7-2
DRIVING TIPS
66J22-03E
Shorter Wheelbase
Along with its higher ground clearance,
your vehicle has a shorter wheelbase and
shorter front and rear overhangs than
many passenger cars. These features
combine to allow you to drive your vehicle
over hillcrests without hanging up on them
or damaging the frame and chassis com-
ponents. The shorter wheelbase also
makes the steering of your vehicle more
responsive than that of vehicles with longer
wheelbases.
Narrower Body Width and Track
Your vehicle is narrower than the average
passenger car so that it can pass through
tight spaces.
Without the essential characteristics
described above: higher ground clearance,
shorter wheelbase and narrower body
width and track – your vehicle could not
provide you with excellent off road driving
performance. However, it is also true that
on-pavement driving, handling and steer-
ing will be different from what drivers expe-
rience with a conventional passenger car.
On-Pavement DrivingGovernment data show that most rollover
accidents for multi-purpose vehicles are
caused when a driver loses control of the
vehicle and leaves the paved portion of the
roadway striking a ditch, curb or other off-
road object that causes the vehicle to over-
turn. The following driving practices may
reduce the risk of rollover.
Vehicle Slides Off-Road
You can reduce the risk of this kind of roll-
over accident by always keeping the vehi-
cle under control. Typically, drivers lose
control of vehicles, often resulting in roll-
over accidents, when the driver is impaired
because of alcohol or other drugs, falls
asleep at the wheel or is otherwise inatten-
tive, or is driving too fast for the road condi-
tions.
Rollovers On the Roadway
If, for any reason, your vehicle slides side-
ways or spins out of control at highway
speeds, while on the paved portion of the
roadway, the risk of rollover is greatly
increased. This condition can be created
when two or more wheels drop off onto the
shoulder and you steer sharply in an
attempt to reenter the roadway. To reduce
the risk of rollover in these circumstances,
if conditions permit, you should hold the
steering wheel firmly and slow down
before pulling back into the travel lanes
with controlled steering movements.All Types of Rollover Accidents
As with many kinds of automobile acci-
dents, rollovers can be greatly reduced by
doing what all prudent drivers should do,
i.e., don’t drink and drive, don’t drive when
tired and don’t do anything behind the
wheel that could cause a loss of attention
to the driving task.
Additional guidelines are set out below for
your on-road driving.
Know Your Vehicle
Take time to familiarize yourself with the
unique handling characteristics of your
vehicle by first driving around in an area
away from traffic. Practice turning the vehi-
cle at a variety of speeds and in different
directions. Get a feel for the greater steer-
ing response that your vehicle has over a
conventional car.
Wear Your Seat Belts at All Times
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.
Important Vehicle Design Features To Know: NO
On-Pavement Driving: NO
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
9
66J22-03E
60G410
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCEMaintenance Schedule ....................................................... 9-2
Periodic Maintenance Schedule ........................................ 9-3
Maintenance Recommended under Severe Driving
Conditions ........................................................................... 9-7
Drive Belt ............................................................................. 9-9
Engine Oil and Filter ........................................................... 9-9
Gear Oil ................................................................................ 9-13
Automatic Transmission Fluid ........................................... 9-15
Engine Coolant .................................................................... 9-17
Windshield Washer Fluid ................................................... 9-19
Air Cleaner ........................................................................... 9-20
Spark Plugs ......................................................................... 9-20
Brakes .................................................................................. 9-21
Steering Wheel .................................................................... 9-23
Clutch Pedal ........................................................................ 9-24
Tires ...................................................................................... 9-24
Battery .................................................................................. 9-35
Fuses .................................................................................... 9-35
Headlight Aiming ................................................................. 9-38
Bulb Replacement ............................................................... 9-39
Wiper Blades ....................................................................... 9-44
Air Conditioning System .................................................... 9-47
9-2
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
66J22-03E
NOTICE (for U.S.A.)
Maintenance, replacement or repair of
the emission control devices and sys-
tems may be performed by any automo-
bile repair establishment or individual
using any part which has been certified
under the provisions in the Clean Air
Act sec. 207. (a) (2).
Maintenance ScheduleThe following table shows the times when
you should perform regular maintenance
on your vehicle. This table shows in miles,
kilometers and months when you should
perform inspections, adjustments, lubrica-
tion and other services. These intervals
should be shortened if driving is usually
done under severe conditions (refer to
“Maintenance Recommended Under
Severe Driving Conditions”).
WARNING
SUZUKI recommends that mainte-
nance on items marked with an aster-
isk (*) be performed by your
authorized SUZUKI dealer or a quali-
fied service technician. If you are
qualified, you may perform mainte-
nance on the unmarked items by
referring to the instructions in this
section. If you are not sure whether
you can successfully complete any of
the unmarked maintenance jobs, ask
your authorized SUZUKI dealer to do
the maintenance for you.
CAUTION
Whenever it becomes necessary to
replace parts on your vehicle, it is
recommended that you use genuine
SUZUKI replacement parts or their
equivalent.
WARNING
The shock absorbers are filled with
high pressure gas. Never attempt to
disassemble it or throw it into a fire.
Avoid storing it near a heater or heat-
ing device. When scrapping the
absorber, the gas must be released
from the absorber safely. Ask your
dealer for assistance.
Maintenance Schedule: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10
9-5INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
66J22-03E
R: Replace or change
I : Inspect, clean, adjust, lubricate or replace as necessaryInterval: This interval should be judged by odometer
reading or months, whichever comes first.miles (x 1000) 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60 67.5 75
km (x 1000) 12.5 25 37.5 50 62.5 75 87.5 100 112.5 125
months 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60 67.5 75CHASSIS AND BODY
1. Clutch (for manual transmission)
Pedal and fluid level
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*2. Brake discs and pads (front) – I – I – I – I – I
Brake drums and shoes
(rear)
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*3. Brake hoses and pipes – I – I – I – I – I
4.Brake fluid level check, *replacement
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
R
–
I
5. Brake pedal stroke check, *adjustment – I – I – I – I – I
6.Parking brake lever and *cableLever movement check, *adjustment – I – I – I – I – I7.Tires (including tire rotation)
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
*8. Wheel discs I I I I I I I I I I
*9.
Wheel bearings
–
I
–
*I
–
I
–
*I
–
I
*10. Suspension system – I – I – I – I – I
*11.
Propeller shafts/Drive shafts
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*12. Manual transmission oil I – – R – I – R – I
13.
Automatic transmission (A/T)
Fluid level
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*Fluid change Replace every 175000 km (105000 miles)-----5-speed A/T
*Fluid hose
–
–
–
–
–
I
–
–
–
–
*14. Transfer oil I – – I – I – R – I
*15.
Differential & Extension (for 2WD) oil
R
–
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
16. Steering system
Steering wheel movement,
*linkage
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
*17. Power steering (if equipped) I I I I I I I I I I
18.
All Latches, Hinges and Locks
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
19. Air conditioner filter (if equipped) – I – R – I – R – I
Periodic Maintenance Schedule: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10
9-6
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
66J22-03E
R: Replace or change
I : Inspect, clean, adjust, lubricate or replace as necessary
NOTE:
This table shows the service schedule up to 250000 km (150000 miles).
Beyond 250000 km (150000 miles), perform the same services at the same intervals shown in the chart.
Beyond 250000 km (150000 miles), the maintenance services enclosed with a rectangle are required.
Item 9 *I - inspect for wear.Interval: This interval should be judged by odometer
reading or months, whichever comes first.miles (x 1000) 82.5 90 97.5 105 112.5 120 127.5 135 142.5 150
km (x 1000) 137.5 150 162.5 175 187.5 200 212.5 225 237.5 250
months 82.5 90 97.5 105 112.5 120 127.5 135 142.5 150CHASSIS AND BODY
1. Clutch (for manual transmission)
Pedal and fluid level
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*2. Brake discs and pads (front) – I – I – I – I – I
Brake drums and shoes
(rear)
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*3. Brake hoses and pipes – I – I – I – I – I
4.Brake fluid level check, *replacement
–
I
–
I
–
R
–
I
–
I
5. Brake pedal stroke check, *adjustment – I – I – I – I – I
6.Parking brake lever and *cableLever movement check, *adjustment – I – I – I – I – I7.Tires (including tire rotation)
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
*8. Wheel discs I I I I I I I I I I
*9.
Wheel bearings
–
*I
–
I
–
*I
–
I
–
I
*10. Suspension system – I – I – I – I – I
*11.
Propeller shafts/Drive shafts
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*12. Manual transmission oil – R – I – R – I – R
13.
Automatic transmission (A/T)
Fluid level
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*Fluid change Replace every 175000 km (105000 miles)-----5-speed A/T
*Fluid hose
–
I
–
–
–
–
–
I
–
–
*14. Transfer oil – I – I – R – I – I
*15.
Differential & Extension (for 2WD) oil
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
16. Steering system
Steering wheel movement,
*linkage
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
*17. Power steering (if equipped) I I I I I I I I I I
18.
All Latches, Hinges and Locks
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
19. Air conditioner filter (if equipped) – R – I – R – I – R
Periodic Maintenance Schedule: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10
9-7INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
66J22-03E
Maintenance Recommended under Severe Driving ConditionsIf the vehicle is usually used under the conditions corresponding to any severe condition code given below, it is recommended that appli-
cable maintenance operation be performed at the particular interval shown in the chart below.
Severe condition code
A – Repeated short trips
B – Driving on rough and/or muddy roads
C – Driving on dusty roads
D – Driving in extremely cold weather and/or on salted roads
E – Repeated short trips in extremely cold weather
H – Towing a trailer
Severe
Condition CodeMaintenanceMaintenance
OperationMaintenance Interval
A – C D E H Engine oil and oil filter REvery 5000 km (3000 miles)
or 3 months
A B – D – H Exhaust pipes and mountings IEvery 10000 km (6000 miles)
or 6 months
– – C – – – Air cleaner filter element *1IEvery 5000 km (3000 miles)
or 3 months
REvery 25000 km (15000 miles)
or 15 months
– – C – – – Canister air suction filter REvery 100000 km (60000 miles)
or 60 months
ABC– – HBrake discs and pads (front)
Brake drums and shoes (rear)IEvery 10000 km (6000 miles)
or 6 months
– B – D E H Propeller shafts/Drive shafts IEvery 10000 km (6000 miles)
or 6 months
– B – – E H Manual transmission oil REvery 25000 km (15000 miles)
or 15 months
Maintenance Recommended under Severe Driving Condi-
tions: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10
9-8
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
66J22-03E
NOTE:
I – Inspect, clean, adjust, lubricate or replace as necessary
T – Tighten to the specified torque
R – Replace or change
L – Lubricate
*1 Inspect more frequently if the vehicle is used under dusty conditions.
*2 Clean more frequently if the air flow from the air conditioner decreases. Severe
Condition CodeMaintenanceMaintenance
OperationMaintenance Interval
– B – – E H Automatic transmission (A/T) fluid REvery 25000 km (15000 miles)
or 15 months
– B – – E H Transfer, Differential and Extension oil REvery 25000 km (15000 miles)
or 15 months
– B – – – – Bolts and nuts on suspension TEvery 10000 km (6000 miles)
or 6 months
– B C – – – Drive belt IEvery 25000 km (15000 miles)
or 15 months
– – C D – – Air conditioner filter element *2IEvery 10000 km (6000 miles)
or 6 months
REvery 50000 km (30000 miles)
or 30 months
Maintenance Recommended under Severe Driving Condi-
tions: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10
9-9INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
66J22-03E
Drive BeltMake sure the drive belt tension is correct.
If the belt is too loose, insufficient battery
charging, engine overheating, poor power
steering, poor air conditioning or excessive
belt wear can result. When you press the
belt with your thumb midway between the
pulleys, there should be a deflection
according to the following chart.
The belts should also be examined to
ensure that they are not damaged.
If you need to replace or adjust the belt
have it done by your SUZUKI dealer.
52D029
Engine Oil and FilterSpecified Oil
52D083
(1) Preferred
Use engine oil with the American Petro-
leum Institute Certified For Gasoline
Engines “Starburst” symbol.
Select the appropriate oil viscosity accord-
ing to the above chart.
We highly recommend you use SAE 5W-
30 oil.
WARNING
When the engine is running, keep
hands, hair, clothing, tools, etc. away
from the moving fan and drive belts.
DEFL: 4 – 7 mm (0.16 – 0.28 in.) DEFL: 9 – 11 mm (0.35 – 0.43 in.)
PS
GE
AC
→: 100 N (22 lbs, 10 kg) press
GE: Generator
DEFL: Deflection
PS: Power steering pump
AC: Air conditioner compressor
CAUTION
Failure to use the recommended oil
can result in engine damage.C
Fo o-30
-22-20
-4-10
14 32 50 68 86 104010203040
10W-30
(1)
5W-30
Temperature
EXAMPLE
“Starburst”
Drive Belt: 1, 2
Engine Oil and Filter: 1, 2