2008 SUZUKI SX4 steering

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.

6-16
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J21-03E
The low tire pressure warning light can
come on due to normal causes such as
natural air leaks and pressure changes
caused by changes in temperature or
atmospheric pressure. Adjusting the air
pressure in the tires to the pressure shownon the tire information placard should
cause the low tire pressure warning light to
turn off.
If the light turns on again shortly after
adjusting the pressure in your tires, you
may have a flat tire. If you have a flat tire,
replace it with the spare tire. Refer to
“Jacking Instructions” in the “EMER-
GENCY SERVICE” section. Refer to
“Replacing Tires and/or Wheels” for
instructions on how to restore normal oper-
ation of the tire pressure monitoring sys-
tem after you have had a flat tire.
NOTE:
 When the tire inflation pressure is
adjusted in high altitude areas, the low
tire pressure light may not turn off even
after tire inflation pressure adjustment.
In this case, adjust the inflation pressure
to a slightly higher pressure than is
shown on the tire information placard.
 The low tire pressure warning light may
turn off temporarily after coming on. This
could be due to surface temperature
increases after long distance driving or
traveling to a high temperature area.
Even if the tire pressure warning light
turns off after coming on, make sure to
check the inflation pressure of all tires.
 To reduce the chance that the low tire
pressure warning light will come on due
to normal changes in temperature and
atmospheric pressure, it is important to
check and adjust the tire pressureswhen the tires are cold. Tires that
appear to be at the specified pressure
when checked after driving, when the
tires are warm, could have pressure
below the specification when the tires
cool down. Also, tires that are inflated to
the specified pressure in a warm garage
may have pressure below the specifica-
tion when the vehicle is driven outside in
very cold temperature. If you adjust the
tire pressure in a garage that is warmer
than the outside temperature, you
should add 1 psi to the recommended
cold tire inflation pressure for every 10°F
difference between garage temperature
and outside temperature.
For tire inflation pressure information, refer
to “Tire Inflation Pressure” in the “INSPEC-
TION AND MAINTENANCE” section.
WARNING
If the low tire pressure warning light
comes on and stays on, reduce your
speed and avoid abrupt steering and
braking. Stop in a safe place as soon
as possible and check your tires.
 If you have a flat tire, replace it with
the spare tire. Refer to “Jacking
Instructions” in the “EMERGENCY
SERVICE” section. Refer to
“Replacing Tires and/or Wheels”
for instructions on how to restore
normal operation of the tire pres-
sure monitoring system after you
have had a flat tire.
 If one or more of your tires is
under-inflated adjust the inflation
pressure in all of your tires to the
recommended inflation pressure as
soon as possible.
Be aware that driving on a signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire can cause
the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure, and may affect steering
control and brake effectiveness. This
could lead to an accident, resulting in
severe injury or death.

7-1DRIVING TIPS
80J21-03E
52D078S
Highway DrivingWhen driving at highway speeds, pay
attention to the following:
 Stopping distance progressively
increases with vehicle speed. Apply the
brakes far enough ahead of the stopping
point to allow for the extra stopping dis-
tance.
 On rainy days, “Hydroplaning” can occur.
“Hydroplaning” is the loss of direct con-
tact between the road surface and the
vehicle’s tires due to a water film forming
between them. Steering or braking the
vehicle while “Hydroplaning” can be very
difficult, and loss of control can occur.
Keep speed down when the road surface
is wet.
 At high speeds, the vehicle may be
affected by side winds. Therefore,
reduce speed and be prepared for unex-
pected buffeting, which can occur at the
exits of tunnels, when passing by a cut of
a hill, or when being overtaken by large
vehicles, etc.
Driving on Hills
77J029S
 When climbing steep hills, the car may
begin to slow down and show a lack of
power. If this happens, you should shift
to a lower gear so that the engine will
again be operating in its normal power
range. Shift rapidly to prevent the car
from losing momentum.
 When driving down a hill, the engine
should be used for braking by shifting to
next lower gear. (Do this with EITHER an
automatic or manual transaxle.)
WARNING
 Wear Your Seat Belts at All Times.
Even though air bags are equipped
at the front seating positions, the
driver and all passengers should
be properly restrained at all times,
using the seat belts provided. Refer
to the “Seat Belts and Child
Restraint Systems” section for
instructions on proper use of the
seat belts.
 Never drive while under the influ-
ence of alcohol or other drugs.
Alcohol and drugs can seriously
impair your ability to drive safely,
greatly increasing the risk of injury
to yourself and others. You should
also avoid driving when you are
tired, sick, irritated or under stress.
Highway Driving: NO
Driving on Hills: NO

7-2
DRIVING TIPS
80J21-03E
Driving on Slippery Roads
60G089S
Under wet road conditions you should
drive at a lower speed than on dry roads
due to possible slippage of tires during
braking. When driving on icy, snow-cov-
ered, or muddy roads, reduce your speed
and avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt
braking, or sharp steering movements.intelligent All Wheel Drive (i-AWD)
ModelsYour i-AWD provides greater traction on
slippery roads than 2-wheel drive models.
However, your i-AWD will not have as
much traction in deep snow, mud or sand
as multipurpose 4WD vehicles. You should
not attempt to drive your i-AWD in deep
snow, mud or sand. i-AWD models are not
sport/utility vehicles, and are not designed
for off-road use.If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
If your vehicle gets stuck in snow, mud or
sand, follow the directions below:
1) Shift the transaxle back and forth
between a forward range (or first gear
for manual transaxle) and reverse. This
will create a rocking motion which may
give you enough momentum to free the
vehicle. Press gently on the accelerator
to keep wheel spinning to a minimum
wheel rpm. Remove your foot from the
accelerator while shifting.
Do not race the engine. Excessive
wheel spin will cause the tires to dig
deeper, making it more difficult to free
the vehicle.
2) If your vehicle remains stuck after a few
minutes of rocking, get another vehicle
to pull your vehicle out.
WARNING
Try not to hold the brake pedal down
too long or too often while going
down a steep or long hill. This could
cause the brakes to overheat, result-
ing in reduced braking efficiency.
Failure to take this precaution could
result in loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION
When descending a down hill,
NEVER turn the ignition key to the
“OFF” position. Emission control
system and automatic transaxle (if
equipped) damage may result.
WARNING
Do not allow anyone to stand near the
vehicle when you are rocking it, and
do not spin the wheels faster than an
indicated 40 km/h (25 mph) on the
speedometer. Personal injury and/or
vehicle damage may result from spin-
ning the wheels too fast.
Driving on Hills: NO
Driving on Slippery Roads: NO

8-4
VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
80J21-03E
80J013
TOWING METHOD BFROM THE FRONT:
FOUR WHEELS ON THE GROUND
B: 2WD or i-AWD (including 2WD mode)
VEHICLES WITH MANUAL TRANSAXLE
1) Shift the manual transaxle lever into
neutral.
2) Turn the ignition key to the “ACC” posi-
tion to unlock the steering wheel.
3) Release the parking brake.
80J012
CAUTION
The steering column is not strong
enough to withstand shocks trans-
mitted from the front wheels during
towing. Always unlock the steering
wheel before towing.
CAUTION
Towing the 2WD or i-AWD automatic
transaxle vehicles with four wheels
on the ground can result in damage
to the automatic transaxle.
Towing Your Vehicle (recreational towing): 13

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
9
80J21-03E
60G410
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCEMaintenance Schedule ....................................................... 9-2
Periodic Maintenance Schedule ........................................ 9-3
Maintenance Recommended under Severe Driving
Conditions ........................................................................... 9-7
Engine Oil and Filter ........................................................... 9-11
Gear Oil ................................................................................ 9-14
Automatic Transaxle Fluid ................................................. 9-16
Engine Coolant .................................................................... 9-17
Windshield Washer Fluid ................................................... 9-19
Air Cleaner ........................................................................... 9-19
Spark Plugs ......................................................................... 9-20
Brakes .................................................................................. 9-21
Steering Wheel .................................................................... 9-23
Clutch Pedal ........................................................................ 9-24
Tires ...................................................................................... 9-24
Battery .................................................................................. 9-35
Fuses .................................................................................... 9-35
Headlight Aiming ................................................................. 9-39
Bulb Replacement ............................................................... 9-39
Wiper Blades ....................................................................... 9-44
Air Conditioning System .................................................... 9-48

9-5INSPECTION 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) 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 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60 67.5 75CHASSIS AND BODY
1. Clutch (for manual transaxle)
Pedal and fluid level
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*2. Brake discs and pads (front, rear) I – I – I – I – I –
Brake drums and shoes
(rear)
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
*3. Brake hoses and pipes I – I – I – I – I –
4.Brake fluid level check, *replacement
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
R
–
I
5. Brake pedal stroke check, *adjustment – I – I – I – I – I
6.Parking brake lever and *cableLever movement check, *adjustment I – I – I – I – I –7.Tires (including tire rotation)
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
8. Wheel discs I I I I I I I I I I
*9.
Suspension system
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
*10. Propeller shafts (i-AWD)/Drive axle boots I I I I I I I I I I
*11.
Manual transaxle oilLevel check, *replacement I – – R – I – R – I
12.
Automatic transaxle (A/T)
Fluid level
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*Fluid change Replace every 175000 km (105000 miles)-----4-speed A/T
*Fluid hose
–
–
–
–
–
I
–
–
–
–
*13. Transfer oil (i-AWD) I – – I – I – R – I
*14.
Rear differential oil (i-AWD)
R
–
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
15. Steering system
Steering wheel movement,
*linkage
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
16. Power steering (if equipped) I I I I I I I I I I
17.
All latches, hinges and locks
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
18. Air conditioner filter element (if equipped) – I – R – I – R – I
Maintenance Recommended under Severe Driving Condi-
tions: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10

9-6
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
80J21-03E
R: Replace or change
I : Inspect, clean, adjust, lubricate or replace as necessary
NOTE:
This table shows the service schedule up to 250000 km (150000 miles).
Beyond 250000 km (150000 miles), perform the same services at the same intervals shown in the chart.
Beyond 250000 km (150000 miles), the maintenance services enclosed with a rectangle are required.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 150CHASSIS AND BODY
1. Clutch (for manual transaxle)
Pedal and fluid level
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*2. Brake discs and pads (front, rear) I – I – I – I – I –
Brake drums and shoes
(rear)
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
*3. Brake hoses and pipes I – I – I – I – I –
4.Brake fluid level check, *replacement
–
I
–
I
–
R
–
I
–
I
5. Brake pedal stroke check, *adjustment – I – I – I – I – I
6.Parking brake lever and *cableLever movement check, *adjustment I – I – I – I – I –7.Tires (including tire rotation)
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
8. Wheel discs I I I I I I I I I I
*9.
Suspension system
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
*10. Propeller shafts (i-AWD)/Drive axle boots I I I I I I I I I I
*11.
Manual transaxle oilLevel check, *replacement – R – I – R – I – R
12.
Automatic transaxle (A/T)
Fluid level
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*Fluid change Replace every 175000 km (105000 miles)-----4-speed A/T
*Fluid hose
–
I
–
–
–
–
–
I
–
–
*13. Transfer oil (i-AWD) – I – I – R – I – I
*14.
Rear differential oil (i-AWD)
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
15. Steering system
Steering wheel movement,
*linkage
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
16. Power steering (if equipped) I I I I I I I I I I
17.
All latches, hinges and locks
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
18. Air conditioner filter element (if equipped) – R – I – R – I – R
Maintenance Recommended under Severe Driving Condi-
tions: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10