
2-4
BEFORE DRIVING
80J23-03E
If you cannot unlatch the tailgate by push-
ing the unlatch switch (1) due to a dis-
charged battery or malfunction, follow the
procedures below to unlatch the tailgate
from inside the vehicle.
1) Fold the rear seat forward for easier
access. Refer to “Folding Rear Seats”
section for details on how to fold the
rear seat forward.
80J092
2) Push open the tailgate from inside by
pushing up on the emergency lever (2)
using a flat blade screwdriver or the
jack handle. The tailgate will be latched
again by closing the tailgate simply.
If the tailgate cannot be unlatched by push-
ing the unlatch switch (1), have the vehicle
inspected by your SUZUKI dealer.
Trunk Lid (SX4 SEDAN)
55KS005
If your vehicle is equipped with a trunk lid
key lock, you can open the trunk lid by
using the key in the trunk lid lock. To open
the trunk lid, insert the key and turn it
clockwise to unlatch and lift the trunk lid.
WARNING
Always make sure that the tailgate is
closed and latched securely. Com-
pletely closing the tailgate helps pre-
vent occupants from being thrown
from the vehicle in the event of an
accident. Completely closing it also
helps keep exhaust gases from enter-
ing the car.
WARNING
 To avoid injury, do not use your fin-
ger to push the emergency lever.
 Make sure there is no one near the
tailgate when pushing open the tail-
gate from inside the vehicle.
(2)
CAUTION
Do not use the key to lift up the lid, or
the key may break off in the lock.EXAMPLE
Door Locks: 3, 5, 8 

2-26
BEFORE DRIVING
80J23-03E
Folding Rear SeatsThe rear seats of your vehicle can be folded
forward to provide additional cargo space.
To fold the rear seats forward:
SX4
80JM026
SX4 SEDAN
80JC086
1) Hook the webbing of the outboard lap-
shoulder belts in the belt hangers.
2) Lower the adjustable head restraint
fully.SX4
80JM027
SX4 SEDAN
80JC087
EXAMPLEEXAMPLE
CAUTION
 When you move a seatback, make
sure the belt webbing is hooked in
the seat belt hangers so the seat
belts are not caught by the seat-
back, seat hinge, or seat latch. This
helps prevent damage to the belt
system.
 Make sure the belt webbing is not
twisted.
EXAMPLEEXAMPLE
Seat Belts and Child Restraint Systems: 3 

2-41BEFORE DRIVING
80J23-03E
SX4 SEDAN
80JC028
For SX4 SEDAN, the covers marked with
the child restraint symbol as shown in the
illustration indicate the presence of lower
anchors. Remove the covers before install-
ing the child restraint system. Cover the
lower anchors when not in use.
Install the LATCH-type child restraint sys-
tem according to the instructions provided
by the child restraint system manufacturer.
After installing, try moving the child
restraint system in all directions, especially
forward to make sure the flexible straps or
rigid connecting bars are securely latched
to the anchors.NOTE:
Although there are three rear seating posi-
tions, you cannot install three LATCH type
child restraints in the rear seats. You can
install one or two LATCH restraint(s). Be
sure to install the LATCH type child
restraint(s) in the outboard seating posi-
tions.
If your LATCH restraint has flexible lower
connecting straps, these general instruc-
tions apply:
1) If possible, fold the seatback rearward
for easier installation.
73K017
2) Place the child restraint in the rear seat,
feeding the strap hooks through the
slots in the seat cushion or the slots in
the seatback bottom.
65D340
3) Snap the strap hooks to the anchors.
Take care not to pinch your fingers.
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
Supplemental Restraint System (advanced air bags): 
3, 9, 12 

5-4
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
80J23-03E
System Operating InstructionsNatural ventilation
Select “VENTILATION” and “FRESH AIR”,
the temperature selector to the desired
temperature position, and the blower
speed selector to “OFF”. Fresh air will flow
through the vehicle during driving.
Forced ventilation
The control settings are the same as for
natural ventilation except you set the
blower speed selector to a position other
than “OFF”.
Normal heating (using outside air)
Select “HEAT” and “FRESH AIR”, the tem-
perature selector to the desired tempera-
ture position and the blower speed selector
to the desired blower speed position. Set-
ting the blower speed selector to a higher
blower speed position increases heating
efficiency.
Quick heating (using recirculated air)
The control settings are the same as for
normal heating except you select “RECIR-
CULATED AIR”. If you use this heating
method for an extended period of time, the
air in the vehicle can become contami-
nated and the windows can become misty.
Therefore, use this method only for quick
heating and change to the normal heating
method as soon as possible.
Head cooled/Feet warmed heating
Select “BI-LEVEL” and “FRESH AIR”, the
temperature selector to the desired tem-perature position, and the blower speed
selector to the desired blower speed posi-
tion. Unless the temperature selector is in
the fully COLD position or fully HOT posi-
tion, the air that comes out of the center
and side outlets will be cooler than the air
that comes out of the floor outlets.
Defrosting/Feet warmed heating
Select “HEAT & DEFROST” and “FRESH
AIR”, the temperature selector to the
desired temperature position, and the
blower speed selector to HIGH. When the
windshield has become clear, set the
blower speed selector to the desired
blower speed position.
Defrosting
Select “DEFROST” and “FRESH AIR”, the
temperature selector to the desired tem-
perature position (higher temperature pro-
vides more efficient defrosting), and the
blower speed selector to HIGH. When the
windshield has become clear, set the
blower speed selector to the desired
blower speed position.
79J070
NOTE:
If you need maximum defrosting, adjust the
temperature selector to the HOT end and
adjust the side outlets so the air blows on
the side window, in addition to the above
Defrosting steps.EXAMPLE
Fuel Filler Cap: 5
Folding Rear Seats: 3 

5-5OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
80J23-03E
Manual Heating and Air 
Conditioning SystemDescription of Controls
80JC042
Temperature selector (1)
This is used to select the temperature by
turning the selector.
Blower speed selector (2)
This is used to turn on the blower and to
select blower speed by turning the selec-
tor.Air flow selector (3)
80JC043
This is used to select one of the functions
described below.Ventilation (a)
79J065
Temperature-controlled air comes out of
the center and side air outlets.
Bi-level (b)
79J066
Temperature-controlled air comes out of
the floor outlets and cooler air comes out
of the center and side outlets. When the
temperature selector (1) is in the fully
COLD position or fully HOT position, how-
ever, the air from the floor outlets and the
air from the center and side outlets will be
the same temperature.
(1)
(2)
(5)
(3)
(4)
(a)(b)
(e)(d)
(c)
Folding Rear Seats: 3 

5-6
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
80J23-03E
Heat (c)
79J067
Temperature-controlled air comes out of
the floor outlets and the side outlets, also
comes out of the windshield defroster out-
lets and also comes slightly out of the side
defroster outlets.
Heat & defrost (d)
79J068
Temperature-controlled air comes out of
the floor outlets, the windshield defroster
outlets, the side defroster outlets and the
side outlets.Defrost (e)
79J069
Temperature-controlled air comes out of
the windshield defroster outlets, the side
defroster outlets and the side outlets.
NOTE:
When the air flow selector (3) is turned
either to “Heat & defrost (d)” or “Defrost
(e)”, the air conditioning system will come
on and the “FRESH AIR” mode will be
selected automatically.Air intake selector (4)
63J047
This selector is used to select the following
modes.
Fresh Air (f)
When this mode is selected, the indicator
light will go off and outside air is used.
Recirculated Air (g)
When this mode is selected, the indicator
light will come on, outside air is shut out
and inside air is recirculated. This mode is
suitable when driving through dusty or pol-
luted air such as in a tunnel, or when
attempting to quickly cool down the inte-
rior.
“FRESH AIR” and “RECIRCULATED AIR”
are switched alternately each time the air
intake selector is pushed.
NOTE:
If you select “RECIRCULATED AIR” for an
extended period of time, the air in the vehi-
cle can become contaminated. Therefore,
you should occasionally select “FRESH
AIR”.
(g)
(f)
Folding Rear Seats: 3 

5-7OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
80J23-03E
Air conditioning switch (5)
To turn on the air conditioning system,
push in the “A/C” switch and set the blower
speed selector to a position other than
“OFF”. With this “A/C” switch operation, a
indicator light will come on when the air
conditioning system is on. To turn off the
air conditioning system, push the “A/C”
switch again.
During operation of the air conditioner, you
may notice slight changes in engine
speed. These changes are normal, the
system is designed so that the compressor
turns on or off to maintain the desired tem-
perature. 
Less operation of the compressor results
in better fuel economy.
System Operating InstructionsNatural ventilation
Select “VENTILATION” and “FRESH AIR”,
the temperature selector to the desired
temperature position, and the blower
speed selector to “OFF”. Fresh air will flow
through the vehicle during driving.
Forced ventilation
The control settings are the same as for
natural ventilation except you set the
blower speed selector to a position other
than “OFF”.
Normal heating (using outside air)
Select “HEAT” and “FRESH AIR”, the tem-
perature selector to the desired tempera-
ture position and the blower speed selector
to the desired blower speed position. Set-
ting the blower speed selector to a higher
blower speed position increases heating
efficiency.
Quick heating (using recirculated air)
The control settings are the same as for
normal heating except you select “RECIR-
CULATED AIR”. If you use this heating
method for an extended period of time, the
air in the vehicle can become contami-
nated and the windows can become misty.
Therefore, use this method only for quick
heating and change to the normal heating
method as soon as possible.Head cooled/Feet warmed heating
Select “BI-LEVEL” and “FRESH AIR”, the
temperature selector to the desired tem-
perature position, and the blower speed
selector to the desired blower speed posi-
tion. Unless the temperature selector is in
the fully COLD position or fully HOT posi-
tion, the air that comes out of the center
and side outlets will be cooler than the air
that comes out of the floor outlets.
Normal cooling
Turn on the “A/C” switch, set the air flow
selector to “VENTILATION”, the tempera-
ture selector to the desired temperature
position and the blower speed selector to
the desired blower speed position. Setting
the blower speed selector to a higher
blower speed position increases cooling
efficiency.
You can switch the air intake selector to
either “FRESH AIR” or “RECIRCULATED
AIR” as you desire. Choosing “RECIRCU-
LATED AIR” increases cooling efficiency.
Folding Rear Seats: 3 

5-8
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
80J23-03E
Quick cooling (using recirculated air)
The control settings are the same as for
normal cooling except you select “RECIR-
CULATED AIR” and the highest blower
speed.
NOTE:
 If you select “RECIRCULATED AIR” for
an extended period of time, the air in the
vehicle can become contaminated.
Therefore, you should occasionally
select “FRESH AIR”.
 If your vehicle has been left in the sun
with the windows closed, it will cool
faster if you open the windows briefly
while you operate the air conditioner with
the air intake selector at “FRESH AIR”
and the blower at high speed.
Dehumidifying
Turn on the “A/C” switch, set the air flow
selector to a desired air flow selector posi-
tion, and select “FRESH AIR”, the temper-
ature selector to the desired temperature
position, and the blower speed selector to
the desired blower speed position.
NOTE:
Because the air conditioner dehumidifies
the air, turning it on will help keep the win-
dows clear, even when blowing heated air
using the “DEFROST” or “HEAT &
DEFROST” functions.
79J070
NOTE:
If you need maximum defrosting:
 select “DEFROST” and “FRESH AIR”,
 turn on the “A/C” switch,
 set the blower speed selector to HIGH,
 adjust the temperature selector to the
HOT end, and
 adjust the side outlets so the air blows
on the side windows.
MaintenanceIf 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.
Your air conditioner is equipped with air fil-
ters. Clean or replace them as specified in
the “Maintenance Schedule” in the
“INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE” sec-
tion. Have this job done by your SUZUKI
dealer as the lower glove box must be low-
ered for this job.
NOTE:
Your vehicle uses the air conditioning
refrigerant HFC-134a, commonly called
“R-134a”. R-134a replaced R-12 around
1993 for automotive applications. Other
refrigerants are available, including recy-
cled R-12, but only R-134a should be used
in your vehicle.
EXAMPLE
CAUTION
Using the wrong refrigerant may
damage your air conditioning sys-
tem. Use R-134a only. Do not mix or
replace the R-134a with other refrig-
erants.
Folding Rear Seats: 3