6-2
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J21-03E
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 “All latches, hinges and locks” of
“CHASSIS AND BODY” in the “Periodic
Maintenance Schedule” section in the
“INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE”
section for lubrication schedule.
Starting the EngineBefore Starting the Engine1) Make sure the parking brake is set fully.
2) Manual Transaxle – Shift into “N” (Neu-
tral) and depress the clutch pedal all
the way to the floor.
Hold the clutch pedal while starting the
engine.
Automatic Transaxle – If the gearshift
lever is not in “P” (Park) position, shift
into “P”. (If you need to re-start the
engine while the vehicle is moving, shift
into “N”.)
NOTE:
The engine of manual transaxle vehicle will
not start unless the clutch pedal is
depressed.
NOTE:
Automatic transaxle vehicles have a starter
interlock device which is designed to keep
the starter from operating if the transaxle is
in any of the drive positions.
Starting a Cold EngineWith your foot off the accelerator pedal,
crank the engine by turning the ignition key
to “START”. Release the key when the
engine starts.
If the engine does not start after 15 sec-
onds of cranking, wait about 15 seconds,
then press down the accelerator pedal to
1/3 of its travel and try cranking the engine
again. Release the key and accelerator
pedal when the engine starts.
If the engine still does not start, try holding
the accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor while cranking. This should clear the
engine if it is flooded.
If you are unable to start the engine using
this procedure, consult your SUZUKI
dealer.Starting a Warm EngineUse the same procedure as for “Starting a
Cold Engine”.
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.
WARNING
Make sure that the parking brake is
set fully and the transaxle is in Neu-
tral (or Park for vehicles with an auto-
matic transaxle) before attempting to
start the engine.
CAUTION
Stop turning the starter immedi-
ately after the engine has started or
the starter system can be dam-
aged.
Do not crank the engine for more
than 15 seconds at a time. If the
engine doesn’t start on the first try,
wait about 15 seconds before try-
ing again.
Daily Inspection Checklist: NO
Starting the Engine: 1
6-11OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J21-03E
54G140
65D451
How the ABS WorksA computer continuously monitors wheel
speed. The computer compares the
changes in wheel speed when braking. If
the wheels slow suddenly, indicating a
skidding situation, the computer will
change braking pressure several times
each second to prevent the wheels from
locking. When you start your vehicle or
when you accelerate after a hard stop, you
may hear a momentary motor or clicking
noise as the system resets or checks itself.
WARNING
If the ABS warning light ((1) or (2)) on
the instrument panel comes on and
stays on while driving, there may be a
problem with the ABS system.
If this happens:
1) Pull off the road and stop care-
fully.
2) Turn the ignition switch to “LOCK”
and then start the engine again.
If the warning light comes on briefly
then turns off, the system is normal.
If the warning light still stays on,
have the system inspected by your
SUZUKI dealer immediately. If the
ABS system becomes inoperative,
the brake system will function as an
ordinary brake system that has no
ABS.
or
WARNING
If the ABS warning light ((1) or (2))
and the Brake system warning light
(3) on the instrument panel simulta-
neously stay on or come on when
driving, both anti-lock function and
rear brake force control function
(Proportioning valve function) of the
ABS system may have failed. This
could cause the rear wheels to skid
or the vehicle to spin during braking
on a slippery road or hard braking on
a dry paved road. If both warning
lights come on, drive carefully, avoid-
ing hard braking as much as possi-
ble, and ask your SUZUKI dealer to
inspect the ABS system immediately.
(1) (2)
(3)or
WARNING
The ABS may not work properly if
tires or wheels other than those
specified in the owner’s manual are
used. This is because the ABS works
by comparing changes in wheel
speed. When replacing tires or
wheels, use only the size and type
specified in this owner’s manual.
Improving Fuel Economy: NO
6-12
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J21-03E
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP
®) (if equipped)
ESP
® is a registered trademark of
DaimlerChrysler AG.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®)
helps to control the vehicle during corner-
ing if the vehicle is understeering or over-
steering. It also assists you in maintaining
traction while accelerating on loose or slip-
pery road surfaces. It does this by regulat-
ing the engine’s output, and by selectively
applying the brakes. In addition, ESP®
helps to avoid skidding by controlling brak-
ing pressure.The ESP
® has the following three systems:
Stability Control SystemThe vehicle stability control system helps
provide integrated control of systems such
as anti-lock brakes, traction control, engine
control, etc. This system automatically
controls the brakes and engine to help pre-
vent the vehicle from skidding when cor-
nering on a slippery road surface or when
turning the steering wheel abruptly.Traction Control SystemThe traction control system automatically
helps prevent the spinning of wheels when
the vehicle is started or accelerated on
slippery road surfaces. The system oper-
ates only if it senses that some of the
wheels are spinning or beginning to lose
traction. When this happens, the system
operates the front or rear brakes and
reduces engine power to limit wheel spin.
NOTE:
You may hear a clicking sound in the
engine compartment for a few seconds
when you start the engine or just after the
vehicle begins to move. This means that
the above systems are in the self-check
mode. This sound does not indicate a mal-
function.
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)ABS will help you avoid skidding by elec-
tronically controlling braking pressure. It
will also help you maintain steering control
when braking on slippery surfaces or when
braking hard. The ABS works automati-
cally, so you do not have to use any special
braking technique. Just push the brake
pedal down without pumping. The ABS will
operate whenever it senses that wheels
are locking up. You may feel the brake
pedal pulsate while the ABS is operating.
(For more information on ABS, see “Brak-
ing” in the “OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE”
section.)
NOTE:
If the ABS system is activated, you may
hear a clunking noise and/or feel pulsating
in the brake pedal. This is normal and indi-
cates that the brake fluid pressure is being
controlled properly.
WARNING
The ESP
® cannot enhance the vehi-
cle’s driving stability in all situations
and does not control your vehicle’s
entire braking system. The ESP
® can-
not prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed
in turns, or hydroplaning. Only a safe
and attentive driver can prevent acci-
dents. The capabilities of an ESP
®-
equipped vehicle must never be used
as a substitute for careful driving.
6-17OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J21-03E
TPMS Malfunction Indicator
When you turn off the engine, however, the
malfunction indicator resets. It takes about
ten minutes after restarting the engine for
the malfunction to be detected again and
for the light to start flashing.
TPMS LimitationsThe tire pressure monitoring system may
not function properly under certain circum-
stances. In the following situations, the low
tire pressure warning light may come on
and remain on or may blink.
When you replace a flat tire with the
spare tire.
When you include the spare tire during a
tire rotation.
When the TPMS sensor is damaged dur-
ing a tire replacement or liquid sealants
are used to repair a flat tire.
WARNING
Your vehicle also has been equipped
with a TPMS malfunction indicator to
indicate when the system is not oper-
ating properly.
WARNING
The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure
telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then
remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long
as the malfunction exists.
WARNING
When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pres-
sure as intended. TPMS malfunctions
may occur for a variety of reasons,
including the installation of replace-
ment or alternate tires or wheels on
the vehicle that prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale
after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that
the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to
function properly.
CAUTION
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 an autho-
rized SUZUKI dealer.
Do not use liquid sealants for a flat
tire as air pressure sensors can be
damaged.
If the low tire pressure warning
light comes on frequently, there
may be something wrong with one
of the tires or with the monitoring
system. Have your vehicle
inspected by an authorized SUZUKI
dealer.
9-3INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
80J21-03E
Periodic Maintenance ScheduleR: 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 1522.53037.54552.56067.575ENGINE & EMISSION CONTROL
1. Drive belt
*Tension check, *adjustment, *replacement
–
–
–
I
–
–
–
I
–
–
*2. Valve lash (clearance) – – – I – – – I – –3.Engine oil and oil filter
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
*4. Cooling system hoses and connections – – – I – – – I – –5.Engine coolant
–
–
–
R
–
–
–
R
–
–
*6. Exhaust pipes and mountings – – – I – – – I – –*7.
EVAP canister
Replace every 250000 km (150000 miles) or 180 months
*8. Emission-related hoses & tubes – – – – – – – I – –9.Spark plugs
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
R
–
–
*10. Ignition coil (plug cap) – – – I – – – I – –*11.
Fuel tank & cap
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
12. Air cleaner filter element (paved road) – – – R – – – R – –*13.
Fuel filter
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
*14. Fuel lines and connections – – – I – – – I – –*15.
Canister air suction filter
Replace every 250000 km (150000 miles) or 180 months
Periodic Maintenance Schedule: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10
9-4
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
80J21-03E
R: Replace or change
I : Inspect, clean, adjust, lubricate or replace as necessary
#1: Inspect at 250000 km (150000 miles) or 180 months.
NOTE:
The maintenance services enclosed with rectangle are recommended maintenance items.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 150ENGINE & EMISSION CONTROL
1. Drive belt
*Tension check, *adjustment, *replacement
–
I
–
–
–
I
–
–
–
I
*2. Valve lash (clearance) – I – – – I – – – I3.Engine oil and oil filter
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
*4. Cooling system hoses and connections – I – – – I – – – I5.Engine coolant
–
R
–
–
–
R
–
–
–
R
*6. Exhaust pipes and mountings – I – – – I – – – I*7.
EVAP canister
Replace every 250000 km (150000 miles) or 180 months
*8. Emission-related hoses & tubes – – – – – I – – – I9.Spark plugs
–
–
–
–
–
R
–
–
–
–
*10. Ignition coil (plug cap) – I – – – I – – – I*11.
Fuel tank & cap
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I (#1)
12. Air cleaner filter element (paved road) – R – – – R – – – R*13.
Fuel filter
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
R
*14. Fuel lines and connections – I – – – I – – – I (#1)*15.
Canister air suction filter
Replace every 250000 km (150000 miles) or 180 months
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air Resources Board has determined that the failure to perform recom-
mended maintenance items enclosed with a rectangle will not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion
of the vehicle’s useful life. SUZUKI, however, urges that all recommended maintenance services be performed at the indicated inter-
vals and the maintenance recorded.
Periodic Maintenance Schedule: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10
9-7INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
80J21-03E
Maintenance Recommended under Severe Driving ConditionsFollow this schedule if your car is mainly operated under one or more of the following conditions:
When most trips are less than 6 kilometers (4 miles)
When most trips are less than 16 kilometers (10 miles) and outside temperature remain below freezing.
Idling and/or low-speed operation in stop-and-go traffic.
Operating in dusty areas.
Schedule should also be followed if the car is used for delivery service, police, taxi or other commercial applications.
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) 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39
km (x 1000) 5 101520253035404550556065
months 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39ENGINE & EMISSION CONTROL
1. Drive belt
*Tension check, *adjustment, *replacement
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
I
–
–
–
*2.Valve lash (clearance) ––––––––– I –––
3.Engine oil and oil filter
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
*4. Cooling system hoses and connections–––– I –––– I –––
5.Engine coolant
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
R
–
–
–
*6. Exhaust pipes and mountings–––– I –––– I –––
*7.
EVAP canister
Replace every 250000 km (150000 miles) or 180 months
*8.Emission-related hoses & tubes –––––––––––––
9.Spark plugs
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
*10.Ignition coil (plug cap) ––––––––– I –––
*11.
Fuel tank & cap
–
–
–
–
I
–
–
–
–
I
–
–
–
12. Air cleaner filter element (paved road)IIIIIIIIIRIII
*13.
Fuel filter
Replace every 250000 km (150000 miles) or 150 months
*14. Fuel lines and connections–––– I –––– I –––
*15.
Canister air suction filter
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Engine Oil and Filter: 1, 2
9-8
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
80J21-03E
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) 42 45 48 51 54 57 60 63 66 69 72 75
km (x 1000) 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125
months 42 45 48 51 54 57 60 63 66 69 72 75ENGINE & EMISSION CONTROL
1. Drive belt
*Tension check, *adjustment, *replacement
–
–
–
–
–
–
I
–
–
–
–
–
*2.Valve lash (clearance) –––––– I –––––
3.Engine oil and oil filter
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
*4. Cooling system hoses and connections – I–––– I –––– I
5.Engine coolant
–
–
–
–
–
–
R
–
–
–
–
–
*6. Exhaust pipes and mountings – I–––– I –––– I
*7.
EVAP canister
Replace every 250000 km (150000 miles) or 180 months
*8.Emission-related hoses & tubes –––––– I –––––
9.Spark plugs
–
–
–
–
–
–
R
–
–
–
–
–
*10.Ignition coil (plug cap) –––––– I –––––
*11.
Fuel tank & cap
–
I
–
–
–
–
I
–
–
–
–
I
12. Air cleaner filter element (paved road)IIIIIIRIIIII
*13.
Fuel filter
Replace every 250000 km (150000 miles) or 150 months
*14. Fuel lines and connections – I–––– I –––– I
*15.
Canister air suction filter
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
R
Engine Oil and Filter: 1, 2