2008 SUZUKI SX4 Gearshift

6-5OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J21-03E
Using the Transaxle4-Speed Automatic Transaxle
77J021
Gearshift lever
77J028
Use the gearshift lever positions as
described below:
P (Park)
Use this position to lock the transaxle
when the vehicle is parked or when start-
ing the engine. Shift into Park only when
the vehicle is completely stationary.R (Reverse)
Use this position to reverse the vehicle
from stop. Make sure that vehicle is com-
pletely stationary before shifting into
Reverse.
N (Neutral)
Use this position for starting the engine if
the engine stalls and you need to restart it
while the vehicle is moving. You may also
shift into Neutral and depress the brake
pedal to hold the vehicle stationary during
idling.
D (Drive)
Use this position for all normal driving.
With the gearshift lever in “D” range you
can get an automatic downshift by press-
ing the accelerator pedal. The higher the
vehicle speed is, the more you need to
press the accelerator pedal to get a down-
shift.
3 (Low 3)
Use this position for driving on moderate
uphill and downhill gradients. The engine
braking effect on moderate downhills can
be used in this position. The transaxle
shifts up only to 3rd gear.
2 (Low 2)
Use this position to provide extra power
when climbing hills, or to provide engine
braking when going down hills.
WARNING
Always depress the brake pedal
before shifting from “P” (Park) (or
“N” (Neutral) if the vehicle is station-
ary) to a forward or reverse gear, to
help prevent the vehicle from moving
unexpectedly when you shift.
Using the Transaxle: 10

6-6
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J21-03E
L (Low 1)
Use this position to provide maximum
power when climbing steep hills or driving
through deep snow or mud, or to provide
maximum engine braking when going
down steep hills.
NOTE:
If you move the gearshift lever to a lower
gear while driving faster than the maximum
allowable speed for the lower gear, the
transaxle will not actually downshift until
your speed drops below the maximum
speed for the lower gear.
Manual Transaxle
79J002
Starting off
To start off, depress the clutch pedal all the
way to the floor and shift into 1st gear.
After releasing the parking brake, gradually
release the clutch. When you hear a
change in the engine’s sound, slowly press
the accelerator while continuing to gradu-
ally release the clutch.
Shifting
All forward gears are synchronized, which
provides for quiet, and easy shifting.
Always depress the clutch pedal all the
way to the floor before shifting gears. Keep
the engine speed does not rise into the red
zone of the tachometer.
CAUTION
Be sure to take the following precau-
tions to help avoid damage to the
automatic transaxle:
 Make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stationary before shifting
into “P” or “R”.
 Do not shift from “P” or “N” to “R”,
“D”, “3”, “2”, or “L” when the
engine is running above idle speed.
 Do not rev the engine with the tran-
saxle in a drive position (“R”, “D”,
“3”, “2”, or “L”) and the front
wheels not moving.
 Do not use the accelerator to hold
the vehicle on a hill. Use the vehi-
cle’s brakes.
EXAMPLE
WARNING
 Reduce your speed and downshift
to a lower gear before going down
a long or steep hill. Downshifting
will allow the engine to provide
braking. Avoid riding the brakes or
they may overheat, resulting in
brake failure.
 When driving on slippery roads, be
sure to slow down before down-
shifting. Large and sudden
changes in engine speed may
cause loss of traction, which could
cause you to lose control.
 Make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped before you shift
into reverse.
CAUTION
 To help avoid clutch damage, do
not use the clutch pedal as a foot-
rest while driving or use the clutch
to keep the vehicle stationary on a
slope. Depress the clutch fully
when shifting.
 When shifting or starting off, do not
race the engine. Racing the engine
can shorten engine life and affect
smooth shifting.
Using the Transaxle: 10

9-16
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
80J21-03E
Automatic Transaxle FluidSpecified FluidUse an automatic transaxle fluid equivalent
to DEXRON
®-III.
Fluid Level CheckYou must check the fluid level with the
automatic transaxle fluid at normal operat-
ing temperature.
To check the fluid level:
1) To warm up the transaxle fluid, drive the
vehicle or idle the engine until the tem-
perature gauge indicates normal oper-
ating temperature.
2) Then drive for ten more minutes.
NOTE:
Do not check the fluid level if you have just
driven the vehicle for a long time at high
speed, or if you have driven in city traffic in
hot weather. Wait until the fluid cools down
(about 30 minutes), or the fluid level indica-
tion will not be correct.
3) Park your vehicle on level ground.
4) Apply the parking brake and then start
the engine in “P” (Park). Let it idle for
two minutes and keep it running during
the fluid level check.5) With your foot on the brake pedal, move
the gearshift lever through each gear,
pausing for about three seconds in
each range. Then move it back to the
“P” (Park) position.
75F08654G317
(1) FULL
(2) LOW
(3) The lowest point = Fluid level
6) The handle of the A/T fluid dipstick is
colored red for easy identification.
Remove the dipstick, clean it and push
it back in until the cap seats. Pull out
the dipstick and read the fluid level.
The fluid level should be between the
two marks in the “HOT” range on the
dipstick.
7) Add just enough specified fluid through
the dipstick hole to fill the transaxle to
the proper level. It takes only 0.4 liters
(0.85 US pt) for 4-speed automatic tran-
saxle to raise the level from “LOW” to
“FULL”.
CAUTION
Driving with too much or too little
fluid can damage the transaxle.
WARNING
Be sure to depress the brake pedal
when moving the gearshift lever, or
the vehicle can move suddenly.
(1)(2) (3)(1)
(2)(3)
Windshield Washer Fluid: 3
Air Cleaner: 1, 2

EMERGENCY SERVICE
10
80J21-03E
60G411
EMERGENCY SERVICEJacking Instructions ........................................................... 10-1
Jump Starting Instructions ................................................ 10-3
Towing a Disabled Vehicle ................................................. 10-4
If the Starter Does Not Operate .......................................... 10-4
If the Engine is Flooded ...................................................... 10-5
If the Engine Overheats ...................................................... 10-5
If You Can Not Shift Automatic Transaxle Gearshift
Lever Out of “P” (PARK) .................................................... 10-6

10-6
EMERGENCY SERVICE
80J21-03E
If the temperature indication does not
return to the normal condition:
1) Turn off the engine and check that the
water pump belt and pulleys are not
damaged or slipping. If any abnormality
is found, correct it.
2) Check the coolant level in the reservoir.
If it is found to be lower than the “LOW”
line, look for leaks at the radiator, water
pump and radiator and heater hoses. If
you locate any leaks that may have
caused the overheating, do not run the
engine until these problems have been
corrected.
3) If you do not find a leak, carefully add
coolant to the reservoir and then the
radiator, if necessary. (Refer to “Engine
Coolant” in the “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section.)
65D614
If You Can Not Shift
Automatic Transaxle
Gearshift Lever Out of “P”
(PARK)
62J083
Vehicles with an automatic transaxle have
an electrically operated park-lock feature.
If the vehicle’s battery is discharged, or
there is some other electrical failure, the
automatic transaxle cannot be shifted out
of Park in the normal way. Jump starting
may correct the condition. If not, follow the
procedure described below. This proce-
dure will permit changing the transaxle out
of Park.
1) Be sure the parking brake is firmly
applied.
2) If the engine is running, stop the
engine.
WARNING
 It is hazardous to remove the radia-
tor cap when the water temperature
is high, because scalding fluid and
steam may be blown out under
pressure. The cap should only be
taken off when the coolant temper-
ature has lowered.
 To prevent personal injury, keep
hands, tools and clothing away
from the engine cooling fan and air-
conditioner fan (if equipped). These
electric fans can automatically turn
on without warning.
(1)
If the Starter Does Not Operate: 2, 9
If the Engine is Flooded: 2, 9
If the Engine Overheats: 2, 9

15-2INDEX
80J21-03E
Daytime Running Light (D.R.L.) Indicator Light................ 4-10
Daytime Running Light (D.R.L.) System .............................. 3-5
Door Locks ............................................................................. 2-1
Driver’s Seat Belt Reminder Light........................................ 4-6
Driving on Hills ...................................................................... 7-1
Driving on Slippery Roads .................................................... 7-2EElectric Power Steering Light ............................................... 4-8
Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) ................................. 6-12
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) ................................. 2-24
Emission Compliance Label (for U.S.A.) ........................... 12-2
Engine Block Heater .............................................................. 6-4
Engine Coolant .................................................................... 9-17
Engine Hood......................................................................... 5-10
Engine Oil and Filter ............................................................ 9-11
Engine Serial Number ......................................................... 12-1
Exhaust Gas Warning............................................................ 6-1
Eyeglasses Holder ............................................................... 5-10FFluid Level Check ................................................................ 9-16
Fog Light Switch .................................................................. 4-16
Folding Rear Seats ................................................................ 5-4
Frame Hooks ........................................................................ 5-12
Front Air Bags ...................................................................... 2-42
Front Passenger’s Seat Belt Reminder Light.................... 4-19
Fuel Consumption and Driving Range .............................. 4-17
Fuel Filler Cap ........................................................................ 5-3
Fuel Gauge ........................................................................... 4-12
Fuel Pump Labeling............................................................... 1-1
Fuel Recommendation .......................................................... 1-1
Fuses .................................................................................... 9-35FUSES AND PROTECTED CIRCUITS ................................. 13-1
Fuses in the Engine Compartment ..................................... 9-36
Fuses under the Dash Board .............................................. 9-37
GGasoline Containing MTBE ................................................... 1-1
Gasoline/Ethanol blends ....................................................... 1-1
Gasoline/Methanol blends..................................................... 1-1
Gear Oil ................................................................................. 9-14
Gear Oil Level Check ........................................................... 9-15
Gear Oil Replacement .......................................................... 9-15
Gearshift Lever ....................................................................... 5-2
GLOSSARY OF TIRE TERMINOLOGY ................................ 9-32
Glove Box ............................................................................. 4-20HHazard Warning Switch ....................................................... 4-13
Head Restraints .................................................................... 2-20
Headlight Aiming.................................................................. 9-39
Heated Rear Window and Heated Outside Rearview
Mirrors Switch ...................................................................... 4-15
Heating and Air Conditioning System................................ 4-21
Heating System .................................................................... 4-22
High Beam Indicator Light .................................................... 4-9
Highway Driving ..................................................................... 7-1
Horn ....................................................................................... 3-11
How the ABS Works............................................................. 6-11IIdentification Numbers ........................................................ 12-1
If the Engine is Flooded....................................................... 10-5
If the Engine Overheats ....................................................... 10-5
If the Starter Does Not Operate........................................... 10-4

15-3
INDEX80J21-03E
If You Can Not Shift Automatic Transaxle Gearshift
Lever Out of “P” (PARK)..................................................... 10-6
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck .................................................... 7-2
Ignition Key Reminder........................................................... 2-1
Ignition Switch ....................................................................... 3-1
Improving Fuel Economy .................................................... 6-20
Information Display ............................................................. 4-17
Inside Rearview Mirror ........................................................ 2-18
Installation of Child Restraint with Top Strap ................... 2-37
Installation with Lap-Shoulder Seat Belts
(child restraint with no top strap)....................................... 2-31
Installation with the LATCH System .................................. 2-34
Instrument Cluster ................................................................. 4-2
Instrument Light Brightness Control ................................. 4-14
Instrument Panel.................................................................... 4-1
intelligent All Wheel Drive (i-AWD) AUTO Indicator
Light ........................................................................................ 4-9
intelligent All Wheel Drive (i-AWD) LOCK Indicator
Light ........................................................................................ 4-9
Interior Light Switch .............................................................. 5-8JJacking Instructions ............................................................ 10-1
Jump Starting Instructions ................................................. 10-3KKeyless Entry System Transmitter .................................... 2-10
Keyless Start System Indicator Light .................................. 4-8
Keyless Start System Remote Controller ............................ 2-3
Keys ........................................................................................ 2-1LLap-Shoulder Belt ................................................................ 2-24
Lighting Operation................................................................. 3-5Lighting/Turn Signal Control Lever ...................................... 3-5
Lights “On” reminder ............................................................ 3-5
Listening to a CD.................................................................. 4-39
Listening to a CD from an External CD Changer
(Option) ................................................................................. 4-50
Listening to a XM Satellite Radio (Option)......................... 4-47
Listening to Audio for AUX (Option) .................................. 4-49
Listening to the Radio ......................................................... 4-37
Low Fuel Warning Light ........................................................ 4-8
Low Tire Pressure Warning Light ................................ 4-3, 6-15
Luggage Compartment Cover............................................. 5-14
Luggage Compartment Light .............................................. 5-15
MMaintenance Recommended under Severe Driving
Conditions .............................................................................. 9-7
Maintenance Schedule .......................................................... 9-2
Malfunction Indicator Light ................................................... 4-7
Manual Heating and Air Conditioning System .................. 4-25
Manual Transaxle ................................................................... 6-6
Mirrors ................................................................................... 2-18OOdometer .............................................................................. 4-11
Oil Level Check .................................................................... 9-11
Oil Pressure Light.................................................................. 4-6
On-Board Vehicle Computers and Event Data
Recorders ............................................................................. 12-3
Open Door Warning Light ..................................................... 4-8
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................................................... 2-19PParking Brake Lever ..................................................... 5-1, 9-23
Pedals...................................................................................... 5-1