3-15
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
53MH0-74E
If the gearshift lever is in the “M” posi-
tion, the gear will be downshifted to 1st
when the vehicle stops.
Parking
Unlike an automatic transaxle, Automated
manual transaxle does not have a parking
position. The vehicle can be parked with
the gearshift lever in any position.
1) Apply the parking brake firmly and turn
the ignition “ON” position.
2) While depressing the brake pedal, shift
the gearshift lever to the “R” position on
a downhill slope, and to the 1st position
in the drive (D) mode or the “M(1)” posi-
tion in the manual (M) mode on an
uphill slope and confirm the gear posi-
tion by checking the gear position indi-
cator.3) turn the ignition switch to “LOCK” posi-
tion.
NOTE:
• After the ignition switch is turn to “ACC”
or “LOCK” position is stopped, the gear
in the transaxle does not change even if
you shift the gearshift lever in any posi-
tion. Always shift the gearshift lever
before stop the engine.
• Check the transaxle gear position by
looking at the gear position indicator,
then turn the ignition switch off to stop
the engine. Release the brake pedal
after a few seconds.
WA R N I N G
• When stopping, for example, at a
traffic light, be sure to depress the
brake pedal firmly. For your safety,
apply the parking brake, too, when
stopping on a hill.
• When racing the engine, make sure
that the gear is in the “N” position
by checking the gear position indi-
cator. If the accelerator is operated
with the gear in any other position,
the vehicle may move resulting in
an unexpected accident.
• Do not leave your vehicle unat-
tended while the engine is running.
• When leaving the vehicle, stop the
engine and park the vehicle with a
gear engaged. If you need to leave
the vehicle with the engine running,
apply the parking brakes firmly,
and shift the gearshift lever to the
“N” position. Otherwise, the vehi-
cle may move unexpectedly and
may cause an accident.
NOTICE
• On a slope, never hold the vehicle
at a stop using only the accelerator
pedal or the creeping function. If
you perform this operation for a
certain period of time, a warning
buzzer will sound, and in some
cases the engine will stall. This can
also cause excessive damage to
the clutch.
• If the gearshift lever is operated
more than necessary, the system
may not allow operation of the
gearshift lever for a certain period
of time, and the gear may not be
shifted appropriately. Therefore, do
not operate the gearshift lever if not
necessary.
WA R N I N G
• If the gear is not engaged properly
and completely before the ignition
switch is turned off, the vehicle
may not be parked with the gear
engaged. Always confirm the gear
position by checking the gear posi-
tion indicator when parking.
• On a downhill slope, the gear
should be put in reverse, and in 1st
gear on an uphill slope. Otherwise,
the vehicle may move, and cause
an unexpected accident. If the gear
is left in the “N” position, the vehi-
cle cannot be parked with a gear
engaged.
3-16
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
53MH0-74E
Parking cancel
Depress the brake pedal, turn the ignition
switch to the “ON” position, and shift the
gearshift lever to the “N” position. The gear
will be disengaged.
Warning functions
A warning buzzer will sound or the indica-
tor will blink under the following conditions.
The clutch is heated due to excessive
load.
The creeping function is being activated
for a long period of time.
The ignition switch is turned to the “OFF”
position with the gear in 2nd, 3rd, 4th or
5th. In this case, turn the ignition switch
to the “ON” position and shift the gear-
shift lever in the “N” position, shift it to
the “D” or “M” or “R” position, then turn
the ignition switch to “OFF”.
During a stop, the driver’s door is
opened with the gearshift lever in the
“R”, “D” or “M” position while the engine
is running.“N” indicator blinking
When the gear indicator lamp blinks “N”,
you should depress the brake pedal and
shift the gearshift lever to “N” position.
“1st” indicator blinking
When the gear indicator lamp blinks “1st”,
you should depress the brake pedal and
shift the gearshift lever to “N” position, then
shift to “D” or “M” position again a few sec-
onds later.
“R” indicator blinking
When the gear indicator lamp blinks “R”,
you should depress the brake pedal and
shift the gearshift lever to “N” position, then
shift to “R” position again a few seconds
later.
Braking
53M05022
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.
NOTICE
In the above cases, pull over to the
side of the road and stop the engine,
and then ask your MARUTI SUZUKI
dealer to inspect your vehicle. Other-
wise, the clutch disc may get dam-
aged.
EXAMPLE
4-4
DRIVING TIPS
53MH0-74E
While moving uphill/gradient from a
stand still condition
Apply the parking brake firmly so that the
vehicle does not roll backwards.
Depress the Clutch pedal and Shift the
gearshift lever to 1
st Select position.
Do not slip the clutch.
When ready to start, press accelerator
pedal and slowly release the clutch
pedal simultaneously. When the vehicle
starts to move, gradually release the
parking brake.
Driving on Slippery Roads
60G089S
Under wet road conditions you should
drive at a lower speed than on dry roads
due to possible slippage of tires during
braking. When driving on icy, snow-cov-
ered, or muddy roads, reduce your speed
and avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt
braking, or sharp steering movements.
Tire Chains
Tire chains should only be used if they are
needed to increase traction or are required
by law. Make sure that the chains you use
are the correct size for your vehicle’s tires.
Also make sure that there is enough clear-
ance between the fenders and the chains
as installed on the tires.
Install the chains on the front tires tightly,
according to the chain manufacturer’s
instructions. Retighten the chains after
driving about 1.0 km (1/2 mile) if neces-
sary. With the chains installed, drive slowly.WA R N I N G
Try not to hold the brake pedal down
too long or too often while going
down a steep or long hill. This could
cause the brakes to overheat, result-
ing in reduced braking efficiency.
Failure to take this precaution could
result in loss of vehicle control.
NOTICE
When descending down a hill,
NEVER turn the ignition key to the
“OFF” position. Emission control
system damage may result.
EXAMPLE
NOTICE
• If you hear the chains hitting
against the vehicle body while driv-
ing, stop and tighten them.
• If your vehicle is equipped with full
wheel caps, remove the wheel caps
before installing the chains or the
wheel caps can be damaged by the
chain bands.
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
7
53MH0-74E
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Schedule ....................................................... 7-2
Periodic Maintenance Schedule ........................................ 7-2
Drive Belt ............................................................................. 7-10
Engine Oil and Filter ........................................................... 7-10
Engine Coolant .................................................................... 7-13
Air Cleaner ........................................................................... 7-15
Spark Plugs ......................................................................... 7-15
Gear Oil ................................................................................ 7-16
Clutch Pedal ........................................................................ 7-17
Fuel Filter ............................................................................. 7-17
Brakes .................................................................................. 7-18
Steering ................................................................................ 7-20
Tires ...................................................................................... 7-20
Battery .................................................................................. 7-22
Fuses .................................................................................... 7-23
Bulb Replacement ............................................................... 7-27
Wiper Blades ....................................................................... 7-29
Windshield Washer Fluid ................................................... 7-31
Air Conditioning System .................................................... 7-31
7-3
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
53MH0-74E
*Interval: This interval should be judged by
odometer reading or months, whichever comes
first.km (x 1,000)
monthsFREE INSPECTIONS PERIODIC MAINTENANCE SERVICE AT COST
1 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
1 6 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
ENGINE
1.Water pump drive belt (Tension, Wear) AIIIIIIRAI
2. Engine Coolant (Level, Leakage) I I I R I R I R I R
3.Engine oil and Oil filter R I RRRRRRRR
4. Cooling system hoses and connections (Leakage, Damage) I I IIIIIIII
5. Engine bolts (All cylinder head and manifold fixings) – – T – T – T – T –
6. Engine mounting (Loose, Damage) – – T – T – T – T –
7. Valve Clearance – A – A – A – A – A
8. Camshaft timing belt (Damage, Wear)–––I–I–I–I
Replace Every 1,00,000 km
9. Exhaust system (Noise, Leakage etc.) – I – I – I – I – I
10. Positive crankcase ventilation System (Hoses, Connections and Valve) – I – I – I – I – I
IGNITION
1. Ignition wiring (Damage, Deterioration) – – – I – I – I – I
2. Spark plugs (Clean and Adjust the gap) – – I R I R I R I R
FUEL
1. Air cleanerPaved-road Clean every 5,000 km. Replace after every 40,000 km.
Dusty condition Clean every 2,500 km or as required. Replace after every 40,000 km.
More frequent replacement if dust condition is severe.
2. Fuel tank cap, fuel lines and connections (Leakage, Damage) – I – – – I – – – I
3. Fuel filter (Leakage) I I I I I R I I I R
CLUTCH AND TRANMISSION
1. Clutch pedal (Play) I I IIIIIIII
2. Clutch slipping (Dragging or Excessive damage) I I IIIIIIII
3. Manual Transmission Oil (Level, Leakage)IIIIIIIIII
Replace every 1,60,000 kms or 10 years, which ever comes earlier
DRIVE SHAFTS
1. Drive shafts boot (Boot cut / Damage) – I IIIIIIII
2.Drive Shaft Noise IIIIIIIIII
7-7
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
53MH0-74E
*Interval: This interval should be judged by
odometer reading or months, whichever comes
first.km (x 1,000)
monthsFREE INSPECTIONS PERIODIC MAINTENANCE SERVICE AT COST
1 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
1 6 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
ENGINE
1.Water pump drive belt (Tension, Wear) ––––– I ––– I
2. Engine Coolant (Level, Leakage) I I I R I R I R I R
3. Engine oil and Oil filter – – RRRRRRRR
4. Cooling system hoses and connections (Leakage, Damage)IIIIIIIIII
5. Engine bolts (All cylinder head and manifold fixings) – – T – T – T – T –
6. Engine Mounting (Loose, Damage) – – T – T – T – T –
7.Valve Clearance –––– I –– I ––
8. Exhaust System (Noise, Leakage etc.) – I – I – I – I – I
9. Positive crankcase ventilation System (Hoses, Connections and Valve) – I – I – I – I – I
IGNITION
1. Ignition wiring (Damage, Deterioration) – – – I – I – I – I
2.Spark plugs –––––R–––R
FUEL
1. Air cleanerPaved-road Clean every 5,000 km. Replace after every 40,000 km.
Dusty condition Clean every 2,500 km or as required. Replace after every 40,000 km.
More frequent replacement if dust condition is severe.
2. Fuel tank cap, fuel lines and connections (Leakage, Damage) – I – – – I – – – I
3. Fuel filter (Leakage) – I I I I R I I I R
CLUTCH AND TRANMISSION
1.Clutch pedal (Play) IIIIIIIIII
2.Clutch slipping (Dragging or Excessive damage) IIIIIIIIII
3. Manual Transmission Oil (Level, Leakage)IIIIIIIIII
Replace every 1,60,000 kms or 10 years whichever comes first
DRIVE SHAFTS
1. Drive shaft boots (Boot cut / Damage)IIIIIIIIII
2.Drive Shaft Noise IIIIIIIIII
BRAKE
1. Brake fluid (Level, Leakage) I I I R I R I R I R
2. Brake pedal (Pedal-to-wall clearance)IIIIIIIIII
7-17
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
53MH0-74E
Gear Oil Change
Since special procedures, materials and
tools are required, it is recommended that
you trust this job to your authorized
MARUTI SUZUKI dealer.
Clutch Pedal
Cable control clutch
(For Manual Transaxle Model)
54G274
Clutch pedal play “d”:
10 - 15 mm (0.4 - 0.6 in.)
Measure the clutch pedal play by moving
the clutch pedal with your hand and mea-
suring the distance it moves until you feel
slight resistance. The play in the clutch
pedal should be between the specified val-
ues. If the play is more or less than the
above, or clutch dragging is felt with the
pedal fully depressed, have the clutch
inspected by your MARUTI SUZUKI
dealer.
Fuel Filter
The fuel filter is located on the way of the
fuel hose line under the vehicle body.
53MM07011
(1) Fuel filter
(2) Fuel inlet hose
(3) Fuel outlet hose
Replace the Fuel Filter
Since special procedures are required, we
recommend you take your vehicle to your
MARUTI SUZUKI dealer for fuel filter
replacement.
CAUTION
After driving the vehicle, the
transaxle oil temperature may be
high enough to burn your skin. Wait
until the oil filler plug is cool enough
to touch with your bare hands before
inspecting transaxle oil.
NOTICE
When tightening the plug, apply the
following sealing compound or
equivalent to the plug threads to pre-
vent oil leakage.
Manual transaxle sealant:
MARUTI SUZUKI Bond No. “1216E”
or “1217G”
EXAMPLE
(1)
(3)
(2)
EXAMPLE