Page 141 of 278

5-4
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
80J21-03E
The fuel filler cap is located on the left rear
side of the vehicle. The fuel filler door can
be unlocked by pulling up the opener lever
located on the outboard side of the driver’s
seat and can be locked by simply closing
the door.
60G069
To remove the fuel filler cap:
1) Open the fuel filler door.
2) Remove the cap by turning it counter-
clockwise.
To reinstall the fuel filler cap:
1) Turn the cap clockwise until you hear
several clicks.
2) Close the fuel filler door.
Folding Rear Seats (SX4)The rear seats of your vehicle can be
folded forward to provide additional cargo
space.
To fold the rear seats forward:
80J040
1) Hook the webbing of the outboard lap-
shoulder belts in the belt hangers.
WARNING
Remove the fuel filler cap slowly. The
fuel may be under pressure and may
spray out, causing injury.Open Close
WARNING
Gasoline is extremely flammable. Do
not smoke when refueling, and make
sure there are no open flames or
sparks in the area.
WARNING
If you need to replace the fuel cap,
use a genuine SUZUKI cap. Use of an
improper cap can result in a malfunc-
tion of the fuel system or emission
control system. It may also result in
fuel leakage in the event of an acci-
dent.
CAUTION
When you move a seatback, make
sure the belt webbing is hooked in
the seat belt hangers so the seat
belts are not caught by the seat-
back, seat hinge, or seat latch. This
helps prevent damage to the belt
system.
Make sure the belt webbing is not
twisted.EXAMPLE
Fuel Filler Cap: 5
Folding Rear Seats: 3
Page 142 of 278
5-5OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
80J21-03E
79J213
2) Stow the seat belt buckles of the center
and right seating position as shown in
the illustration.
3) Lower the adjustable head restraint
fully.
80J042
4) Pull the release lever on the top of each
split seat, and fold the seatbacks for-
ward.
63J057
5) Pull the lock release strap (1) rearward
to unlatch the seat cushion.
79J124
6) Fold the entire seat forward.
CAUTION
When you fold the rear seatback for-
ward, stow the seat belt buckles of
the center and right seating position
into the seat first. This helps prevent
being caught by the seat and being
damaged.
(1)
WARNING
When you unlatch the rear seat cush-
ion, be careful that your face or
hands are not injured from the seat
popping up.
Folding Rear Seats: 3
Page 143 of 278

5-6
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
80J21-03E
80J043
7) Push down the adjuster (2) to make the
strap slack, and then unhook the strap
by pushing down the hook (3).
80J044
8) Hook the strap (4) to the front seat head
restraint as shown in the illustration.To return the seat to the normal position,
follow the procedure below.
79J126
1) Unhook the strap from the head
restraint and stow the strap to the back
of the seat cushion as shown in the
illustration. Make sure to adjust the
strap length to avoid any slack or twist.
(2)
(3)
(4)
CAUTION
When securing the folded rear seat
with a strap, adjust the strap length
so that the rear seat will not move.
WARNING
Luggage or other cargo should be
stowed in the luggage compartment
with the rear seat in an upright posi-
tion, whenever possible. If you need
to carry cargo in the passenger com-
partment with the rear seat back
folded forward, be sure to secure the
cargo or it may be thrown about,
causing injury. Never pile cargo
higher than the seatbacks.
Folding Rear Seats: 3
Page 144 of 278
5-7OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
80J21-03E
79J129
2) Pull down the seat cushion until it locks
into place.
63J130
3) Raise the seatback until it locks into
place.
WARNING
When returning the rear seat cushion
to the normal position, be careful that
your finger is not caught between the
lock and the floor.
CAUTION
When returning the rear seat cush-
ion to the normal position, make
sure that there is nothing around
the striker. This prevents the seat
cushion from being locked
securely.
When returning the rear seat cush-
ion to the normal position, make
sure that there is nothing under the
seat cushion. This prevents dam-
age to the seat cushion.
Folding Rear Seats: 3
Page 145 of 278

5-8
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
80J21-03E
After returning the seat, try moving the
seat and seatback to make sure they are
securely latched.
79J127
Sun Visor
79J161
The sun visors can be pulled down to block
glare coming through the windshield, or
they can be unhooked and turned to the
side to block glare coming through the side
window.
Interior Light Switch
64J104
The interior light switch has three posi-
tions, which functions as described below.
(1) The light comes on and stays on
regardless of whether the door is
open or closed.
(2) The light comes on when the door is
opened.
After closing all doors, the light will
remain on for about 15 seconds and
then fade out. If you insert the key into
the ignition switch during that time,
the light will start to fade out immedi-
ately.
After removing the key from the igni-
tion switch, the light will turn on for
about 15 seconds and then fade out.
(3) The light remains off even when the
door is opened.
CAUTION
After securing the rear seatback,
make sure that it is locked securely. If
it is not, you will see red in the
release lever.
LOCK UNLOCKRed
CAUTION
When unhooking and hooking a sun
visor, be sure to handle it by the hard
plastic parts or the sun visor can be
damaged.EXAMPLE
(1)
(2)
(3)
EXAMPLE
Folding Rear Seats: 3
Page 146 of 278
5-9OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
80J21-03E
79J075
NOTE:
The number of doors involved in the light-
ing operation of the interior light depends
on the vehicle specification. If there is a
switch (rubber projection) at the door
opening as shown, the door is involved in
the lighting operation. The tailgate of SX4
is also involved in this operation even with-
out the rubber projection.
Spot Light
79J074
Push the switch to turn on the light and
push it again to turn off the light.
Assist Grips (if equipped)
54G249
Assist grips are provided for convenience.
EXAMPLE
CAUTION
To avoid damaging the assist grip
and the molded headlining, do not
hang down the assist grip.
Folding Rear Seats: 3
Armrest: 3
Page 156 of 278

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
Page 178 of 278

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