
3-2
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
57L20-03E
12)Check all gauges.
13)Make sure that the BRAKE light turnsoff 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) Windshield washer fluid level
5) 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. Once a month, or each time you fill your
fuel tank, check the tire pressure using a
tire pressure gauge. Also check the tire
pressure of the spare tire.
Engine Switch
57L31001
LOCK (OFF)
This is the mode for parking. When this
mode is selected by pressing the engine
switch and you open the deriver’s door, the
steering will be automatically locked.
NOTE:
The steering is not automatically locked
when the front passenger’s door and/or
rear door(s) alone are opened.
ACC
Press the engine switch to select this igni-
tion mode to use such electric equipment
as the audio system, outside rearview mir-
rors and accessory socket with the engine
off. When this position is selected, the
information display in the instrument clus-
ter shows the following message: IGNI-
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.
Ignition Switch: 8

3-3OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
57L20-03E
TION SWITCH POSITION “ACC”. Refer to
“Information Display” in the “Before Driv-
ing” section for details.
ON
• With the engine off You can use such electric equipment as
the power windows and wipers with the
engine off. When this ignition mode is
selected by pressing the engine switch,
the information display in the instrument
cluster shows the following message:
IGNITION SWITCH POSITION “ON”.
With the engine on All electric equipment is operational. The
vehicle can be driven when you have
selected this ignition mode by pressing
the engine switch.
START
CVT – Provided you have the keyless start
system remote controller with you, the
engine automatically starts when you
press the engine switch to select this igni-
tion mode after placing the gearshift lever
in the “P” position and depressing the
brake pedal. (If you need to re-start the
engine while the vehicle is moving, shift
into “N”.)
Manual Transaxle – Provided you have the
keyless start system remote controller with
you, the engine automat ically starts when
you press the engine switch to select this
ignition mode after shifting to “N” (Neutral) and depressing the brake and clutch ped-
als.
NOTE:
You do not need to keep the engine switch
pressed to start the engine.
NOTE:
The steering lock may not be released if
some load is acting on the steering
wheel. If this happens, turn the steering
wheel to the right or left to relieve it from
the load before you press the engine
switch again to change to the desired
ignition mode.
In the presence of strong radio signals or
noise, you may not be able to change
the ignition mode to “ACC” or “ON” or to
start the engine using the engine switch.
In this case, the information display on
the instrument cluster will show the fol-
lowing message: KEY FOB NOT
DETECTED.
Unreleased Steering Lock WarningIf the steering lock remains engaged when
you press the engine switch to change the
ignition mode to “ON”, the information dis-
play in the instrument cluster will show a
message to alert you to that condition.
Refer to “Information display” in the “Before
Driving” section for details.
CAUTION
Do not leave the engine switch in the
“ACC” or “ON” mode when the
engine is not running. Avoid using
the radio or other electric accesso-
ries for a long time when the engine
switch is in the “ACC” or “ON” mode
when the engine is not running, oth-
erwise the battery may discharge.
Lighting/Turn Signal Control Lever: 8

3-5OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
57L20-03E
57L31006
57L31033
NOTE:
CVT – If the gearshift lever is in any posi-tion other than “P”, the ignition mode
cannot be returned to “LOCK” (OFF). When selecting the power supply
modes, the information display in the
instrument cluster shows certain mes-
sages. Refer to “Information Display” in
the “Before Driving” section for details.
If the master warning indicator light
flashes and the power supply modes
cannot be selected
Your keyless start system remote controller
may not be sensed as being within the
“interior workable area” (Refer to the
related explanation in this section). Try
again after making sure you have the
remote controller with you. If the power
supply modes still can not be selected, the
battery of the remote controller may be dis-
charged. To be able to select a power sup-
ply mode, you must then use the following
method:
57L21124
1) Without depressing the brake pedal, push the engine switch (1).
2) Within about 10 seconds during which the master warning indicator light in the
instrument cluster is flashing and the
“PLACE KEY FOB ON START
SWITCH” message appears on the
information display, touch the engine
switch with the lock switch end of the
remote controller (2) for about 2 sec-
onds.
NOTE:
If you still cannot select the power supply modes, there may be some problem with
the keyless start system. Contact an
authorized SUZUKI dealer for an inspec-
tion of the system.
The immobilizer/keyless start system warning light will light for about 5 sec-
onds while the master warning indicator
light is flashing. In addition, the informa-
tion display in the instrument cluster will
show a 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 out of sensing range”
warning. To incorporate this customiza-
tion, please contact an authorized
SUZUKI dealer.
If the battery of the remote controller is
about to become completely discharged,
the corresponding message will appear
P
P
(OFF)
ON
ACC
LOCK
(Audio equipment)Gearshift lever in a
position other thanGearshift lever in
CVT
(OFF)
ON
ACC
LOCK
(Audio equipment)
Manual transaxle
(1)
(2)
Windshield Wiper and Washer Lever: 8
Rear Window Wiper/Washer Switch: 8

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.

3-10
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
57L20-03E
Steering lock warning buzzer
If the steering lock fails to engage due to a
fault in the system even when you press
the engine switch to change the ignition
mode to “LOCK” (OFF), the interior buzzer
will warn you of this condition with
repeated short beeps. If this happens,
have the vehicle inspected by an autho-
rized SUZUKI dealer.
Parking Brake Lever
57L31007
(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 CVT 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 to
shift 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.
(1)
(2)
(3)
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.

3-20
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
57L20-03E
2WD/i-AWD Switch OperationOperate the 2WD/i-AWD switch according
to the appropriate procedure described
below:
How to turn on 2WD/i-AWD switch
2WD/i-AWD switch will activate when the
engine switch is pressed to change the
ignition mode to “ON”.
From 2WD to i-AWD
Push the 2WD/i-AWD switch in, and the “i-
AWD” indicator will come on.
57L30044
From i-AWD to 2WD
Push the “2WD/i-AWD” switch so that it
releases, and the “i-AWD” indicator will
turn off.
NOTE:
The 2WD/i-AWD switch can be operated
when the vehicle is either stopped or
moving.
Make sure that the front wheels are in
the straight ahead position when operat-
ing the 2WD/i-AWD switch.
While making turns or accelerating and
decelerating, operating the 2WD/i-AWD
switch or pressing the engine switch tochange the ignition mode to “ACC” or
“LOCK” in the “i-AWD” mode may cause
a shock, but this is not a system mal-
function.
When you operate your vehicle under
conditions that involve wheel spin, such
as driving off-road in the sand or water
or when a wheel has run off the road, the
difference in the amount of revolution
between front wheels and rear wheels
increases (wheels run idle). If this state
continues, the oil temperature of the
driving system parts increases.
The “i-AWD” warning light warns of this
condition by blinking. At the same time,
the information display on the instrument
cluster shows this message: “AWD SYS-
TEM HIGH TEMP AWD IS OFF”.
57L30042
When the “i-AWD” warning light comes
on after you have operated your vehicle
in the i-AWD mode continuously, park
the vehicle at a safe place and run the
engine idle. After some time, the “i-AWD”
indicator light turns on again and the
driving mode returns to the “i-AWD”
mode.
CAUTION
Note that i-AWD vehicles are not
all-around vehicles. Be sure to
observe the following instructions
when driving your vehicle.
– Do not drive through water such
as by crossing a river.
– Do not drive continuously in
places such as sand and mud
where front wheels tend to race.
– When any wheel is in the air for
such reason as running off the
road, do not race it needlessly.
If the “i-AWD” warning light comes
on or blinks when driving, there
may be something wrong with the i-
AWD system. Have the system
inspected by an authorized SUZUKI
dealer.
The information display shows the
“AWD SYSTEM HIGH TEMP AWD IS
OFF” message whenever the “i-
AWD” warning light comes on or
blinks.