4-20
INSTRUMENT PANEL
80J21-03E
For details about the seat belt reminder,
refer to “Seat Belts and Child Restraint
Systems” in the “BEFORE DRIVING” sec-
tion.“PASS AIRBAG OFF” Indicator
80J024
The “PASS AIRBAG OFF” indicator is
located on the information display. When
the ignition switch is turned to the “ON”
position, this indicator comes on for severalseconds to let you know the indicator is
working.
This indicator will come on and remain on
when the front passenger sensing system
has turned off the front passenger’s air
bag.
For details about the front passenger sens-
ing system, refer to “Supplemental
Restraint System (air bags)” in the
“BEFORE DRIVIING” section.
Theft Deterrent Light
80J058
This light will blink with the ignition switch
in the “OFF” or “ACC” position. The blink-
ing light is intended to deter theft by lead-
ing others to believe that the vehicle is
equipped with a security system.
Glove Box
79J120
To open the glove box, pull the latch lever.
To close it, push the lid until it latches
securely.
WARNING
It is absolutely essential that the
driver and passengers wear their seat
belts at all times. Persons who are
not wearing seat belts have a much
greater risk of injury if an accident
occurs. Make a regular habit of buck-
ling your seat belt before putting the
key in the ignition.
WARNING
Never drive with the glove box lid
open. It could cause injury if an acci-
dent occurs.
Heating and Air Conditioning System: 4
5-1OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
80J21-03E
Parking Brake Lever
52D122
(1) To set
(2) To release
(3) To release
The parking brake lever is located between
the seats. To set the parking brake, hold
the brake pedal down and pull the parking
brake lever all the way up. To release the
parking brake, hold the brake pedal down,
pull up slightly on the parking brake lever,
push the button on the end of the lever with
your thumb and lower the lever to its origi-
nal position.
For automatic transaxle vehicles, always
set the parking brake before moving the
gearshift lever to the “P” (Park) position. If
you park on an incline and shift into “P”
before you set the parking brake, the
weight of the vehicle may make it difficult toshift out of “P” when you are ready to drive
the vehicle. When preparing to drive the
vehicle, move the gearshift lever out of the
“P” position before releasing the parking
brake.
PedalsManual transaxle
79J072
Automatic transaxle
79J154
WARNING
Never drive your vehicle with the
parking brake set: rear brake effec-
tiveness can be reduced from over-
heating, brake life may be
shortened or permanent brake
damage may result.
If the parking brake does not hold
the vehicle securely or does not
fully release, have your vehicle
inspected immediately by an autho-
rized SUZUKI dealer.
WARNING
Always set the parking brake fully
before leaving your vehicle or it may
roll, causing injury or damage. When
parking, make sure the gearshift
lever for manual transaxle vehicles is
in 1st gear or “R” (Reverse) and the
gearshift lever for automatic tran-
saxle vehicles is in “P” (Park).
Remember, even though the tran-
saxle is in gear or in Park, you must
set the parking brake fully.
(1)
(2)
(3)
EXAMPLE
(2) (3)
EXAMPLE
Parking Brake Lever: 6
Pedals: 6
5-10
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
80J21-03E
Eyeglasses Holder
(if equipped)
86G067
To use the eyeglasses holder, open the
cover. Do not put heavy or sharp items in
the box.
Engine Hood
79J077
To open the engine hood:
1) Pull the hood release handle located on
the outboard side of the driver’s side of
the instrument panel. This will disen-
gage the engine hood lock half-way.
80J045
2) Push the under-hood release lever
sideways with your finger, as shown in
the illustration. While pushing the lever,
lift up the engine hood.
80JS024
3) Continue to lift up the hood until it is
high enough to support with the prop
rod.
CAUTION
If you park your vehicle outdoors in
direct sunlight or in hot weather, the
eyeglasses holder can get very hot
since it is close to the roof. So, when
parking in such conditions:
Do not leave eyeglasses in the
holder. The heat may distort plastic
lenses or frames.
Do not place flammable items, such
as a lighter, in the holder. The heat
may cause a fire.
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
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.
Sun Visor: 5
Interior Light Switch: 7
5-11OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
80J21-03E
Cup Holder and Storage Area
(if equipped)
80J046
79J052
Cup holders are provided in the center
console.
Accessory Socket
(if equipped)
80JC044
This socket can be used to provide 12 volt/
120 watt power for electrical accessories.
EXAMPLEEXAMPLE
WARNING
Do not use the cup holder or the stor-
age bin to hold cups containing hot
liquids or sharp-edged, hard or
breakable objects. Objects in these
bins may be thrown about during a
sudden stop or impact, and could
cause personal injury.
CAUTION
Use of inappropriate electrical acces-
sories can cause damage to your
vehicle’s electrical system. Make
sure that any electrical accessories
you use are designed to plug into this
type of socket.
Spot Light: 7
Assist Grips: 3
Coat Hooks:
5-15OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
80J21-03E
Luggage or other cargo placed in the lug-
gage compartment can be hidden from
view by a luggage compartment cover.
Luggage Compartment Light
(SX4)
79J053
When you open the tailgate with the lug-
gage compartment light switch in the “ON”
position (1), the light comes on and
remains on as long as you keep the tail-
gate open.
When the luggage compartment light
switch is in the “OFF” position (2), the light
remains off regardless of whether the tail-
gate is opened or closed.
Trunk Light (SX4 SEDAN)
56KN038
When you open the trunk lid, the trunk light
comes on and remains on as long as you
keep the lid open.
WARNING
Do not carry items on top of the lug-
gage compartment cover, even if they
are small and light. Objects on top of
the cover could be thrown about in an
accident, causing injury, or could
obstruct the driver’s rear view.
CAUTION
Do not leave the tailgate open with
the luggage compartment light
switch in the “ON” position for a long
time, or the battery will discharge.
(1) (2)
EXAMPLE
CAUTION
Do not leave the trunk lid open for a
long time, or the battery will dis-
charge.
Frame Hooks: 5, 6
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
6-2
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
6-10
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J21-03E
Brake Assist SystemWhen you slam the brakes on, the brake
assist system judges as an emergency
stop and provides more powerful braking
for a driver who cannot hold down the
brake pedal firmly.
NOTE:
If you depress the brakes forcefully, you
may hear a clicking sound in the brake
pedal. This is normal and indicates that the
brake assist system is activated properly.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
(if equipped)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 automatically, so you do
not need any special braking technique.
Just push the brake pedal down without
pumping. The ABS will operate whenever it
senses that the wheels are locking up.
You may feel the brake pedal pulsate while
the ABS is operating.
NOTE:
The ABS will not work if vehicle speed is
under 5 – 6 km/h (3 – 4 mph).
WARNING
Even without reserve power in the
brake system, you can still stop the
vehicle by pressing the brake pedal
harder than normally required. How-
ever, the stopping distance may be
longer.
WARNING
On some types of loose surfaces
(such as gravel, snow-covered
roads, etc.), the stopping distance
required for an ABS-equipped vehi-
cle may be slightly greater than for
a comparable vehicle with a con-
ventional brake system. With a
conventional brake system, skid-
ding tires are able to “plow” the
gravel or snow layer, shortening
the stopping distance. ABS mini-
mizes this resistance effect. Allow
for extra stopping distance when
driving on loose surfaces.
On regular paved roads, some driv-
ers may be able to obtain slightly
shorter stopping distances with
conventional brake systems than
with ABS.
In both of the above conditions,
ABS will still offer the advantage of
helping you maintain directional
control. However, remember that
ABS will not compensate for bad
road or weather conditions or poor
driver judgment. Use good judg-
ment and do not drive faster than
conditions will safely allow.
Catalytic Converter: NO
Improving Fuel Economy: NO