
3-8
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
57L20-03E
You should turn off such loads as theheadlights and air conditioning system to
facilitate starting of the engine.
Even if you fail to start the engine, the
starter motor will stop turning automati-
cally after a short time. After the starter
motor has stopped or if there is some
problem with the system, the starter
motor will rotate only while the engine
switch is being pressed.Stopping the engine Depress the engine switch to stop theengine after the vehicle stopped com-
pletely.
In case of emergency, you can stop the engine by depressing the engine switch
more than 3 seconds while the vehicle in
motion.
NOTE:
Except in emergency, do not stop the
engine while the vehicle in motion.
The steering and braking operation will
require more effort s when the engine
stopped.
Refer to “Braking” in the “OPERATING
YOUR VEHICLE” section.
Starting a Cold EngineWith your foot off the accelerator pedal,
crank the engine by pressing the engine
switch to change the ignition mode to
“START”.
After pressing the engine switch to change
the ignition mode to “START”, the starter
cranks the engine for about 12 seconds
before it can start the engine. If the engine
fails to start at the first attempt, wait about
15 seconds, then try again while keeping
the engine switch pressed while pressing
down the accelerator pedal to 1/3 of its
travel. Release the 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. Th is 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”.If the master warning light flashes
and the engine cannot be startedYour keyless start system remote controller
may not be sensed as being within the
“interior workable area”. Try again after
making sure that you have the remote con-
troller with you. If the engine still cannot be
started, the battery of the remote controller
may be discharged. You must then use the
following method to be able to start the
engine.
57L21124
1) Make sure the parking brake is set fully.
2) Manual Transaxle – Shift to “N” (Neu- tral) and fully depress the clutch pedal.
Hold the clutch and brake pedals fully
depressed.
CAUTION
If the engine doesn’ t start on the first
try, wait about 15 seconds before try-
ing again.
(1)
(2)
Cruise Control: 7, 8
Remote Audio Controls:
Horn: 6

3-26
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
57L20-03E
How to Use the Parking SensorParking Sensor Switch
57L31021
(1) Parking sensor switch
(2) Indicator
When you push the parking sensor
switch with the engine switch in the “ON”
mode, the switch releases to the ON
position and the indicator in the switch
comes on. If you then place the gearshift
lever in the “R” position, the parking sen-
sor system is activated.
Push the switch again and it stays in; this
is the OFF position. The indicator in the
switch goes out and the parking sensor
is deactivated.NOTE:
If you push the parking sensor switch from
the OFF to ON position when the ignition
mode has been changed to “ON” by press-
ing the engine switch, the inside buzzer
sounds once.
Obstacle Indication by Parking Sen-
sor
57L31020
(1) Obstacle detected by rear center sen-
sors
(2) Obstacle detected by rear corner sen-
sors
Upon detecting an obstacle, the parking
sensor causes an interior buzzer to sound
and a symbol representing the obstacle
appears an the information display in the
instrument cluster.
A different symbol is displayed depend-
ing on the direction and distance of the
obstacle.
A buzzer located behind the rear seat
sounds when a sensor at the rear
detects an obstacle.
(2) (1)
Switch
posi-
tionState
ON
The indicator lights up and
when all necessary condi-
tions are met, system
becomes ready for opera-
tion.
OFF
The system does not
operate. Place the switch
in this position if you do
not wish to use the park-
ing sensor.
(1) (2) (2)

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.

3-32
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
57L20-03E
The ESP
® indicator lights are described
below:
ESP
® Warning Light
52KM133
The ESP
® warning light in the instrument
cluster comes on if there is a problem in
the electronic control system of the ESP
®
when you press the engine switch to
change the ignition mode to “ON”. This
indicator light also blinks at a rate of 5
times per second when one of the ESP
®
systems other than the ABS is activated.
NOTE:
When the ESP
® warning light comes on
and stays on while driving, indicating a
malfunction of the ESP
® systems (other
than ABS), the brake system will functionas an ordinary ABS with no additional
ESP
® functions.
WARNING
The ESP
® may not work properly if
tires or wheels other than those
specified in the Owner’s Manual are
used. When replacing tires or
wheels, use only the size and type
specified in this Owner’s Manual.
The ESP® may not work properly if
tires are not inflated to the recom-
mended tire inflation pressure.
The ESP® may not work properly if
tires are fitted with tire chains.
The ESP® may not work properly if
the tires are excessively worn. Be
sure to replace tires when the tread
wear indicators in the grooves
appear on the tread surface.
The ESP® is not a substitute for
winter tires or tire chains on a snow
covered road.
WARNING
The ESP
® may not work properly if
engine related parts such as the
muffler are not equivalent to stan-
dard equipment or are extremely
deteriorated.
Do not modify the vehicle’s sus-
pension since the ESP
® may not
operate correctly.
CAUTION
If the ESP
® warning light comes on
and stays on while driving, there may
be a malfunction of the ESP
® sys-
tems (other than ABS). You should
have the systems inspected by an
authorized SUZUKI dealer.

3-33OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
57L20-03E
“ESP
® OFF” Indicator Light
57L30045
You should turn the ESP
® on during your
ordinary driving, so that you have the ben-
efits of all of the ESP
® systems.
It may be required to turn the ESP
® sys-
tems (other than ABS) off if your vehicle is
stuck in sand, mud, or snow, where wheel
spin is necessary.“ESP
® OFF” switch
57L31022
When the “ESP
® OFF” switch (1) located
at the center console is pushed and held to
turn off the ESP® systems (other than
ABS), the “ESP
® OFF” indicator light in the
instrument cluster comes on.
When you have turned the ESP
® systems
(other than ABS) off, make sure to turn
them back on before resuming ordinary
driving.
When you push the “ESP
® OFF” switch
again, the “ESP
® OFF” indicator light will
go out and all of the ESP
® systems will be
activated.
57L31024
If the message shown in the above illustra-
tion appears on the information display,
there may be a problem with the ESP
®
system. Have your vehicle inspected by an
authorized SUZUKI dealer.
NOTE:
The ESP
® system will not activate while
this message is displayed.
ABS Warning Light / Brake System
Warning LightSee “Braking” in the “OPERATING YOUR
VEHICLE” section.
(1)

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

4-3DRIVING TIPS
57L20-03E
60A183S
Keep the air cleaner clean
If the air cleaner is clogged with dust, there
will be greater intake resistance, resulting
in decreased power output and increased
fuel consumption.
Keep weight to a minimum
The heavier the load, the more fuel the
vehicle consumes. Take out any luggage
or cargo when it is not necessary.
Keep tire pressure correct
Underinflation of the tires can waste fuel
due to increased running resistance of the
tires. Keep your tires inflated to the correct
pressure shown on the label located below
the driver’s side door latch striker.
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
57L41001
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 a
CVT or manual transaxle.)
EXAMPLE
Warning and Indicator Lights: 8

4-4
DRIVING TIPS
57L20-03E
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 press the engine switch to
change the ignition mode to “LOCK”
(OFF). Emission control system and
CVT (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.
CAUTION
Release the accelerator pedal when
operating the gearshift lever. Operat-
ing the lever with the engine racing
can damage the gears.
Warning and Indicator Lights: 8