3-68 INSTRUMENT PANEL
78J00-03E
Push the power button to turn on the head-
phones. An indicator light located on the
headphones will illuminate. If the light does
not illuminate, the batteries may need to be
replaced. See “Battery Replacement” later
in this section for more information. Switch
the headphones to Off when not in use.
The infrared transmitters are located at the
rear of the RSE overhead console. The
headphones will shut off automatically to
save the battery power if the RSE system
is shut off or if the headphones are out of
range of the transmitters for more than
three minutes. If you move too far forward
or step out of the vehicle, the headphones
will lose the audio signal.
The headphones will automatically turn off
after four hours of continuous use.
To adjust the volume on the headphones,
use the volume control located on the right
side.
For optimal audio performance, the head-
phones must be worn correctly. The sym-
bol L (Left) will appear on the upper left
side, above the ear pad and should be
positioned on the left ear.
The symbol R (Right) will appear on the
upper right side, above the ear pad and
should be positioned on the right ear.
If the remote control becomes lost or dam-
aged, a new universal remote control can
be purchased. If this happens, make surethe universal remote control uses a code
set of Toshiba
®.
The foam ear pads attached to the head-
phones may become worn or damaged if
they are not handled or stored properly. If
the foam ear pads do become damaged or
worn out, the pads can be replaced sepa-
rately from the headphone set. It is not
necessary to replace the complete head-
phone set. The headphone replacement
foam ear pads can be ordered in pairs.
See your dealer for more information.
Battery Replacement
To change the batteries, do the following:
1) Turn the screw with a coin or screw
driver to loosen, then slide open the
battery door located on the left side of
the headphones.
2) Replace the two batteries in the com-
partment. Make sure that they are
installed correctly, using the diagram on
the inside of the battery compartment.
3) Replace the battery door and tighten
the door screw.If the headphones are to be stored for a
long period of time, remove the batteries
and keep them in a cool, dry place.
Audio/Video (A/V) Jacks
1676611
The A/V jacks are located on the rear of
the floor console. The A/V jacks allow
audio or video signals to be connected
from an auxiliary device such as a cam-
corder or a video game unit to the RSE
system. Adapter connectors or cables may
be required to connect the auxiliary device
to the A/V jacks. Refer to the manufac-
turer’s instructions for proper usage.
The A/V jacks are color coded to match
typical home entertainment system equip-
ment. The yellow jack (A) is for the video
input. The white jack (B) is for the left audio
input. The red jack (C) is for the right audio
input.
CAUTION
Do not store the headphones in heat
or direct sunlight. This could damage
the headphones and repairs will not
be covered by your warranty. Keep
the headphones stored in a cool, dry
place.
3-70 INSTRUMENT PANEL
78J00-03E
Remote Control
To use the remote control, aim it at the
transmitter window at the rear of the RSE
overhead console and press the desired
button. Direct sunlight or very bright light
may affect the ability of the RSE transmit-
ter to receive signals from the remote con-
trol. If the remote control does not seem to
be working, the batteries may need to be
replaced. See “Battery Replacement” later
in this section. Objects blocking the line of
sight may also affect the function of the
remote control.
If a CD or DVD is in the Radio DVD slot,
the remote control power button can be
used to turn on the video screen display
and start the disc. The radio can also turn
on the video screen display. Refer to
“Radio with CD and DVD (MP3)” in this
section for more information.Remote control buttons
1523717
(Power):
Press this button to turn the video screen
on and off.
(Illumination):
Press this button to turn the remote control
backlight on. The backlight will automati-
cally time out after seven to ten seconds if
no other button is pressed while the back-
light is on.
(Title):
Press this button to return the DVD to the
main menu of the DVD. This function may
vary for each disc.
(Main Menu):
Press this button to access the DVD menu.
The DVD menu is different on every DVD.
Use the up, down, left, and right arrow but-
tons to move the cursor around the DVD
menu. After making a selection press theenter button. This button only operates
when using a DVD.
, , , (Menu Navigation
Arrows):
Use the arrow buttons to navigate through
a menu.
(Enter):
Press this button to select the choice that
is highlighted in any menu.
(Display Menu):
Press this button to adjust the brightness,
screen display mode (normal, full, or
zoom), and display the language menu.
(Return):
Press this button to exit the current active
menu and return to the previous menu.
This button will operate only when the dis-
play menu or a DVD menu is active.
(Stop):
Press this button to stop playing, rewind-
ing, or fast forwarding a DVD. Press this
button twice to return to the beginning of
the DVD.
(Play/Pause):
Press this button to start playing a DVD.
Press this button while a DVD is playing to
pause it. Press it again to continue playing
the DVD.
When the DVD is playing, depending on
the radio, you may be able to do slow play
by pressing the pause button then pressing
the fast forward button. The DVD will con-
CAUTION
Storing the remote control in a hot
area or in direct sunlight can damage
it, and the repairs will not be covered
by your warranty. Keep the remote
control stored in a cool, dry place.
3-74 INSTRUMENT PANEL
78J00-03E
(Seek):
Press the seek arrow to go to the next
radio station while in AM, FM, or XM (if
equipped). Press this button to go to the
next track or chapter while sourced to the
CD/DVD slot.
Radio ReceptionXM
TM Satellite Radio Service
XMTM Satellite Radio Service gives digital
radio reception from coast-to-coast in the
48 contiguous United States, and in Can-
ada.
You may experience interference with sat-
ellite radio signals, while driving near tall
buildings or through hilly areas, causing
the sound to fade in and out. In addition,
driving or standing under heavy foliage,
bridges, garages, or tunnels may cause
loss of the XM
TM signal for a period of time.
The radio screen may display NO XM to
indicate interference.
AM
The range for most AM stations is greater
than for FM, especially at night. The longer
range can cause station frequencies to
interfere with each other. For better radio
reception, most AM radio stations will
boost the power levels during the day, and
then reduce these levels during the night.
Static can also occur when things like
storms and power lines interfere with radio
reception. When this happens, try reducing
the treble on your radio.FM
FM stereo will give the best sound, but FM
signals will reach only about 10 to 40 miles
(16 to 65 km). Tall buildings or hills can
interfere with FM signals, causing the
sound to fade in and out.
Care of Your CDs and DVDsHandle CDs carefully. Store them in their
original cases or other protective cases
and away from direct sunlight and dust.
The CD player scans the bottom surface of
the disc. If the surface of a CD is damaged,
such as cracked, broken, or scratched, the
CD does not play properly or not at all. If
the surface of a CD is soiled, take a soft,
lint free cloth or dampen a clean, soft cloth
in a mild, neutral detergent solution mixed
with water, and clean it. Make sure the
wiping process starts from the center to
the edge.
Do not touch the bottom side of a CD while
handling it; this could damage the surface.
Pick up CDs by grasping the outer edges
or the edge of the hole and the outer edge.Care of the CD and DVD PlayerThe use of CD lens cleaners for CDs is not
advised, due to the risk of contaminating
the lens of the CD optics with lubricants
internal to the CD mechanism.
Multi-Band AntennaThe multi-band antenna is located on the
roof of your vehicle. This type of antenna is
used with the AM/FM radio and the XM
TM
Satellite Radio Service System. Keep this
antenna clear of snow and ice build up for
clear radio reception.
If your vehicle has a sunroof, the perfor-
mance of the radio system may be affected
if the sunroof is open.
The roof rack crossrails may cause inter-
ference with the radio reception if items are
kept in the rear most position. Keep objects
that have been loaded on the roof of the
vehicle at least one foot (0.31 meter) away
from the antenna. Make sure the multi-
band antenna is not obstructed.
4-3 DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE
78J00-03E
There is something else about drinking
and driving that many people do not know.
Medical research shows that alcohol in a
person’s system can make crash injuries
worse, especially injuries to the brain, spi-
nal cord, or heart. This means that when
anyone who has been drinking – driver or
passenger – is in a crash, that person’s
chance of being killed or permanently dis-
abled is higher than if the person had not
been drinking.Control of a VehicleYou have three systems that make your
vehicle go where you want it to go. They
are the brakes, the steering, and the accel-
erator. All three systems have to do their
work at the places where the tires meet the
road.
Sometimes, as when you are driving on
snow or ice, it is easy to ask more of those
control systems than the tires and roadcan provide. That means you can lose con-
trol of your vehicle.
Adding non-Suzuki accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. Refer to
“Accessories and Modifications” in “Ser-
vice” in the “Service and Appearance
Care” section.
BrakingRefer to “Brake System Warning Light” in
“Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators” in
the “Instrument Panel” section.
Braking action involves perception time
and reaction time.
First, you have to decide to push on the
brake pedal. That is perception time. Then
you have to bring up your foot and do it.
That is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-
fourths of a second. But that is only an
average. It might be less with one driver
and as long as two or three seconds or
more with another. Age, physical condition,
alertness, coordination, and eyesight all
play a part. So do alcohol, drugs, and frus-
tration. But even in three-fourths of a sec-
ond, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/
h) travels 66 feet (20 m). That could be a
lot of distance in an emergency, so keeping
enough space between your vehicle and
others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances
vary greatly with the surface of the road,whether it is pavement or gravel; the con-
dition of the road, whether it is wet, dry, or
icy; tire tread; the condition of the brakes;
the weight of the vehicle; and the amount
of brake force applied.
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some peo-
ple drive in spurts – heavy acceleration fol-
lowed by heavy braking – rather than
keeping pace with traffic. This is a mistake.
The brakes may not have time to cool
between hard stops. The brakes will wear
out much faster if you do a lot of heavy
braking. If you keep pace with the traffic
and allow realistic following distances, you
will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking.
That means better braking and longer
brake life.
If your vehicle’s engine ever stops while
you are driving, brake normally but do not
pump the brakes. If you do, the pedal may
get harder to push down. If the engine
stops, you will still have some power brake
assist. But you will use it when you brake.
Once the power assist is used up, it may
take longer to stop and the brake pedal will
be harder to push.
Adding non-Suzuki accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. Refer to
“Accessories and Modifications” in “Ser-
vice” in the “Service and Appearance
Care” section.
WARNING
Drinking and then driving is very dan-
gerous. Your reflexes, perceptions,
attentiveness, and judgment can be
affected by even a small amount of
alcohol. You can have a serious – or
even fatal – collision if you drive after
drinking. Please do not drink and
drive or ride with a driver who has
been drinking. Ride home in a cab; or
if you are with a group, designate a
driver who will not drink.
4-4 DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE
78J00-03E
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has the Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS), an advanced electronic braking
system that will help prevent a braking
skid.
When you start the engine and begin to
drive away, ABS will check itself. You may
hear a momentary motor or clicking noise
while this test is going on, and you may
even notice that the brake pedal moves a
little. This is normal.
807057
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light will stay on. Refer to “Anti-Lock Brake
System Warning Light” in “Warning Lights,
Gages, and Indicators” in the “Instrument
Panel” section.
1527213
Let us say the road is wet and you are driv-
ing safely. Suddenly, an animal jumps out
in front of you. You slam on the brakes and
continue braking. Here is what happens
with ABS:
A computer senses that wheels are slow-
ing down. If one of the wheels is about to
stop rolling, the computer will separately
work the brakes at each wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressure faster
than any driver could. The computer is pro-
grammed to make the most of available tire
and road conditions. This can help you
steer around the obstacle while braking
hard.
1527212
As you brake, the computer keeps receiv-
ing updates on wheel speed and controls
braking pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time
you need to get your foot up to the brake
pedal or always decrease stopping dis-
tance. If you get too close to the vehicle in
front of you, you will not have time to apply
the brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or
stops. Always leave enough room up
ahead to stop, even though you have ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the
brake pedal down firmly and let anti-lock
work for you. You may hear the anti-lock
pump or motor operate, and feel the brake
pedal pulsate, but this is normal.
4-5 DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE
78J00-03E
Braking in Emergencies
With ABS, you can steer and brake at the
same time. In many emergencies, steering
can help you more than even the very best
braking.Traction Control System (TCS)Your vehicle has a traction control system
that limits wheel spin. This is especially
useful in slippery road conditions. The sys-
tem operates only if it senses that one or
both of the front wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this hap-
pens, the system reduces engine power to
limit wheel spin.
1545635
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.
The traction control system automatically
comes on whenever you start your vehicle.
To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery
road conditions, you should always leavethe system on. But you can turn the trac-
tion control system off if you ever need to.
You should turn the system off if your vehi-
cle ever gets stuck in sand, mud, ice or
snow and rocking the vehicle is required.
Refer to “Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It
Out” in this section.
78J001
The traction control system can be turned
off by pressing the traction control button,
located on the floor console to the left of
the shift lever.
The traction control system can be acti-
vated again by pressing the traction control
button.
If the system is limiting wheel spin when
you press the button, the traction control
off light will appear on the instrument panel
cluster. The system will not turn off until
there is no longer a current need to limit
wheel spin. You can turn the system back
on at any time by pressing the button
again. If the light does not come on, you
may not have traction control and your
vehicle should be serviced by a dealer.
Adding non-SUZUKI accessories can
affect your vehicle’s performance. Refer to“Accessories and Modifications” in “Ser-
vice” in the “Service and Appearance
Care” section for more information.
Electronic Stability ControlThe Electronic Stability Control (ESC) sys-
tem is an advanced computer controlled
system that helps the driver maintain direc-
tional control of the vehicle in difficult driv-
ing conditions. This is accomplished by
selectively applying any one of the vehi-
cle’s brakes and reducing engine power.
The ESC system comes on automatically
whenever you start your vehicle.
The SERVICE STABILITY CTRL message
may be displayed in the DIC after first driv-
ing the vehicle and exceeding 30 mph 48
(km/h) for 30 seconds. The ESC system is
off until the message has turned off. This
could take up to 15 minutes. Refer to “DIC
Warnings and Messages” in “Driver Infor-
mation Center (DIC)” in the “Instrument
Panel” section for more information.
The SERVICE STABILITY CTRL message
will stay on if there is a problem with the
system. When this message is on, the sys-
tem is not operational. Adjust your driving
accordingly. ESC can be turned off using
the traction control button. To disable ESC,
press and hold the traction control button
for five seconds. ESC can be activated
again by pressing the traction control but-
ton.
4-6 DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE
78J00-03E
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) SystemIf your vehicle has all-wheel drive (AWD),
the AWD system operates automatically
without any action required by the driver. If
the front drive wheels begin to slip, the rear
wheels will automatically begin to drive the
vehicle as required. Torque is also applied
to the rear wheels during launches. There
may be a slight engagement noise during
hard use but this is normal.
1710820
This light and the SERVICE ALL WHEEL
DRIVE message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC) will come on and stay on to
indicate that there may be a problem with
the drive system and service is required.
Refer to “Service All-Wheel Drive Light” in
“Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators” in
the “Instrument Panel” section and “DIC
Warnings and Messages” in “Driver Infor-
mation Center (DIC)” in the “Instrument
Panel” section for more information.
1710823
This light will come on along with the ALL
WHEEL DRIVE OFF message when the
rear drive system is overheating. This light
will turn off when the rear drive system
cools down. If this light stays on, it must be
reset. To reset the light, turn the ignition off
and then back again. If the light stays on,
see your dealer for service.
Refer to “All Wheel Drive Off” under “DIC
Warnings and Messages” in “Driver Infor-
mation Center (DIC)” in the “Instrument
Panel” section for more information.SteeringPower Steering
If you lose power steering assist because
the engine stops or the power steering sys-
tem is not functioning, you can steer, but it
will take more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reason-
able speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents
mentioned on the news happen on curves.
Here is why:Experienced driver or beginner, each of us
is subject to the same laws of physics
when driving on curves. The traction of the
tires against the road surface makes it pos-
sible for the vehicle to change its path
when you turn the front wheels. If there is
no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle
going in the same direction. If you have
ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you
will understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve
depends on the condition of your tires and
the road surface, the angle at which the
curve is banked, and your speed. While
you are in a curve, speed is the one factor
you can control.
Suppose you are steering through a sharp
curve. Then you suddenly accelerate. Both
control systems – steering and accelera-
tion – have to do their work where the tires
meet the road. Adding the sudden acceler-
ation can demand too much of those
places. You can lose control. Refer to
“Traction Control System (TCS)” and
“Electronic Stability Control” in this section.
What should you do if this ever happens?
Ease up on the brake or accelerator pedal,
steer the vehicle the way you want it to go,
and slow down.
Speed limit signs near curves warn that
you should adjust your speed. Of course,
the posted speeds are based on good
weather and road conditions. Under less
4-7 DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE
78J00-03E
favorable conditions you will want to go
slower.
If you need to reduce your speed as you
approach a curve, do it before you enter
the curve, while your front wheels are
straight ahead.
Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive”
through the curve. Maintain a reasonable,
steady speed. Wait to accelerate until you
are out of the curve, and then accelerate
gently into the straightaway.
Adding non-Suzuki accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. Refer to
“Accessories and Modifications” in “Ser-
vice” in the “Service and Appearance
Care” section.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be
more effective than braking. For example,
you come over a hill and find a truck
stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly
pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out
from between parked cars and stops right
in front of you. You can avoid these prob-
lems by braking – if you can stop in time.
But sometimes you cannot; there is not
room. That is the time for evasive action –
steering around the problem.
Your vehicle can perform very well in
emergencies like these. First apply your
brakes.
Refer to “Braking” in this section. It is bet-
ter to remove as much speed as you canfrom a possible collision. Then steer
around the problem, to the left or right
depending on the space available.
811539
An emergency like this requires close
attention and a quick decision. If you are
holding the steering wheel at the recom-
mended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, you can
turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly with-
out removing either hand. But you have to
act fast, steer quickly, and just as quickly
straighten the wheel once you have
avoided the object.
The fact that such emergency situations
are always possible is a good reason to
practice defensive driving at all times and
wear safety belts properly.
Off-Road RecoveryYou may find that your vehicle’s right
wheels have dropped off the edge of a
road onto the shoulder while you are driv-
ing.
810696
If the level of the shoulder is only slightly
below the pavement, recovery should be
fairly easy. Ease off the accelerator and
then, if there is nothing in the way, steer so
that your vehicle straddles the edge of the
pavement. You can turn the steering wheel
up to one-quarter turn until the right front
tire contacts the pavement edge. Then turn
your steering wheel to go straight down the
roadway.PassingThe driver of a vehicle about to pass
another on a two-lane highway waits for
just the right moment, accelerates, moves
around the vehicle ahead, then goes back