2008 SUZUKI SX4 Gearshift

3-1STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS
80J21-03E
65D611
Ignition Switch
60B041
The ignition switch has the following four
positions:
LOCK
This is the normal parking position. It is the
only position in which the key can be
removed.Manual transaxle
60A055
Manual transaxle vehicles
You must push in the key to turn it to the
“LOCK” position. It locks the ignition, and
prevents normal use of the steering
wheel after the key is removed.
Automatic transaxle vehicles
The gearshift lever must be in the “P”
(Park) position to turn the key to the
“LOCK” position. It locks the ignition and
prevents normal use of the steering
wheel and gearshift lever.
WARNING
To avoid possible injury, do not oper-
ate controls by reaching through the
steering wheel.
Push
Turn to “LOCK”
Ignition Switch: 8

3-3STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS
80J21-03E
 If the keyless start system red indicator
light illuminates, the remote controller
may not be in the vehicle or the battery
of the remote controller may be unreli-
able.
NOTE:
 If the battery of the remote controller
runs down or there are strong radio
waves or noise, the operating range may
be narrower or the remote controller may
be inoperative.
 If the remote controller is too close to the
door glass, it may not operate.
 The ignition switch may not turn when
the remote controller is on the instru-
ment panel, in the glove box, in the door
pocket, in the sun visor or on the floor.
You can also turn the ignition switch by
inserting the ignition key into the slot.The ignition switch has the following four
positions:
LOCK (1)
This is the normal parking position. It is the
only position in which the key can be
removed. It locks the ignition, and prevents
normal use of the steering wheel.
For vehicles with an automatic transaxle,
the gearshift lever must be in the “P” (Park)
position to turn the key to the “LOCK” posi-
tion.
To release the steering lock, turn the igni-
tion switch clockwise to one of the other
positions. If you have trouble turning the
ignition switch to unlock the steering, try
turning the steering wheel slightly to the
right or left while turning the switch.
NOTE:
You must push the ignition switch in to turn
it to the “ACC” position. Also you must
push the ignition switch in to return it to the
“LOCK” position.
ACC (2)
Accessories such as the radio can oper-
ate, but the engine is off.
ON (3)
This is the normal operating position. All
electrical systems are on.START (4)
This is the position for starting the engine
using the starter motor. The switch should
be released from this position as soon as
the engine starts.
Ignition switch reminder
(When using the keyless start system)
A buzzer sounds intermittently to remind
you to return the ignition switch to the
“LOCK” position if it is in the “ACC” position
when the driver’s door is opened.
Ignition key reminder
(When using the ignition key)
A buzzer sounds intermittently to remind
you to remove the ignition key if it is in the
ignition switch when the driver’s door is
opened.
CAUTION
The remote controller is a sensitive
electronic instrument. To avoid dam-
aging the remote controller:
 Do not expose it to impacts, mois-
ture or high temperature such as by
leaving it on the dashboard under
direct sunlight.
 Keep the remote controller away
from magnetic objects such as a
television.
Lighting/Turn Signal Control Lever: 8

3-4
STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS
80J21-03E
62J083
If the gearshift lever can not be shifted out
of “P” (Park) in the normal way, removing
the cover (1) and pushing the release but-
ton using a key or some other flat end
object with the key in the “ON” or “ACC”
position will permit movement of the gear-
shift lever out of “P” (see “If You Can Not
Shift Automatic Transaxle Gearshift Lever
Out of “P” (PARK)” in the INDEX). The
gearshift lever can be moved back to “P”
without pushing the release button.
To release the steering lock, insert the key
or use the keyless start system and turn
the ignition switch clockwise to one of the
other positions. If you have trouble turning
the key to unlock the steering, try turning
the steering wheel slightly to the right or
left while turning the key.
81A297S
(1)
WARNING
 For manual transaxle vehicles,
never remove the ignition key while
the vehicle is moving. The steering
wheel will lock and you will not be
able to steer the vehicle.
 Always remove the ignition key
when leaving the vehicle even if a
short time. Also do not leave chil-
dren or pets alone in a parked vehi-
cle. Unattended children could
cause accidental movement of the
vehicle or could tamper with power
windows. Children or pets could
suffer from heatstroke in warm or
hot weather, which could result in
severe injury or even death.
CAUTION
 Do not turn the starter motor for
more than 15 seconds at a time. If
the engine does not start, wait 15
seconds before trying again. If the
engine does not start after several
attempts, check the fuel and igni-
tion systems or consult your
SUZUKI dealer.
 Do not leave the ignition switch in
the “ON” position if the engine is
not running or the battery will dis-
charge.
Lighting/Turn Signal Control Lever: 8
Windshield Wiper and Washer Lever: 8

OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
5
80J21-03E
60G407
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTParking Brake Lever ........................................................... 5-1
Pedals ................................................................................... 5-1
Gearshift Lever .................................................................... 5-2
Fuel Filler Cap ..................................................................... 5-3
Folding Rear Seats (SX4) ................................................... 5-4
Sun Visor ............................................................................. 5-8
Interior Light Switch ........................................................... 5-8
Spot Light ............................................................................ 5-9
Assist Grips (if equipped) .................................................. 5-9
Eyeglasses Holder (if equipped) ........................................ 5-10
Engine Hood ........................................................................ 5-10
Cup Holder and Storage Area (if equipped) ..................... 5-11
Accessory Socket (if equipped) ......................................... 5-11
Frame Hooks ....................................................................... 5-12
Tire Changing Tool ............................................................. 5-13
Luggage Compartment Cover (if equipped) ..................... 5-14
Luggage Compartment Light (SX4) ................................... 5-15
Trunk Light (SX4 SEDAN) ................................................... 5-15
Radio Antenna ..................................................................... 5-16
Roof Rails or Roof Rack Anchors (if equipped) ............... 5-16

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

5-2
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

5-3OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
80J21-03E
Your vehicle is equipped with either a man-
ual transaxle or automatic transaxle. The
gearshift lever for each transaxle type is
shown. For details on how to use the tran-
saxle, refer to the “Using the Transaxle” in
“OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE” section.
Fuel Filler CapSX4
80JC060
79J049
SX4 SEDAN
56KN029
56KN030
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
Gearshift Lever: 10
Fuel Filler Cap: 5

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