
3-12
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J23-03E
The gearshift lever has a lock mechanism
to help prevent accidental shifting. To shift
the gearshift lever:
80J2036
NOTE:
Always shift the gearshift lever without
pushing in the lock button (1) except
when you shift from “P” to “R”, from “N”
to “R” or from “R” to “P”. If you always
push in the lock button (1) when shifting
the gearshift lever, you could shift into
“P” or “R” by mistake.
If driver’s or passenger’s knee hits the
gearshift lever while driving, the lever
could move and the gear could be
changed unexpectedly.Use the gearshift lever positions as
described below:
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. Shift with the lock button (1)
pushed in and the brake pedal
depressed.
Shift with the lock button (1)
pushed in.
Shift without the lock button (1)
pushed in.
(1)
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.

3-15OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J23-03E
Canceling the manual mode
To cancel the manual mode, shift the gear-
shift lever from “M” to “D”.
Temporary manual mode
Pull the shift paddle (if equipped) toward
you when driving with the gearshift lever in
the “D” position. The information display
shows the manual mode indicator (1) and
the current gear position (2).
80J2073
(1) Manual mode indicator
(2) Gear position
The temporary manual mode will be can-
celed automatically in the following situa-
tions.
When you press and hold the accelera-
tor pedal for a certain period of time with-
out shifting gears.
When driving speed becomes slow.If You Cannot Shift CVT Gearshift Lever
Out of “P” (PARK)
80J2040
Vehicles with a CVT have an electrically
operated park-lock feature. If the vehicle’s
battery is discharged, or there is some
other electrical failure, the CVT cannot be
shifted out of Park in the normal way. Jump
starting may correct the condition. If not,
follow the procedure described below. This
procedure will permit changing the tran-
saxle out of Park.
1) Be sure the parking brake is firmly
applied.
2) If the engine is running, stop the
engine.
3) Make sure the key is in the “ON” or
“ACC” position.
4) Remove the cover (1) over the button.
5) With pushing the release button by the
key or the flat end rod, shift the gear-
shift lever to the desired position.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.
(1)
(2)
EXAMPLE
(1)

3-16
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J23-03E
Using the 2WD/i-AWD
(intelligent All Wheel Drive)
Switch (if equipped)
80J009
This i-AWD system enables you to select
the driving mode according to the driving
conditions by operating the 2WD/i-AWD
switch. With this feature, you can select 3
mode positions, “2WD”, “i-AWD AUTO”
and “i-AWD LOCK” by operating the 2WD/
i-AWD switch even when the vehicle is
moving, provided the front wheels are in
the straight ahead position.Description of 3 Mode 4 x 4 System
Positions2WD
In this position, engine power is supplied to
the front axle only. Use this position for
normal driving (on dry, hard surfaces).i-AWD AUTO
In this position, engine power is supplied to
the front and rear axles at normal speed,
providing greater traction than 2-wheel
drive. Use this position for driving on paved
roads or on slippery roads (icy, snow-cov-
ered, muddy, etc.).
In the AUTO mode, the i-AWD controller
judges the driving conditions using signals
from sensors.
When slipping of the front wheels is
detected, the electronically controlled cou-
pling supplies optimum driving force to the
rear wheels. This function improves driving
stability and running through performance
on rough roads and stabilizes driving per-
formance even on a snow covered up-hill
road or the like.
Also, during normal driving on paved
roads, torque distribution to the rear
wheels is reduced to achieve the nearly
front wheel drive condition, thereby fuel
consumption is improved.
i-AWD LOCK
In this position, engine power is supplied to
the front and rear axles at reduced speed.
Use this position when it is hard to start off
in the “i-AWD AUTO” mode such as in
mud, sand or on snow.
NOTE:
Avoid operating your vehicle in the “i-
AWD LOCK” on wet pavement as much
as possible. Operating your vehicle in
the “i-AWD LOCK” on wet pavementmay cause severe damage to the drive
train.
As the vehicle speed increases, the “i-
AWD LOCK” mode is automatically can-
celed and the “i-AWD AUTO” mode is
selected.
When the ignition switch is turned to the
“OFF” position, the “i-AWD LOCK” mode
is canceled.
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
ignition switch is turned on.
From 2WD to i-AWD AUTO
Turn the 2WD/i-AWD switch to the neutral
position, and the “i-AWD AUTO” indicator
will come on.
79J040

3-17OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J23-03E
From i-AWD AUTO to i-AWD LOCK
Push the “i-AWD LOCK” switch for a few
seconds until the “i-AWD LOCK” indicator
will come on.
79J100
From i-AWD LOCK to i-AWD AUTO
Push the “i-AWD LOCK” switch, and the “i-
AWD AUTO” indicator will come on.
From i-AWD AUTO or LOCK to 2WD
Push the “2WD” switch, and the “i-AWD
AUTO” or “i-AWD LOCK” 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 turning off the key switch in the
“i-AWD AUTO” or “i-AWD LOCK” mode
may cause a shock, but this is not a sys-
tem malfunction. While driving in the “i-AWD LOCK”
mode, as the vehicle speed increases,
the driving mode changes to the “i-AWD
AUTO” mode automatically. Even when
the vehicle speed reduces, on the other
hand, the driving mode does not return
to the “i-AWD LOCK” mode automati-
cally. You should press the “i-AWD
LOCK” switch according to the driving
conditions.
Any forcible operation while driving off-
road in the sand or water or when a
wheel has run off the road, the difference
of the revolution between front wheels
and rear wheels increases (wheels run
idle). If this state continues, the oil tem-
perature of the driving system parts
rises.
In such case, the “i-AWD AUTO” indica-
tor light blinks and the driving mode
changes to the 2WD mode to protect the
driving system parts.
When you operate your vehicle in the i-
AWD mode continuously, park the vehi-
cle at a safe place and run the engine
idle. After some time, the “i-AWD AUTO”
indicator light turns on again and the
driving mode returns to the “i-AWD
AUTO” mode.
CAUTION
Never use the “i-AWD LOCK” mode
when driving on dry paved roads.
Avoid using the “i-AWD LOCK”
mode when driving on wet paved
roads as much as possible. Use of
the “i-AWD LOCK” mode in above
conditions will apply excessive
force to the driving system and
may cause a critical failure. Also,
the tires may wear faster and fuel
consumption may be affected
adversely.
Note that i-AWD vehicles are not
all-around vehicles. Be sure to
observe following instructions
when driving your vehicle.
– Do not drive through water like
crossing a river.
– Do not drive continuously where
front wheels tend to race in
places such as sand and mud.
– When any wheel is in the air for
such reason as running off the
road, do not race it needlessly.
If the “i-AWD AUTO” and the “i-
AWD LOCK” indicator lights stay
on and come on simultaneously
when driving, there may be some-
thing wrong the i-AWD system.
Have the system inspected by an
authorized SUZUKI dealer.

3-21OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J23-03E
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.
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 6 km/h (4mph).
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.

3-22
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J23-03E
65D451
(1) ABS warning light Type 1
(2) ABS warning light Type 2
(3) 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)
WARNING
If the ABS warning light ((1) or (2)) on
the instrument panel comes on and
stays on while driving, there may be a
problem with the ABS system.
If this happens:
1) Pull off the road and stop care-
fully.
2) Turn the ignition switch to “LOCK”
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.

3-23OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J23-03E
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.
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.
WARNING
If the ABS warning light ((1) or (2))
and the Brake system warning light
(3) on the instrument panel simulta-
neously stay on or come on when
driving, both anti-lock function and
rear brake force control function (pro-
portioning 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.
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.

3-24
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J23-03E
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
® may not work properly if
tires or wheels other than those
specified in the Owner’s Manual are
used. When replacing tires or
wheels, use only the size and type
specified in this Owner’s Manual.
The ESP® may not work properly if
tires are not inflated to the recom-
mended tire inflation pressure.
The ESP® may not work properly if
tires are fitted with tire chains.
The ESP® may not work properly if
the tires are excessively worn. Be
sure to replace tires when the tread
wear indicators in the grooves
appear on the tread surface.
The ESP® is not a substitute for
winter tires or tire chains on a snow
covered road.
WARNING
The ESP
® may not work properly if
engine related parts such as the
muffler are not equivalent to stan-
dard equipment or are extremely
deteriorated.
Do not modify the vehicle’s sus-
pension since the ESP
® may not
operate correctly.