2013 SUZUKI ALTO power steering

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.

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.

3-17
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
53MH0-74E
Power-Assisted Brakes
(if equipped)
Your vehicle has power-assisted brakes. If
power assistance is lost due to a stalled
engine or other failures, the system is still
fully operational on reserve power and you
can bring the vehicle to a complete stop by
pressing the brake pedal once and holding
it down. The reserve power is partly used
up when you depress the brake pedal and
reduces each time the pedal is pressed.
Apply smooth and even pressure to the
pedal. Do not pump the pedal.
Brake Assist System (if equipped)
When you slam the brakes on, the brake
assist system judges as an emergency
stop and provides more powerful braking
for a driver who cannot hold down the
brake pedal firmly.
NOTE:
If you quickly and forcefully depress the
brakes, you may hear a clicking sound in
the brake pedal. This is normal and indi-
cates that the brake assist system is acti-
vated properly.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
(if equipped)
ABS will help you avoid skidding by elec-
tronically controlling braking pressure. It
will also help you maintain steering control
when braking on slippery surfaces or when
braking hard.
The ABS works automatically, so you do
not need any special braking technique.
Just push the brake pedal down without
pumping. The ABS will operate whenever itsenses that the wheels are locking up. You
may feel the brake pedal moves a little
while the ABS is operating.
NOTE:
The ABS will not work if vehicle speed is
under about 10 km/h (6mph).
WA R N I N G
If water gets into the brake drums,
brake performance may become poor
and unpredictable.
After driving through water or washing
the underside of the vehicle, test the
brakes while driving at a slow speed
to see if they have maintained 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.
WA R N I N G
Even without reserve power in the
brake system, you can still stop the
vehicle by pressing the brake pedal
harder than normally required. How-
ever, the stopping distance may be
longer.
WA R N I N G
• On some types of loose surfaces
(such as gravel, snow-covered
roads, etc.) the stopping distance
required for an ABS-equipped vehi-
cle may be slightly greater than for
a comparable vehicle with a con-
ventional brake system. With a con-
ventional brake system, skidding
tires are able to “plow” the gravel
or snow layer, shortening the stop-
ping distance. ABS minimizes this
resistance effect. Allow for extra
stopping distance when driving on
loose surfaces.
• On regular paved roads, some driv-
ers may be able to obtain slightly
shorter stopping distances with
conventional brake systems than
with ABS.
(Continued)

4-3
DRIVING TIPS
53MH0-74E
Keep the air cleaner clean
60A183S
If the air cleaner is clogged with dust, there
will be greater intake resistance, resulting
in decreased power output and increased
fuel consumption.
Keep weight to a minimum
Heavier the load, more fuel the vehicle
consumes. Take out any luggage or cargo
when it is not necessary.
Keep tire pressures correct
Underinflation of the tires can waste fuel
due to increased running resistance of the
tires. Keep your tires inflated to the correct
pressure shown on the label on the driver’s
side door or the driver’s door lock pillar.
Highway Driving
When driving at high speeds, pay attention
to the following:
Stopping distance progressively
increases with vehicle speed. Apply the
brakes far enough ahead of the stopping
point to allow for the extra stopping dis-
tance.
On rainy days, hydroplaning can occur.
Hydroplaning is the loss of direct contact
between the road surface and the vehi-
cle’s tires due to a water film forming
between them. Steering or braking the
vehicle while hydroplaning can be very
difficult, and loss of control can occur.
Keep speed down when the road surface
is wet.
At high speeds, the vehicle may be
affected by side winds. Therefore,
reduce speed and be prepared for unex-
pected buffeting, which can occur at the
exits of tunnels, when passing by a cut of
a hill, or when being overtaken by large
vehicles, etc.
Driving on Hills
53M06005
When climbing steep hills, the vehicle
may begin to slow down and show a lack
of power. If this happens, you should
shift to a lower gear so that the engine
will again be operating in its normal
power range. Shift rapidly to prevent the
vehicle from losing momentum.
When driving down a hill, the engine
should be used for braking by shifting
into a lower gear.
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE

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

7-26
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
53MH0-74E
ALTO K10
53M-09-044
53M-09-045
SECONDARY FUSE
(1) 10A IG2 SIG
(2) 15A Wiper
(3) – Blank
(4) – Blank
(5) 30A Blower motor
(6) 10A Stop light
(7) 10A Tail light
(8) 15A Audio
(9) 20A Door lock
(10) – Blank
(11) 15A Accessory
(12) – Blank
(13) 30A Power window
(14) 15A Ignition switch
(15) 10A Turn signal light
(16) 10A Meter
(17) 7.5A Air bag
(18) – Blank
(19) – Blank
(20) – Blank
(21) 30A Power steering
(22) 30A ST SIG
(23) 15A Horn/Hazard
SECONDARY FUSE
(1) 10A IG2 SIG
(2) 15A Wiper
(3) – Blank
(4) 7.5AAutomated Manual Tran-
saxle 2 (if equipped)
(5) 30A Blower motor
(6) 10A Stop light
(7) 10A Tail light
(8) 15A Audio
(9) 20A Door lock
(10) – Blank
(11) 15A Accessory
(12) – Blank
(13) 30A Power window
(14) 15A Ignition switch
(15) 10A Turn signal light
(16) 10A Meter
(17) 7.5A Air bag
(18) 7.5A IG1 SIG
(19) – Blank
(20) – Blank
(21) 30A Power steering
(22) 30A ST SIG
(23) 15A Horn/Hazard
WA R N I N G
Always be sure to replace a blown
fuse with a fuse of the correct amper-
age. Never use a substitute such as
aluminum foil or wire to replace a
blown fuse. If you replace a fuse and
the new one blows in a short period
of time, you may have a major electri-
cal problem. Have your vehicle
inspected immediately by your
MARUTI SUZUKI dealer.
EXAMPLE