7-19INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
57L20-03E
Failure to use the proper coolant can dam-
age your cooling system. Your authorized
SUZUKI dealer can help you select the
proper coolant.
Coolant Level CheckCheck the engine coolant level at the
reserve tank, not at the radiator. With the
engine cool, the engine coolant level
should be between the “FULL” and “LOW”
marks.Adding Coolant
57L71002
If the engine coolant level is below the
“LOW” mark, more engine coolant should
be added. Remove the reserve tank cap
and add engine coolant until the reserve
tank level reaches the “FULL” mark. Never
fill the reserve tank above the “FULL” mark.
CAUTION
To avoid damaging your cooling sys-
tem:
Always use a high quality ethylene
glycol base phosphate type coolant
diluted with distilled water at the
correct mixture concentration.
Make sure that the proper mix is 50/
50 coolant to distilled water and in
no case higher than 70/30. Concen-
trations greater than 70/30 coolant
to distilled water will cause over-
heating conditions.
Do not use straight coolant nor
plain water (except SUZUKI LLC:
Super (Blue)).
Do not add extra inhibitors or addi-
tives. They may not be compatible
with your cooling system.
Do not mix different types of base
coolants. Doing so may result in
accelerated seal wear and/or the
possibility of severe overheating
and extensive engine/CVT damage.
FULL
LOW
WARNING
Engine coolant is harmful or fatal if
swallowed or inhaled. Do not drink
antifreeze or coolant solution. If swal-
lowed, do not induce vomiting. Imme-
diately contact a poison control
center or a physician. Avoid inhaling
mist or hot vapors; if inhaled, remove
to fresh air. If coolant gets in eyes,
flush eyes with water and seek medi-
cal attention. Wash thoroughly after
handling. Solution can be poisonous
to animals. Keep out of the reach of
children and animals.
CAUTION
SUZUKI LLC: Super (Blue) coolant;
SUZUKI LLC: Super (Blue) coolant is
already diluted to the proper percent-
age. Do not dilute with distilled water
additionally. Doing so may result in
the possibility of freezing coolant
and/or overheating.
7-23INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
57L20-03E
Rear differential (i-AWD)
57L71009
(1) Oil filler and level plug
Tightening torque
Gear Oil Level CheckThe manual transaxle, transfer gears (i-
AWD CVT) and rear differential (i-AWD)
are lubricated with gear oil. To check the
gear oil level in any of the above locations,
use the following procedure:
1) Park the vehicle on a level surface. Set
parking brake and stop the engine.
2) Remove the oil filler plug (1).
For the manual transaxle;
3) If gear oil flow from the plug hole, the oil
level is correct. Reinstall the plug.
If gear oil do not flow from the plug
hole, add oil through the filler plug hole
until a little oil flow from the plug hole.
For the transfer and rear differential;
3) Check the inside of the hole with your
finger. If the oil level comes up to the
bottom of the plug hole, the oil level is
correct. If so, reinstall the plug.
4) If the oil level is low, add gear oil
through the filler plug hole (1) until the
oil level reaches the bottom of the filler
hole.Gear Oil ReplacementSince special procedures, materials and
tools are required, it is recommended that
you trust this job to your authorized
SUZUKI dealer.
Clutch Pedal
57L71010
Check the clutch pedal for smooth opera-
tion and clutch fluid level from time to time.
If clutch dragging is felt with the pedal fully
depressed, have the clutch inspected by
your SUZUKI dealer. If the clutch fluid level
is near the “MIN” line, fill it up to the “MAX”
line with SAE J1703 or DOT3 brake fluid. Oil Filler Plug
Manual transaxle27 Nm
(19.5 lb-ft)
(2.7 kg-m)
Transfer 23 Nm
(16.6 lb-ft)
(2.3 kg-m) Rear differential
(1)
7-24
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
57L20-03E
Continuously Variable
Transaxle (CVT) FluidSpecified FluidUse a CVT fluid SUZUKI CVT FLUID
GREEN-1 or Shell GREEN-1V.Fluid Level CheckYou must check the fluid level with the CVT
fluid at normal operating temperature.
To check the fluid level:
1) To warm up the CVT fluid, drive the
vehicle or idle the engine until the tem-
perature gauge indicates normal oper-
ating temperature.
2) Then drive for ten more minutes.
NOTE:
Do not check the fluid level if you have just
driven the vehicle for a long time at high
speed, or if you have driven in city traffic inhot weather. Wait until the fluid cools down
(about 30 minutes), or the fluid level indica-
tion will not be correct.
3) Park your vehicle on level ground.
4) Apply the parking brake and then start
the engine in “P” (Park). Let it idle for
two minutes and keep it running during
the fluid level check.
5) With your foot on the brake pedal, move
the gearshift lever through each gear,
pausing for about three seconds in
each range. Then move it back to the
“P” (Park) position.
75F08680J2071
80J2072
(1) FULL
(2) LOW
(3) The lowest point = Fluid level
CAUTION
Driving with too much or too little
fluid can damage the transaxle.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the specified CVT
fluid. Using CVT fluid other than
SUZUKI CVT FLUID GREEN-1 or Shell
GREEN-1V may damage the CVT of
your vehicle.
WARNING
Be sure to depress the brake pedal
when moving the gearshift lever, or
the vehicle can move suddenly.
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
(2)H
C
(1) (3)
EXAMPLE
7-25INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
57L20-03E
6) The handle of the CVT fluid dipstick is
colored red or orange for easy identifi-
cation.
Remove the dipstick, clean it and push
it back in until the cap seats. Pull out
the dipstick and read the fluid level.
The fluid level should be between the
two marks in the “HOT” range on the
dipstick.
7) Add just enough specified fluid through
the dipstick hole to fill the transaxle to
the proper level. It takes only 0.6 liters
(1.27 US pt) for CVT to raise the level
from “LOW” to “FULL”.Deterioration Checking or Chang-
ing FluidSince special procedures, materials and
tools are required to check the deteriora-
tion of CVT fluid or change, it is recom-
mended that you trust this job to your
authorized SUZUKI dealer.
BrakesBrake Fluid
57L71010
Check the brake fluid level by looking at
the reservoir in the engine compartment.
Check that the fluid level is between the
“MAX” and “MIN” lines. If the brake fluid
level is near the “MIN” line, fill it up to the
“MAX” line with SAE J1703 or DOT3 brake
fluid.
65D477
CAUTION
After checking or adding oil, be sure
to insert the dipstick securely.
EXAMPLE
WARNING
Failure to follow the guidelines below
can result in personal injury or seri-
ous damage to the brake system.
If the brake fluid in the reservoir
drops below a certain level, the
brake warning light on the instru-
ment panel will come on (the
engine must be running with the
parking brake fully disengaged.)
Should the light come on, immedi-
ately ask your SUZUKI dealer to
inspect the brake system.
A rapid fluid loss indicates a leak in
the brake system which should be
inspected by your SUZUKI dealer
immediately.
Brake fluid can harm your eyes and
damage painted surfaces. Use cau-
tion when refilling the reservoir.
(Continued)
7-57INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
57L20-03E
Check that there is washer fluid in the tank
by looking at the washer fluid level gauge
which is attached to the cap of the washer
fluid tank. If the fluid level is near “LOW”
mark, refill it.
Use a good quality windshield washer
fluid, diluted with water as necessary.
Air Conditioning SystemIf you do not use the air conditioner for a
long period, such as during winter, it may
not give the best performance when you
start using it again. To help maintain opti-
mum performance and durability of your air
conditioner, it needs to be run periodically.
Operate the air conditioner at least once a
month for one minute with the engine
idling. This circulates the refrigerant and oil
and helps protect the internal components.
WARNING
Do not use “anti-freeze” solution in
the windshield washer reservoir. This
can severely impair visibility when
sprayed on the windshield, and also
damage your vehicle’s paint.
CAUTION
Damage may result if the washer
motor is operated with no fluid in the
washer tank.
8-7EMERGENCY SERVICE
57L20-03E
4. Make the final connection to an
unpainted, heavy metal part (i.e.
engine hook (3)) of the engine of the
vehicle with the discharged battery
(1).
4) If the booster battery you are using is
installed on another vehicle, start the
engine of the vehicle with the booster
battery. Run the engine at moderate
speed.
5) Start the engine of the vehicle with the
discharged battery.
6) Remove the jumper cables in the exact
reverse order in which you connected
them.
Towing a Disabled VehicleEmergency TowingIf your vehicle is disabled, it may be towed
by a tow truck using one of the following
methods:
1) Tow the vehicle with two wheels lifted
by the tow truck and the other two
wheels on a towing dolly.
2) Use the appropriate towing method
specified for your vehicle in the “Towing
Your Vehicle (recreational towing)” sec-
tion, but with the wheels lifted by the
tow truck instead of on a towing dolly.
Be sure to carefully follow the specific
instructions provided in the “Towing
Your Vehicle (recreational towing)” sec-
tion.
If the Starter Does Not
Operate1) While bringing the remote controller
with you, place the gearshift lever in the
“P” position and depress the brake
pedal.
2) Try pressing the engine switch to
change the ignition mode to “START”
with the headlights turned on to deter-
mine the battery condition. If the head-
lights go excessively dim or go off, it
usually means that either the battery
has run down or battery terminal con-
tact is poor. Recharge the battery or
correct battery terminal contact if nec-
essary.
3) If the headlights remain bright, check
the fuses. If the reason for failure of the
starter is not obvious, there may be a
major electrical problem. Have the vehi-
cle inspected by your authorized
SUZUKI dealer.
WARNING
Never connect the jumper cable
directly to the negative (–) terminal of
the discharged battery, or an explo-
sion may occur.
CAUTION
If vehicle damage (such as steering
or drivetrain damage, etc.) prevents
normal use of the towing procedures
for your vehicle described in the
“Towing Your Vehicle (recreational
towing)” section, have your vehicle
towed with two wheels lifted by the
tow truck and the other two wheels
on a towing dolly.
8-8
EMERGENCY SERVICE
57L20-03E
If the Engine is FloodedIf the engine is flooded with gasoline, it
may be hard to start. If this happens, press
the accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and hold it there while cranking the
engine. (Do not operate the starter motor
for more than 12 seconds).
NOTE:
If the engine refuses to start, the starter
motor automatically stops after a certain
period of time. After the starter motor has
automatically stopped or there is anything
abnormal in the engine starting system,
the starter motor runs only while the
engine switch is held pressed.
If the Engine OverheatsThe engine could overheat temporarily
under severe driving conditions. If the
engine coolant temperature gauge indi-
cates overheating during driving:
1) Turn off the air conditioner, if equipped.
2) Take the vehicle to a safe place and
park.
3) Let the engine run at normal idle speed
for a few minutes until the indicator is
within the normal, acceptable tempera-
ture range shown by the white band
between “H” and “C”.If the temperature indication does not
come down to within the normal, accept-
able range:
1) Turn off the engine and check that the
water pump belt and pulleys are not
damaged or slipping. If any abnormality
is found, correct it.
2) Check the coolant level in the reservoir.
If it is found to be lower than the “LOW”
line, look for leaks at the radiator, water
pump and radiator and heater hoses. If
you locate any leaks that may have
caused the overheating, do not run the
engine until these problems have been
corrected.
3) If you do not find a leak, carefully add
coolant to the reservoir and then the
radiator, if necessary. (Refer to “Engine
Coolant” in the “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section.)
WARNING
If you see or hear escaping steam,
stop the vehicle in a safe place and
immediately turn off the engine to let
it cool. Do not open the hood when
steam is present. When the steam
can no longer be seen or heard, open
the hood to see if the coolant is still
boiling. If it is, you must wait until it
stops boiling before you proceed.
Also, be careful not to touch hot
engine parts (radiator, water hoses,
engine etc.).
9-5APPEARANCE CARE
57L20-03E
WashingWhen washing the vehicle, follow the
instructions below:
1) Flush the underside of body and wheel
housings with pressurized water to
remove mud and debris. Use plenty of
water.2) Rinse the body to loosen the dirt.
Remove dirt and mud from the body
exterior with running water. You may
use a soft sponge or brush. Do not use
hard materials which can scratch the
paint or plastic. Remember that the
headlight covers or lenses are made of
plastic in many cases.
3) Wash the entire exterior with a mild
detergent or car wash soap using a
sponge or soft cloth. The sponge or
cloth should be frequently soaked in the
soap solution.4) Once the dirt has been completely
removed, rinse off the detergent with
running water.
5) After rinsing, wipe off the vehicle body
with a wet chamois or cloth and allow it
to dry in the shade.
6) Check carefully for damage to painted
surfaces. If there is any damage,
“touch-up” the damage following the
procedure below:
1. Clean all damaged spots and allow
them to dry.
2. Stir the paint and “touch-up” the
damaged spots lightly using a small
brush.
3. Allow the paint to dry completely.
WARNING
Never attempt to wash and wax
your vehicle with the engine run-
ning.
If your vehicle is equipped with an
rain-sensing wiper system, place
the wiper control lever in the “OFF”
position. If the lever is left in the
“AUTO” position, the wipers could
unexpectedly operate and cause an
injury, and could also be damaged.
When cleaning the underside of the
body and fender, where there may
be sharp-edged parts, you should
wear gloves and a long-sleeved
shirt to protect your hands and
arms from being cut.
After washing your vehicle, care-
fully test the brakes before driving
to make sure they have maintained
their normal effectiveness.
CAUTION
When washing the vehicle, avoid
directing steam or hot water of
more than 80°C (176°F) on plastic
parts.
To avoid damaging engine compo-
nents, do not use pressurized
water in the engine compartment.
CAUTION
To avoid damage to the paint or plas-
tic surface, do not wipe the dirt off
without ample water. Be sure to fol-
low above procedure.
CAUTION
When using a commercial car wash
product, observe the cautions speci-
fied by the manufacturer. Never use
strong household detergents or
soaps.
CAUTION
If you use an automatic car wash,
make sure that your vehicle’s body
parts, such as spoilers, cannot be
damaged. If you are in doubt, consult
the car wash operator for advice.
Maintenance Recommended under Severe Driving Condi-
tions: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10