3-1
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
53MH0-74E
Exhaust Gas Warning
52D334
Daily Inspection Checklist
Before Driving
60A187S
1) Make sure that windows, mirrors, lights,
and reflectors are clean and unob-
structed.
2) Visually check the tires for the following
points:
– the depth of the tread groove
– abnormal wear, cracks and damage
– loose wheel nuts
– existence of foreign material such as
nails, stones, etc.
Refer to “Tires” in “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section for details.
3) Look for fluid and oil leaks.
NOTE:
It is normal for water to drip from the air
conditioning system during use.WA R N I N G
Avoid breathing exhaust gases.
Exhaust gases contain carbon mon-
oxide, a potentially lethal gas that is
colorless and odorless. Since carbon
monoxide is difficult to detect by
itself, be sure to take the following
precautions to help prevent carbon
monoxide from entering your vehicle.
• Do not leave the engine running in
garages or other confined areas.
(Continued)
EXAMPLE
WA R N I N G
(Continued)
• Do not park with the engine run-
ning for a long period of time, even
in an open area. If it is necessary to
sit for a short time in a parked vehi-
cle with the engine running, make
sure the air intake selector is set to
“FRESH AIR” and the fan is at high
speed.
• Avoid operating the vehicle with
the tailgate or trunk open. If it is
necessary to operate the vehicle
with the tailgate or trunk open,
make sure all windows are closed,
and the blower is at high speed
with the air intake selector set to
“FRESH AIR”.
• To allow proper operation of your
vehicle’s ventilation system, keep
the air inlet grille in front of the
windshield clear of snow, leaves, or
other obstructions at all times.
• Keep the exhaust tailpipe area clear
of snow and other material to help
reduce the buildup of exhaust
gases under the vehicle. This is
particularly important when parked
in blizzard conditions.
• Have the exhaust system inspected
periodically for damage and leaks.
Any damage or leaks should be
repaired immediately.
EXAMPLE
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
5
53MH0-74E
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
Manual Heating and Air Conditioning System
(if equipped) ......................................................................... 5-1
Fuel Filler Cap ..................................................................... 5-6
Engine Hood ........................................................................ 5-7
Sun Visor ............................................................................. 5-8
Interior Light Switch ........................................................... 5-8
Accessory Socket (if equipped) ......................................... 5-9
Assist Grips (if equipped) .................................................. 5-9
Glove Box ............................................................................ 5-10
Cup Holder and Storage Area ............................................ 5-10
Floor Mats ............................................................................ 5-10
Shopping Hook (if equipped) ............................................. 5-11
Luggage Compartment Cover (if equipped) ..................... 5-11
Frame Hooks ....................................................................... 5-12
Front Speaker Provision ..................................................... 5-12
Audio System (if equipped) ................................................ 5-13
5-1
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
53MH0-74E
Manual Heating and Air Conditioning System (if equipped)
53MM05002
(1) Windshield defroster outlet
(2) Side defroster outlet
(3) Side outlet
(4) Center outlet
(5) Front floor outlet
(3)
(5)
(5)
(2)(2)
(1)
(1)
(3)(4)
EXAMPLE
Side outlet
ALTO 800
53MM05001
ALTO K10
53M-07-003
When “Open”, air comes out regardless of
the air flow selector position.
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
5-4
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
53MH0-74E
Fresh Air (f)
When this mode is selected by moving the
lever to right, outside air is used.
Recirculated Air (g)
When this mode is selected by moving the
lever to left, outside air is shut out and
inside air is recirculated. This mode is suit-
able when driving through dusty or polluted
air such as in a tunnel, or when attempting
to quickly cool down the interior.
NOTE:
If you select RECIRCULATED AIR for an
extended period of time, the air in the vehi-
cle can become contaminated. Therefore,
you should occasionally select FRESH
AIR.
Air conditioning switch (5) (if equipped)
To turn on the air conditioning system, set
the blower speed selector to a position
other than “OFF” and push in the “A/C”
switch. With this “A/C” switch operation, a
indicator light will come on when the air
conditioning system is on. To turn off the
air conditioning system, push “A/C” switch
again.
During operation of the air conditioner, you
may notice slight changes in engine
speed. These changes are normal, the
system is designed so that the compressor
turns on or off to maintain the desired tem-
perature.Less operation of the compressor results
in better fuel economy.
System Operating Instructions
Natural ventilation
Select VENTILATION and FRESH AIR, the
temperature selector to the desired tem-
perature position, and the blower speed
selector to off. Fresh air will flow through
the vehicle during driving.
Forced ventilation
The control settings are the same as for
natural ventilation except you set the
blower speed selector to a position other
than off.
Normal heating (using outside air)
Select HEAT and FRESH AIR, the tem-
perature selector to the desired tempera-
ture position and the blower speed selector
to the desired blower speed position. Set-
ting the blower speed selector to a higher
blower speed position increases heating
efficiency.
Quick heating (using recirculated air)
The control settings are the same as for
normal heating except you select RECIR-
CULATED AIR. If you use this heating
method for an extended period of time, the
air in the vehicle can become contami-
nated and the windows can become misty.
Therefore, use this method only for quick
heating and change to the normal heating
method as soon as possible.Head cooled/Feet warmed heating
Select BI-LEVEL and FRESH AIR, the
temperature selector to the desired tem-
perature position, and the blower speed
selector to the desired blower speed posi-
tion. Unless the temperature selector is in
the fully cold position or fully hot position,
the air that comes out of the center and
side outlets will be cooler than the air that
comes out of the floor outlets.
Normal cooling
Set the air flow selector to VENTILATION,
the temperature selector to the desired
temperature position and the blower speed
selector to the desired blower speed posi-
tion, and turn on the “A/C” switch. Setting
the blower speed selector to a higher
blower speed position increases cooling
efficiency.
You can switch the air intake selector to
either FRESH AIR or RECIRCULATED
AIR as you desire. Choosing RECIRCU-
LATED AIR increases cooling efficiency.
Quick cooling (using recirculated air)
The control settings are the same as for
normal cooling except you select RECIR-
CULATED AIR and the highest blower
speed.
NOTE:
• To turn on the air conditioning system,
push in the “A/C” switch and set the
blower speed selector to a position other
than OFF. With this “A/C” switch opera-
5-5
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
53MH0-74E
tion, an indicator light will come on when
the air conditioning system is on. To turn
off the air conditioning system, push the
“A/C” switch again.
• During operation of the air conditioner,
you may notice slight changes in engine
speed. These changes are normal, the
system is designed so that the compres-
sor turns on or off to maintain the
desired temperature. Less operation of
the compressor results in better fuel
economy.
NOTE:
• If you select RECIRCULATED AIR for an
extended period of time, the air in the
vehicle can become contaminated.
Therefore, you should occasionally
select FRESH AIR.
• If your vehicle has been left in the sun
with the windows closed, it will cool
faster if you open the windows briefly
while you operate the air conditioner with
the air intake selector at FRESH AIR and
the blower at high speed.
Dehumidifying
Set the air flow selector to a desired air
flow selector position, the temperature
selector to the desired temperature posi-
tion and the blower speed selector to the
desired blower speed position. Also select
FRESH AIR and turn on the “A/C” switch.NOTE:
Because the air conditioner dehumidifies
the air, turning it on will help keep the win-
dows clear, even when blowing heated air
using the DEFROST or HEAT &
DEFROST functions.
53MH0511
NOTE:
If you need maximum defrosting:
• set the air flow selector to DEFROST,
• set the blower speed selector to high,
• adjust the temperature selector to the
hot end, and
• adjust the side outlets so the air blows
on the side windows.
Maintenance
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.
NOTE:
Your vehicle uses the air conditioning
refrigerant HFC-134a, commonly called
“R-134a”. R-134a replaced R-12 around
1993 for automotive applications. Other
refrigerants are available, including recy-
cled R-12, but only R-134a should be used
in your vehicle.
EXAMPLE
NOTICE
Using the wrong refrigerant may
damage your air conditioning sys-
tem. Use R-134a only. Do not mix or
replace the R-134a with other refrig-
erants.
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
7-10
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
53MH0-74E
Drive Belt
Make sure the drive belt tension is correct.
If the belt is too loose, insufficient battery
charging, engine overheating, poor power
steering, poor air conditioning, or exces-
sive belt wear can result. When you press
the belt with your thumb midway between
the pulleys, there should be a deflection
according to the following chart.
The belts should also be examined to
ensure that they are not damaged.
If you need to replace or adjust the belt
have it done by your MARUTI SUZUKI
dealer.F8D
51KM036
K10B
53M-09-003
Engine Oil and Filter
Specified Oil (ALTO 800)
53M-09-004
(1) Preferred
Be sure that the engine oil you use comes
under the quality classification of SG+, SL,
SM and SN. Select the appropriate oil vis-
cosity according to the above chart.
SAE 5W-30 (1) is the best choice for good
fuel economy, and good starting in cold
weather.
Specified Oil
(ALTO K10)
53M-09-005
(1) Preferred
Be sure that the engine oil you use comes
under the quality classification of SL, SM
and SN. Select the appropriate oil viscosity
according to the above chart.
WA R N I N G
When the engine is running, keep
hands, hair, clothing, tools, etc. away
from the moving fan and drive belts.
: 100 N (10 kg, 22 lbs) press
GE: Generator
DEF: Deflection
AC: Air conditioner compressorDEF: 6 – 7 mm
(0.24 – 0.28 in.)
GE
AC
DEF: 7 – 8 mm
(0.28 – 0.31 in.)
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
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