Part No. 99011-78J00-03E
September, 2006
OWNER’S MANUAL
99011-78J00-03E XL7
Printed in U.S.A.
See page 5-2
Keep With Vehicle At All Times.
Contains Important Information
On Safety, Operation & Maintenance. SERVICE STATION INFORMATION
Fuel recommendation: Brake and clutch fluid:
Tire cold pressure:
DOT3
See the “Tire Information Label” located on the
driver’s door lock pillar.
ENGLISH
Suzuki Red: Magenta 100%, Yellow 100%
Suzuki Blue: Cyan 100%, Magenta 70%
Engine oil recommendation:
Standard: GM6094M
Viscosity: SAE 5W-30
For further details, see “Engine Oil” in the
“SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE” section.2007Engine oil with “Starburst” symbol
12.0 mm
78J00-03E
SERVICE STATION GUIDE1. Fuel (see section 5)
2. Engine hood (see section 5)
3. Tire changing tools (see section 5)
4. Engine oil dipstick
(see section 5)
5. Engine coolant (see section 5)
6. Windshield washer fluid
(see section 5)
7. Battery (see section 5)
8. Tire pressure (see tire information
label on driver’s door lock pillar)
9. Spare tire (see section 5)
Litho in U.S.A.
Part NO. 15900142 A First Printing
2
2
46
5
1
8
39
7
2-15 FEATURES AND CONTROLS
78J00-03E
started because the vehicle cannot move
easily.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK
(P) before starting the engine. The vehicle
has an automatic transaxle shift lock con-
trol system. You must fully apply your reg-
ular brakes first and then press the shift
lever button, before you can shift from
PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. If
you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease
pressure on the shift lever and push the
shift lever all way into PARK (P) as you
maintain brake application. Then press the
shift lever button and move the shift leverinto another gear. Refer to “Shifting Out of
Park (P)” in this section.
REVERSE (R):
Use this gear to back up.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get
out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging
the transaxle, refer to “If Your Vehicle is
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow” in “Your
Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle” in the
“Driving Your Vehicle” section.
NEUTRAL (N):
In this position, the engine does not con-
nect with the wheels. To restart when the
vehicle is already moving, use NEUTRAL
(N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when the
vehicle is being towed.DRIVE (D):
This position is for normal driving. It pro-
vides the best fuel economy for your vehi-
cle. If the vehicle needs more power for
passing, and it is:
Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push
the accelerator pedal about halfway
down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more,
push the accelerator pedal all the way
down. The vehicle will shift down to the
next gear and have more power.
WARNING
It is dangerous to get out of your
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake
firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your vehicle when the
engine is running unless you have to.
If you have left the engine running,
the vehicle can move suddenly. You
or others could be injured. To be sure
your vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground,
always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to PARK (P).
Refer to “Shifting Into Park (P)” in
this section. If you are pulling a
trailer, refer to “Towing a Trailer” in
“Towing” in the “Driving Your Vehi-
cle” section.
CAUTION
Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your
vehicle is moving forward could dam-
age the transaxle. The repairs would
not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your
vehicle is stopped.
WARNING
Shifting into a drive gear while your
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly
on the brake pedal, your vehicle
could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or
objects. Do not shift into a drive gear
while your engine is running at high
speed.
CAUTION
Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL
(N) while the engine is running at
high speed may damage the tran-
saxle. The repairs would not be cov-
ered by your warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high speeds
when shifting your vehicle.
3-21 INSTRUMENT PANEL
78J00-03E
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.
3-23 INSTRUMENT PANEL
78J00-03E
acceleration, or stumbling on acceleration.
(These conditions may go away once the
engine is warmed up.) This will be
detected by the system and cause the light
to turn on.
If you experience one or more of these
conditions, change the fuel brand you use.
It will require at least one full tank of the
proper fuel to turn the light off.
If none of the above steps have made the
light turn off, your dealer can check the
vehicle. Your dealer has the proper test
equipment and diagnostic tools to fix any
mechanical or electrical problems that may
have developed.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
Some state/provincial and local govern-
ments have or may begin programs to
inspect the emission control equipment on
your vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection
could prevent you from getting a vehicle
registration.
Here are some things you need to know to
help your vehicle pass an inspection:
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if
the check engine light is on or not working
properly.
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if
the OBD (on-board diagnostic) system
determines that critical emission control
systems have not been completely diag-nosed by the system. The vehicle would be
considered not ready for inspection. This
can happen if you have recently replaced
your battery or if your battery has run
down. The diagnostic system is designed
to evaluate critical emission control sys-
tems during normal driving. This may take
several days of routine driving. If you have
done this and your vehicle still does not
pass the inspection for lack of OBD system
readiness, your dealer can prepare the
vehicle for inspection.
Oil Pressure Light
808235
If you have a low engine oil pressure prob-
lem, this light will stay on after you start
your engine, or come on when you are
driving. This indicates that your engine is
not receiving enough oil.
The engine could be low on oil, or could
have some other oil problem. Have it fixed
immediately.
The oil light could also come on in three
other situations:
When the ignition is on but the engine is
not running, the light will come on as atest to show you it is working, but the
light will go out when you turn the igni-
tion to START. If it does not come on with
the ignition on, you may have a problem
with the fuse or bulb. Have it fixed right
away.
If the vehicle is idling at a stop sign, the
light may blink on and then off.
If you make a hard stop, the light may
come on for a moment. This is normal.
WARNING
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure
is low. If you do, your engine can
become so hot that it catches fire.
You or others could be burned. Check
your oil as soon as possible and have
your vehicle serviced.
CAUTION
Lack of proper engine oil mainte-
nance may damage the engine. The
repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Always follow the mainte-
nance schedule in this manual for
changing engine oil.
3-32 INSTRUMENT PANEL
78J00-03E
ENGINE OVERHEATD (Overheated)
STOP ENGINE
NOTE:
If you drive your vehicle while the engine is
overheating, severe engine damage may
occur. If an overheat warning appears on
the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC,
stop the vehicle as soon as possible. Refer
to “Engine Overheating” in “Checking
Things Under the Hood” in the “Service
and Appearance Care” section for more
information.
This message displays along with a contin-
uous chime when the engine has over-
heated. Stop and turn the engine off
immediately to avoid severe engine dam-
age. Refer to “Engine Overheating” in
“Checking Things Under the Hood” in the
“Service and Appearance Care” section.
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when the vehicle’s
engine power is reduced. Reduced engine
power can affect the vehicle’s ability to
accelerate. If this message is on, but there
is no reduction in performance, proceed to
your destination. The performance may be
reduced the next time the vehicle is driven.
The vehicle may be driven at a reduced
speed while this message is on, but accel-
eration and speed may be reduced. Any-
time this message stays on, the vehicle
should be taken to your dealer for service
as soon as possible.FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays when your vehicle
is low on fuel. Refill the fuel tank as soon
as possible. Refer to “Fuel Gage” in this
section and “Filling the Tank” in “Fuel” in
the “Service and Appearance Care” sec-
tion for more information.
HOOD OPEN
This message displays on some vehicles
when the hood is not closed properly.
When this message appears, make sure
that the hood is closed completely. Refer to
“Hood Release” in “Checking Things
Under the Hood” in the “Service and
Appearance Care” section.
ICE POSSIBLE DRIVE WITH CARE
This message displays when the outside
air temperature is cold enough to create
icy road conditions. Adjust your driving
accordingly.
LIFTGATE OPEN
This message displays when the liftgate is
not closed completely. Make sure that the
liftgate is closed completely. Refer to “Lift-
gate” in “Doors and Locks” in the “Features
and Controls” section.OIL PRSSURE (Pressure) LOW STOP
ENGINE
This message displays when the vehicle’s
engine oil pressure is low. The oil pressure
light also appears on the instrument panel
cluster. Refer to “Oil Pressure Light” in this
section.
Stop the vehicle immediately, as engine
damage can result from driving a vehicle
with low oil pressure. Have the vehicle ser-
viced by your dealer as soon as possible
when this message is displayed.
PASSENGER DOOR FRONT/REAR
OPEN
This message displays when one or more
of the passenger’s doors are not closed
properly. When this message appears,
make sure that all passenger doors are
closed completely.
CAUTION
If you drive your vehicle while the
engine oil pressure is low, severe
engine damage may occur. If a low oil
pressure warning appears on the
Driver Information Center (DIC), stop
the vehicle as soon as possible. Do
not drive the vehicle until the cause
of the low oil pressure is corrected.
Refer to “Engine Oil” in “Checking
Things Under the Hood” in the “Ser-
vice and Appearance Care” section
for more information.
4-12 DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE
78J00-03E
The most important advice on freeway
driving is: Keep up with traffic and keep to
the right. Drive at the same speed most of
the other drivers are driving. Too-fast or
too-slow driving breaks a smooth traffic
flow. Treat the left lane on a freeway as a
passing lane.
At the entrance, there is usually a ramp
that leads to the freeway. If you have a
clear view of the freeway as you drive
along the entrance ramp, you should begin
to check traffic. Try to determine where you
expect to blend with the flow. Try to merge
into the gap at close to the prevailing
speed. Switch on your turn signal, check
your mirrors, and glance over your shoul-
der as often as necessary. Try to blend
smoothly with the traffic flow.
Once you are on the freeway, adjust your
speed to the posted limit or to the prevail-
ing rate if it is slower. Stay in the right lane
unless you want to pass.
Before changing lanes, check your mirrors.
Then use your turn signal.
Just before you leave the lane, glance
quickly over your shoulder to make sure
there is not another vehicle in your blind
spot.
Once you are moving on the freeway,
make certain you allow a reasonable fol-
lowing distance. Expect to move slightly
slower at night.When you want to leave the freeway, move
to the proper lane well in advance. If you
miss your exit, do not, under any circum-
stances, stop and back up. Drive on to the
next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes
quite sharply. The exit speed is usually
posted.
Reduce your speed according to your
speedometer, not to your sense of motion.
After driving for any distance at higher
speeds, you may tend to think you are
going slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long TripMake sure you are ready. Try to be well
rested. If you must start when you are not
fresh – such as after a day’s work – do not
plan to make too many miles that first part
of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing
and shoes you can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you
keep it serviced and maintained, it is ready
to go. If it needs service, have it done
before starting out. Of course, you will find
experienced and able service experts in
dealerships all across North America.
They will be ready and willing to help if you
need it.Here are some things you can check
before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Is the reservoir full? Are all windows
clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:
Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:
Have you checked all levels?
Lamps:
Are they all working? Are the lenses
clean?
Tires:
They are vitally important to a safe, trou-
ble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all
inflated to the recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts:
What is the weather outlook along your
route? Should you delay your trip a short
time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps:
Do you have up-to-date maps?
Highway HypnosisIs there actually such a condition as high-
way hypnosis? Or is it just plain falling
asleep at the wheel? Call it highway hyp-
nosis, lack of awareness, or whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch
of road with the same scenery, along with
the hum of the tires on the road, the drone
of the engine, and the rush of the wind
against the vehicle that can make you
sleepy. Do not let it happen to you! If it
4-19 DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE
78J00-03E
Certification Label
52D059
A vehicle specific Certification/Tire label is
found on the rear edge of the driver’s door.
The label shows the size of your original
tires and the inflation pressures needed to
obtain the gross weight capacity of your
vehicle. This is called the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR
includes the weight of the vehicle, all occu-
pants, fuel, and cargo.
The Certification/Tire label also tells you
the maximum weights for the front and rear
axles, called the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR). To find out the actual loads on
your front and rear axles, you need to go to
a weigh station and weigh your vehicle.
Your dealer can help you with this. Be sure
to spread out your load equally on both
sides of the centerline.Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle
or the GAWR for either the front or rear
axle.
If you put things inside your vehicle – like
suitcases, tools, packages, or anything
else – they will go as fast as the vehicle
goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly, or
if there is a crash, they will keep going.
WARNING
Do not load your vehicle any heavier
than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the maximum front
or rear Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR). If you do, parts on your
vehicle can break, and it can change
the way your vehicle handles. These
could cause you to lose control and
crash. Also, overloading can shorten
the life of your vehicle.
WARNING
Overloading your vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be cov-
ered by your warranty. Do not over-
load your vehicle.
WARNING
Things you put inside your vehicle
can strike and injure people in a sud-
den stop or turn, or in a crash.
Put things in the cargo area of your
vehicle. Try to spread the weight
evenly.
Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so that
some of them are above the tops of
the seats.
Do not leave an unsecured child
restraint in your vehicle.
When you carry something inside
the vehicle, secure it whenever you
can.
Do not leave a seat folded down
unless you need to.