4-24
INSTRUMENT PANEL
66J22-03E
Temperature selector (1)
66J235
Turn this selector to adjust the tempera-
ture.Air conditioning switch (8)
66J236
This switch is used to turn on and off the
air conditioning system. To turn on the air
conditioning system, push in the switch
and “A/C” will appear on the LCD display.
To turn off the air conditioning system,
push in the switch again and “A/C” will go
off. Blower speed selector (2)
66J237
This selector is used to turn on the blower
and to select blower speed.
If the “AUTO” switch (7) is pushed, the
blower speed will vary automatically as the
climate control system maintains the
selected temperature.
(1)
A/C: OFF A/C: ON
(2)
Heating and Air Conditioning System: 4
4-25INSTRUMENT PANEL
66J22-03E
Air intake selector (3)
66J238
Push this selector to change between the
following modes.
RECIRCULATED AIR (a)
When this mode is selected, outside air is
shut off and inside air is recirculated. This
mode is suitable when driving through an
area with polluted air such as a tunnel, or
when attempting to quickly cool down the
vehicle.
FRESH AIR (b)
When this mode is selected, outside air is
introduced.
“FRESH AIR” and “RECIRCULATED AIR”
are selected alternately each time the air
intake selector is pushed.NOTE:
If you select “RECIRCULATED AIR” for an
extended period of time, the air in the vehi-
cle can become contaminated. Therefore,
you should occasionally select “FRESH
AIR”.
Air flow selector (4)
66J239
Push this selector to change among the
following functions. The indication of the
selected mode appears on the LCD dis-
play.
AUTO (7)
Temperature-controlled air comes out of
various outlets automatically.Ventilation (c)
64J069
Temperature-controlled air comes out of
the center and side air outlets.
Bi-level (d)
64J070
Temperature-controlled air comes out of
the floor outlets and cooler air comes out
of the center and side outlets. When the
temperature selector (1) is in the fully
COLD position or fully HOT position, how-
ever, the air from the floor outlets and the
air from the center and side outlets will be
the same temperature.
(a) (b)
(4)
(c)
(d) (e) (f)
Heating and Air Conditioning System: 4
4-26
INSTRUMENT PANEL
66J22-03E
Heat (e)
64J071
Temperature-controlled air comes out of
the floor outlets and the side outlets, a
small amount of air comes out of the wind-
shield defroster outlets and the side
defroster outlets.
Heat & defrost (f)
64J072
Temperature-controlled air comes out of
the floor outlets, the windshield defroster
outlets, the side defroster outlets and the
side outlets.Defrost switch (5)
66J240
Push this switch to turn on the defroster.Defrost
66J241
Temperature-controlled air comes out of
the windshield defroster outlets, the side
defroster outlets and the side outlets.
NOTE:
When the defrost switch (5) is pushed to
turn on the defroster, the air conditioning
system will come on and the “FRESH AIR”
mode will be selected automatically. In
very cold weather, however, the air condi-
tioning system will not turn on.
(5)
Heating and Air Conditioning System: 4
4-27INSTRUMENT PANEL
66J22-03E
System Operating InstructionsAutomatic operation
66J242
You can let the climate control system work
automatically. To set the system for fully-
automatic operation, follow the procedure
below.
1) Set the desired temperature by turning
the temperature selector (1).
2) Push the “AUTO” switch (7).
The blower speed selector (2), air intake
selector (3), and air flow selector (4) are
controlled automatically to maintain the set
temperature.
You can use the air conditioning switch (8)
to manually turn the air conditioner on or
off according to your preference. When
you turn the air conditioning switch off, the
climate control system cannot lower theinside temperature below outside tempera-
ture.
To turn the climate control system off, push
the “OFF” switch (6).
NOTE:
If the “AUTO” on the LCD display blinks,
there is a problem in the heating system
and/or air conditioning system. You should
have the system inspected by an autho-
rized SUZUKI dealer.
NOTE:
To find the temperature at which you are
most comfortable, start with the 22°C
(72°F) setting.
If you turn the temperature selector (1)
until “HI” or “LO” appears on the LCD
display, the climate control system will
operate at the maximum cooling or heat-
ing and the blower will run at full speed.
To avoid blowing cold air in cold weather
or hot air in hot weather, the system will
delay turning on the blower until warmed
or chilled air is available.
If your vehicle has been left in the sun
with the windows closed, it will cool
faster if you open the windows briefly.
Even under the automatic operation, you
can set individual selectors to the man-
ual mode. The manually selected func-
tions are maintained, and the other
functions remain under automatic opera-
tion. To return the blower speed selector (2),
air intake selector (3), and air flow selec-
tor (4) to automatic operation, push the
“AUTO” switch.
64J080
Be careful not to cover the interior temper-
ature sensor (F) located between the
steering wheel and the climate control
panel, or the solar sensor (G) located at
the top of the driver’s side dashboard.
These sensors are used by the automatic
system to regulate temperature.
Manual operation
You can manually control the climate con-
trol system. Set the selectors to the
desired positions.
(7)
(6)
(F)
(G)
EXAMPLE
Heating and Air Conditioning System: 4
4-28
INSTRUMENT PANEL
66J22-03E
64J074
NOTE:
If you need maximum defrosting:
set the defrost switch (5) to “DEFROST”
(the air conditioning system will come on
and the “FRESH AIR” mode will be
selected automatically),
set the blower speed selector to HIGH,
adjust the temperature selector to the
“HI” indication on the LCD display, and
adjust the side outlets so the air blows
on the side windows.
MaintenanceIf you do not use the air conditioner for a
long period, such as during winter, it may
not give the best performance when you
start using it again. To help maintain opti-
mum performance and durability of your air
conditioner, it needs to be run periodically.
Operate the air conditioner at least once a
month for one minute with the engine
idling. This circulates the refrigerant and oil
and helps protect the internal components.
Your air conditioner is equipped with air fil-
ters. Clean or replace them as specified in
the “Maintenance Schedule” in the
“INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE” sec-
tion. Have this job done by your SUZUKI
dealer as the lower glove box must be low-
ered for this job.
NOTE:
Your vehicle uses the air conditioning
refrigerant HFC-134a, commonly called
“R-134a”. R-134a replaced R-12 around
1993 for automotive applications. Other
refrigerants are available, including recy-
cled R-12, but only R-134a should be used
in your vehicle.
Audio SystemsThere are two types of audio system as
shown below:
Ty p e 1
66J093
AM/FM/XM CD PLAYER
WITH CD CHANGER CONTROL
CAUTION
Using the wrong refrigerant may
damage your air conditioning sys-
tem. Use R-134a only. Do not mix or
replace the R-134a with other refrig-
erants.
Heating and Air Conditioning System: 4
Audio Systems:
6-1OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
66J22-03E
Exhaust Gas Warning
52D334
WARNING
Avoid breathing exhaust gases.
Exhaust gases contain carbon mon-
oxide, a potentially lethal gas that is
colorless and odorless. Since carbon
monoxide is difficult to detect by
itself, be sure to take the following
precautions to help prevent carbon
monoxide from entering your vehicle.
Do not leave the engine running in
garages or other confined areas.
(Continued)
WARNING
(Continued)
Do not park with the engine run-
ning for a long period of time, even
in an open area. If it is necessary to
sit for a short time in a parked vehi-
cle with the engine running, make
sure the air intake lever is set to
“FRESH AIR” and the fan is at high
speed.
Avoid operating the vehicle with
the rear side door, tailgate or rear
window open. If it is necessary to
operate the vehicle with the rear
side door, tailgate or rear window
open, make sure the folding sun-
roof (if equipped) and all the win-
dows are closed, and the fan is at
high speed with the air intake
selector set to “FRESH AIR”.
To allow proper operation of your
vehicle’s ventilation system, keep
the air inlet grille in front of the
windshield clear of snow, leaves or
other obstructions at all times.
Keep the exhaust tailpipe area clear
of snow and other material to help
reduce the buildup of exhaust
gases under the vehicle. This is
particularly important when parked
in blizzard conditions.
(Continued)
WARNING
(Continued)
Have the exhaust system inspected
periodically for damage and leaks.
Any damage or leaks should be
repaired immediately.
Exhaust Gas Warning: NO
6-2
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
66J22-03E
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 “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section for details.
3) Look for fluid, oil 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 and the parking
brake lever.
9) Adjust the mirrors.
10)Make sure that you and all passengers
have properly fastened your seat 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 SYSTEM
WARNING 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 “All Latches, Hinges and Locks” of
“CHASSIS AND BODY” in the “Periodic
Maintenance Schedule” in the
“INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE”
section for lubrication schedule.
Starting the EngineBefore Starting the Engine1) Make sure the parking brake is set fully.
2) Manual Transmission – Shift into “N”
(Neutral) and depress the clutch pedal
all the way to the floor.
Hold it while starting the engine.
Automatic Transmission – If the gear-
shift lever is not in “P” (Park) position,
shift into “P”. (If you need to re-start the
engine while the vehicle is moving, shift
into “N”.)
NOTE:
The engine of manual transmission vehicle
will not start unless the clutch pedal is
depressed.
NOTE:
Automatic transmission vehicles have a
starter interlock device which is designed
to keep the starter from operating if the
transmission is in any of the drive posi-
tions.
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.
WARNING
Make sure that the parking brake is
set fully and the transmission is in
Neutral (or Park for vehicles with an
automatic transmission) before
attempting to start the engine.
Daily Inspection Checklist: NO
Starting the Engine: 1
7-1DRIVING TIPS
66J22-03E
52D078S
Important Vehicle Design
Features To KnowMultipurpose vehicles such as your new
SUZUKI have higher ground clearance and
a narrower track than conventional pas-
senger cars, to make them capable of per-
forming in a wide variety of off-road
applications. Specific design characteris-
tics give them a higher center of gravity
than ordinary cars. An advantage of the
higher ground clearance is a better view of
the road allowing you to anticipate prob-
lems. They are not designed for cornering
at the same speed as conventional pas-
senger cars any more than low-slung
sports cars are designed to perform satis-
factorily under off-road conditions. If at all
possible, avoid sharp turns or abrupt
maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this
type, failure to operate this vehicle cor-
rectly may result in loss of control or vehi-
cle rollover.
Multipurpose vehicles have a significantly
higher rollover rate than other types of
vehicles.
65D218
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a per-
son wearing a seat belt.Important Differences Between
Your Multipurpose Vehicle and
Ordinary Passenger CarsHigher Ground Clearance
The higher ground clearance of your vehi-
cle enables it to clear off-road obstacles,
such as rocks and tree stumps, that ordi-
nary passenger cars can not drive over. An
unavoidable result of this higher ground
clearance is that the vehicle also has a
higher center of gravity. Consequently,
your vehicle will handle differently than a
vehicle with a lower center of gravity.
WARNING
Wear Your Seat Belts at All Times.
Even though air bags are equipped
at the front seating positions, the
driver and all passengers should
be properly restrained at all times,
using the seat belts provided. Refer
to the “Seat Belts and Child
Restraint Systems” section for
instructions on proper use of the
seat belts.
Never drive while under the influ-
ence of alcohol or other drugs.
Alcohol and drugs can seriously
impair your ability to drive safely,
greatly increasing the risk of injury
to yourself and others. You should
also avoid driving when you are
tired, sick, irritated or under stress.
WARNING
Your multipurpose vehicle has han-
dling characteristics that differ from
those of a conventional passenger
car. For the safety of you and your
passengers, please read the follow-
ing section very carefully.
EXAMPLE
Important Vehicle Design Features To Know: NO