2008 SUZUKI FORENZA warning light

2-7FEATURES AND CONTROLS
85Z04-03E
Remote Trunk Release
Press the remote trunk release button,
located on the side of the driver’s door trim,
to release the trunk lid.Emergency Trunk Release Handle
There is a glow-in-the-dark emergency
trunk release handle located inside the
trunk on the underside of the trunk lid. This
handle will glow following exposure to light.
The trunk can be opened from the inside
by pulling the release handle down.
WARNING
It can be dangerous to drive with the
trunk lid open because carbon mon-
oxide (CO) gas can come into your
vehicle. You can’t see or smell CO. It
can cause unconsciousness and
even death. If you must drive with the
trunk lid open or if electrical wiring or
other cable connections must pass
through the seal between the body
and the trunk lid:
 Make sure all other windows are
shut.
 Turn the fan on your heating or
cooling system to its highest speed
and select the control setting that
will force outside air into your vehi-
cle. See “Climate Control System”
in the Index.
 If you have air outlets on or under
the instrument panel, open them all
the way.
See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.
WARNING
Never operate the remote trunk
release button while your vehicle is
moving. An open trunk lid obscures
your rear view. That can result in a
collision causing damage to your
vehicle or other property, personal
injury, or even death.
N4U2009A
CAUTION
The emergency trunk release handle
is not designed to be used to tie
down the trunk lid or as an anchor
point when securing items in the
trunk. Improper use of the emergency
trunk release handle could damage it.
L3U2010A
Doors and Locks:

2-10
FEATURES AND CONTROLS
85Z04-03E
Theft-Deterrent SystemsVehicle theft is big business, especially in
some cities. Although your vehicle has a
number of theft-deterrent features, we
know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal.Theft-Deterrent SystemYour vehicle may have a theft-deterrent
system.
Arming the System
To arm the system, do the following:
1) Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK
and remove the key from the ignition. If
the key is inserted in the ignition switch,
the transmitter will not operate the theft-
deterrent system.
2) Close the doors, the windows, the
hood, and the trunk. Make sure the win-
dows are closed, as the system can be
activated even if the windows are open.
3) Lock the doors using the remote key-
less entry transmitter. The transmitter
must be used to activate the theft-deter-
rent system.
– The LED on the transmitter will flash
once.
– All of the doors will lock.
– The hazard warning lamps will flash
once and the horn will chirp.
– The theft-deterrent mode will activate.– The security light (A) will flash once
every 0.8 seconds to indicate that the
theft-deterrent system is armed. The
security light is located on the driver’s
door lock.
To avoid activating the alarm by accident,
do the following:
 Lock the vehicle with the key or the man-
ual door lock after the doors are closed if
you don’t want to arm the theft-deterrent
system.
 Unlock the driver’s or passenger’s front
door with the key or use the remote key-
less entry transmitter. Pressing the
UNLOCK button on the remote keyless
entry transmitter disables the theft-deter-
rent system. Unlocking a door any other
way will activate the alarm when a door
or the trunk is opened.The theft-deterrent system will not arm
when you lock the doors using the key or
the manual door lock. It arms only when
you use the remote keyless entry transmit-
ter.
Disarming the System
To disarm the system, do the following:
 Unlock the driver’s or passenger’s front
door using the key, or
 Press the Unlock button on the transmit-
ter.
– The LED on the transmitter will flash
once.
– All of the doors will unlock.
– The hazard warning lamps will flash
twice.
– The theft-deterrent mode will deacti-
vate.
How the System Alarm is Activated
If a door or the trunk is opened without the
key or the remote keyless entry transmitter,
the horn will sound and the lamps will flash
for up to 30 seconds.
The theft-deterrent system won’t arm if you
lock the doors with the key or use the man-
ual door lock. It activates only if you use
the remote keyless entry transmitter.
If the door is not opened or if the engine is
not started within 30 seconds after disarm-
ing the system with the transmitter, all of
the doors will automatically lock and the
theft-deterrent mode will reactivate.
N4U2012A
A
Theft-Deterrent Systems:

2-11FEATURES AND CONTROLS
85Z04-03E
How to Turn Off the System Alarm
If the system alarm is active, it can be
deactivated using the following methods:
 Press the Lock or Unlock button on the
remote keyless entry transmitter.
 Unlock the driver’s or passenger’s front
door using the key.
Otherwise, the alarm will automatically
stop after 30 seconds. The system will
then lock the doors and reactivate the
theft-deterrent system.
How to Detect a Tamper Condition
If the hazard lamps flash once when the
Lock or Unlock button on your transmitter
is pressed, that means the theft-security
system alarm was triggered while you
were away.
Daily Inspection ChecklistBefore Driving1) Make sure that windows, mirrors, lights
and reflectors are clean and unob-
structed.
2) Visually check the tires for the following
points:
– the depth of the tread groove
– abnormal wear, cracks and damage
– loose wheel nuts
– existence of foreign material such as
nails, stones, etc.
Refer to “Tires” in the “SERVICE AND
APPEARANCE CARE” section for details.
3) Look for oil or other fluid leaks.
NOTE:
It is normal for water to drip from the air
conditioning system after use.
4) Make sure the hood is fully closed and
latched.
5) Check the headlights, turn signal lights,
brake lights and horn for proper opera-
tion.
6) Lock all doors.
7) Adjust the seat and adjustable head
restraints (if equipped).
8) Check the brake pedal.
9) Adjust the mirrors.
10)Make sure that you and all passengers
have properly fastened your safety
belts.11)Make sure that all warning lights come
on as the key is turned to the “ON” or
“START” position.
12)Check all gauges.
13)Make sure that the BRAKE light turns
off when the parking brake is released.
Once a week, or each time you fill your fuel
tank, perform the following under-hood
checks:
1) Engine oil level
2) Coolant level
3) Brake fluid level
4) Power steering (if equipped) fluid level
5) Windshield washer fluid level
6) Hood latch operation
Pull the hood release handle inside the
vehicle. Make sure that you cannot
open the hood all the way without
releasing the secondary latch. Be sure
to close the hood securely after check-
ing for proper latch operation. See the
item “Lubricate Locks, Hinges & Hood
Latch” under “Chassis and Body” in the
“MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE” section
for the lubrication schedule.
WARNING
Make sure the hood is fully closed
and latched before driving. If it is not,
it can fly up unexpectedly during
driving, obstructing your view and
resulting in an accident.
Theft-Deterrent Systems:
Daily Inspection Checklist:

2-12
FEATURES AND CONTROLS
85Z04-03E
Starting and Operating Your
VehicleNew Vehicle Break-InIgnition Positions
With the key in the ignition switch, you can
turn the key to four different positions.LOCK:
This position locks your steering wheel,
ignition, automatic transmission shift lever
and automatic transmission. This is the
only position from which you can remove
the key. For easier key operation when
unlocking the steering wheel, move the
steering wheel back and forth while turning
the key to the ACC position.
ACC (ACCESSORY):
This position operates some of your elec-
trical accessories, such as the radio, but
not the ventilation fan. Press in the switch
as you turn it away from you.
ON:
This is the position to which the switch
returns after you start your engine and
release the key. The switch stays in ON
when the engine is running. But even when
the engine is not running, you can use ON
to operate your electrical accessories, and
to display some instrument panel warning
lights.
START:
This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition
switch will return to ON for normal driving.
Do not turn the key to START if the engine
is running.
Even if the engine is not running, ACC and
ON allow you to operate electrical acces-
sories, such as the radio.
CAUTION
Your vehicle doesn’t need an elabo-
rate “break-in.” But it will perform
better in the long run if you follow
these guidelines:
 Don’t drive at any one speed – fast
or slow – for the first 500 miles (805
km). Don’t make full-throttle starts.
 Avoid making hard stops for the
first 200 miles (322 km) or so. Dur-
ing this time your new brake linings
aren’t yet broken in. Hard stops
with new linings can mean prema-
ture wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this break-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.
WARNING
On manual transmission vehicles,
turning the key to LOCK and remov-
ing it will lock the steering column
and result in a loss of ability to steer
the vehicle. This could cause a colli-
sion. If you need to turn the engine
off while the vehicle is moving, turn
the key only to ACC. Don’t push the
key in while the vehicle is moving.
CAUTION
If your key seems stuck in LOCK and
you can’t turn it, be sure you are
using the correct key; if so, is it all
the way in? If it is, then turn the steer-
ing wheel left and right while you turn
the key hard. Turn the key only with
your hand. Using a tool to force it
could break the key or the ignition
switch. If none of these works, then
your vehicle needs service.
S4U2015A
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle:

2-17FEATURES AND CONTROLS
85Z04-03E
(2). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal
as you press the accelerator pedal.
THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5):
Shift into THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and
FIFTH (5), the same way you do for SEC-
OND (2). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal
as you press the accelerator pedal.
To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and
press the brake pedal. Just before the
vehicle stops, press the clutch pedal and
brake pedal, and shift to NEUTRAL.
NEUTRAL:
Use this position when you start or idle
your engine.
REVERSE (R):
To back up, press down the clutch pedal,
lift up the ring on the shift lever and shift
into REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch
pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator
pedal.
Also, use REVERSE (R), along with the
parking brake, for parking your vehicle.Shift Speed
Parking BrakeThe parking brake lever is located between
the bucket seats.
To set the parking brake, hold the brake
pedal down and pull up on the parking
brake lever. If the ignition is on, the brake
system warning light will come on.
To release the parking brake, hold the
brake pedal down. Pull the parking brakelever up until you can press the release
button. Hold the release button in as you
move the brake lever all the way down.
Winter parking tip
Under cold weather conditions, the parking
brake can freeze in the engaged position.
This is most likely to happen if the brakes
are wet.
If there is a risk that the parking brake may
freeze after driving through water deep
enough to wet brake components or after
having the vehicle washed:
1) Apply the parking brake only tempo-
rarily while you put the gear selector
lever in PARK (P) (for automatic tran-
saxle) or in first or reverse gear (for
manual transaxle).
2) Block the rear wheels with wedge
blocks.
3) Release the parking brake.
CAUTION
Shift into REVERSE (R) only after
your vehicle is stopped. Shifting into
REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is
moving could damage your transmis-
sion. The repairs would not be cov-
ered by your warranty.
WARNING
If you skip a gear when you down-
shift, you could lose control of your
vehicle. You could injure yourself or
others. Don’t shift down more than
one gear at a time when you down-
shift.
N4U2016A
CAUTION
Driving with the parking brake on can
cause your rear brakes to overheat.
You may have to replace them, and
you could also damage other parts of
your vehicle. Verify that the parking
brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle:

2-25FEATURES AND CONTROLS
85Z04-03E
Luggage Compartment Cover
(Wagon only)Luggage or other cargo placed in the lug-
gage compartment can be hidden from
view by the luggage compartment cover.
To close the cover, pull the handle of the
cover toward you and then insert the
retainer into the slot located on both sides
of the tailgate opening.To remove the cover, release the handle
after pulling it toward you a little. The cover
retracts automatically.
Roof Rack (Wagon only)The roof rack can be used to conveniently
carry additional cargo, or bulky items, such
as bicycles, which are better carried out-
side than inside.AntennaFor the Sedan models, an antenna is inte-
grated with the rear window defogger,
located in the rear window. For the Wagon
models, an antenna is located in the wind-
shield glass. Be sure that the inside sur-
face of the rear window or windshield glass
is not scratched and that the lines on the
glass are not damaged. If the inside sur-
face is damaged, it could interfere with
radio reception.
Because this antenna is built into your rear
window or windshield glass, there is a
reduced risk of damage caused by car
washes and vandals.If you choose to add a cellular telephone to
your vehicle, and the antenna needs to be
attached to the glass, be sure that you do
not damage the grid lines for the antenna.
There is enough space between the lines
to attach a cellular telephone antenna with-
out interfering with radio reception.
Do not apply aftermarket glass tinting to
the back glass. The metallic film in some
tinting materials will interfere with or distort
the incoming radio reception. Care must
be taken when cleaning the rear window or
CAUTION
Do not carry items on top of the lug-
gage compartment cover, even if they
are small and light. Objects on top of
the cover could be thrown about in an
accident, causing injury, or could
obstruct the driver’s rear view.
N5U2005A
WARNING
A loaded roof rack changes the vehi-
cle’s center of gravity. Do not drive at
high speeds. Take precautions when
driving in crosswinds. Failure to fol-
low this caution can result in vehicle
damage and personal injury.
WARNING
Using a razor blade or sharp object to
clear the inside rear window or wind-
shield glass may damage the antenna
and/or the rear window defogger.
Repairs would not be covered by
your warranty. Do not clear the inside
of the rear window or windshield with
sharp objects.
WARNING
Do not apply aftermarket glass tinting
with metallic film. The metallic film in
some tinting materials will interfere
with or distort the incoming radio
reception. Any damage caused to
your backglass antenna due to metal-
lic tinting materials will not be cov-
ered by your warranty.
Storage Areas:
Sunroof:

INSTRUMENT PANEL
3
85Z04-03E
INSTRUMENT PANELInstrument Panel Overview (Sedan) .................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview (Wagon) ................................. 3-2
Climate Controls ................................................................. 3-13
Warning Lights, Gauges and Indicators ........................... 3-18
Audio System ...................................................................... 3-28

3-1INSTRUMENT PANEL
85Z04-03E
Instrument Panel Overview (Sedan)The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlet
B. Instrument Panel Cluster
C. Air Outlet
D. Hazard Warning Flashers Button
E. Digital ClockF. Audio System
G. Instrument Panel Brightness Control
H. Hood Release
I. Climate Control System
J. AshtrayK. Cigarette Lighter
L. Glove Box
Instrument Panel Overview: