2008 SUZUKI SX4 wheel

5-2
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
80J21-03E
Clutch Pedal (1)(For manual transaxle)
The clutch pedal is used to disengage the
drive to the wheels when starting the
engine, stopping or shifting the gearshift
lever. Depressing the pedal disengages
the clutch.Brake Pedal (2)Your SUZUKI vehicle is equipped with
either front and rear disc brakes or front
disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Depressing the brake pedal applies both
sets of brakes.
You may hear occasional brake squeal
when you apply the brakes. This is a nor-
mal condition caused by environmental
factors such as cold, wet, snow, etc.
Accelerator Pedal (3)This pedal controls the speed of the
engine. Depressing the accelerator pedal
increases power output and speed.
Gearshift LeverManual transaxle
63J051
Automatic transaxle
77J021
CAUTION
Do not drive with your foot resting on
the clutch pedal. It could result in
excessive clutch wear or clutch dam-
age.
WARNING
If brake squeal is excessive and
occurs each time the brakes are
applied, you should have the brakes
checked by your SUZUKI dealer.
WARNING
Do not “ride” the brakes by applying
them continuously or resting your
foot on the pedal. This will result in
overheating of the brakes which
could cause unpredictable braking
action, longer stopping distances or
permanent brake damage.
EXAMPLEEXAMPLE
Pedals: 6
Gearshift Lever: 10

5-13OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
80J21-03E
Frame hooks are provided on the front (1),
rear (2) and side (3) of the vehicle. The
hooks (1) and (2) are used for emergency
situations. The hooks (3) are used for
trailer/train shipping purposes.
To tow your vehicle on the road or highway,
follow the instruction of “Towing” in “EMER-
GENCY SERVICE” or “VEHICLE LOAD-
ING AND TOWING” section.
Tire Changing ToolSX4
80JC014
SX4 SEDAN
80JC045
The jack, wheel brace, jack handle are
stowed in the luggage compartment.
80J048
To remove the spare tire, turn its bolt (1)
counterclockwise and remove it.
79J085
To remove the jack, turn its shaft counter-
clockwise and pull the jack out of the stor-
age bracket.
WARNING
Do not use the frame hooks to tow
another vehicle or to have your vehi-
cle towed on the road or highway.
The hooks (1) and (2) are designed
for use in emergency situations only,
such as if your vehicle or another
vehicle gets stuck in deep mud or
snow.
The hooks (3) are provided for trailer/
train shipping purposes.
CAUTION
Never use the hooks (1) and (2) for
trailer/train shipping purposes to pre-
vent damage to the vehicle.
EXAMPLEEXAMPLE
(1)
EXAMPLE
Cup Holder and Storage Area: 3

5-14
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
80J21-03E
SX4
79J086
SX4 SEDAN
80JC015
To stow the jack, place it in the storage
bracket and turn the shaft clockwise until
the jack is securely held in place.
Luggage Compartment Cover
(if equipped)
80J049
80J050
WARNING
The jack should be used only to
change wheels. It is important to read
the jacking instructions in the
“EMERGENCY SERVICE” section of
this manual before attempting to use
the jack.
WARNING
After using the jack, jack handle and
wheel wrench, be sure to stow them
securely or they can cause injury if
an accident occurs.
(1) (2)
Front Rear
Accessory Socket: 8
Frame Hooks: 5, 6

OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
6
80J21-03E
60G408
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLEExhaust Gas Warning ......................................................... 6-1
Daily Inspection Checklist .................................................. 6-1
Starting the Engine ............................................................. 6-2
Engine Block Heater (if equipped) ..................................... 6-4
Using the Transaxle ............................................................ 6-5
Using the 2WD/i-AWD (intelligent All Wheel Drive)
Switch (if equipped) ............................................................ 6-7
Braking ................................................................................. 6-9
Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) (if equipped) .......... 6-12
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ........................ 6-14
Break-In ................................................................................ 6-18
Catalytic Converter ............................................................. 6-19
Improving Fuel Economy ................................................... 6-20

6-1OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J21-03E
Exhaust Gas Warning
52D334
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 “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section for details.
3) Look for fluid, oil 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.
WARNING
Avoid breathing exhaust gases.
Exhaust gases contain carbon mon-
oxide, a potentially lethal gas that is
colorless and odorless. Since carbon
monoxide is difficult to detect by
itself, be sure to take the following
precautions to help prevent carbon
monoxide from entering your vehicle.
 Do not leave the engine running in
garages or other confined areas.
(Continued)
WARNING
(Continued)
 Do not park with the engine run-
ning for a long period of time, even
in an open area. If it is necessary to
sit for a short time in a parked vehi-
cle with the engine running, make
sure the air intake selector is set to
“FRESH AIR” and the blower is at
high speed.
 Avoid operating the vehicle with
the tail gate or trunk open. If it is
necessary to operate the vehicle
with the tail gate or trunk open,
make sure the sunroof (if equipped)
and all windows are closed, and the
blower is at high speed with the air
intake selector set to “FRESH AIR”.
 To allow proper operation of your
vehicle’s ventilation system, keep
the air inlet grille in front of the
windshield clear of snow, leaves or
other obstructions at all times.
 Keep the exhaust tailpipe area clear
of snow and other material to help
reduce the buildup of exhaust
gases under the vehicle. This is
particularly important when parked
in blizzard conditions.
 Have the exhaust system inspected
periodically for damage and leaks.
Any damage or leaks should be
repaired immediately.
Exhaust Gas Warning: NO
Daily Inspection Checklist: NO

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

6-7OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J21-03E
Using the 2WD/i-AWD
(intelligent All Wheel Drive)
Switch (if equipped)
80J009
This i-AWD system enables you to select
the driving mode according to the driving
conditions by operating the 2WD/i-AWD
switch. With this feature, you can select 3
mode positions, “2WD”, “i-AWD AUTO”
and “i-AWD LOCK” by operating the 2WD/
i-AWD switch even when the vehicle is
moving, provided the front wheels are in
the straight ahead position.Description of 3 Mode 4 x 4 System
Positions2WD
In this position, engine power is supplied to
the front axle only. Use this position for
normal driving (on dry, hard surfaces).i-AWD AUTO
In this position, engine power is supplied to
the front and rear axles at normal speed,
providing greater traction than 2-wheel
drive. Use this position for driving on paved
roads or on slippery roads (icy, snow-cov-
ered, muddy, etc.).
In the AUTO mode, the i-AWD controller
judges the driving conditions using signals
from sensors.
When slipping of the front wheels is
detected, the electronically controlled cou-
pling supplies optimum driving force to the
rear wheels. This function improves driving
stability and running through performance
on rough roads and stabilizes driving per-
formance even on a snow covered up-hill
road or the like.
Also, during normal driving on paved
roads, torque distribution to the rear
wheels is reduced to achieve the nearly
front wheel drive condition, thereby fuel
consumption is improved.
i-AWD LOCK
In this position, engine power is supplied to
the front and rear axles at reduced speed.
Use this position when it is hard to start off
in the “i-AWD AUTO” mode such as in
mud, sand or on snow.
NOTE:
 Avoid operating your vehicle in the “i-
AWD LOCK” on wet pavement as much
as possible. Operating your vehicle in
the “i-AWD LOCK” on wet pavementmay cause severe damage to the drive
train.
 As the vehicle speed increases, the “i-
AWD LOCK” mode is automatically can-
celed and the “i-AWD AUTO” mode is
selected.
 When the ignition switch is turned to the
“OFF” position, the “i-AWD LOCK” mode
is canceled.
2WD/i-AWD Switch OperationOperate the 2WD/i-AWD switch according
to the appropriate procedure described
below:
How to turn on 2WD/i-AWD switch
2WD/i-AWD switch will activate when the
ignition switch is turned on.
From 2WD to i-AWD AUTO
Turn the 2WD/i-AWD switch to the neutral
position, and the “i-AWD AUTO” indicator
will come on.
79J040
Braking: 6

6-8
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J21-03E
From i-AWD AUTO to i-AWD LOCK
Push the “i-AWD LOCK” switch for a few
seconds until the “i-AWD LOCK” indicator
will come on.
79J100
From i-AWD LOCK to i-AWD AUTO
Push the “i-AWD LOCK” switch, and the “i-
AWD AUTO” indicator will come on.
From i-AWD AUTO or LOCK to 2WD
Push the “2WD” switch, and the “i-AWD
AUTO” or “i-AWD LOCK” indicator will turn
off.
NOTE:
 The 2WD/i-AWD switch can be operated
when the vehicle is either stopped or
moving.
 Make sure that the front wheels are in
the straight ahead position when operat-
ing the 2WD/i-AWD switch.
 While making turns or accelerating and
decelerating, operating the 2WD/i-AWD
switch or turning off the key switch in the
“i-AWD AUTO” or “i-AWD LOCK” mode
may cause a shock, but this is not a sys-
tem malfunction.
 While driving in the “i-AWD LOCK”
mode, as the vehicle speed increases,the driving mode changes to the “i-AWD
AUTO” mode automatically. Even when
the vehicle speed reduces, on the other
hand, the driving mode does not return
to the “i-AWD LOCK” mode automati-
cally. You should press the “i-AWD
LOCK” switch according to the driving
conditions.
 Any forcible operation while driving off-
road in the sand or water or when a
wheel has run off the road, the difference
of the revolution between front wheels
and rear wheels increases (wheels run
idle). If this state continues, the oil tem-
perature of the driving system parts
rises.
In such case, the “i-AWD AUTO” indica-
tor light blinks and the driving mode
changes to the 2WD mode to protect the
driving system parts.
When you operate your vehicle in the i-
AWD mode continuously, park the vehi-
cle at a safe place and run the engine
idle. After some time, the “i-AWD AUTO”
indicator light turns on again and the
driving mode returns to the “i-AWD
AUTO” mode.
CAUTION
 Never use the “i-AWD LOCK” mode
when driving on dry paved roads.
Avoid using the “i-AWD LOCK”
mode when driving on wet paved
roads as much as possible. Use of
the “i-AWD LOCK” mode in above
conditions will apply excessive
force to the driving system and
may cause a critical failure. Also,
the tires may wear faster and fuel
consumption may be affected
adversely.
 Note that i-AWD vehicles are not
all-around vehicles. Be sure to
observe following instructions
when driving your vehicle.
– Do not drive through water like
crossing a river.
– Do not drive continuously where
front wheels tend to race in
places such as sand and mud.
– When any wheel is in the air for
such reason as running off the
road, do not race it needlessly.
 If the “i-AWD AUTO” and the “i-
AWD LOCK” indicator lights stay
on and come on simultaneously
when driving, there may be some-
thing wrong the i-AWD system.
Have the system inspected by an
authorized SUZUKI dealer.
Braking: 6