2008 SUZUKI RENO brake light

4-16
DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE
85Z14-03E
TowingTowing Your VehicleConsult your SUZUKI dealer or a profes-
sional towing service if you need to have
your disabled vehicle towed.
If you want to tow your vehicle behind
another vehicle for recreational purposes
(such as behind a motorhome), see the fol-
lowing section, “Recreational Vehicle Tow-
ing”.Recreational Vehicle TowingRecreational vehicle towing means towing
your vehicle behind another vehicle – such
as behind a motorhome. The two most
common types of recreational vehicle tow-
ing are known as “dinghy towing” (towing
your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground) and “dolly towing” (towing your
vehicle with two wheels on the ground and
two wheels up on a device known as a
“dolly”).
With the proper preparation and equip-
ment, many vehicles can be towed in these
ways. See the following sections, “Dinghy
Towing” and “Dolly Towing”.Here are some important things to con-
sider before you do recreational vehicle
towing:
 What’s the towing capacity of the towing
vehicle? Be sure you read the tow vehi-
cle manufacturer’s recommendations.
 How far will you tow? Some vehicles
have restrictions on how far and how
long they can tow.
 Do you have the proper towing equip-
ment? See your SUZUKI dealer or traile-
ring professional for additional advice
and equipment recommendations.
 Is your vehicle ready to be towed? Just
as you would prepare your vehicle for a
long trip, you’ll want to make sure your
vehicle is prepared to be towed. See
“Before Leaving on a Long Trip” in this
section.
Dinghy Towing
Your vehicle was not designed to be towed
with all four wheels on the ground. If your
vehicle must be towed, you should use a
dolly. See “Dolly Towing” that follows for
more information.Dolly Towing
Your vehicle can be towed using a dolly. To
tow your vehicle using a dolly, follow these
steps:
1) Put the front wheels on the dolly.
2) Put the vehicle in PARK(P) for auto-
matic transaxle and NEUTRAL (N) for
manual transaxle.
3) Set the parking brake and then remove
the ignition key.
4) For a vehicle with an automatic tran-
saxle, remove the hole cover from the
shift lock release slot, insert the key,
WARNING
Always use a safety chain when tow-
ing your vehicle and be sure to
observe federal, state, and local
requirement for trailer hitches, tow
bars, lights, etc.
CAUTION
Towing your vehicle with all four
wheels on the ground will damage
drivetrain components. The repairs
would not be covered by your war-
ranty.
CAUTION
Do not tow the vehicle from the rear
with the front wheels on the road.
This could cause severe transmis-
sion damage.
Towing:

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:

5-19SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
85Z14-03E
When your brake fluid falls to a low level,
your brake warning light will come on. See
“Brake System Warning Light” in section 3.
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only
DOT-3 brake fluid. Use new brake fluid
from a sealed container only. See “Recom-
mended Fluids and Lubricants” in section
6.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap
and the area around the cap before remov-
ing it. This will help keep dirt from entering
the reservoir.Brake Wear
Your vehicle has front and rear disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indica-
tors that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake pads are worn and
new pads are needed. The sound may
come and go or be heard all the time your
vehicle is moving (except when you are
pushing on the brake pedal firmly).Some driving conditions or climates may
cause a brake squeal when the brakes are
first applied or lightly applied. This does
not mean something is wrong with your
brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary
to help prevent brake pulsation. When tires
are rotated, inspect brake pads for wear
and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the proper
sequence to SUZUKI torque specifica-
tions.
Brake linings should always be replaced as
complete axle sets.
See “Brake System Inspection” in section
6.
WARNING
If you have too much brake fluid, it
can spill on the engine. The fluid will
burn if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and your
vehicle could be damaged.
WARNING
With the wrong kind of fluid in your
brake system, your brakes may not
work well, or they may not even work
at all. This could cause a crash.
Always use the proper brake fluid.
CAUTION
 Using the wrong fluid can badly
damage brake system parts. For
example, just a few drops of min-
eral-based oil, such as engine oil,
in your brake system can damage
brake system parts so badly that
they’ll have to be replaced. Don’t let
someone put in the wrong kind of
fluid.
 If you spill brake fluid on your vehi-
cle’s painted surfaces, the paint fin-
ish can be damaged. Be careful not
to spill brake fluid on your vehicle.
If you do, wash it off immediately.
See “Appearance Care” in the
Index.
WARNING
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon your brakes won’t
work well. That could lead to an acci-
dent. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle
serviced.
CAUTION
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Checking Things Under the Hood:

5-21SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
85Z14-03E
2) Get the vehicles close enough so the
jumper cables can reach, but be sure
the vehicles aren’t touching each other.
If they are, it could cause a ground con-
nection you don’t want. You wouldn’t be
able to start your vehicle, and the bad
grounding could damage the electrical
systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles
rolling, set the parking brake firmly on
both vehicles involved in the jump start
procedure. Put an automatic transmis-
sion in PARK (P) or a manual transmis-
sion in NEUTRAL before setting the
parking brake.3) Turn off the ignition on both vehicles.
Unplug unnecessary accessories
plugged into the cigarette lighter or in
the accessory power outlet. Turn off the
radio and all lamps that aren’t needed.
This will avoid sparks and help save
both batteries. And it could save your
radio!
4) Open the hoods and locate the batter-
ies. Find the positive (+) and negative
(–) terminal locations on each vehicle.
Your vehicle’s positive (+) terminal is
located under a red tethered cap on the
battery. The negative (–) terminal is
located under a black tethered cap on
the battery. See “Engine Compartment
Overview” in this section for more infor-
mation on location. Flip the caps up to
access the positive (+) and negative (–)
terminals.
5) Check that the jumper cables don’t
have loose or missing insulation. If they
do, you could get a shock. The vehicles
could be damaged, too.
Before you connect the cables, here are
some basic things you should know.
Positive (+) will go to positive (+) or to a
remote positive (+) terminal if the vehi-
cle has one. Negative (–) will go to a
heavy, unpainted metal engine part or
to a remote negative (–) terminal if the
vehicle with the dead battery has one.
Don’t connect positive (+) to negative
(–) or you’ll get a short that would dam-
CAUTION
If the other system isn’t a 12-volt sys-
tem with a negative ground, both
vehicles can be damaged. Only use
vehicles with 12-volt systems with
negative grounds to jump start your
vehicle.
CAUTION
If you leave your radio or other acces-
sories on during the jump starting
procedure, they could be damaged.
The repairs wouldn’t be covered by
your warranty. Always turn off your
radio and other accessories when
jump starting your vehicle.
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
Using a match near a battery can
cause battery gas to explode. People
have been hurt doing this, and some
have been blinded. Use a flashlight if
you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough
water. You don’t need to add water to
the battery installed in your new vehi-
cle. But if a battery has filler caps, be
sure the right amount of fluid is
there. If it is low, add water to take
care of that first. If you don’t, explo-
sive gas could be present.
Battery fluid contains acid that can
burn you. Don’t get it on you. If you
accidentally get it in your eyes or on
your skin, flush the place with water
and get medical help immediately.
Checking Things Under the Hood:

5-31SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
85Z14-03E
Cold Inflation Pressure:
The amount of air pressure in a tire, mea-
sured in pounds per square inch (psi)
before a tire has built up heat from driving.
Curb Weight:
This means the weight of a motor vehicle
with standard and optional equipment
including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil
and coolant, but without passengers and
cargo.
DOT Markings:
A code molded into the sidewall of a tire
signifying that the tire is in compliance with
the U.S. Department of Transportation
motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT
code includes the Tire Identification Num-
ber (TIN), an alphanumeric designator
which can also identify the tire manufac-
turer, production plant, brand and date of
production.
GVWR:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
This is the maximum permissible overall
weight of the fully loaded vehicle (including
all occupants, accessories and cargo).
GAWR:
Gross Axle Weight Rating.
This is the maximum permissible weight on
an individual axle.
Intended Outboard Sidewall:
The side of an asymmetrical tire that must
always face outward when mounted on a
vehicle.Kilopascal (kPa):
The metric unit for air pressure. There are
6.9 kPa’s to one psi.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:
A tire used on light duty trucks and some
multipurpose passenger vehicles.
Load Index:
An assigned number ranging from 1 to 279
that corresponds to the load carrying
capacity of a tire.
Maximum Inflation Pressure:
The maximum air pressure to which a cold
tire may be inflated. The maximum air
pressure is molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating:
The load rating for a tire at the maximum
permissible inflation pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight:
The sum of curb weight; accessory weight;
vehicle capacity weight; and production
options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight:
The number of occupants a vehicle is
designed to seat multiplied by 150 pounds
(68 kg).
Occupant Distribution:
Distribution of occupants in a vehicle as
specified in the third column of Table 1
(shown below).
Outward Facing Sidewall:
The side of a asymmetrical tire that has a
particular side that faces outward whenmounted on a vehicle. The side of the tire
that contains a whitewall, bears white let-
tering or bears manufacturer, brand and or
model name molding that is higher or
deeper than the same moldings on the
other sidewall of the tire.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:
A tire used on passenger cars and some
light duty trucks and multipurpose vehicles.
Production Options Weight:
The combined weight of those installed
regular production options weighing over
2.3 kilograms in excess of those standard
items which they replace, not previously
considered in curb weight or accessory
weight, including heavy duty brakes, ride
levelers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and
special trim.
Recommended Inflation Pressure:
Vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tire
inflation pressure shown on the tire plac-
ard.
Radial Ply Tire:
A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that
extend to the beads are laid at 90 degrees
to the centerline of the tread.
Rim:
A metal support for a tire and upon which
the tire beads are seated.
Sidewall:
The portion of a tire between the tread and
the bead.
Tires:

5-33SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
85Z14-03E
The tire pressure warning light can come
on due to normal causes such as natural
air leaks and pressure changes caused by
changes in temperature or atmospheric
pressure. Adjusting the air pressure in the
tires to the pressure shown on the tire and
loading information label should cause the
tire pressure warning light to turn off.
If you use new wheels with new tire infla-
tion pressure sensors, their ID codes must
be programmed into the tire pressure mon-itoring system. Have tire and wheel
replacement performed by an authorized
service facility to avoid the risk of damag-
ing the tire pressure monitor sensors.
The tire pressure monitoring system may
not work normally in the following circum-
stances:
Wheels other than genuine wheels are
being used.
Wheels whose ID codes are not memo-
rized by the vehicle are used. The moni-
toring system should be set up by an
authorized service facility.
Wheels that are not fitted with tire pres-
sure sensors are being used.
The tire inflation pressure sensors’ bat-
tery is exhausted.
A wireless facility or device using the
same frequency is near the vehicle.
Snow or ice is stuck inside the fenders
and/or on the wheels.
The tire pressure monitoring system oper-
ates on a radio frequency subject to Fed-
WARNING
If the tire pressure warning light
comes on and stays on, reduce your
speed and avoid abrupt steering and
braking. Stop in a safe place as soon
as possible and check your tires.
 If you have a flat tire, replace it with
a spare tire. Refer to “Changing a
Flat Tire” in section 5.
 If one or more of your tires is
under-inflated, adjust the inflation
pressure in all of your tires to the
recommended inflation pressure as
soon as possible.
Be aware that driving on a signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire can cause
the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure, and may affect steering
control and brake effectiveness. This
could lead to an accident, resulting in
severe injury or death.
CAUTION
 Do not use liquid sealants for a flat
tire as air pressure sensors can be
damaged.
 In case of tire a bursting or sudden
pressure drops, the tire pressure
monitoring system warning light
may not come on immediately.
 The inflation pressures vary with
the ambient temperature. If the
vehicle is subjected to large varia-
tions in ambient temperature, the
tire
inflation pressure may be
under-inflated when the ambient
temperature is relatively low. If the
warning light comes on, adjust the
tire inflation pressure.
 The tire pressure sensors can be
damaged by the installation or
removal of tires. When tires must
be repaired or replaced, we highly
recommend that you have them
repaired or replaced by your
SUZUKI dealer.
 If the tire pressure warning light
comes on or blinks frequently,
there may be something wrong
with one of the tires or with the
monitoring system. Have your vehi-
cle inspected by your SUZUKI
dealer.
WARNING
Only use tires and wheels recom-
mended by us as standard or
optional equipment for your vehicle.
Use of tires or wheels not recom-
mended by us can result in TPMS fail-
ure. Refer to “Tires” in the “SERVICE
AND APPEARANCE CARE” section
for additional information.
Tires:

5-50
SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
85Z14-03E
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
The engine compartment fuse block is
located on the driver’s side of the vehicle,
near the battery. See “Engine Compart-
ment Overview” in this section for more
information on location.
To access the fuses, press in the side flaps
to release the cover.
To reinstall the cover, push until it is
secure. Fuses Usages
AIRBAG Air Bag
WPR Wiper
RADIO/CLK Radio/Clock
ECMEngine Control
Module
AIRBAGOccupation Classifi-
cation Sensor
AUX LTR Extra Jack
TRN SIG LAMPS Turn Signal Lamps
ABSAntilock Brake
System
LTR Cigar Lighter
CLSTR, BTSICluster, BTSI
Solenoid
RKERemote keyless
Entry
BCK/UP Back-up
BLANK Not Used
TCMTransmission
Control Module
Fuses Usages
ENG FUSE BOX,
DRLEngine Fuse box,
Daytime Running
Light
HAZRD LAMPS Hazard Lamps
A/C, CLK A/C Switch, Clock
HVACHeating, Ventilation
and Air Conditioning
RKERemote Keyless
Entry
RADIO Radio
S/ROOF Sunroof
DLC Data link Connector
SPARE Spare
CAUTION
When you inspect the fuse box on
your vehicle, refer to the fuse box
label. The type of fuse box varies
depending on the vehicle’s specifica-
tion.
CAUTION
When you inspect the fuse box on
your vehicle, refer to the fuse box
label. The type of fuse box varies
depending on the vehicle’s specifica-
tion.
Electrical System:

8-1
INDEX
88
85Z14-03E
INDEXAAccessory Power Outlet
.....................................................3-10
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle
..........5-1
Adding Equipment to Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
....1-31
Additives
..............................................................................5-2
Add-On Electrical Equipment
.............................................5-48
Air Bag Readiness Light
.....................................................3-20
Antenna
................................................................................2-23
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
..........................................4-3
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
............................3-21
Appearance Care
.................................................................5-44
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
..........................................3-11
Audio System
.......................................................................3-29
Automatic Transmission Fluid
...........................................5-10
Automatic Transmission Operation
...................................2-12
BBackup Lamps and Tail/Stop Lamps
.................................5-26
Battery
..................................................................................5-20
Before Driving
......................................................................2-10
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
...........................................4-11
Brake System Warning Light
..............................................3-21
Brakes
...................................................................................5-18
Braking .................................................................................4-3
Bulb Replacement
...............................................................5-23
Buying New Tires ................................................................5-36
CCalifornia Fuel
......................................................................5-1
Capacities
.............................................................................5-53Capacities and Specifications
........................................... 5-53
CD CHANGER OPERATION (Optional)
............................. 3-45
Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp
...................................... 5-25
Central Door Locking System
............................................ 2-5
Changing a Flat Tire
........................................................... 5-39
Charging System Light ....................................................... 3-20
Checking Things Under the Hood
..................................... 5-4
Checking Your Restraint Systems .................................... 1-33
Chemical Paint Spotting
..................................................... 5-47
Child Restraint Systems ..................................................... 1-18
Child Restraints
.................................................................. 1-15
City Driving
.......................................................................... 4-10
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
.................................. 5-44
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle ............................... 5-45
Climate Control System
..................................................... 3-12
Climate Controls
................................................................. 3-12
Clock
.................................................................................... 3-12
Control of a Vehicle
............................................................ 4-2
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
.................................... 5-14
Cooling System
................................................................... 5-15
Correcting the Tire Pressure
............................................. 5-34
Cruise Control
..................................................................... 3-6
Cruise Control Light
........................................................... 3-25
Cupholder(s)
........................................................................ 2-21
DDaily Inspection Checklist
................................................. 2-10
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator Light
.......................... 3-26
Defensive Driving
................................................................ 4-1