2008 SUZUKI RENO warning

4-19DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE
85Z14-03E
Determining Compatibility of Tire and
Vehicle Load Limits
The tires on your vehicle, when they are
inflated to the recommended tire inflation
pressure, have a load-carrying capacity
that is greater than the load that will be onthe tires when the vehicle is at its GVWR
or GAWR limit. Never use replacement
tires that have a load-carrying capacity
less than the original tires on your vehicle.
Tire load-carrying capacity information is
molded into the tire sidewall typically
shown as “Max. Load”. Use of replacement
tires with a lower load-carrying capacity
than the original tires, or failure to keep the
tires inflated to recommended tire pres-
sure, may reduce the GVWR or GAWR
limit of your vehicle.
NOTE:
Use of replacement tires with a higher
load-carrying capacity than the original
tires, or using a tire inflation pressure
higher than the recommended tire inflation
pressure, will not increase the GVWR or
GAWR limit of your vehicle.
Towing a TrailerDo not use your vehicle to tow a trailer. The
vehicle is not designed or intended for
such use. Towing a trailer can adversely
affect handling, durability and fuel econ-
omy.
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 trunk or rear area
of your vehicle. In a trunk, put them
as far forward as you can. Try to
spread the weight evenly. If you
have fold-down rear seats, you’ll
find four anchors on the back wall
of your trunk. You can use these
anchors to tie down lighter loads.
They’re not strong enough for
heavy things, however, so put them
as far forward as you can in the
trunk or rear area.
 Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so that
some of them are above the tops of
the seats.
 Don’t leave an unsecured child
restraint in your vehicle.
 When you carry something inside
the vehicle, secure it whenever you
can.
 Don’t leave a seat folded down
unless you need to.
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Towing:

5-1SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
85Z14-03E
ServiceYour SUZUKI dealer knows your vehicle
best and wants you to be happy with it. We
hope you’ll go to your SUZUKI dealer for
all your service needs. You’ll get genuine
SUZUKI parts and SUZUKI trained and
supported service people.
We hope you’ll want to keep your SUZUKI
vehicle all SUZUKI. Doing Your Own Service WorkYour vehicle has an air bag system. Before
attempting to do your own service work,
see “Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped
Vehicle” in section 1.
You should keep a record with all parts
receipts and list the mileage and the date
of any service work you perform. See
“Maintenance Record” in section 6.
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Yo u r Ve h i c l eThings you might add to the outside of your
vehicle can affect the airflow around it. This
may cause wind noise and affect wind-
shield washer performance. Check with
your SUZUKI dealer before adding equip-
ment to the outside of your vehicle.
FuelUse of the recommended fuel is an impor-
tant part of the proper maintenance of your
vehicle.Gasoline OctaneUse only unleaded gasoline with a posted
octane rating of 87 or higher. In an emer-
gency, you may be able to use a lower
octane rating – as low as 85 – if heavy
knocking does not occur. Refill your tank
with proper fuel as soon as possible. Oth-
erwise, you might damage your engine. If
you are using 87 or higher-octane rating
fuel and you hear heavy knocking, your
engine needs service.California FuelIf your vehicle is certified to meet California
Emission Standards (see the underhood
emission control label), it is designed to
operate on fuels that meet California spec-
ifications. If this fuel is not available in
states adopting California emissions stan-
dards, your vehicle will operate satisfacto-
rily on fuels meeting federal specifications,
but emission control system performance
may be affected. The malfunction indicator
lamp may turn on (see Malfunction Indica-
tor Lamp in section 3) and your vehicle
may fail a smog-check test. If this occurs,
return to your SUZUKI dealer for diagno-
sis.
WARNING
You can be injured and your vehicle
could be damaged if you try to do
service work on a vehicle without
knowing enough about it.
 Be sure you have sufficient knowl-
edge, experience, the proper
replacement parts and tools before
you attempt any vehicle mainte-
nance task.
 Be sure to use the proper nuts,
bolts and other fasteners.
“English” and “metric” fasteners
can be easily confused. If you use
the wrong fasteners, parts can later
break or fall off. You could be hurt.
Service:
Fuel:

5-2
SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
85Z14-03E
AdditivesTo provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the
United States are now required to contain
additives that will help prevent engine and
fuel system deposits from forming, allow-
ing your emission control system to work
properly. You should not have to add any-
thing to your fuel. However, some gaso-
lines contain only the minimum amount of
additive required to meet U.S. Environ-
mental Protection Agency regulations.
SUZUKI recommends that you buy gaso-
lines that are advertised to help keep fuel
injectors and intake valves clean. If your
vehicle experiences problems due to dirty
injectors or valves, try a different brand of
gasoline.
Gasoline containing oxygenates, such as
ethers and ethanol, and reformulated gas-
olines may be available in your area to
contribute to clean air. SUZUKI recom-
mends that you use these gasolines.
Some gasolines that are not reformulated
for low emissions may contain an octane-
enhancing additive called methylcyclopen-tadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT);
ask the attendant where you buy gasoline
whether the fuel contains MMT. SUZUKI
does not recommend the use of such gas-
olines. Fuels containing MMT can reduce
the life of spark plugs and the performance
of the emission control system may be
affected. The malfunction indicator lamp
may turn on. If this occurs, return to your
SUZUKI dealer for service.
Fuels in Foreign CountriesIf you plan on driving in another country
outside the United States or Canada, the
proper fuel may be hard to find. Never use
leaded gasoline or any other fuel not rec-
ommended in the previous text on fuel.
Costly repairs caused by use of improper
fuel wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.
To check the fuel availability, ask an auto
club, or contact a major oil company that
does business in the country where you’ll
be driving.
Filling Your Tank
CAUTION
Your vehicle was not designed for
fuel that contains methanol. Don’t
use fuel containing methanol. It can
corrode metal parts in your fuel sys-
tem and also damage the plastic and
rubber parts. That damage wouldn’t
be covered under your warranty.
WARNING
Fuel vapor burns violently and a fuel
fire can cause severe injuries. To help
avoid injuries to you and others, read
and follow all the instructions on the
pump island. Turn off your engine
when you are refueling. Don’t smoke
if you’re near fuel or are refueling
your vehicle. Keep sparks, flames
and smoking materials away from
fuel. Don’t leave the fuel pump unat-
tended when refueling your vehicle –
this is against the law in some
places. Keep children away from the
fuel pump; never let children pump
fuel.
Fuel:

5-3SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
85Z14-03E
To open the fuel filler door, pull up on the
fuel filler door release lever located on the
floor to the left of the driver’s seat.
The fuel cap is located on the passenger’s
side of your vehicle.While refueling, hang the tethered cap
inside the fuel door.
To remove the fuel cap, turn it slowly to the
left (counterclockwise).
Be careful not to spill fuel. Don’t top off or
overfill your tank, and wait a few seconds
after you’ve finished pumping before you
remove the nozzle. Clean fuel from painted
surfaces as soon as possible. See “Clean-
ing the Outside of Your Vehicle” in this sec-
tion.
When you put the fuel cap back on, turn it
to the right (clockwise) until you hear a
clicking sound. Make sure you fully install
the cap. The diagnostic system can deter-
mine if the fuel cap has been left off or is
improperly installed. This would allow fuel
to evaporate into the atmosphere. See
“Malfunction Indicator Lamp” in section 3.
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WARNING
If you spill fuel and then something
ignites it, you could be badly burned.
Fuel can spray out on you if you open
the fuel cap too quickly. This spray
can happen if your tank is nearly full,
and is more likely in hot weather.
Open the fuel cap slowly and wait for
any “hiss” noise to stop. Then
unscrew the cap all the way.
WARNING
If a fire starts while you’re refueling,
don’t remove the nozzle. Shut off the
flow of fuel by shutting off the pump
or by notifying the station attendant.
Leave the area immediately.
CAUTION
If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to
get a genuine SUZUKI cap or its
equivalent. Your SUZUKI dealer can
get one for you. If you get the
improper type, it may not fit properly.
This may cause your malfunction
indicator lamp to light and may dam-
age your fuel tank and emissions
system. See “Malfunction Indicator
Lamp” in the Index.
Fuel:

5-4
SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
85Z14-03E
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
Checking Things Under the
Hood
Hood ReleaseTo open the hood, do the following.
1) Pull the hood release handle located at
the lower left side of the instrument
panel.
WARNING
Never fill a portable fuel container
while it is in your vehicle. Static elec-
tricity discharge from the container
can ignite the gasoline vapor. You
can be badly burned and your vehicle
can be damaged if this occurs. To
help avoid injury to you and others:
 Dispense gasoline only into
approved containers.
 Do not fill a container while it is
inside a vehicle, in a vehicle’s
trunk, pickup bed or on any surface
other than the ground.
 Bring the fill nozzle in contact with
the inside of the fill opening before
operating the nozzle. Contact
should be maintained until the fill-
ing is complete.
 Don’t smoke while pumping gaso-
line.
WARNING
An electric fan under the hood can
start up and injure you even when the
engine is not running. Keep hands,
clothing and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
WARNING
Things that burn can get on hot
engine parts and start a fire. These
include liquids like fuel, oil, coolant,
brake fluid, windshield washer and
other fluids, and plastic or rubber.
You or others could be burned. Be
careful not to drop or spill things that
will burn onto a hot engine.
Fuel:
Checking Things Under the Hood:

5-10
SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
85Z14-03E
km) or 3 months. If necessary, clean or
replace it.
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/filter, remove the
filter from the vehicle and lightly shake the
filter to release loose dust and dirt. If the fil-
ter remains “caked” with dirt, a new filter is
required.
To inspect or replace the filter, do the fol-
lowing:
1) Remove the four screws on the cover.
2) Lift off the cover.
3) Check or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter. See “Normal Mainte-
nance Replacement Parts” in this sec-
tion for replacement part numbers.
4) Reinstall the filter, put the cover back on
tightly, and tighten the screws.
Automatic Transmission FluidTo ensure proper functioning, efficiency,
and durability of the automatic transmis-
sion, be sure to keep the transmission fluid
at the proper level. Too much or too little
fluid can cause problems.
The fluid level must be checked with the
engine running and the selector lever in P
(Park). The vehicle must be up to normal
operating temperature and parked on level
ground.
The normal operating temperature for the
fluid will be reached after driving about 10
minutes.
Checking Automatic Transmission Fluid
Level
If the fluid is contaminated or discolored,
change the automatic transmission fluid.
A decrease in the fluid level indicates a
leak in the automatic transmission. If
noted, contact your SUZUKI dealer for
repair as soon as possible.1) Start the engine.
2) Warm up the engine until the tempera-
ture of the automatic transmission fluid
reaches approximately 40°C (104°F).
3) Move the selector lever from “P” to “1”
and return to “P”. Wait for a few sec-
onds at each select position until the
selected gears are fully engaged.
WARNING
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you or
others to be burned. The air cleaner
not only cleans the air, it helps to
stop flame if the engine backfires. If it
isn’t there and the engine backfires,
you could be burned. Don’t drive with
it off, and be careful working on the
engine with the air cleaner/filter off.
CAUTION
If the air cleaner/filter is off, a backfire
can cause a damaging engine fire.
And, dirt can easily get into your
engine, which will damage it. Always
have the air cleaner/filter in place
when you’re driving.
WARNING
This work requires special skill and
equipment. Before attempting to do
the work, be sure you are fully
acquainted with doing this job.
Have your SUZUKI dealer do this
work if you are not confident you can
complete the task safely.
Otherwise, you could be injured or
could damage the vehicle.
Checking Things Under the Hood:

5-11SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
85Z14-03E
4) Remove filler plug.
5) Make sure the fluid reaches the bottom
edge of the filler plug hole.
6) If the level is low, add fluid until it begins
to run out the filler hole.
7) After filling to the correct level, reinstall
the plug securely.
Recommend Automatic Transmission
Fluid and Maintenance Schedule
Change both the fluid and filter every
37,500 miles (60,000 km) if the vehicle is
mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
 In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches 90°F
(32°C) or higher.
 In hilly or mountainous terrain.
 For business uses such as taxi, police or
delivery service.If you do not use your vehicle under any of
these conditions, the fluid and filter do not
require changing.
See “Recommended Fluids and Lubri-
cants” in section 6 for the proper fluid to
use.
Manual Transmission FluidChecking Transmission Fluid Level1) Turn the engine off.
2) Allow the transmission to cool. It must
be cool enough for you to rest your fin-
gers on the transmission case.
3) Remove filler plug.
4) Make sure the fluid reaches the bottom
edge of the filler plug hole.
5) If the level is low, add fluid until it begins
to run out the filler hole.
6) After filling to the correct level, reinstall
the plug securely.
7) Visually check the transmission case
for leaks or damage.
See “Recommended Fluids and Lubri-
cants” in section 6 for the proper fluid to
use.
CAUTION
Use of automatic transmission fluid
labeled other than ESSO LT 71141 or
TOTAL ATF H50235 may damage your
vehicle, and the damages may not be
covered by your warranty. Always
use ESSO LT 71141 or TOTAL ATF
H50235 labeled automatic transmis-
sion fluid.
WARNING
This work requires special skill and
equipment. Before attempting to do
the work, be sure you are fully
acquainted with doing this job.
Have your SUZUKI dealer do this
work if you are not confident you can
complete the task safely.
Otherwise, you could be injured or
could damage the vehicle.
Checking Things Under the Hood:

5-12
SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
85Z14-03E
Hydraulic ClutchThere is one reservoir for both the brake
and the hydraulic clutch fluid. See “Brakes”
in this section for more information.
The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle
is self-adjusting. The master cylinder res-
ervoir is filled with hydraulic fluid.
A fluid loss in this system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and
repaired.
When to Check and What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine how often you should check the
fluid level and for the proper fluid. See sec-
tion 6.
How to Check and Add Fluid
To check the fluid level, look on the side of
the reservoir. If the fluid level is betweenthe MIN and the MAX marks on the reser-
voir, the fluid level is correct. The reservoir
is located near the back 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.
Engine CoolantThe following explains your cooling system
and how to add coolant when it is low. If
you have a problem with engine overheat-
ing, see “Engine Overheating” in this sec-
tion.
What to Use
The cooling system in your vehicle is
designed to use either Dex-cool coolant,
which is red in color, or silicate based cool-
ant, which is blue. These two types of cool-
ant are not compatible with each other and
should never be mixed. Therefore, if the
original coolant in your vehicle’s cooling
system was red, then you should use only
Dex-cool coolant for the life of your vehicle.
If the original coolant in your vehicle's cool-
ing system was blue, then you should use
only silicate based coolant for the life of
your vehicle. Even if the cooling system
has been completely drained before a refill,
do not switch types of coolant.Use a 60/40 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and engine coolant which won’t
damage aluminum parts. If another type of
coolant is used, aluminum parts might be
subject to corrosion.
You can also use a recycled coolant with a
complete coolant flush and refill. If you use
this coolant mixture, you don’t need to add
anything else.
A 60/40 mixture of clean, drinkable water
and proper coolant will:
 Give freezing protection down to –33°F
(–36°C).
 Give boiling protection up to 268°F
(131°C).
 Protect against rust and corrosion.
 Help keep the proper engine tempera-
ture.
 Let the warning lights and gauges work
as they should.
For protection in extremely cold weather
conditions, use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and proper coolant.
WARNING
Do not mix Dex-cool and silicate
based coolant in your coolant sys-
tem.
The mixture can damage the cooling
system.
Checking Things Under the Hood: