
3-6
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
57L20-03E
on the information display when you
press the engine switch to change the
ignition mode to “ON”. Refer to “Informa-
tion Display” in the “Before Driving” sec-
tion for details. For details on replacing
the battery, refer to the “Keyless Start
System Remote Controller” section in
the “Before Driving” chapter.“Remote Controller Outside” Warn-
ingWhen the conditions described below are
met, the system gives a “remote controller
outside” warning by sounding the interior
and exterior buzzers and flashing the
immobilizer/keyless start system and mas-
ter warning indicator lights.
The remote controller is not inside the vehicle when any of the doors is opened
when the engine is running or when the
engine switch is pressed to change the
ignition mode to “ACC” or “ON” and then
all doors are closed.
The remote controller is not inside the vehicle when you attempt to start the
engine after changing the ignition mode
to “ACC” or “ON” by pressing the engine
switch.
57L31003
(1) Immobilizer/keyless start system
warning light (flashing)
(2) Master warning indicator light (flash- ing)
NOTE:
If the warning is given, locate the remote controller as soon as possible.
Any attempt to start the engine will fail while the warning is active. The mes-
sage appearing on the information dis-
play in the instrument cluster will also
indicate this condition. Refer to “Informa-
tion display” in the “Before Driving” sec-
tion for details.
Flashing of the immobilizer/keyless start
system warning light and the master
warning indicator light should stop
shortly after the remote controller is
brought back inside the vehicle. If they
do not stop flashing, change the ignition mode to “LOCK” (OFF) by pressing the
engine switch and then perform the
engine starting operation.
Always keep the remote controller with
you as the driver.
Interior Workable Area for Engine
Starting, Power Supply Mode Selec-
tion and “Remote Controller Out-
side” Warning
57L31004
(1) Interior workable area
The “interior workable area” for these func-
tions is defined as all the interior spaces
except for the space above the instrument
panel.
NOTE:
Even when the remote controller is in the “interior workable area”, if it is in any of
(1)
(2)
(1)
Rear Window Wiper/Washer Switch: 8
Tilt Steering Lock Lever: 6
Cruise Control: 7, 8

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

3-9OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
57L20-03E
CVT – If the gearshift lever is not in the
“P” (Park) position, shift it to “P”. Hold
the brake pedal fully depressed.
3) The PUSH START SWITCH. message
will appear on the information display in
the instrument cluster. Press the engine
switch (1).
4) Within about 10 seconds of flashing of the master warning light in the instru-
ment cluster, touch the engine switch
with the lock switch end of the remote
controller (2) for about 2 seconds.
NOTE:
If you still cannot start the engine after several attempts using the above
method, there may be a problem else-
where, such as a low battery. Contact
your SUZUKI dealer for inspection.
The immobilizer/keyless start system warning light will light for about 5 sec-
onds while the master warning light is
flashing. In addition, the information dis-
play will show a certain message during
this time. Refer to “Information Display”
in the “Before Driving” section for details.
You may customize the system to cause the interior buzzer to sound once for the
“remote controller ou t of sensing range”
warning. Please contact an authorized
SUZUKI dealer for the customization.
If the battery of the remote controller is about to be completely discharged, a
message warning this will appear on the
information display when the ignition
mode is changed to “ON” by pressing the engine switch. For details on replac-
ing the battery, refer to the “Keyless Start
System Remote Controller” section in
the “Before Driving” chapter.
Returning the ignition mode to
“LOCK” (OFF)CVT
– To ensure safety, the ignition mode
can be returned to “LOCK” (OFF) by
pressing the engine switch only when the
gearshift lever is placed in the “P” position.
NOTE:
Messages may appear on the informa- tion display in the instrument cluster
when you attempt to return the ignition
mode to “LOCK” (OFF) by pressing the
engine switch. Refer to “Information dis-
play” in the “Before Driving” section for
details.
In the case of a CVT model, the engine cannot be returned to the “LOCK” (OFF)
position if the gearshift lever is in any
other position than “P”.
Certain problems like a fault in engine
system may prevent the engine switch
from going back to the “LOCK” (OFF)
mode. If this happens, have the vehicle
inspected by an autohorized SUZUKI
dealer after doing the following:
– Lock the doors using the key to pre-
vent theft. (The request switches and
the keyless start system remote con-
troller cannot be used to lock them.) – Disconnect the negative cable from
the battery to prevent discharge.
“LOCK” (OFF) mode reminder buzzer
If the driver’s door is opened without
returning the ignition mode to “LOCK”
(OFF) by pressing the engine switch, a
buzzer sounds to warn you of this state.
If you open the driver’s door after press- ing the engine switch to change the igni-
tion mode to “ACC”, the interior buzzer
beeps intermittently.
The buzzer will stop sounding if you then push the engine switch twice, thus bring-
ing it back the ignition mode to “LOCK”
(OFF).
NOTE:
Whenever you leave the vehicle, make
sure you have returned the ignition mode
to “LOCK” (OFF) using the engine switch
and then lock the doors. Without returning
the ignition mode to “LOCK” (OFF), you
cannot use a request switch or keyless
start system remote controller to lock the
doors.

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.

3-31OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
57L20-03E
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP
®) (if equipped)
ESP
® is a registered trademark of Daimler
AG.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®)
helps to control the vehicle during corner-
ing if front wheels or rear wheels skid. It
also assists you in maintaining traction
while accelerating on loose or slippery
road surfaces. It does this by regulating the
engine’s output, and by selectively apply-
ing the brakes. In addition, ESP
® helps to
avoid skidding by controlling braking pres-
sure.The ESP
® has the following three systems:
Stability Control SystemThe vehicle stability control system helps
provide integrated control of systems such
as anti-lock brakes, traction control, engine
control, etc. This system automatically
controls the brakes and engine to help pre-
vent the vehicle from skidding when cor-
nering on a slippery road surface or when
turning the steering wheel abruptly.Traction Control SystemThe traction control system automatically
helps prevent the spinning of wheels when
the vehicle is started or accelerated on
slippery road surfaces. The system oper-
ates only if it senses that some of the
wheels are spinning or beginning to lose
traction. When this happens, the system
operates the front or rear brakes and
reduces engine power to limit wheel spin.
NOTE:
You may hear a clicking sound in the
engine compartment for a few seconds
when you start the engine or just after the
vehicle begins to move. This means that
the above systems are in the self-check
mode. This sound does not indicate a mal-
function.
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)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 automati-
cally, so you do not have to use any special
braking technique. Just push the brake
pedal down without pumping. The ABS will
operate whenever it senses that wheels
are locking up. You may feel the brake
pedal pulsate while the ABS is operating.
(For more information on ABS, see “Brak-
ing” in the “OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE”
section.)
NOTE:
If the ABS system is activated, you may
hear a clunking noise and/or feel pulsating
in the brake pedal. This is normal and indi-
cates that the brake fluid pressure is being
controlled properly.
WARNING
The ESP
® cannot enhance the vehi-
cle’s driving stability in all situations
and does not control your vehicle’s
entire braking system. The ESP
® can-
not prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed
in turns, or hydroplaning. Only a safe
and attentive driver can prevent acci-
dents. The capabilities of an ESP
®-
equipped vehicle must never be used
as a substitute for careful driving.

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.

3-37OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
57L20-03E
should add 1 psi to the recommended
cold tire inflation pressure for every 10°F
difference between garage temperature
and outside temperature.
For tire inflation pressure information, refer
to “Tire Inflation Pressure” in the “INSPEC-
TION AND MAINTENANCE” section.
To make the low tire pressure warning light
turn off, the vehicle must be driven for
longer and faster than the specified thresh-
olds after adjusting the tire pressure.
Please ask an authorized SUZUKI dealer
for details.
TPMS Malfunction Indicator
The TPMS malfunction indicator is not
reset even after the engine is turned off; it
remains in the on state until the normal
conditions are restored.
WARNING
Your vehicle has also been equipped
with a TPMS malfunction indicator to
indicate when the system is not oper-
ating properly.
WARNING
The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure
telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then
remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long
as the malfunction exists.
WARNING
When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pres-
sure as intended. TPMS malfunctions
may occur for a variety of reasons,
including the installation of replace-
ment or alternate tires or wheels on
the vehicle that prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale
after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that
the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to
function properly.