2013 SUZUKI ALTO Owners Manual

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

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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.

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OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
53MH0-74E
Parking Brake Lever
60MHM03001
(1) To set
(2) To release
(3) To release
The parking brake lever is located between
the front seats. To set the parking brake,
hold the brake pedal down and pull the
parking brake lever all the way up. To
release the parking brake, hold the brake
pedal down, pull up slightly on the parking
brake lever, push the button on the end of
the lever with your thumb, and lower the
lever to its original position.
(2)
(3) (1)
EXAMPLE
WA R N I N G
• Never drive your vehicle with the
parking brake on: rear brake effec-
tiveness can be reduced from over-
heating, brake life may be
shortened, or permanent brake
damage may result.
• If the parking brake does not hold
the vehicle securely or does not
fully release, have your vehicle
inspected immediately by an autho-
rized MARUTI SUZUKI dealer.
WA R N I N G
Always set the parking brake fully
before leaving your vehicle or it may
move, causing injury or damage.
When parking, make sure the gear-
shift lever is in 1st gear. Remember,
even though the transaxle is in gear,
you must set the parking brake fully.
WA R N I N G
When parking the vehicle in
extremely cold weather, the following
procedure should be used:
1) Set the parking brake.
2) Manual transmission - turn off the
engine, then shift into reverse or
first gear, with ignition key “ON”
position.
Automated manual transaxle -
shift into reverse or first gear and
check the gear position indicator
in the instrument cluster to make
sure that the transaxle is engaged
in 1st or reverse, then turn the
ignition switch “LOCK” position.
3) Get out of the vehicle and put
chocks under the wheels.
4) Release the parking brake.
When you return to your vehicle,
you must remember to first set the
parking brake, then remove the
wheel chocks.

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OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
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Pedal
Manual Transaxle
80J2121
Auto Gear Shift
53M05009
Clutch Pedal (1)
(For manual transaxle)
The clutch pedal is used to disengage the
drive to the wheels when starting the
engine, stopping, or shifting the gearshift
lever. Depressing the pedal disengages
the clutch.
Brake Pedal (2)
Your MARUTI SUZUKI vehicle is equipped
with front disc brakes and rear drum
brakes. Depressing the brake pedal
applies both sets of brakes.
You may hear occasional brake squeal
when you apply the brakes. This is a nor-
mal condition caused by environmental
factors such as cold, wet, snow, etc.
Accelerator Pedal (3)
This pedal controls the speed of the
engine. Depressing the accelerator pedal
increases power output and speed.
(2)(1)
(3)
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
WA R N I N G
Do not drive with your foot resting on
the clutch pedal. It could result in
excessive clutch wear, clutch dam-
age, or unexpected loss of engine
braking.
WA R N I N G
If brake squeal is excessive and
occurs each time the brakes are
applied, you should have the brakes
checked by your MARUTI SUZUKI
dealer.
WA R N I N G
Do not “ride” the brakes by applying
them continuously or resting your
foot on the brake pedal. This will
result in overheating of the brakes
which could cause unpredictable
braking action, longer stopping dis-
tances, or permanent brake damage.

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OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
53MH0-74E
Starting the Engine
Before Starting the Engine
76MH021
1) Make sure the parking brake is set fully.
2) Shift into “N” (Neutral) and depress the
clutch pedal all the way to the floor.
Hold the clutch pedal while starting the
engine.
Automated manual transaxle – Shift
into “N” (Neutral) and depress the brake
pedal. Hold the brake pedal while start-
ing the engine.
Starting a Cold and Warm Engine
With your foot off the accelerator pedal,
crank the engine by turning the ignition key
to “START”. Release the key when the
engine starts.
If the engine does not start after 15 sec-
onds of cranking, wait about 15 seconds,
then press down the accelerator pedal to
1/3 of its travel and try cranking the engine
again. Release the key and accelerator
pedal when the engine starts.
If the engine still does not start, try holding
the accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor while cranking. This should clear the
engine if it is flooded.
Using the Transaxle
Manual Transaxle
53MH0303
Starting off
To start off, depress the clutch pedal all the
way to the floor and shift into 1st gear.
After releasing the parking brake, gradually
release the clutch. When you hear a
change in the engine’s sound, slowly press
the accelerator while continuing to gradu-
ally release the clutch.
Shifting
All forward gears are synchronized, which
provides for quiet and easy shifting. Always
push in the clutch pedal fully before shifting
gears.
WA R N I N G
Make sure that the parking brake is
set fully and the transaxle is in Neu-
tral before attempting to start the
engine.
NOTICE
• Stop turning the starter immedi-
ately after the engine has started or
the starter system may be dam-
aged.
• Do not crank the engine for more
than 15 seconds at a time. If the
engine doesn’t start on the first try,
wait about 15 seconds before try-
ing again.

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OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
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Downshifting maximum allowable
speeds
For F8D engine
For K10B engine
Keep the engine speed so it does nor get
into the red zone of tachometer.Automated Manual Transaxle
Automated manual transaxle is a 5-speed
forward/reverse transaxle. Automated
manual transaxle has the basic features of
conventional manual transaxle, but clutch
operation and transaxle gear shifting are
controlled electronically. The features are
as follows:
76MH0A054
Downshifting km/h (mph)
2nd to 1st 35 (22)
3rd to 2nd 65 (40)
4th to 3rd 100 (62)
5th to 4th OK at all
Downshifting km/h (mph)
2nd to 1st 35 (22)
3rd to 2nd 80 (50)
4th to 3rd 120 (75)
5th to 4th OK at all
NOTICE
When downshifting to a lower gear,
make sure not to downshift at a
speed faster than the maximum
allowable speeds, or severe engine
damage may result.
WA R N I N G
• Reduce your speed and downshift
to a lower gear before going down
a long or steep hill. A lower gear
will allow the engine to provide
braking. Avoid riding the brakes or
they may overheat, resulting in
brake failure.
• When driving on slippery roads, be
sure to slow down before down-
shifting. Excessive and or sudden
changes in engine speed may
cause loss of traction, which could
cause you to lose control.
NOTICE
Make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stationary before you shift
into reverse.
NOTICE
• To help avoid clutch damage, do
not use the clutch pedal as a foot-
rest while driving or use the clutch
to keep the vehicle stationary on a
slope. Depress the clutch fully
when shifting.
• When shifting or starting off, do not
race the engine. Racing the engine
can shorten engine life and affect
smooth shifting.
R
N
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OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
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76MH0A055
Depress brake pedal indicator
(if equipped)
76MH0A047
This light will come on if you do not
depress the brake pedal in the following
situations.
When starting the engine.
When the engine is on and the gearshift
lever is shifted from “N” position to “D”,
“M” or “R” position.
When the ignition switch is in the “ON”
position and the engine is off, the gear-
shift lever is shifted into any position.Starting the engine
When starting the engine, always place the
gearshift lever in the “N” position and
depress the brake pedal firmly. The engine
cannot be started unless the gearshift
lever is in the “N” position and the brake
pedal is depressed.
76MH0A056
Clutch operation
You can select either the Drive (D) mode or
the Manual (M) mode. Since this vehicle
controls clutch operation electronically in
either mode, you do not need to operate
the clutch.
Creeping function
This vehicle has a creeping function that
helps the vehicle to start smoothly by
engaging the clutch. When the gearshift
lever is in any of the positions “D”, “M” or
“R”, and you release your foot from the
brake pedal, the vehicle starts slowly with-
out depressing the accelerator pedal. The
creeping function is disabled if you depress
the brake pedal or pull up the parking
brake lever.NOTE:
If the driver’s door is opened and/or the
parking brake lever is engaged with the
gear in the “M”, “D” or “R” position, the
creeping function will not operate.
Parking and Stopping the vehicle
Automated manual transaxle does not
have a parking position. The vehicle can
be parked with the gearshift lever in any
position. When stopping the vehicle, the
gear will be shifted to 1st.
Drive (D) mode
When the Drive (D) mode is activated, the
most appropriate gear position is automati-
cally selected upon operation of the accel-
erator pedal and variation of vehicle speed.
Normal driving:
1) Start the engine as instructed in “Start-
ing the engine” in this section.
2) With your foot on the brake pedal, shift
the gearshift lever to the “D” position.
When the gearshift lever is shifted to
the “D” position, the gear will be shifted
to 1st.
R
N
D -
M
+
R
N
D -
M
+
EXAMPLE
NOTICE
A buzzer will sound continuously if
the vehicle is operated with the gear-
shift lever in-between of each shift
positions. The vehicle will become
inoperative if you continue to operate
the vehicle with the gearshift lever in
between shift positions.