6-2
VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
53MH0-74E
Towing Your Vehicle
Your vehicle may be towed behind another
vehicle (such as a motorhome), provided
your vehicle is 2 wheel drive (2WD) and
you use the proper towing method speci-
fied for your vehicle. The towing method
you must use depends on the specifica-
tions of your vehicle: whether it is a manual
transaxle vehicle or an automated manual
transaxle vehicle.
Use the towing instruction table to select
the proper towing method for your vehicle,
and carefully follow the corresponding
instructions. Be sure to use proper towing
equipment designed for recreational tow-
ing and make sure that towing speed does
not exceed 90 km/h (55 mph).
TOWING INSTRUCTION TABLE
53M-08-001
A: 2WD VEHICLES WITH MANUAL
TRANSAXLE OR AUTOMATED MAN-
UAL TRANSAXLE
1) Secure the front wheels on a towing
dolly according to the instructions pro-
vided by the dolly manufacturer.
2) Release the parking brake.
53M-08-002
WA R N I N G
When you tow your vehicle, follow
the instructions below to avoid acci-
dents and damage to your vehicle. In
addition, be sure to observe govern-
ment and local requirements regard-
ing vehicle lighting and trailer hitches
or tow bars.
WA R N I N G
A safety chain should always be used
when you tow your vehicle.
DRIVE
TRAINT R A N S
MISSIONTOWING
METHOD
2WD M/T A,B
2WD Automated
Manual
Transaxle A,B
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
7-19
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
53MH0-74E
53M-09-029
Pedal to floor carpet minimum dis-
tance “a”:
ALTO 800: 72 mm (2.8 in.)
ALTO K10: 79 mm (3.1 in.)
With the engine running, measure the dis-
tance between the brake pedal and floor
carpet when the pedal is depressed with
approximately 30 kg (66 lbs) of force. The
minimum distance required is as specified.
Since your vehicle’s brake system is self-
adjusting, there is no need for pedal
adjustment.
If the pedal to floor carpet distance as
measured above is less than the minimum
distance required, have your vehicle
inspected by your MARUTI SUZUKI dealer.
NOTE:When measuring the distance between the
brake pedal and floor wall, be sure not to
include any accessory floor mat or rubber
mat on the floor carpet in your measure-
ment.
60G104S
Parking Brake
54G109
Ratchet tooth specification “b”:
4th – 9th
Lever pull force (1):
200 N (20 kg, 44 lbs)
Check the parking brake for proper adjust-
ment by counting the number of clicks
made by the ratchet teeth as you slowly
pull up on the parking brake lever to the
point of full engagement. The parking
brake lever should stop between the speci-
fied ratchet teeth and the rear wheels
should be securely locked. If the parking
brake is not properly adjusted or the
brakes drag after the lever has been fully
released, have the parking brake inspected
and/or adjusted by your MARUTI SUZUKI
dealer.
EXAMPLE
WA R N I N G
If you experience any of the following
problems with your vehicle’s brake
system, have the vehicle inspected
immediately by your MARUTI SUZUKI
dealer.
• Poor braking performance
• Uneven braking (brakes not work-
ing uniformly on all wheels).
• Excessive pedal travel
• Brake dragging
• Excessive noise
• Pedal pulsation (pedal pulsates
when depressed).
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
7-23
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
53MH0-74E
53m-09-036
The level of the battery solution must be
kept between the “MAX” and the “MIN”
level lines at all times. If the level is found
to be below the “MIN” level line, add dis-
tilled water to bring level between “MAX”
and “MIN”. You should, however, periodi-
cally check the battery, battery terminals,
and battery holddown bracket for corro-
sion. Remove corrosion using a stiff brush
and ammonia mixed with water, or baking
soda mixed with water. After removing cor-
rosion, rinse with clean water.
If your vehicle is not going to be driven for
a month or longer, disconnect the cable
from the negative terminal of the battery to
help prevent discharge.Replacement of the battery53M-09-037
To remove the battery:
1) Disconnect the negative cable (1).
2) Disconnect the positive cable (2).
3) Remove the retainer bolts (3) and
remove the retainer (4).
4) Remove the battery along with cover
assembly (5) (if equipped).To install the battery:
1) Install the battery in the reverse order of
removal.
2) Tighten the retainer nuts and battery
cables securely.
NOTE:
When the battery is disconnected, some of
the vehicle’s function will be initialized and/
or deactivated.
These function are required to reset after
the battery is reconnected.
Fuses
Your vehicle has three types of fuses, as
described below:
Main fuse
The main fuse takes current directly from
the battery.
Primary fuses
These fuses are between the main fuse
and individual fuses, and are for electrical
load groups.
Individual fuses
These fuses are for individual electrical cir-
cuits. To remove a fuse, use the fuse puller
provided in the fuse box.
CAUTION
Do not overfill the battery with dis-
tilled water in order to avoid spillage.
EXAMPLE
NOTICE
• Ensure that battery should not be
removed without cover assembly.
• When the battery is reassembled
into the vehicle, kindly ensure that
battery cover is also installed along
with battery.
EXAMPLE
7-27
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
53MH0-74E
Bulb ReplacementInterior Light
53M-09-046
Pull down the lens by using a flat blade
screwdriver covered with a soft cloth as
shown. To install it, simply push it back in.
The bulb can be removed by simply pulling
it out. When replacing the bulb, make sure
that the contact springs are holding the
bulb securely.
Headlight
53M-09-049
Disconnect the coupler (1). Remove the
sealing rubber (2). Push the retaining
spring (3) forward and unhook it. Then
remove the bulb. Install a new bulb in the
reverse order.
CAUTION
• Light bulbs can be hot enough to
burn your finger right after being
turned off. This is true especially
for halogen headlight bulbs.
Replace the bulbs after they
become cool enough.
• The headlight bulbs are filled with
pressurized halogen gas. They can
burst and injure you if they are hit
or dropped. Handle them carefully.
NOTICE
The oils from your skin may cause a
halogen bulb to overheat and burst
when the lights are on. Grasp a new
bulb with a clean cloth.
NOTICE
Frequent replacement of a bulb indi-
cates the need for an inspection of
the electrical system. This should be
carried out by your MARUTI SUZUKI
dealer.
EXAMPLEEXAMPLE
7-31
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
53MH0-74E
NOTE:
When you install the metal retainers (3),
make sure the direction of metal retainers
as shown in the above illustrations.
5) Install the new blade in the reverse
order of removal, with the locked end
positioned toward the wiper arm.
Make sure the blade is properly
retained by all the hooks. Lock the
blade end into place.
6) Reinstall wiper frame to arm, making
sure that the lock lever is snapped
securely into the arm.Windshield Washer Fluid
Front
53M-09-066
Check that there is washer fluid in the tank.
Refill it if necessary. Use a good quality
windshield washer fluid, diluted with water
as necessary.
Air Conditioning System
If 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.
WA R N I N G
Do not use “anti-freeze” solution in
the windshield washer reservoir. This
can severely impair visibility when
sprayed on the windshield, and also
damage your vehicle’s paint.
NOTICE
Damage may result if the washer
motor is operated with no fluid in the
washer tank.
EXAMPLE
8-1
EMERGENCY SERVICE
53MH0-74E
Tire Changing Tool
53MH0801
74LHT0807
The jack (1) is stowed below the luggage
compartment board as shown in the above
illustration.The jack handle and wheel brace are
stowed in the storage bag.
68KH091
To remove the spare tire, turn its bolt (1)
counterclockwise and remove it.
To remove the jack, remove the spare tire
and turn the jacks shaft counterclockwise
and pull the jack out of the storage bracket.
To stow the jack, place it in the storage
bracket and turn the shaft clockwise until
the jack is securely held in place.
Jacking Instructions
52KM119
1) Place the vehicle on level, hard ground.
2) Set the parking brake firmly and shift
into “R” (Reverse) if your vehicle has a
manual transaxle.
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
WA R N I N G
After using the tire changing tools, be
sure to stow them securely or they
can cause injury if an accident
occurs.
(1)
CAUTION
The jack should be used only to
change wheels. It is important to read
the jacking instructions in this sec-
tion before attempting to use the
jack.
WA R N I N G
• Be sure to shift into “R” (Reverse)
when you jack up the vehicle.
• Never jack up the vehicle with the
transaxle in “N” (Neutral). Other-
wise, unstable jack may cause an
accident.
EXAMPLE
8-4
EMERGENCY SERVICE
53MH0-74E
Changing Wheels
To change a wheel, use the following pro-
cedure:
1) Clear all passengers and luggage from
the vehicle.
NOTE:
Jack and the tools are located below the
luggage compartment board.
2) Remove the jack, tools and spare wheel
from the vehicle.
3) Loosen, but do not remove the wheel
nuts.
4) Jack up the vehicle.
5) Remove the wheel nuts and wheel.
6) Before installing the new wheel, clean
any mud or dirt off from the surface of
the wheel and hub with a clean cloth.
Clean the hub carefully; it may be hot
from driving.
7) Install the new wheel and replace the
wheel nuts with their cone shaped end
facing the wheel. Tighten each nut
snugly by hand until the wheel is
securely seated on the hub.
53M-10-009
Tightening torque for wheel nut
85 Nm (8.5 kg-m, 61.5 lb-ft)
8) Lower the jack and fully tighten the nuts
in a crisscross fashion with a wrench as
shown in the illustration.
Full Wheel Cover (if equipped)
53M-10-010
Insert a piece of cloth between the spokes
of the wheel cover and try to pull the cover
outward (as shown in figure). Take out the
detached wheel cover from the wheel rim.
For installation first match the slot at the
wheel cover with the air filling nozzle of the
wheel. Apply equal pressure at the circum-
ference of the wheel cover to fix it in the
wheel rim.
54G117
When installing the cover, make sure that it
is positioned so that it does not cover or
foul the air valve.
WA R N I N G
Use genuine wheel nuts and tighten
them to the specified torque as soon
as possible after changing wheels.
Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly
tightened wheel nuts may come
loose or fall off, which can result in
an accident. If you do not have a
torque wrench, have the wheel nut
torque checked by an authorized
SUZUKI dealer.
EXAMPLEEXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
8-6
EMERGENCY SERVICE
53MH0-74E
Towing
If you need to have your vehicle towed,
contact a professional service. Your dealer
can provide you with detailed towing
instructions.
2-Wheel Drive (2WD) Manual Transaxle
or Automated Manual Transaxle
Manual transaxle vehicles or Automated
Manual Transaxle may be towed using
either of the following methods.
1) From the front, with the front wheels
lifted and the rear wheels on the
ground. Before towing, make sure that
the parking brake is released.
2) From the rear, with the rear wheels
lifted and the front wheels on the
ground, provided the steering and
drivetrain are in operational condition.
Before towing, make sure that transaxle
is in neutral, the steering wheel is
unlocked (the ignition key should be in
the “ACC” position), and the steering
wheel is secured with a clamping
device designed for towing service.
If the Starter Does Not
Operate
1) Try turning the ignition switch to the
“START” position with the headlights
turned on to determine the battery con-
dition. If the headlights go excessively
dim or go off, it usually means that
either the battery is flat or the battery
terminal contact is poor. Recharge the
battery or correct battery terminal con-
tact as necessary.
2) If the headlights remain bright, check
the fuses. If the reason for failure of the
starter is not obvious, there may be a
major electrical problem. Have the vehi-
cle inspected by your authorized MAR-
UTI SUZUKI dealer.
If the Engine is Flooded
If the engine is flooded with gasoline, it
may be hard to start. If this happens, press
the accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and hold it there while cranking the
engine. (Do not operate the starter motor
for more than 15 seconds).
NOTICE
To help avoid damage to your vehicle
during towing, proper equipment and
towing procedures must be used.
NOTICE
After shifting the auto gear shift gear-
shift lever to the “N” position, always
check the gear position indicator in
the instrument cluster shows the “N”
position to make sure that the
transaxle is disengaged.
If the transaxle cannot be put in neu-
tral, turn the key from the “OFF” to
the “ON” position, and move the auto
gear shift gearshift lever from “N” to
“D”, “M” or “R”, then back to “N”
again. Then turn the key from the
“ON” to the “OFF” position.
These procedures may help put the
transaxle in neutral. If the transaxle
still cannot be put in neutral, you can-
not tow the vehicle without using a
towing dolly.
NOTICE
The steering column is not strong
enough to withstand shocks trans-
mitted from the front wheels during
towing. Always unlock the steering
wheel before towing.