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.
4-1
DRIVING TIPS
53MH0-74E
68PHM4001
Running-in Catalytic Converter
80G106
The purpose of the catalytic converter is to
minimize the amount of harmful pollutants
in your vehicle’s exhaust. Use of leaded
fuel in vehicles equipped with catalytic
converters is prohibited, because lead
deactivates the pollutant-reducing compo-
nents of the catalyst system.
The converter is designed to last the life of
the vehicle under normal usage and when
unleaded fuel is used. No special mainte-
nance is required on the converter. How-
ever, it is very important to keep the engine
properly tuned. Engine misfiring, which
can result from an improperly tuned
engine, may cause overheating of the cat-
alyst. This may result in permanent heat
damage to the catalyst and other vehicle
components.
WA R N I N G
• WEAR YOUR SEAT BELTS AT ALL
TIMES. Even though air bags may
be equipped at the front seating
positions, the driver and all pas-
sengers should be properly
restrained at all times, using the
seat belts provided. Refer to the
“Seat Belts and Child Restraint
Systems” section for instructions
on proper use of the seat belts.
• Never drive while under the influ-
ence of alcohol or other drugs.
Alcohol and drugs can seriously
impair your ability to drive safely,
greatly increasing the risk of injury
to yourself and others. You should
also avoid driving when you are
tired, sick, irritated, or under
stress.
NOTICE
The future performance and reliabil-
ity of the engine depends on the care
and restraint exercised during its
early life. It is especially important to
observe the following precautions
during the initial 960 km of vehicle
operation.
• After starting, do not race the
engine. Warm it up gradually.
• Avoid prolonged vehicle operation
at a constant speed. Moving parts
will break in better if you vary your
speed.
• Start off from a stop slowly. Avoid
full throttle starts.
• Avoid hard braking, especially
during the first 320 km of driving.
• Do not drive slowly with the
transaxle in a high gear.
• Drive the vehicle at moderate
engine speeds.
• Do not tow a trailer.
EXAMPLE
4-5
DRIVING TIPS
53MH0-74E
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
If your vehicle gets stuck in snow, mud, or
sand, follow the directions below:
1) Shift the transaxle back and forth
between a forward range (or first gear
for manual transaxle) and reverse. This
will create a rocking motion which may
give you enough momentum to free the
vehicle. Press gently on the accelerator
to keep wheel spinning to a minimum
wheel rpm. Remove your foot from the
accelerator while shifting. Do not race
the engine. Excessive wheel spin will
cause the tires to dig deeper, making it
more difficult to free the vehicle.
2) If your vehicle remains stuck after a few
minutes of rocking, we recommend you
to consult your authorised Maruti
Suzuki workshop or a roadside assis-
tance service. If a towing service is not
available in an emergency, your vehicle
may be temporarily towed by a towing
cable or chain secured to the towing
hook either on the front of the vehicle or
on the rear of the vehicle. Refer to
“Frame Hooks” in the “OTHER CON-
TROLS AND EQUIPMENT” section.
Driving On Wet Roads
WA R N I N G
Do not allow anyone to stand near
the vehicle when you are rocking it,
and do not spin the wheels faster
than an indicated 40 km/h on the
speedometer. Personal injury and/ or
vehicle damage may result from spin-
ning the wheels too fast.
NOTICE
Do not continue rocking the vehicle
for more than a few minutes. Pro-
longed rocking can cause engine
overheating or transaxle damage.
CAUTION
• When driving on wet roads, avoid
driving through large amount of
standing water on the road. Large
amount of water entering the
engine compartment may cause
damage to the engine and or elec-
trical components.
• If stuck in deep water, do not start
till water level drops.
• Water is incompressible substance,
water inside engine is harmful to
the engine.
WA R N I N G
• In addition to following the driving
tips in this section, it is important
to observe the following precau-
tions.
• Make sure your tires are in good
condition and always maintain the
specified tire pressure. Refer to
“Tires” in the “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE”
• Do not use tires other than those
specified by MARUTI SUZUKI.
Never use different sizes or types
of tires on the front and rear
wheels. For information regarding
the specified tires, refer to the Tire
Information Label located on the
driver’s door lock pillar.
• Never use oversized tires or spe-
cial shock absorbers and springs
to raise (jack up) your vehicle. This
will change the handling character-
istics. Oversized tires may also rub
against the vehicle body over
bumps, causing vehicle damage or
tire failure.
•After driving through water, test the
brakes while driving at a slow
speed to see if they have main-
tained their normal effectiveness. If
the brakes are less effective than
normal, dry them by repeatedly
applying the brakes while driving
slowly until the brakes have
regained their normal effective-
ness
.
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
7-12
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
53MH0-74E
ALTO K10
53M-09-009
Tightening torque for drain plug (1):
35 Nm (3.6 kg-m, 25.8 lb-ft)4) Reinstall the drain plug and new gas-
ket. Tighten the plug with a wrench to
the specified torque.
Replace the Oil Filter
1) Using an oil filter wrench, turn the oil fil-
ter counterclockwise and remove it.
2) Using a clean rag, wipe off the mount-
ing surface on the engine where the
new filter will be seated.
3) Smear a little engine oil around the rub-
ber gasket of the new oil filter.
4) Screw on the new filter by hand until the
filter gasket contacts the mounting sur-
face.
54G092
(1) Loosen
(2) TightenTightening (viewed from filter top)
82JN146
(1) Oil filter
(2) 1 turn
5) Tighten the filter specified turn from the
point of contact with the mounting sur-
face (or to the specified torque) using
an oil filter wrench.
Tightening torque for oil filter
1 turn or 14 Nm (1.4 kg-m, 10.1 lb-ft)
WA R N I N G
New and used oil can be hazardous.
Children and pets may be harmed by
swallowing new or used oil. Keep
new and used oil and used oil filters
away from children and pets.
Continuous contact with used engine
oil may cause skin cancer laboratory
animals.Brief contact with used oil
may irritate skin.
To minimize your exposure to used
oil, wear a long-sleeve shirt and
moistureproof gloves (such as dish-
washing gloves) when changing oil. If
oil contacts your skin, wash thor-
oughly with soap and water.
Launder any clothing or rags if wet
with oil.Recycle or properly dispose
of used oil and filters.
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
NOTICE
To tighten the oil filter properly, it is
important to accurately identify the
position at which the filter gasket
first contacts the mounting surface.
NOTICE
To prevent oil leakage, make sure
that the oil filter is tight, but do not
over-tighten it.
(1)(2)
EXAMPLE