
2-69BEFORE DRIVING
57L20-03E
Warning and Indicator LightsLow Tire Pressure Warning Light
(if equipped)
52D305
As an added safety feature, your vehicle
has been equipped with a tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) that uses a low
tire pressure warning light to inform you
when one or more of your tires is signifi-
cantly under-inflated.
When you press the engine switch to
change the ignition mode to “ON”, this light
comes on briefly so you can check that the
light is working.
When the low tire pressure warning light is
lit, one or more of your tires is significantly
under-inflated. You should stop and check
your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure as indicated
on the vehicle’s tire information placard.
Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces
fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability. Each tire, including the spare,should be checked at least once a month
when cold and set to the recommended
inflation pressure as specified in the vehi-
cle placard and owner’s manual.
The low tire pressure warning light is also
used to inform you of a TPMS malfunction.
When the system detects a malfunction,
this light will flash for approximately one
minute and then remain continuously illu-
minated. This sequence will be repeated
after the ignition mode is changed to “ON”
by pressing the engine switch as long as
the malfunction exists.
NOTE:
The low tire pressure warning light may not
come on immediately if you have a sudden
loss of air pressure.
WARNING
If the low tire pressure warning light
does not light for 2 seconds after
pressing the engine switch to change
the ignition mode to “ON”, or comes
on and blinks while driving there may
be a problem with the tire pressure
monitoring system. Have your vehi-
cle inspected by an authorized
SUZUKI dealer. Even if the light turns
off after blinking, indicating that mon-
itoring 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.

2-70
BEFORE DRIVING
57L20-03E
Refer to “Tire Pressure Monitoring System”
in the “OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE” sec-
tion for additional details on the tire pres-
sure monitoring system. Refer to “Tires” in
the “INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE”
section for information on maintaining
proper tire pressure.
Brake System Warning Light
65D477
This light comes on briefly when you press
the engine switch to change the ignition
mode to “ON”. The light also comes on
under the following conditions: 1) when the
parking brake is engaged and 2) when the
fluid in the brake fluid reservoir falls below
the specified level. The light should go out
after fully releasing the parking brake, if the
fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir is
adequate.
If this light and the ABS warning light stay
on, or come on simultaneously when driv-
ing, then there may be something wrong
with both the rear brake proportioning
valve function and anti-lock function of the
ABS.
If the brake system warning light comes on
while you are driving the vehicle, it may
mean that there is something wrong with
the vehicle’s brake system. If this happens,
you should:
WARNING
If the low tire pressure warning light
comes on and stays on, reduce your
speed and avoid abrupt steering and
braking. Stop in a safe place as soon
as possible and check your tires.
If you have a flat tire, replace it with
the spare tire. Refer to “Jacking
Instructions” in the “EMERGENCY
SERVICE” section. Refer to
“Replacing Tires and/or Wheels”
for instructions on how to restore
normal operation of the tire pres-
sure monitoring system after you
have had a flat tire.
If one or more of your tires is
under-inflated, adjust the inflation
pressure in all of your tires to the
recommended inflation pressure as
soon as possible.
Be aware that driving on a signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire can cause
the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure, and may affect steering
control and brake effectiveness. This
could lead to an accident, resulting in
severe injury or death.

2-77BEFORE DRIVING
57L20-03E
comes on briefly so you can check that the
light is working.
This light comes on if there is any prob-
lem with the intelligent all wheel drive (i-
AWD) system. The drive mode will then
automatically switch to the two-wheel
drive (2WD) mode.
The light flashes if the vehicle is in any of
the following conditions, and the drive
train mode will then automatically switch
to the 2WD mode.
– Wheels of different diameters are fitted
to the vehicle.
– Drive train components overheat as a
result of spinning of a drive wheel in
the mud or snow.
The light should normally come on when
you press the engine switch to change
the ignition mode to “ON” and continue
to light or go out depending on the drive
train mode engaged.
NOTE:
Should the light flash, immediately move
the vehicle to a safe place and park it there
to protect the drive train components. If
you let the engine run at idle for a while,
the light will stop flashing and then stay lit,
and the i-AWD mode will resume.
Electric Power Steering Warning
Light
80J408
This light comes on while the engine is
running if there is any problem with the
electric power steering system.
The light should normally come on when
you press the engine switch to change
the ignition mode to “ON” and go out as
soon as the engine is started.
NOTE:
The following conditions may indicate a
problem with the electric power steering
system. In the event of any of these con-
ditions, have your vehicle inspected by
an authorized SUZUKI dealer.
– The light comes on while driving.
– The light does not come on even when
you press the engine switch to change
the ignition mode to “ON”.
– The light stays on after the engine has
started.
The electric power steering system
stops functioning if it has any problem.
Without the system operating, the steer-
ing wheel will require more effort to turn
than usual.
Master Warning Indicator Light
78K049
When you press the engine switch to
change the ignition mode to “ON”, the light
comes on briefly so you can check that the
light is working. When the information dis-
play shows warning and indicator mes-
sages, this indicator light may also come
on or blink.
For details, refer to “Information Display” in
this section.

2-79BEFORE DRIVING
57L20-03E
If the low fuel warning light (1) comes on,
fill the fuel tank immediately.
When the low fuel warning light (1) comes
on, a ding sounds once to remind you to fill
the fuel.
If you do not fill the fuel, a ding sounds
every time you press the engine switch to
change the ignition mode to “ON”.
NOTE:
The activation point of the low fuel warning
light (1) varies depending on road condi-
tions (for example, slope or curve) and
driving conditions because of fuel moving
in the tank.
The mark (2) indicates that the fuel filler
door is located on the left side of the vehi-
cle.
Temperature Gauge
57L21060
When the ignition mode has been changed
to “ON” by pressing the engine switch, this
gauge indicates the engine coolant tem-
perature. Under normal driving conditions,
the indicator should stay within the normal,
acceptable temperature range between “H”
and “C”. If the indicator approaches “H”,
overheating is indicated. Follow the
instructions for engine overheating in the
“EMERGENCY SERVICE” section.
Brightness Control
57L21080
When the engine switch is pressed to
change the ignition mode to “ON”, the
instrument panel lights come on.
Your vehicle has a system to automatically
dim the brightness of the instrument panel
lights when the parking lights or headlights
are on.
You can change the brightness of the
instrument panel lights regardless of
whether the parking lights or headlights
are off or on.
To increase the brightness of the instru-
ment panel lights, turn the brightness con-
trol knob (1) clockwise.
To reduce the brightness of the instrument
panel lights, turn the brightness control
knob (1) counterclockwise.
CAUTION
Avoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damag-
ing the catalytic converter.
CAUTION
Continuing to drive the vehicle when
engine overheating is indicated can
result in severe engine damage.
(1)

2-96
BEFORE DRIVING
57L20-03E
Warning and Indicator
MessageMaster Warning
IndicatorSound Cause and Remedy
i-AWD
57L21123
Blinks “Ping” (one time from interior
buzzer) Drive train components may be overheated.
Stop in a safe place and allow the engine to
idle.
57L31024
Blinks “Ping” (one time from interior
buzzer) There may be a problem with the ESP
®
system.
Have your vehicle inspected by an autho-
rized SUZUKI dealer.

3-12
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
57L20-03E
Accelerator Pedal (3)This pedal controls the speed of the
engine. Depressing the accelerator pedal
increases power output and speed.
Engine Block Heater
(if equipped)
57L31034
The engine block heater will help you start
the engine more easily in very cold
weather (–18°C (0°F) or below). To use the
engine block heater:
1) Turn off the engine.
2) Open the engine hood.
3) Untie the block heater cord and remove
the block heater plug cap. When the
engine block heater is not in use,
ensure the heater cord is secured to
prevent contact with any moving parts.
4) Using a heavy-duty, three-prong
grounded extension cord, plug the
female end into the block heater socket
and the male end into a normal,
grounded 110-volt AC outlet.NOTE:
Activate the heater at least four hours
before you start the engine. However, as
the heating time varies depending on the
ambient temperature and other factors,
adjust the time by observing the engine
cranking condition.
After using the block heater:
1) Unplug the extension cord and reinstall
the plug cap.
2) Tie the block heater cord back to its
original position.
WARNING
Do not “ride” the brakes by applying
them continuously or resting your
foot on the pedal. This will result in
overheating of the brakes which
could cause unpredictable braking
action, longer stopping distances or
permanent brake damage.
EXAMPLE
WARNING
To avoid serious personal injury
caused by electrical shock or fire:
Do not plug the cord into a non-
grounded outlet. Only use a prop-
erly grounded three-prong 110-volt
AC outlet.
Do not use a 2-wire (non-grounded)
extension cord.
Only use a heavy-duty, three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15
amps.

3-14
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
57L20-03E
Downshifting maximum allowable
speedsFor J24B engine
*NOTE:
You may not accelerate to the maximum
allowable speed because of the driving sit-
uation and/or the vehicle condition.Downshifting Km/h (mph)
2nd to 1st 50 (31)
3rd to 2nd 90 (56)
4th to 3rd 135 (84)
5th to 4th 185 (115)*
6th to 5th 225 (140)*
CAUTION
When downshifting to a lower gear,
make sure not to operate with the
speed faster than the maximum
allowable speeds for the next lower
gear, or severe engine damage can
result.
WARNING
Reduce your speed and downshift
to a lower gear before going down
a long or steep hill. Downshifting
will allow the engine to provide
braking. Avoid riding the brakes or
they may overheat, resulting in
brake failure.
When driving on slippery roads, be
sure to slow down before down-
shifting. Large and sudden
changes in engine speed may
cause loss of traction, which could
cause you to lose control.
Make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped before you shift
into reverse.
CAUTION
To help avoid clutch damage, do
not use the clutch pedal as a foot-
rest while driving or use the clutch
to keep the vehicle stationary on a
slope. Depress the clutch fully
when shifting.
When shifting or starting off, do not
race the engine. Racing the engine
can shorten engine life and affect
smooth shifting.

4-1DRIVING TIPS
57L20-03E
52D078S
Break-In Catalytic Converter
68KM085
The purpose of the catalytic converter is to
minimize the amount of harmful pollutants
in your vehicle’s exhaust. Use of leaded
fuel in vehicles equipped with catalytic
converters is prohibited by federal law,
because lead deactivates the pollutant-
reducing components of the catalyst sys-
tem.
The converter is designed to last the life of
the vehicle under normal usage and when
unleaded fuel is used. No special mainte-
nance is required on the converter. How-
ever, it is very important to keep the engine
properly tuned. Engine misfiring, which
can result from an improperly tuned
engine, may cause overheating of the cat-
alyst. This may result in permanent heat
damage to the catalyst and other vehicle
components.
WARNING
Wear Your Seat Belts at All Times.
Even though air bags are equipped
at the front seating positions, the
driver and all passengers should
be properly restrained at all times,
using the seat belts provided. Refer
to the “Seat Belts and Child
Restraint Systems” section for
instructions on proper use of the
seat belts.
Never drive while under the influ-
ence of alcohol or other drugs.
Alcohol and drugs can seriously
impair your ability to drive safely,
greatly increasing the risk of injury
to yourself and others. You should
also avoid driving when you are
tired, sick, irritated or under stress.
CAUTION
The future performance and reliabil-
ity of the engine depends on the care
and restraint exercised during its
early life. It is especially important to
observe the following precautions
during the initial 960 km (600 miles)
of vehicle operation.
After starting, do not race the
engine. Warm it up gradually.
Avoid prolonged vehicle operation
at a constant speed. Moving parts
will break in better if you vary your
speed.
Start off from a stop slowly. Avoid
full throttle starts.
Avoid hard stopping, especially
during the first 320 km (200 miles)
of driving.
Do not drive slowly with the tran-
saxle in a high gear.
Drive the vehicle at moderate
engine speeds.
Instrument Panel: 3, 8