3-28
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
57L20-03E
Braking
60G165
The distance needed to bring any vehicle
to a halt increases with the speed of the
vehicle. The braking distance needed, for
example, at 60 km/h (37 mph) will be
approximately 4 times greater than the
braking distance needed at 30 km/h (19
mph). Start to brake the vehicle when there
is plenty of distance between your vehicle
and the stopping point, and slow down
gradually.
Power-Assisted BrakesYour vehicle has power-assisted brakes. If
power assistance is lost due to a stalled
engine or other failures, the system is still
fully operational on reserve power and you
can bring the vehicle to a complete stop by
pressing the brake pedal once and holding
it down. The reserve power is partly used
up when you depress the brake pedal and
reduces each time the pedal is pressed.
Apply smooth and even pressure to the
pedal. Do not pump the pedal.
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 quickly and forcefully depress the
brakes, you may hear a clicking sound in
the brake pedal. This is normal and indi-
cates that the brake assist system is acti-
vated properly.
WARNING
If water gets into the brake drums,
brake performance may become poor
and unpredictable.
After driving through water or wash-
ing the underside of the vehicle, test
the brakes while driving at a slow
speed to see if they have maintained
their normal effectiveness. If the
brakes are less effective than normal,
dry them by repeatedly applying the
brakes while driving slowly until the
brakes have regained their normal
effectiveness.
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.
3-30
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
57L20-03E
How the ABS WorksA computer continuously monitors wheel
speed. The computer compares the
changes in wheel speed when braking. If
the wheels slow suddenly, indicating a
skidding situation, the computer will
change braking pressure several times
each second to prevent the wheels from
locking. When you start your vehicle or
when you accelerate after a hard stop, you
may hear a momentary motor or clicking
noise as the system resets or checks itself.
WARNING
If the ABS warning light (1) on the
instrument panel comes on and stays
on while driving, there may be a prob-
lem with the ABS system.
If this happens:
1) Pull off the road and stop care-
fully.
2) Press the engine switch to change
the ignition mode to “LOCK”
(OFF) and then start the engine
again.
If the warning light comes on briefly
then turns off, the system is normal.
If the warning light still stays on,
have the system inspected by your
SUZUKI dealer immediately. If the
ABS system becomes inoperative,
the brake system will function as an
ordinary brake system that has no
ABS.
WARNING
If the ABS warning light (1) and the
Brake system warning light (2) on the
instrument panel simultaneously stay
on or come on when driving, both
anti-lock function and rear brake
force control function (proportioning
valve function) of the ABS system
may have failed. This could cause the
rear wheels to skid or the vehicle to
spin during braking on a slippery
road or hard braking on a dry paved
road. If both warning lights come on,
drive carefully, avoiding hard braking
as much as possible, and ask your
SUZUKI dealer to inspect the ABS
system immediately.
WARNING
The ABS may not work properly if
tires or wheels other than those
specified in the owner’s manual are
used. This is because the ABS works
by comparing changes in wheel
speed. When replacing tires or
wheels, use only the size and type
specified in this owner’s manual.
3-34
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
57L20-03E
Hill Hold Control System
(if equipped)The hill hold control system is designed to
assist you in starting to move up steep or
slippery hills. When you start to move up a
hill, the system helps to prevent the vehicle
from rolling downward while you move your
foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator
pedal.
The hill hold control system activates for a
maximum of about 2 seconds if your foot is
moved from the brake pedal when the fol-
lowing condition are all met.
1) The gearshift lever is in a forward gear
or reverse gear.
2) The parking brake is released.3) The vehicle is on an upward incline.
NOTE:
You may hear a sound coming from the
engine when the hill hold control system is
activated. This sound is normal and does
not indicate a malfunction.
57L31023
If the message shown in the above illustra-
tion appears on the information display,
there may be a problem with the hill hold
control system. Have your vehicle
inspected by an authorized SUZUKI
dealer.
NOTE:
The hill hold control system will not acti-
vate while this message is displayed.
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) (if equipped)The tire pressure monitoring system is
designed to alert you when one or more of
the tires on your vehicle is significantly
under-inflated. A Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) sensor containing a
unique identification code is mounted on
each wheel. The TPMS sensors transmit
tire pressure signals to receiver which
relays the information to a tire pressure
monitoring system controller. When the
inflation pressure of one or more tires indi-
cates significant under-inflation, the low
tire pressure warning light shown below
comes on.
WARNING
Do not rely excessively on the hill
hold control system. The hill hold
control system may not prevent the
vehicle from rolling downward on a
hill under all load or road condi-
tions. Always be prepared to
depress the brake pedal to prevent
the vehicle from rolling downward.
Failure to pay attention and
depress the brake pedal to hold the
vehicle on a hill when necessary,
may result in loss of control or an
accident.
Do not use the hill hold control sys-
tem to bring the vehicle to a stop
on a hill.
4-1DRIVING TIPS
57L20-03E
52D078S
Break-In Catalytic Converter
68KM085
The purpose of the catalytic converter is to
minimize the amount of harmful pollutants
in your vehicle’s exhaust. Use of leaded
fuel in vehicles equipped with catalytic
converters is prohibited by federal law,
because lead deactivates the pollutant-
reducing components of the catalyst sys-
tem.
The converter is designed to last the life of
the vehicle under normal usage and when
unleaded fuel is used. No special mainte-
nance is required on the converter. How-
ever, it is very important to keep the engine
properly tuned. Engine misfiring, which
can result from an improperly tuned
engine, may cause overheating of the cat-
alyst. This may result in permanent heat
damage to the catalyst and other vehicle
components.
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.
CAUTION
The future performance and reliabil-
ity of the engine depends on the care
and restraint exercised during its
early life. It is especially important to
observe the following precautions
during the initial 960 km (600 miles)
of vehicle operation.
After starting, do not race the
engine. Warm it up gradually.
Avoid prolonged vehicle operation
at a constant speed. Moving parts
will break in better if you vary your
speed.
Start off from a stop slowly. Avoid
full throttle starts.
Avoid hard stopping, especially
during the first 320 km (200 miles)
of driving.
Do not drive slowly with the tran-
saxle in a high gear.
Drive the vehicle at moderate
engine speeds.
Instrument Panel: 3, 8
4-2
DRIVING TIPS
57L20-03E
54G584S
Improving Fuel EconomyThe following instructions will help you
improve fuel economy.
Avoid excessive idling
If you are to wait for more than a minute
while you are parked, stop the engine and
start it again later. When warming up a
cold engine, allow the engine to idle until
the temperature gauge pointer comes up
to the “C” position. In this position, the
engine is sufficiently warm for starting off.
Avoid “jackrabbit” starts
Fast starts away from lights or stop signs
will consume fuel unnecessarily and
shorten engine life. Start off slowly.
Avoid unnecessary stops
Avoid unnecessary deceleration and stop-
ping. Try to maintain a slow, steady speed
whenever possible. Slowing down and then
accelerating again uses more fuel.
Keep a steady cruising speed
Keep as constant a speed as road and traf-
fic conditions will permit.
CAUTION
To minimize the possibility of catalyst
or other vehicle damage:
Maintain the engine in the proper
operating condition.
In the event of an engine malfunc-
tion, particularly one involving
engine misfire or other apparent
loss of performance, have the vehi-
cle serviced promptly.
Do not shut off the engine or inter-
rupt the ignition when the transaxle
is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
Do not try to start the engine by
pushing or towing the vehicle or
coasting down a hill.
Do not idle the engine with any
spark plug wires disconnected or
removed, such as during diagnos-
tic testing.
Do not idle the vehicle for pro-
longed periods if idling seems
rough or there are other malfunc-
tions.
Do not allow the fuel tank to get
near the empty level.
WARNING
Be careful where you park and drive;
the catalytic converter and other
exhaust components can get very
hot. As with any vehicle, do not park
or operate this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials such as dry
grass or leaves can come in contact
with a hot exhaust system.
Instrument Cluster: 8
4-5DRIVING TIPS
57L20-03E
Tire ChainsTire chains should only be used if they are
needed to increase traction or are required
by law. Make sure that the chains you use
are small-link chains or cable-type chains
and are the correct size for your vehicle’s
tires. Also make sure that there is enough
clearance between the fenders and the
chains as installed on the tires.
Install the chains on the front tires tightly,
according to the chain manufacturer’s
instructions. Retighten the chains after
driving about 1.0 km (1/2 mile) if neces-
sary. With the chains installed, drive slowly.Do not drive through deep or rushing
water
Driving in deep or rushing water can be
hazardous. You could lose control of the
vehicle and the occupants could drown.
Also, your vehicle could be seriously dam-
aged. To avoid these risks, observe the fol-
lowing instructions and precautions.
Do not drive through deep or rushing
water. Deep or rushing water, such as
fast-moving streams or floodwaters,
could carry your vehicle away from your
intended path. The water is too deep if it
covers your wheel hubs, axles or
exhaust tailpipe. Know the depth of the
water before you attempt to drive
through it.
If water blocks the tailpipe, the engine
may not start or run. If the water is deep
enough to get drawn into the engine
intake system, the engine will be badly
damaged.
Submerged brakes will have poor brak-
ing performance. Drive slowly and care-
fully. Driving slowly will also help avoid
water splashing onto the ignition system,
which could cause the engine to stall.
Even when driving through shallow or
still waters, drive carefully since the
water may be hiding ground hazards
such as holes, ditches or bumps.
54G638S
CAUTION
Do not continue rocking the vehicle
for more than a few minutes. Pro-
longed rocking can cause engine
overheating, transaxle or transfer
case damage or tire damage.
CAUTION
If you hear the chains hitting against
the vehicle body while driving, stop
and tighten them.
If your vehicle is equipped with full
wheel caps, remove the wheel caps
before installing the chains or the
wheel caps can be damaged by the
chain bands.
Warning and Indicator Lights: 8
5-20
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
57L20-03E
Selecting the reception band
Press the FM/AM button (1).
Each time the button is pressed, the
reception band is switched as follows:
Seek tuning
Press the seek Up button (2) or the seek
Down button (3).
The unit stops searching for a station at a
frequency where a broadcast station is
available.
Manual tuning
Turn the TUNE FOLDER PUSH SOUND
knob (4).
The frequency being received is dis-
played.Preset memory
1) Select the desired station.
2) Select the Preset button (5) to which
you want to store the station and press
and hold the button for 2 seconds or
longer.
Auto store
Press and hold the AS button (6) for 2 sec-
onds or longer.
Six stations in good reception are auto-
matically stored to the Preset buttons (5)
in sequential order, starting from the lower
frequencies.
NOTE:
Auto store can be released by pressing
AS button (6) while auto store is under
way.
When the auto store is performed, the
station previously stored in the memory
at the position is overwritten.
When there are fewer than 6 stations
that can be stored even if 1 round of
auto store operation is performed, no
station will be stored at the remaining
Preset buttons (5).
6 stations can be preset for FM1 and
FM2 in common, and 6 stations for AM
in auto store mode.Auto store mode on/off
Press the AS button (6).
Each time the button is pressed, the mode
is switched as follows:
Preset station calling
Press the Preset button (5).
The corresponding station preset can be
received.
NOTE:
If the button for a station not preset is
pressed, the unit displays “- - - ”. FM1 FM2 AM
AS mode on AS mode off
5-93OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
57L20-03E
The gross weight of the roof rack plus
cargo must not exceed the loading
capacity (50 kg (110 lbs)). Also, do not
let the gross vehicle weight (fully loaded
vehicle including driver, passengers,
cargo, roof load and trailer tongue
weight) exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) listed in the
driver’s door lock pillar.
Mount and secure the cargo onto the
roof rack properly according to the
instructions provided. Be sure to stow
the heaviest items at the bottom and dis-
tribute the cargo as evenly as possible.
Do not carry items so large that they
hang over the bumpers or the sides of
the vehicle, or block your view.
Secure the front and rear ends of long
items – such as wood panels, surfboards
and so forth – to both the front and rear
of the vehicle. You should protect the
painted surfaces of the vehicle from
scuffing caused by tie-down ropes.
Check periodically to make sure the roof
rack is securely installed and free from
damage.
For vehicles with roof rack anchors,
make sure the anchors are covered with
the caps when not in use.
HomeLink
® (if equipped)
66J092
HomeLink
®: HomeLink
® is a registered
trademark of Johnson Controls Technology
Company.
The HomeLink
® Wireless Control System
provides a convenient way to replace up to
three hand-held radio-frequency (RF)
transmitters used to activate devices such
as gate operators, garage door openers,
entry door locks, security systems, even
home lighting. Additional HomeLink
® infor-
mation can be found on the Internet at
www.homelink.com
or by calling 1-800-
355-3515.
Before programming HomeLink
® to a
garage door opener or gate operator, make
sure that people and objects are out of the
way of the device to prevent potential harm
or damage. When programming a garage
door opener, it is advised to park outside of
the garage. Do not use HomeLink® with
any garage door opener that lacks safety
stop and reverse features as required by
U.S. federal safety standards (this includes
WARNING
Abrupt maneuvers or failure to
properly secure cargo can allow the
cargo to fly off the vehicle and hit
others, causing personal injury or
property damage.
Mount cargo securely and avoid
abrupt maneuvers such as “jack-
rabbit” starts, sharp turns, fast cor-
nering and sudden braking. Check
periodically to make sure that
cargo is securely fastened.
Large, bulky, long, or flat items can
affect vehicle aerodynamics or be
caught by the wind, and can reduce
vehicle control resulting in an acci-
dent and personal injury. Drive cau-
tiously at a safely reduced speed
when carrying this type of cargo.