2008 SUZUKI SX4 towing

8-5VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
80J21-03E
MEMO

9-33INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
80J21-03E
Vehicle LoadingYour vehicle was designed for specific load
capacities. The load capacities of your
vehicle are indicated by the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR), the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR, front and rear), and
the total load capacity, the seating capac-
ity, and the cargo load capacity. The
GVWR and GAWR (front and rear) are
listed on the Safety Certification Label
which is located below the driver’s side
door latch striker. The total load capacity
and seating capacity are listed on the Tire
and Loading Information Label which is
located below the Safety Certification
Label. The cargo load capacity can be
determined as described below.
Cargo Load Capacity – Maximum weight
of cargo and luggage that the vehicle can
safely carry. Cargo load capacity is the dif-
ference between the total load capacity of
the vehicle and the total combined weight
of all vehicle occupants. Refer to “Steps for
Determining Correct Load Limit” for details
on how to determine cargo load capacity.
GVWR – Maximum permissible overall
weight of the fully loaded vehicle (including
all the occupants, accessories and cargo
plus the trailer tongue weight if towing a
trailer).
GAWR – (Front and Rear) Maximum per-
missible weight on an individual axle.Seating Capacity – Maximum number of
occupants the vehicle is designed to carry.
NOTE:
Even though the number of occupants is
within the seating capacity, you still must
make sure that you do not exceed the total
load capacity of the vehicle.
Total Load Capacity – Maximum permissi-
ble weight a vehicle can carry including the
weight of all the occupants, accessories,
cargo, plus trailer tongue weight (if towing
a trailer).
The weight of any accessories already
installed on your vehicle at the time of pur-
chase, or that you or the dealer install after
purchase, must be subtracted from the
total load capacity to determine how much
capacity remains available for occupants,
cargo, and trailer tongue weight (if towing a
trailer). Contact your dealer for further
information.
Actual weight of the loaded vehicle and
actual loads at the front and rear axles can
only be determined by weighing the vehicle
using a vehicle scale. To measure the
weight and load, try making your vehicle to
a highway weighing station, shipping com-
pany or inspection station for trucks, etc.
Compare these weights to the GVWR and
GAWR (front and rear) listed on the Safety
Certification Label. If the gross vehicle
weight or the load on either axle exceeds
these ratings, you must remove enoughweight to bring the load down to the rated
capacity.
WARNING
Never overload your vehicle. Over-
loading your vehicle can cause dam-
age to your tires and lead to poor
steering and braking which can result
in an accident. The gross vehicle
weight (sum of the weights of the
loaded vehicle, driver and passen-
gers) must never exceed the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) listed
on the Safety Certification Label. In
addition, never distribute a load so
that the weight on either the front or
rear axle exceeds the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the
Safety Certification Label.
WARNING
 Always distribute cargo evenly.
 To avoid personal injury or damage
to your vehicle, always secure
cargo to prevent it from shifting if
the vehicle moves suddenly.
 Place heavier objects on the floor
and as far forward in the cargo area
as possible. Never pile cargo
higher than the top of the seat-
backs.
Fuses: 7

9-34
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
80J21-03E
Steps for Determining Correct Load
Limit
1) Locate the statement “The combined
weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on
your vehicle’s placard.
2) Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding
in your vehicle.
3) Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passengers from XXX kg or
XXX lbs.
4) The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if the “XXX”
amount equals 1400 lbs and there will
be five 150 lb passengers in your vehi-
cle, the amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 650 lbs (1400
– 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).
5) Determine the combined weight of lug-
gage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in Step 4.
6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity of
your vehicle.Vehicle Loading Example
As an example, suppose that the Tire and
Loading Information label on your vehicle
indicates that your vehicle’s total load
capacity is 950 lbs. If you were to drive
your vehicle with one passenger, and the
total combined weight of you and your pas-
senger was 350 lbs, then the cargo and
luggage capacity of your vehicle would be
600 lbs (950 – 350 = 600 lbs).
If you later added 2 more passengers, hav-
ing a combined weight of 325 lbs, the
cargo and luggage capacity of your vehicle
would be reduced from 600 lbs to 275 lbs
(600 – 325 = 275 lbs). As you can see, as
the number and combined weight of vehi-
cle occupants increase, the vehicle’s cargo
and luggage capacity decreases.
Suppose again, that you were to take a trip
in your vehicle with the same three pas-
sengers described above, and you decided
to tow a trailer having a trailer tongue
weight of 75 lbs. The cargo and luggage
capacity would be reduced again, to 200
lbs (275 – 75 = 200 lbs).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 on
the 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.
Headlight Aiming:
Bulb Replacement: 7

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

10-3EMERGENCY SERVICE
80J21-03E
Jump Starting Instructions
When jump starting your vehicle, use
the following procedure:
60A269
1) Use only a 12 volt battery to jump start
your vehicle. Position the good 12V bat-
tery close to your vehicle so that the
jumper cables will reach both batteries.
When using a battery installed on
another vehicle, DO NOT LET THE
VEHICLES TOUCH. Set the parking
brakes fully on both vehicles.2) Turn off all vehicle accessories, except
those necessary for safety reasons (for
example, headlights or hazard lights).
54G079
3) Make jumper cable connections as fol-
lows:
1. Connect one end of the first jumper
cable to the positive (+) terminal of
the discharged battery (1).
2. Connect the other end to the positive
(+) terminal of the booster battery
(2).
3. Connect one end of the second
jumper cable to the negative (–) ter-
minal of the booster battery (2).
4. Make the final connection to an
unpainted, heavy metal part (i.e.
engine hook (3)) of the engine of the
vehicle with the discharged battery
(1).
WARNING
 Never attempt to jump start your
vehicle if the battery appears to be
frozen. Batteries in this condition
may explode or rupture if jump
starting is attempted.
 When making jumper cable con-
nections, be certain that your
hands and the jumper cables
remain clear from pulleys, belts or
fans.
 Batteries produce flammable
hydrogen gas. Keep flames and
sparks away from the battery or an
explosion may occur. Never smoke
when working near the battery.
 If the booster battery you use for
jump starting is installed in another
vehicle, make sure the two vehicles
are not touching each other.
 If your battery discharges repeat-
edly, for no apparent reason, have
your vehicle inspected by an autho-
rized SUZUKI dealer.
 To avoid harm to yourself or dam-
age to your vehicle or battery, fol-
low the jump starting instructions
below precisely and in order. If you
are in doubt, call for qualified road
service.
CAUTION
Your vehicle should not be started by
pushing or towing. This starting
method could result in permanent
damage to the catalytic converter.
Use jumper cables to start a vehicle
with a weak or run-down battery.12V BATTERY
(1)
(3)
(2)
EXAMPLE
Jacking Instructions: 5

10-4
EMERGENCY SERVICE
80J21-03E
4) If the booster battery you are using is
installed on another vehicle, start the
engine of the vehicle with the booster
battery. Run the engine at moderate
speed.
5) Start the engine of the vehicle with the
discharged battery.
6) Remove the jumper cables in the exact
reverse order in which you connected
them.
Towing a Disabled VehicleEmergency TowingIf your vehicle is disabled, it may be towed
by a tow truck using one of the following
methods:
1) Tow the vehicle with two wheels lifted
by the tow truck and the other two
wheels on a towing dolly.
2) Use the appropriate towing method
specified for your vehicle in the “Towing
Your Vehicle (recreational towing)” sec-
tion, but with the wheels lifted by the
tow truck instead of on a towing dolly.
Be sure to carefully follow the specific
instructions provided in the “Towing
Your Vehicle (recreational towing)” sec-
tion.
If the Starter Does Not
Operate1) Try turning the ignition switch to the
“START” position with the headlights
turned on to determine the battery con-
dition. If the headlights go excessively
dim or go off, it usually means that
either the battery has run down or bat-
tery terminal contact is poor. Recharge
the battery or correct battery terminal
contact if necessary.
2) If the headlights remain bright, check
the fuses. If the reason for failure of the
starter is not obvious, there may be a
major electrical problem. Have the vehi-
cle inspected by your authorized
SUZUKI dealer.
WARNING
Never connect the jumper cable
directly to the negative (–) terminal of
the discharged battery, or an explo-
sion may occur.
CAUTION
If vehicle damage (such as steering
or drivetrain damage, etc.) prevents
normal use of the towing procedures
for your vehicle described in the
“Towing Your Vehicle (recreational
towing)” section, have your vehicle
towed with two wheels lifted by the
tow truck and the other two wheels
on a towing dolly.
Jacking Instructions: 5
Jump Starting Instructions: 7

10-5EMERGENCY SERVICE
80J21-03E
If the Engine is FloodedIf the engine is flooded with gasoline, it
may be hard to start. If this happens, press
the accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and hold it there while cranking the
engine. (Do not operate the starter motor
for more than 15 seconds).
If the Engine OverheatsThe engine could overheat temporarily
under severe driving conditions. If the High
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
Light in the instrument cluster glows red
during driving:
1) Turn off the air conditioner, if equipped.
2) Take the vehicle to a safe place and
park.
3) Let the engine run at the normal idle
speed for a few minutes until the engine
is cooled down to the normal tempera-
ture.
You can determine the engine tempera-
ture is normal by either condition below:
– Both High Engine Coolant Tempera-
ture Warning Light and Low Engine
Coolant Temperature Light have gone
off.
– Low Engine Coolant Temperature
Light is lit in blue, and High Engine
Coolant Temperature Warning Light
has gone off.
See “High Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light” and “Low Engine Coolant
Temperature Light” in the INDEX for further
information.
WARNING
If you see or hear escaping steam,
stop the vehicle in a safe place and
immediately turn off the engine to let
it cool. Do not open the hood when
steam is present. When the steam
can no longer be seen or heard, open
the hood to see if the coolant is still
boiling. If it is, you must wait until it
stops boiling before you proceed.
Also, be careful not to touch hot
engine parts (radiator, water hoses,
engine etc.).
Jump Starting Instructions: 7
Towing a Disabled Vehicle: 6

15-4INDEX
80J21-03E
Periodic Maintenance Schedule ........................................... 9-3
Power Assisted Brakes ......................................................... 6-9
Power Door Locking System ................................................ 2-2
Power Mirror Control ........................................................... 2-19
Power Steering..................................................................... 9-23
Power Steering Fluid ........................................................... 9-23
Power Window Controls ..................................................... 2-16RRadio Antenna ............................................................ 4-38, 5-16
Rear Window Wiper/Washer Switch .................................... 3-8
Refill with Oil and Check for Leaks .................................... 9-13
Refilling................................................................................. 9-12
Remote Audio Controls.............................................. 3-11, 4-53
Replace the Oil Filter ........................................................... 9-13
Replacing Tires and/or Wheels .......................................... 6-18
Reporting Safety Defects .................................................... 12-4
Roof Rails or Roof Rack Anchors ...................................... 5-16SSafety Certification Label.................................................... 12-2
Seat Adjustment .................................................................. 2-19
Seat Belt Extender ............................................................... 2-38
Seat Belt Hanger .................................................................. 2-28
Seat Belt Inspection ............................................................ 2-29
Seat Belt Pretensioner System........................................... 2-39
Seat Belt Reminder .............................................................. 2-26
Seat Belts and Child Restraint Systems............................ 2-22
Selection of Coolant ............................................................ 9-17
Shoulder Anchor Height Adjuster ...................................... 2-28
Side Air Bags and Side Curtain Air Bags .......................... 2-43
Side Door Locks .................................................................... 2-1
SLIP Indicator Light ...................................................... 4-5, 6-13Snow Tires ............................................................................ 9-31
Spark Plugs .......................................................................... 9-20
SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................. 14-1
Specified Fluid...................................................................... 9-16
Specified Gear Oil ................................................................ 9-14
Specified Oil ......................................................................... 9-11
Speedometer ........................................................................ 4-11
Spot Light ............................................................................... 5-9
Stability Control System...................................................... 6-12
Starting the Engine ................................................................ 6-2
Steering Wheel ..................................................................... 9-23
Sun Visor ................................................................................ 5-8
Supplemental Restraint System (air bags) ........................ 2-40
TTachometer ........................................................................... 4-12
Tailgate.................................................................................. 2-14
Temperature Gauge ............................................................. 4-13
Theft Deterrent Light............................................................ 4-20
Thermometer ........................................................................ 4-17
Tilt Steering Lock Lever ........................................................ 3-8
Tire Chains.............................................................................. 7-3
Tire Changing Tool .............................................................. 5-13
Tire Inflation Pressure ......................................................... 9-26
Tire Inspection...................................................................... 9-27
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ......................... 6-14
Tire Rotation ......................................................................... 9-29
Tire Sidewall Labeling ......................................................... 9-24
Tire Size ................................................................................ 9-25
Tires....................................................................................... 9-24
Towing a Disabled Vehicle .................................................. 10-4
Towing Your Vehicle (recreational towing) ......................... 8-2