2013 SUZUKI ALTO oil temperature

2-32
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.

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.

7-11
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
53MH0-74E
SAE 0W-20 (1) is the best choice for good
fuel economy, and good starting in cold
weather.
Oil Level Check
68KH066
It is important to keep the engine oil at the
correct level for proper lubrication of your
vehicle’s engine. Check the oil level with
the vehicle on a level surface. The oil level
indication may be inaccurate if the vehicle
is on a slope. The oil level should be
checked either before starting the engine
or at least 5 minutes after stopping the
engine.
Pull out the oil dipstick, wipe oil off with a
clean cloth, insert the dipstick all the way
into the engine, then remove it again. The
oil on the stick should be between the
upper and lower limits shown on the stick.
If the oil level indication is near the lowerlimit, add enough oil to raise the level to the
upper limit.
Refilling
53M-09-007
Remove the oil filler cap and pour oil slowly
through the filler hole to bring the oil level
to the upper limit on the dipstick. Be careful
not to overfill. Too much oil is almost as
bad as too little oil. After refilling, start the
engine and allow it to idle for about a min-
ute. Stop the engine, wait about 5 minutes
and check the oil level again.
Changing Engine Oil and Filter
Drain the engine oil while the engine is still
warm.
1) Remove the oil filler cap.
2) Place a drain pan under the drain plug.
3) Using a wrench, remove the drain plug
and drain out the engine oil.
ALTO 800
53MH0701
Tightening torque for drain plug (1):
49 Nm (4.9 kg-m, 36.0 lb-ft)
EXAMPLE
NOTICE
Failure to check the oil level regularly
could lead to serious engine trouble
due to insufficient oil.
EXAMPLE
CAUTION
The engine oil temperature may be
high enough to burn your fingers
when the drain plug is loosened. Wait
until the drain plug is cool enough to
touch with your bare hands.
(1)EXAMPLE

7-17
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
53MH0-74E
Gear Oil Change
Since special procedures, materials and
tools are required, it is recommended that
you trust this job to your authorized
MARUTI SUZUKI dealer.
Clutch Pedal
Cable control clutch
(For Manual Transaxle Model)
54G274
Clutch pedal play “d”:
10 - 15 mm (0.4 - 0.6 in.)
Measure the clutch pedal play by moving
the clutch pedal with your hand and mea-
suring the distance it moves until you feel
slight resistance. The play in the clutch
pedal should be between the specified val-
ues. If the play is more or less than the
above, or clutch dragging is felt with the
pedal fully depressed, have the clutch
inspected by your MARUTI SUZUKI
dealer.
Fuel Filter
The fuel filter is located on the way of the
fuel hose line under the vehicle body.
53MM07011
(1) Fuel filter
(2) Fuel inlet hose
(3) Fuel outlet hose
Replace the Fuel Filter
Since special procedures are required, we
recommend you take your vehicle to your
MARUTI SUZUKI dealer for fuel filter
replacement.
CAUTION
After driving the vehicle, the
transaxle oil temperature may be
high enough to burn your skin. Wait
until the oil filler plug is cool enough
to touch with your bare hands before
inspecting transaxle oil.
NOTICE
When tightening the plug, apply the
following sealing compound or
equivalent to the plug threads to pre-
vent oil leakage.
Manual transaxle sealant:
MARUTI SUZUKI Bond No. “1216E”
or “1217G”
EXAMPLE
(1)
(3)
(2)
EXAMPLE

8-7
EMERGENCY SERVICE
53MH0-74E
If the Engine Overheats
The engine could overheat temporarily
under severe driving conditions. If the high
engine coolant temperature warning light
comes on as overheating during driving:
1) Turn off the air conditioner, if equipped.
2) Take the vehicle to a safe place and
park.
3) Let the engine run at the normal idle
speed for a few minutes until the high
engine coolant temperature warning
light goes off.
If the high engine coolant temperature
warning light does not go off:
1) Turn off the engine and check that the
water pump belt and pulleys are not
damaged or slipping. If any abnormality
is found, correct it.2) Check the coolant level in the reservoir.
If it is found to be lower than the “LOW”
line, look for leaks at the radiator, water
pump, and radiator and heater hoses. If
you locate any leaks that may have
caused the overheating, do not run the
engine until these problems have been
corrected.
3) If you do not find a leak, carefully add
coolant to the reservoir and then the
radiator, if necessary. (Refer to “Engine
Coolant” in the “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section.)
NOTE:
If your engine overheats and you are
unsure what to do, contact your MARUTI
SUZUKI dealer.
65D614
WA R N I N G
If you see or hear escaping steam,
stop the vehicle in a safe place and
immediately turn off the engine to let
it cool. Do not open the hood when
steam is present. When the steam
can no longer be seen or heard, open
the hood to see if the coolant is still
boiling. If it is, you must wait until it
stops boiling before you proceed.
WA R N I N G
• It is hazardous to remove the radia-
tor cap (or degassing tank cap for a
diesel engine) when the water tem-
perature is high, because scalding
fluid and steam may be blown out
under pressure. The cap should
only be taken off when the coolant
temperature has lowered.
• To help prevent personal injury,
keep hands, tools and clothing
away from the engine cooling fan
and air-conditioner fan (if
equipped). These electric fans can
automatically turn on without warn-
ing.

9-1
APPEARANCE CARE
53MH0-74E
Corrosion Prevention
It is important to take good care of your
vehicle to protect it from corrosion. Listed
below are instructions for how to maintain
your vehicle to prevent corrosion. Please
read and follow these instructions carefully.
Important Information About
Corrosion
Common causes of corrosion
1) Accumulation of road salt, dirt, mois-
ture, or chemicals in hard-to-reach
areas of the vehicle underbody or
frame.
2) Chipping, scratches and any damage to
treated or painted metal surfaces
resulting from minor accidents or abra-
sion by stones and gravel.
Environmental conditions which accel-
erate corrosion
1) Road salt, dust control chemicals, sea
air or industrial pollution will all acceler-
ate the corrosion of metal.
2) High humidity will increase the rate of
corrosion particularly when the tem-
perature range is just above the freez-
ing point.
3) Moisture in certain areas of a vehicle
for an extended period of time may pro-
mote corrosion even though other body
sections may be completely dry.
4) High temperatures will cause an accel-
erated rate of corrosion to parts of thevehicle which are not well ventilated to
permit quick drying.
This information illustrates the necessity of
keeping your vehicle (particularly the
underbody) as clean and dry as possible. It
is equally important to repair any damage
to the paint or protective coatings as soon
as possible.How to Help Prevent Corrosion
Wash your vehicle frequently
The best way to preserve the finish on your
vehicle and to help avoid corrosion is to
keep it clean with frequent washing. Wash
your vehicle at least once during the winter
and once immediately after the winter.
Keep your vehicle, particularly the under-
side, as clean and dry as possible. If you
frequently drive on salted roads, your vehi-
cle should be washed at least once a
month during the winter. If you live near the
ocean, your vehicle should be washed at
least once a month throughout the year.
For washing instructions, refer to the “Vehi-
cle Cleaning” section.
Remove foreign material deposits
Foreign material such as salts, chemicals,
road oil or tar, tree sap, bird droppings and
industrial fall-out may damage the finish of
your vehicle if it is left on painted surfaces.
Remove these types of deposits as quickly
as possible. If these deposits are difficult to
wash off, an additional cleaner may berequired. Be sure that any cleaner you use
is not harmful to painted surfaces and is
specifically intended for your purposes.
Follow the manufacturer’s directions when
using these special cleaners.
Repair finish damage
Carefully examine your vehicle for damage
to the painted surfaces. Should you find
any chips or scratches in the paint, touch
them up immediately to prevent corrosion
from starting. If the chips or scratches have
gone through to the bare metal, have a
qualified body shop make the repair.
Keep passenger and luggage compart-
ments clean
Moisture, dirt or mud can accumulate
under the floor mats and may cause corro-
sion. Occasionally, check under these
mats to ensure that this area is clean and
dry. More frequent checks are necessary if
the vehicle is used off road or in wet
weather.
Certain cargos such as chemicals, fertiliz-
ers, cleaners, salts, etc. are extremely cor-
rosive by nature. These products should
be transported in sealed containers. If a
spill or leak does occur, clean and dry the
area immediately.