3-16
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
57L20-03E
Use the gearshift lever positions as follows:
P (Park)
Use this position to lock the transaxle
when the vehicle is parked or when start-
ing the engine. Shift into Park only when
the vehicle is completely stationary.
R (Reverse)
Use this position to reverse the vehicle
from stop. Make sure that vehicle is com-
pletely stationary before shifting into
Reverse.
N (Neutral)
Use this position for starting the engine if
the engine stalls and you need to restart it
while the vehicle is moving. You may also
shift into Neutral and depress the brake
pedal to hold the vehicle stationary during
idling.D (Drive)
Use this position for all normal driving.
With the gearshift lever in “D” range you
can get an automatic downshift by press-
ing the accelerator pedal. The higher the
vehicle speed is, the more you need to
press the accelerator pedal to get a down-
shift.
M (manual mode)
Use this position for driving in the manual
mode.
Refer to “Manual mode” later in this section
for details on how to use the manual mode.Manual mode
The CVT can shift gears automatically.
When using the manual mode, you can
shift gears in the same manner as conven-
tional manual transaxle.
To use the manual mode, shift the gearshift
lever from “D” to “M”.
57L31011
57L31012
(1) Manual mode indicator
(2) Gear position
The information display shows the manual
mode indicator (1) and the current gear
position (2).
CAUTION
Do not shift the gearshift lever into
“R” while moving forward, or the
transaxle may be damaged. If you
shift into “R” when the vehicle speed
is over 6mph (10km/h), the transaxle
will not shift into reverse.
CAUTION
Be sure to take the following precau-
tions to help avoid damage to the
CVT:
Make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stationary before shifting
into “P” or “R”.
Do not shift from “P” or “N” to “R”,
“D” or “M” when the engine is run-
ning above idle speed.
Do not rev the engine with the tran-
saxle in a drive position (“R”, “D”
or “M”) and the front wheels not
moving.
Do not use the accelerator to hold
the vehicle on a hill. Use the vehi-
cle’s brakes.
(1)(2)
3-19OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
57L20-03E
This procedure is for emergency use only.
If repeated use of this procedure is neces-
sary, or the procedure does not work as
described, take the vehicle to your dealer
for repair.
Using the 2WD/i-AWD
(intelligent All Wheel Drive)
Switch (if equipped)
57L31016
This i-AWD system enables you to select
the driving mode according to driving con-
ditions by operating the 2WD/i-AWD
switch.Driving Modes2WD
If you drive on a dry, paved road, select
this mode to save fuel.
In this mode, the engine torque transmitted
to the rear wheels is limited to the mini-
mum. (As a result, the vehicle runs in a
quasi-front-wheel-drive condition.)i-AWD
This mode is for all normal driving.
In almost all road surface conditions, the
system keeps distributing engine torque to
the rear wheels in the most suitable pro-
portion for varying conditions under auto-
matic control.
In the i-AWD mode, the i-AWD controller
monitors the driver’s vehicle control opera-
tions and conditions of the vehicle. Based
on the sensed conditions, the controller
electronically controls the power coupling
so that optimum torque is distributed to the
rear wheels. This function improves driving
stability and driving performance on rough
roads and stabilizes driving performance
even on snow-covered up-hill roads or the
like.
During constant speed driving, torque dis-
tribution to the rear wheels is reduced
almost to the front-wheel-drive condition,
thus improving fuel consumption.
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.
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.
3-29OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
57L20-03E
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
(if equipped)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 automatically, so you do
not need any special braking technique.
Just push the brake pedal down without
pumping. The ABS will operate whenever it
senses that the wheels are locking up.
You may feel the brake pedal pulsate while
the ABS is operating.
NOTE:
The ABS will not work if vehicle speed is
under about 10 km/h (6 mph).
65D451
(1) ABS warning light
(2) Brake system warning light
WARNING
On some types of loose surfaces
(such as gravel, snow-covered
roads, etc.), the stopping distance
required for an ABS-equipped vehi-
cle may be slightly greater than for
a comparable vehicle with a con-
ventional brake system. With a
conventional brake system, skid-
ding tires are able to “plow” the
gravel or snow layer, shortening
the stopping distance. ABS mini-
mizes this resistance effect. Allow
for extra stopping distance when
driving on loose surfaces.
On regular paved roads, some driv-
ers may be able to obtain slightly
shorter stopping distances with
conventional brake systems than
with ABS.
In both of the above conditions,
ABS will still offer the advantage of
helping you maintain directional
control. However, remember that
ABS will not compensate for bad
road or weather conditions or poor
driver judgment. Use good judg-
ment and do not drive faster than
conditions will safely allow.
(1)
(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.
3-31OPERATING 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.
3-35OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
57L20-03E
Low Tire Pressure Warning Light
52D305
WARNING
Each tire, including the spare (if pro-
vided), should be checked monthly
when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehi-
cle manufacturer on the vehicle plac-
ard or tire inflation pressure label. (If
your vehicle has tires of a different
size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pres-
sure label, you should determine the
proper tire inflation pressure for
those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your
vehicle has been equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
that illuminates a low tire pressure
telltale when one or more of your
tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pres-
sure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the
proper pressure.
(Continued)
WARNING
(Continued)
Driving on a significantly under-
inflated tire causes the tire to over-
heat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel effi-
ciency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver’s responsi-
bility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumi-
nation of the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale.
WARNING
The tire pressure monitoring system
is not a substitute for regular tire
pressure inspections. Check tire
inflation pressures monthly when
cold and set to the recommended
inflation pressure as specified on the
vehicle’s tire information placard and
in the owner’s manual. Refer to
“Tires” in the “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section.
WARNING
If the low tire pressure warning light
does not come on when you press
the engine switch to change the igni-
tion mode to “ON”, or comes on and
blinks while driving there may be a
problem with the tire pressure moni-
toring system. Have your vehicle
inspected by an authorized SUZUKI
dealer. Even if the light turns off after
blinking, indicating that the monitor-
ing system has recovered, make sure
to have an authorized SUZUKI dealer
check the system.
WARNING
The load rating of your tires is
reduced at lower inflation pressures.
If your tires become even moderately
under-inflated, the vehicle load may
exceed the load rating of the tires,
which can lead to tire failure. The low
tire pressure warning light will not
alert you of this condition. The warn-
ing light will only come on when one
or more of your tires become signifi-
cantly under-inflated. Check and
adjust your tire inflation pressure at
least once a month. Refer to “Tires”
in the “INSPECTION AND MAINTE-
NANCE” section.