2013 SUZUKI ALTO drive

2-31
BEFORE DRIVING
53MH0-74E
If the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled when
the ignition switch is turned to the “ON”
position, this light will blink until the driver’s
seat belt is buckled.
For details about the seat belt reminder,
refer to “Seat Belts and Child Restraint
Systems” in this section.
“AIR BAG” Light (if equipped)
53M-04-074
This light blinks or comes on for several
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the “ON” position so you can check if the
light is working.
The light will come on and stay on if there
is a problem in the air bag system.
Malfunction Indicator Light
53M-04-075
Your vehicle has a computer-controlled
emission control system. A malfunction
indicator light is provided on the instrument
panel to indicate when it is necessary to
have the emission control system serviced.
The malfunction indicator light comes on
when the ignition switch is turned to “ON”
position to let you know the light is working
and goes out when the engine is started.
If the malfunction indicator light comes on
when the engine is running, there is a
damage with the emission control system.
Bring the vehicle to your MARUTI SUZUKI
dealer to have the damage fixed.
Also, if the light comes on, there may be
something wrong with the transaxle sys-
tem. Have the system inspected by MAR-
UTI SUZUKI authorized dealer.Transaxle Warning Light
(if equipped)
53M-04-076
This light comes on briefly when the igni-
tion switch is turned to the “ON” position or
the engine switch is pressed to change the
ignition mode to “ON” so you can check the
light is working.
If this light comes on when the engine is
running, there is the problem with the auto-
matic transaxle system. Ask your MARUTI
SUZUKI dealer to have the system
inspected.
NOTE:
If the automated manual transaxle system
temperature becomes too high, this light
will blink. Stop the vehicle in a safe place
and let the system cool down.
WA R N I N G
If the “AIR BAG” light does not blink
or come on briefly when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position,
stays on for more than 10 seconds,
or comes on while driving, the air bag
system may not work properly. Have
both systems inspected by an
MARUT SUZUKI authorized dealer.
NOTICE
Continuing to drive the vehicle when
the malfunction indicator light is on
can cause permanent damage to the
vehicle’s emission control system,
and can affect fuel economy and
driveability.

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BEFORE DRIVING
53MH0-74E
Electric Power Steering Light
(if equipped)
53M-04-077
This light comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position, and
goes out when the engine is started.
If this light comes on while driving, the
power steering system may not work prop-
erly. Have the system inspected by your
MARUTI SUZUKI dealer.
NOTE:
If the power steering system does not work
properly, you will feel heavier to steer but
you still will be able to steer.
Oil Pressure Light
53M-04-078
This light comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position, and
goes out when the engine is started. Thelight will come on and remain on if there is
insufficient oil pressure. If the light comes
on when driving, pull off the road as soon
as you can and stop the engine.
Check the oil level and add oil if necessary.
If there is enough oil, the lubrication sys-
tem should be inspected by your MARUTI
SUZUKI dealer before you drive the vehi-
cle again.
Charging Light
53M-04-079
This light comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position, and
goes out when the engine is started. The
light will come on and remain on if there is
something wrong with the battery charging
system. If the light comes on when the
engine is running, the charging system
should be inspected immediately by your
MARUTI SUZUKI dealer.
High Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
53M-04-080
When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position, this light comes on briefly so
you can check that the light is working. If
this light blinks while driving, it means the
engine is running hot. Avoid driving condi-
tions that may lead to actual overheating. If
NOTICE
• If you operate the engine with this
light on, severe engine damage can
result.
• Do not rely on the Oil Pressure
Light to indicate the need to add
oil. Be sure to periodically check
the engine oil level.

2-33
BEFORE DRIVING
53MH0-74E
the light stays on without blinking, then the
engine is overheating. Follow the instruc-
tions in the “If the Engine Overheats” of
“EMERGENCY SERVICE” section.
Immobilizer System Light
53M-04-081
This light comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position, and
goes out when the engine is started. If this
light blinks with the ignition switch turned to
“ON”, there may be something wrong with
the immobilizer system. Ask your MARUTI
SUZUKI dealer to have the system
inspected.
Door Lock Canceller Indicator Light
(if equipped)
53M-04-082
This indicator light will come on and keep
blinking continuously if there is some prob-
lem with door lock canceller system. Have
the vehicle inspected by MARUTI SUZUKI
authorized dealer.
NOTE:
In case door lock wiring and/or motor
are
damaged, Door Lock Canceller Indicator
Light will not blink.
Gear Shift Indicator (if equipped)Manual Transaxle
53M-04-083
This indicator informs about upshifting or
downshifting the gear while the vehicle is
running.There are three indications:
Upshift Indicator
This symbol indicates that lower gear posi-
tion is selected for vehicle’s current speed
and / or engine revolution. Changing to
higher gear position is recommended.
Stay Indicator
This symbol indicates that current gear
position is optimal for vehicle’s current
speed and / or engine revolution. No gear
shifting is required.
NOTE:
While driving in optimal gear position, the
upshift/downshift indicator does not
appear.
Downshift Indicator
This symbol indicates that higher gear
position is selected for the vehicle’s current
speed and / or engine revolution. Changing
to lower gear position is recommended.
NOTICE
Continuing to drive the vehicle when
engine overheating is indicated can
result in severe engine damage.

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BEFORE DRIVING
53MH0-74E
With tachometer
53M-04-099
Clock (1) (if equipped)
The clock is shown when the ignition
switch is in the “ON” position.
To set the clock, follow the instructions
below.
Hold in the indication selector and meter
illumination control knob (3) for more
than 2 seconds. Push the indication
selector and meter illumination control
knob (3) to advance the minute display
while the minute display is flashing.
Release the indication selector and
meter illumination control knob (3) for 5
seconds to set the minute display.
The hour display flash after the minute
display is set. Push the indication selec-tor and meter illumination control knob
(3) to advance the hour display. Release
the indication selector and meter illumi-
nation control knob (3) for 5 seconds to
set the hour display.
Odometer/Trip meter (2)
The odometer/trip meter is shown when
the ignition switch is in the “ON” position.
The odometer records the total distance
the vehicle has been driven. The trip meter
can be used to measure the distance trav-
eled on short trips or between fuel stops.
53M-04-100
When the ignition switch is turned to “ON”
with the lighting switch is in the “OFF” posi-
tion, the display shows three types of indi-
cation; odometer (A), trip meter A (B), trip
meter B (C) and clock (D). Push the
“MODE” knob (3) quickly to switch the indi-
cation among the four.
53M-04-101
WA R N I N G
If you attempt to adjust the display
while driving, you could lose control
of the vehicle.
Do not attempt to adjust the display
while driving.
EXAMPLE
NOTICE
Keep track of your odometer reading
and check the maintenance sched-
ule regularly for required services.
Increased wear or damage to certain
parts can result from failure to per-
form required services at the proper
mileage intervals.
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE

2-40
BEFORE DRIVING
53MH0-74E
Headlight Leveling Switch
53M-04-109
Level the headlight beam according to the
load condition of your vehicle by turning
this switch. The chart below shows the
appropriate switch position for different
vehicle-load conditions.
Turn Signal Control Lever
53M-04-110
Turn Signal Operation
With the ignition switch in the “ON” posi-
tion, move the lever up or down to activate
the right or left turn signals.
Normal turn signal
Ty p e 1
53M-04-111
Move the lever all the way upward or down-
ward to signal. When the turn is com-
pleted, the signal will cancel and the lever
will return to its normal position.
Ty p e 2
53M-04-112
Vehicle
Load
ConditionSwitch Position
Alto 800 Alto K10
Petrol CNG Petrol CNG
Driver only0000
Driver + 1
passenger
(in front
seat)0000
Driver + 4
passen-
gers, No
cargo1111
EXAMPLE
Driver + 4
passen-
gers,
Cargo
added2NA3NA
Driver +
Full cargo3NA4NA
WA R N I N G
To avoid possible injury, do not oper-
ate controls by reaching through the
steering wheel.
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE

3-2
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
53MH0-74E
4) Make sure the hood is fully closed and
latched.
5) Check the headlights, turn signal lights,
brake lights and horn for proper opera-
tion.
6) Adjust the seat and head restraint
(if equipped).
7) Check the brake pedal and the parking
brake lever.
8) Adjust the mirrors.
9) Make sure that you and all passengers
have properly fastened your seat belts.
10)Make sure that all warning lights come
on as the key is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion.
11)Check all gauges.
12)Make sure that the BRAKE SYSTEM
WARNING light turns off when the
parking brake is released.
Once a week, or each time you fill your fuel
tank, perform the following under-hood
checks:
1) Engine oil level
2) Coolant level
3) Brake fluid level
4) Windshield washer fluid level
5) Battery solution level
6) Hood latch operation
Pull the hood release handle inside the
vehicle. Make sure that you cannot
open the hood all the way without
releasing the secondary latch. Be sure
to close the hood securely after check-
ing for proper latch operation. See “Alllatches, hinges & locks” of “CHASSIS
AND BODY” in the “Periodic Mainte-
nance Schedule” in the “INSPECTION
AND MAINTENANCE” section for lubri-
cation schedule.
Once a month, or each time you fill your
fuel tank, check the tire pressure using a
tire pressure gauge. Also check the tire
pressure of the spare tire.Engine Oil Consumption
It is normal for the engine to consume
some engine oil during normal vehicle
operation.
The amount of engine oil consumed
depends on the viscosity of the oil, the
quality of the oil and the conditions the
vehicle is driven under.
More oil is consumed during high-speed
driving and when there is frequent acceler-
ation and deceleration. Under high loads,
your engine also will consume more oil.
A new engine also consumes more oil,
since its pistons, piston rings and cylinder
walls have not yet become conditioned.
New engines reach the normal level of oil
consumption only after approximately 5000
km (3000 miles) driving.
Oil consumption:
Max. 1.0 L per 1000 km
When judging the amount of oil consump-
tion, note that the oil may become diluted
and make it difficult to accurately judge the
true oil level.
As an example, if a vehicle is used for
repeated short trips, and consumes a nor-
mal amount of oil, the dipstick may not
show any drop in the oil level at all, even
after 1000 km or more of driving. This is
because the oil is gradually becoming
diluted with fuel or moisture, making it
appear that the oil level has not changed.
WA R N I N G
Make sure the hood is fully closed
and latched before driving. If it is not,
it can fly up unexpectedly during
driving, obstructing your view and
resulting in an accident.

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OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
53MH0-74E
You should also be aware that the diluting
ingredients evaporate out when the vehicle
is subsequently driven at high speeds,
such as on an expressway, making it
appear that oil is excessively consumed
after high-speed driving.Ignition Switch
65D61152KM052
The ignition switch has the following four
positions:
LOCK
This is the normal parking position. It is the
only position in which the key can be
removed.
60G033
WA R N I N G
To avoid possible injury, do not oper-
ate controls by reaching through the
steering wheel.
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
Turn to “LOCK”
Push
EXAMPLE

3-4
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
53MH0-74E
It locks the ignition, and prevents normal
use of the steering wheel after the key is
removed.
To release the steering lock, insert the key
and turn it clockwise to one of the other
positions. If you have trouble turning the
key to unlock the steering, try turning the
steering wheel slightly to the right or left
while turning the key.
ACC
Accessories such as the radio can oper-
ate, but the engine is off.
ON
This is the normal operating position. All
electrical systems are on.
START
This is the position for starting the engine
using the starter motor. The key should be
released from this position as soon as the
engine starts.
Ignition key reminder (if equipped)
A buzzer sounds intermittently to remind
you to remove the ignition key if it is in the
ignition switch when the driver’s door is
opened.
81A297S
WA R N I N G
• Never remove the ignition key
while the vehicle is moving. The
steering wheel will lock and you
will not be able to steer the vehicle.
• Always remove the ignition key
when leaving the vehicle even if
only for a short time. Also do not
leave children alone in a parked
vehicle. Unattended children could
cause accidental movement of the
vehicle or could tamper with power
windows. They also could suffer
from heat stroke in warm or hot
weather. These could result in
severe injury or even death.
EXAMPLENOTICE
• Do not use the starter motor for
more than 15 seconds at a time. If
the engine does not start, wait 15
seconds before trying again. If the
engine does not start after several
attempts, check the fuel and igni-
tion systems or consult your MAR-
UTI SUZUKI dealer.
• Do not leave the ignition switch in
the “ON” position if the engine is
not running as the battery will dis-
charge.