2008 SUZUKI RENO check oil

2-10
FEATURES AND CONTROLS
85Z14-03E
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 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 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 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.
Starting and Operating Your
VehicleNew Vehicle Break-In
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.
CAUTION
Your vehicle doesn’t need an elabo-
rate “break-in.” But it will perform
better in the long run if you follow
these guidelines:
 Don’t drive at any one speed – fast
or slow – for the first 500 miles (805
km). Don’t make full-throttle starts.
 Avoid making hard stops for the
first 200 miles (322 km) or so. Dur-
ing this time your new brake linings
aren’t yet broken in. Hard stops
with new linings can mean prema-
ture wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this break-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.
Daily Inspection Checklist:
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle:

3-24
INSTRUMENT PANEL
85Z14-03E
If the Light Is On Steady
You also may be able to correct the emis-
sion system malfunction by considering the
following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to
fully install the cap. See “Filling Your Tank”
in section 5. The diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel cap has been left off
or is improperly installed. A loose or miss-
ing fuel cap will allow fuel to evaporate into
the atmosphere. A few driving trips with the
cap properly installed should turn the light
off.
Did you just drive through a deep puddle of
water?
If so, your electrical system may be wet.
The condition will usually be corrected
when the electrical system dries out. A few
driving trips should turn the light off.
Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with qual-
ity fuel. See “Gasoline Octane” in section
5. Poor fuel quality will cause your engine
not to run as efficiently as designed. You
may notice stalling after start-up, stalling
when you put the vehicle into gear, misfir-
ing, hesitation on acceleration or stumbling
on acceleration. (These conditions may go
away once the engine is warmed up.) This
will be detected by the system and cause
the light to turn on.If you experience one or more of these
conditions, change the fuel brand you use.
It will require at least one full tank of the
proper fuel to turn the light off.
If none of the above steps have made the
light turn off, your SUZUKI dealer can
check the vehicle. Your SUZUKI dealer has
the proper test equipment and diagnostic
tools to fix any mechanical or electrical
problems that may have developed.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
Some state/provincial and local govern-
ments have or may begin programs to
inspect the emission control equipment on
your vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection
could prevent you from getting a vehicle
registration.
Here are some things you need to know to
help your vehicle pass an inspection:
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if
the Check Engine light is on or is not work-
ing properly.
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if
the OBD (on-board diagnostic) system
determines that critical emission control
systems have not been completely diag-
nosed by the system. The vehicle would be
considered not ready for inspection. This
can happen if you have recently replaced
your battery or if your battery has run
down. The diagnostic system is designed
to evaluate critical emission control sys-tems during normal driving. This may take
several days of routine driving. If you have
done this and your vehicle still does not
pass the inspection for lack of OBD system
readiness, your SUZUKI dealer can pre-
pare the vehicle for inspection.
Oil Pressure LightIf you have a low engine oil pressure prob-
lem, this light will stay on after you start
your engine, or come on when you are
driving. This indicates that your engine is
not receiving enough oil.
The engine could be low on oil, or could
have some other oil problem. Have it fixed
immediately.
The oil light could also come on in three
other situations:
 When the ignition is on but the engine is
not running, the light will come on as a
check to show you it is working. The light
will go out after you start the engine. If it
doesn’t come on with the ignition on, you
may have a problem with the fuse or
bulb. Have it fixed right away.
Warning Lights, Gauges and Indicators:

3-25INSTRUMENT PANEL
85Z14-03E
 If you’re idling at a stop sign, the light
may blink on and then off.
 If you make a hard stop, the light may
come on for a moment. This is normal.
Fog Lamp LightIf your vehicle has this feature, the fog
lamps indicator light will come on when the
fog lamps are in use.
The light will go out when the fog lamps
are turned off.
See “Fog Lamps” under Exterior Lamps in
this section for more information.Cruise Control LightIf your vehicle has this feature, this light will
come on briefly when the ignition is turned
on.
The CRUISE light comes on whenever the
cruise control is set. See “Cruise Control”
in this section. The light will turn off when
the cruise control is turned off.
Highbeam On LightThis light comes on whenever the high-
beam headlamps are on.
See “Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer”
under “Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever” in
this section for additional information.Fuel GaugeYour fuel gauge tells you approximately
how much fuel you have left, when the igni-
tion is on. When the indicator nears empty,
the low fuel warning light will come on. You
WARNING
Don’t keep driving if the oil pressure
is low. If you do, your engine can
become so hot that it catches fire.
You or others could be burned. Check
your oil as soon as possible and have
your vehicle serviced.
CAUTION
Operating your engine with the low
oil pressure light on can result in
severe engine damage which is not
covered by your warranty.
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Warning Lights, Gauges and Indicators:

4-11DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE
85Z14-03E
time and energy. See the next part,
“Freeway Driving.”
 Treat a green light as a warning signal. A
traffic light is there because the corner is
busy enough to need it. When a light
turns green, and just before you start to
move, check both ways for vehicles that
have not cleared the intersection or may
be running the red light.Freeway DrivingMile for mile, freeways (also called thru-
ways, parkways, expressways, turnpikes or
superhighways) are the safest of all roads.
But they have their own special rules.
The most important advice on freeway
driving is: Keep up with traffic and keep to
the right. Drive at the same speed most of
the other drivers are driving. Too-fast or
too-slow driving breaks a smooth trafficflow. Treat the left lane on a freeway as a
passing lane.
At the entrance, there is usually a ramp
that leads to the freeway. If you have a
clear view of the freeway as you drive
along the entrance ramp, you should begin
to check traffic. Try to determine where you
expect to blend with the flow. Try to merge
into the gap at close to the prevailing
speed. Switch on your turn signal, check
your mirrors and glance over your shoulder
as often as necessary. Try to blend
smoothly with the traffic flow.
Once you are on the freeway, adjust your
speed to the posted limit or to the prevail-
ing rate if it’s slower. Stay in the right lane
unless you want to pass.
Before changing lanes, check your mirrors.
Then use your turn signal.
Just before you leave the lane, glance
quickly over your shoulder to make sure
there isn’t another vehicle in your “blind”
spot.
Once you are moving on the freeway,
make certain you allow a reasonable fol-
lowing distance.
Expect to move slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move
to the proper lane well in advance. If you
miss your exit, do not, under any circum-
stances, stop and back up. Drive on to the
next exit.The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes
quite sharply. The exit speed is usually
posted. Reduce your speed according to
your speedometer, not to your sense of
motion. After driving for any distance at
higher speeds, you may tend to think you
are going slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long TripMake sure you’re ready. Try to be well
rested. If you must start when you’re not
fresh – such as after a day’s work – don’t
plan to make too many miles that first part
of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing
and shoes you can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you
keep it serviced and maintained, it’s ready
to go. If it needs service, have it done
before starting out. Of course, you’ll find
experienced and able service experts in
SUZUKI dealerships all across North
America. They’ll be ready and willing to
help if you need it.
Here are some things you can check
before a trip:
 Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reser-
voir full? Are all windows clean inside
and outside?
 Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
 Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you
checked all levels?
 Lamps: Are they all working? Are the
lenses clean?
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle:

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:

5-4
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:

5-6
SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
85Z14-03E
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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Checking Things Under the Hood:

5-7SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
85Z14-03E
Engine OilIf the oil pressure light appears on the
instrument cluster, it means you need to
check your engine oil level right away.
For more information, see “Oil Pressure
Light” in section 3.
You should check your engine oil level reg-
ularly; this is an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It’s a good idea to check your engine oil
every time you get fuel. In order to get an
accurate reading, the oil must be warm
and the vehicle must be on level ground.Use the engine oil dipstick to check the oil
level. The dipstick’s handle will be a yellow
ring. See “Engine Compartment Overview”
in this section for the location of the engine
oil dipstick.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several
minutes to drain back into the oil pan. If
you don’t, the oil dipstick might not show
the actual level.
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a
paper towel or cloth, then push it back in all
the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip
down and check the level.
When to Add Engine OilIf the oil is at or below the MIN mark, then
you’ll need to add at least one quart of oil.
But you must use the right kind. This sec-
tion explains what kind of oil to use. For
engine oil crankcase capacity, see “Capac-
ities and Specifications” in this section.
CAUTION
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine
has so much oil that the oil level gets
above the upper mark that shows the
proper operating range, your engine
could be damaged.
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Checking Things Under the Hood: