2008 SUZUKI FORENZA power steering

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85Z04-03E
Vehicle SymbolsYour vehicle has components and labels that use symbols instead of text. Symbols, used on your vehicle, are shown along with the text
describing the operation or information relating to a specific component, control, message, gauge or indicator.
If you need help figuring out a specific name of a component, gauge or indicator, reference the following topics:
 Seats and Restraint Systems in Section
1
 Features and Controls in Section 2
 Instrument Panel Overview in Section 3 Climate Controls in Section 3
 Warning Lights, Gauges and Indicators
in Section 3
 Audio System(s) in Section 3 Engine Compartment Overview in Sec-
tion 5
These are some examples of vehicle symbols you may find on your vehicle:
WARNING
POSSIBLE
INJURY
PROTECT
EYES BY
SHIELDINGFASTEN
SEAT
BELTS
POWER
WINDOWDOOR LOCK
UNLOCK DO NOT INSTALL
A REAR-FACING
CHILD RESTRAINT
IN THIS SEATING
POSITION AIR BAGMALFUNCTION
INDICATOR
LAMPENGINE
COOLANT
TEMP
FUEL
OWNER'S
MANUAL BATTERY
CHARGING
SYSTEM
BRAKE
COOLANT
ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE
ANTI-LOCK
BRAKES TURN
SIGNALS
HAZARD
WARNING
FLASHER
HIGHBEAM
ON
LIGHT
FOG
LAMPS
SULFURIC
BATTERY
ACID CAN
CAUSE
BLINDNESS
OR SEVERE
BURNS
AVOID
SPARKS OR
FLAMES
FLUSH EYES
IMMEDIATELY
WITH WATER
L3U0002CS
DOOR
AJAR
LIGHT
POWER
STEERING
FLUID
FUEL
FILLER
EMERGENCY
TRUNK
RELEASEINSTRUMENT
PANEL
BRIGHTNESS
TRUNK
AJAR
LIGHT
HOOD
RELEASEDAYTIME
RUNNING
LAMPS
TRACTION
CONTROL
SYSTEM
ACTIVE LIGHTWASHER
FLUID
TIRE
PRESSURE
WARNING
LIGHT
CRUISE
CONTROL
LIGHT
HOLD MODE
ACTIVE
LIGHT
SPEED
SENSITIVE
POWER
STEERING
WARNING
LIGHT

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:

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INSTRUMENT PANEL
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Speed Sensitive Power Steering
(SSPS) Warning LightIf your vehicle has Speed Sensitive Power
Steering (SSPS), this warning light will
come on briefly when you turn the ignition
to ON as a check to show you the bulb is
working.
Then it should go out after a few seconds.
If the warning light does not come on, have
it fixed so it will be able to warn you if there
is a problem.
If the warning light stays on, or comes on
while you are driving, the SSPS system
may not be working. If this happens, see
your SUZUKI dealer for service.
Hold Mode LightIf your vehicle has this feature, this light will
come on when the Hold mode is active.
If the HOLD mode light flashes, have your
vehicle checked.
See “Hold Mode” under “Automatic Trans-
mission Operation” in section 2 for addi-
tional information on this feature.Engine Coolant Temperature GaugeYour vehicle is equipped with an engine
coolant temperature gauge. With the igni-tion in the ON position, this gauge shows
the engine coolant temperature.
If the gauge pointer moves into the red
area, your engine is too hot! It means that
your engine coolant has overheated.
If you have been operating your vehicle
under normal driving conditions, you
should pull off the road, stop your vehicle
and turn off the engine as soon as possi-
ble.
See “Engine Overheating” in section 5.
Malfunction Indicator LampCheck Engine Light
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer
which monitors operation of the fuel, igni-
tion 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-
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Warning Lights, Gauges and Indicators:

3-36
INSTRUMENT PANEL
85Z04-03E
AUX Mod e
Press this button to listen to the audio con-
tents from other devices; Walkman, Porta-
ble CD Player, Portable MP3 Player, i-pod,
XM receiver, etc.
1) Connect the output port of the device to
the aux jack of the head unit with an
aux connector.
2) Turn the device on.
3) Press this button.
If you want to control the volume level, use
the volume buttons of the head unit or the
device.
Using the Auxiliary Input Jack
Your radio system has an auxiliary input
jack located on the lower right side of the
faceplate. This is not an audio output; do
not plug a headphone set into the front
auxiliary input jack. You can however, con-
nect an external audio device such as an
iPod, laptop computer, MP3 player, CD
changer, or cassette tape player, etc. to the
auxiliary input jack for use as another
source for audio listening.
The auxiliary input jack will also accept cell
phone connectors. Plug the cell phone
connector into the auxiliary input jack to
hear the other side of a cell phone’s con-
versation through the vehicle sound sys-
tem.
Drivers are encouraged to set up their por-
table audio player while the vehicle isparked. See Defensive Driving for more
information on driver distraction.
To use a portable audio player, connect a
3.5 mm (1/8 inch) cable to the radio’s front
auxiliary input jack. When a device is con-
nected, press the radio CD/AUX button as
needed to begin playing audio from the
device over the car speakers.
CD/AUX (CD/Auxiliary) button (9):
Press this button once to play a CD while a
portable audio device is playing. Press this
button a second time and the system will
begin playing audio from the connected
portable audio player. Once in this mode,
“Auxinput” will appear on the display. If the
auxiliary jack does not detect the presence
of an output jack, the aux mode will be pre-
vented from coming up.
Power/Volume knob (1):
Turn this knob clockwise or counterclock-
wise to increase or decrease the volume of
the portable player. You may need to make
additional volume adjustments from the
portable device if the volume does not go
loud or soft enough.
STEERING WHEEL REMOTE OPER-
ATION (if equipped in the vehicle)Power Button
Press this button to turn the system on and
off. Press this button for a short time to
MUTE the sound. Press the button again
to cancel MUTE.
Volume Up Button
Press this button to increase the volume
level.
Volume Down Button
Press this button to decrease the volume
level.
Seek Button
RADIO MODE
Press the Seek Button for a short time to
search for stored radio channels.
84Z025
Press and hold the Seek Button to search
for the next receivable higher-frequency.
CH4 CH5
CH1 CH2
CH6
CH3

3-44
INSTRUMENT PANEL
85Z04-03E
STEERING WHEEL REMOTE OPER-
ATION (if equipped in the vehicle)Power Button
Press this button to turn the system on and
off. Press this button for a short time to
MUTE the sound. To cancel MUTE, press
this button again.
Volume Up Button
Press this button to increase the volume
level.
Volume Down Button
Press this button to decrease the volume
level.
Seek Button
RADIO MODE
Press the Seek Button for a short time to
search for stored radio channels.
84Z025
Press and hold the Seek Button to search
for the next receivable higher-frequency.CDP MODE
Press the Seek Button for a short time to
go to the next track.
84Z026
Press and hold the Seek Button to fast
play.
Mode Button
Press the Mode Button to change the
mode. (“CDP” is displayed when a CD is
in the CDP deck)
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CD CHANGER OPERATION
(Optional)The CD changer is installed in the trunk.
Up to 6 discs can be stored in the maga-
zine of the CD changer.
A selection of tracks from the 6 discs
stored in the disc magazine can be made
and automatically played in the order of
your preference.
NOTE:
 The CD changer is controlled by the
Main Unit.
 The CD changer is an Optional Item.
CH4 CH5
CH1 CH2
CH6
CH3
Track01 Track02
AM-1 AM-2
FM1 FM2
AM-A (CDP)
FM-A

4-5DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE
85Z04-03E
SteeringPower Steering
If you lose power steering assist because
the engine stops or the system is not func-
tioning, you can steer but it will take much
more effort.
Speed Sensitive Power Steering
System
This system continuously adjusts the effort
you feel when steering at all vehicle
speeds. It provides ease when parking, yet
a firm, solid feel at highway speeds.
If your vehicle has this system, it varies the
amount of effort required to steer the vehi-
cle in relation to the speed of the vehicle.
The amount of steering effort required is
less at slower speeds to make the vehicle
more maneuverable and easier to park. At
faster speeds, the steering effort increases
to provide a sport-like feel to the steering.
This provides maximum control and stabil-
ity.
This warning light will stay on, or come on
while you are driving, if there’s a problem
with the SSPS system.When this warning light is on, your vehicle
will seem harder to steer than normal
when parking or driving slowly. You will still
have power steering, but steering will be
stiffer than normal at slow speeds. See
your SUZUKI dealer for service.
Steering Tips
Driving on Curves
It’s 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’s 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’s
no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle
going in the same direction. If you’ve ever
tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you’ll
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’re in a curve, speed is the one factor
you can control.
Suppose you’re steering through a sharp
curve. Then you suddenly apply the
brakes. Both control systems – steeringand braking – have to do their work where
the tires meet the road. Unless you have
four-wheel anti-lock brakes, adding the
hard braking can demand too much of
those places. You can lose control.
The same thing can happen if you’re steer-
ing through a sharp curve and you sud-
denly accelerate. Those two control
systems – steering and acceleration – can
overwhelm those places where the tires
meet the road and make you lose control.
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
favorable conditions you’ll 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.
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Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle:

5-6
SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
85Z04-03E
Engine Compartment OverviewWhen you open the hood on the engine, you’ll see the following:
A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
B. Engine Oil Filler Cap
C. Brake/Clutch Fluid Reservoir
D. Engine Coolant Surge Tank
E. Underhood Fuse BlockF. B a t t e r y
G. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
H. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
I. Engine Oil Dipstick
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A
B
D
EG
H
I
F
C
Checking Things Under the Hood:

5-17SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
85Z04-03E
2) Then keep turning the pressure cap
slowly, and remove it.
3) Fill the coolant surge tank with the
proper mixture to the MAX mark on the
coolant surge tank. Wait about five min-
utes, then check to see if the level is
below the MAX mark. If the level is
below the MAX mark, add additional
coolant to bring the level up to the MAX
mark. Repeat this procedure until the
level remains constant at the MAX mark
for at least five minutes.
4) With the coolant surge tank pressure
cap off, start the engine and let it run
until you can feel the upper radiator
hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level inside the
coolant surge tank may be lower. If thelevel is lower than the MAX mark, add
more of the proper mixture to the cool-
ant surge tank until the level reaches
the MAX mark.
5) Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure
the pressure cap is hand-tight and fully
seated. See your SUZUKI dealer, if
necessary.
Power Steering FluidThe power steering fluid reservoir is
located toward the front of the engine com-
partment on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
See “Engine Compartment Overview” in
this section for more information on loca-
tion.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check
power steering fluid unless you suspect
there is a leak in the system or you hear an
unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system
inspected and repaired.How to Check Power Steering Fluid
Turn the key off and then check the fluid
level. The level should be between the MIN
and MAX marks on the reservoir. If the
level is below the MIN mark, add power
steering fluid.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in
section 6. Always use the proper fluid. Fail-
ure to use the proper fluid can cause leaks
and can damage hoses and seals.
Checking Things Under the Hood: