
in the “Driving Your Vehicle” section.
WARNING
Your brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the brake system
warning light is on. Driving with the
brake system warning light on can
lead to an accident. If the light is still
on after you have pulled off the road
and stopped carefully, have the vehi-
cle towed for service.

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Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
Light
807057
With the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS),
the light will come on when your engine is
started and stay on for several seconds.
This is normal.
If the ABS warning light comes on and
stays on, there may be a problem with the
anti-lock portion of the brake system. If the
brake system warning light is not on, you
still have brakes, but you do not have anti-
lock brakes. Refer to “Brake System Warn-
ing Light” in this section for more informa-
tion.
If the light stays on, turn the ignition to
LOCK. If the light comes on when you are
driving, stop as soon as possible and turn
the ignition off. Then start the engine again
to reset the system. If the light still stays
on, or comes on again while you are driv-
ing, your vehicle needs service. If the regu-
lar brake system warning light is not on,
you still have brakes, but you do not have
anti-lock brakes. If the regular brake sys-
tem warning light is also on, you do not
have anti-lock brakes and there is a prob-lem with your regular brakes. Refer to
“Brake System Warning Light” in this sec-
tion for more information.
The ABS warning light should come on
briefly when you turn the ignition key to
RUN. If the light does not come on then,
have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you
if there is a problem.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
1545635
Your vehicle has a traction control system
warning light.
This light will come on when your traction
control system is limiting wheel spin. You
may feel or hear the system working, but
this is normal. This light may also come on
after extended heavy braking indicating the
brakes have become too hot to limit wheel
spin.
If the traction control system warning light
comes on and stays on for an extended
period of time when the system is turned
on, your vehicle needs service. Refer to
“Traction Control System (TCS)” in “Your
Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle” in the“Driving Your Vehicle” section for more
information.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
808241
The engine coolant temperature warning
light will come on when the engine has
overheated.
If this happens you should pull over and
turn off the engine as soon as possible.
Refer to “Engine Overheating” in “Check-
ing Things Under the Hood” in the “Service
and Appearance Care” section for more
information.
NOTE:
Driving with the engine coolant tempera-
ture warning light on could cause your
vehicle to overheat. Refer to “Engine Over-
heating” in “Checking Things Under the
Hood” in the “Service and Appearance
Care” section. Your vehicle could be dam-
aged, and it might not be covered by your
warranty. Never drive with the engine cool-
ant temperature warning light on.

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This light will also come on when starting
your vehicle. If it does not, have your vehi-
cle serviced.Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
1716501
This gage shows the engine coolant tem-
perature. If the pointer moves towards the
H, the engine is too hot.
A temperature indicator light will turn on
and a chime will sound.
If you have been operating your vehicle
under normal driving conditions, and the
temperature indicator light comes on, you
should pull off the road, stop your vehicle
and turn off the engine as soon as possi-
ble.
Tire Pressure Light
1198521
This light will come on briefly when you
turn the ignition to RUN.
This light will also come on when one or
more of your tires are significantly underin-
flated.
A CHECK TIRE PRESSURE DIC mes-
sage will accompany the light.
Stop and check your tires as soon as it is
safe to do so. If underinflated, inflate to the
proper pressure. Refer to “Tires” in the
“Service and Appearance Care” section for
more information.
This light will flash for 60 seconds and then
turn on solid if a problem is detected with
the Tire Pressure Monitor system.
Refer to “Tire Pressure Monitor System” in
“Tires” in the “Service and Appearance
Care” section for more information.
Malfunction Indicator LampCheck Engine Light
805353
Your vehicle has a computer which moni-
tors operation of the fuel, ignition, and
emission control systems.
This system is called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is
intended to assure that emissions are at
acceptable levels for the life of the vehicle,
helping to produce a cleaner environment.
The check engine light comes on to indi-
cate that there is a problem and service is
required. Malfunctions often will be indi-
cated by the system before any problem is
apparent. This may prevent more serious
damage to your vehicle. This system is
also designed to assist your service techni-
cian in correctly diagnosing any malfunc-
tion.

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This light should come on, as a check to
show you it is working, when the ignition is
on and the engine is not running. If the
light does not come on, have it repaired.This light will also come on during a mal-
function in one of two ways:
Light Flashing
A misfire condition has been detected. A
misfire increases vehicle emissions and
may damage the emission control sys-
tem on your vehicle. Diagnosis and ser-
vice may be required.
Light On Steady
An emission control system malfunction
has been detected on your vehicle. Diag-
nosis and service may be required.
If the Light is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious
damage to your vehicle:
 Reducing vehicle speed
 Avoiding hard accelerations
 Avoiding steep uphill grades
 If you are towing a trailer, reduce the
amount of cargo being hauled as soon
as it is possible
If the light stops flashing and remains on
steady, see “If the Light Is On Steady” fol-
lowing.
If the light continues to flash, when it is
safe to do so, stop the vehicle. Find a safe
place to park your vehicle. Turn the key off,
wait at least 10 seconds and restart the
engine. If the light remains on steady, see
“If the Light Is On Steady” following. If the
light is still flashing, follow the previoussteps, and see your dealer for service as
soon as possible.
If the Light Is On Steady
You may be able to correct the emission
system malfunction by considering the fol-
lowing:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to
fully install the cap. Refer to “Filling the
Tank” in “Fuel” in the “Service and Appear-
ance Care” section. The diagnostic system
can determine if the fuel cap has been left
off or improperly installed. A loose or miss-
ing fuel cap will allow fuel to evaporate into
the atmosphere. A few driving trips with the
cap properly installed should turn the light
off.
Did you just drive through a deep puddle of
water?
If so, your electrical system may be wet.
The condition will usually be corrected
when the electrical system dries out. A few
driving trips should turn the light off.
Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with qual-
ity fuel. Refer to “Gasoline Octane” in
“Fuel” in the “Service and Appearance
Care” section. Poor fuel quality will cause
your engine not to run as efficiently as
designed. You may notice this as stalling
after start-up, stalling when you put the
vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitation on
CAUTION
If you keep driving your vehicle with
this light on, after awhile, the emis-
sion controls might not work as well,
your vehicle’s fuel economy might
not be as good, and the engine might
not run as smoothly. This could lead
to costly repairs that might not be
covered by your warranty.
CAUTION
Modifications made to the engine,
transaxle, exhaust, intake, or fuel
system of your vehicle or the replace-
ment of the original tires with other
than those of the same Tire Perfor-
mance Criteria (TPC) can affect your
vehicle’s emission controls and may
cause this light to come on. Modifica-
tions to these systems could lead to
costly repairs not covered by your
warranty. This may also result in a
failure to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test. Refer to
“Accessories and Modifications” in
“Service” in the “Service and
Appearance Care” section.