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BEFORE DRIVING
60MK0-14E
Front Fog Light Switch
(if equipped)
64J058
The front fog light comes on when the fog
light switch is pushed in with the position
lights, tail lights and/or the headlights are
on. An indicator light above the switch will
be lit when the front fog light is on.
NOTE:
In some countries the lighting operation
may be different from the above descrip-
tion according to local regulations.
Turn Signal Control Lever
65D611
Turn Signal OperationWith the ignition switch in the “ON” posi-
tion, move the lever up or down to activate
the right or left turn signals.
Normal turn signal
60MK013
Move the lever all the way upward or down-
ward to signal. When the turn is com-
pleted, the signal will cancel and the lever
will return to its normal position.
WARNING
To avoid possible injury, do not oper-
ate controls by reaching through the
steering wheel.
EXAMPLE
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 2-53BEFORE DRIVING
60MK0-14E
Lane change signal
60MK014
Sometimes, such as when changing lanes,
the steering wheel is not turned far enough
to cancel the turn signal. For convenience,
you can flash the turn signal by moving the
lever part way and holding it there. The
lever will return to its normal position when
you release it.
NOTE:
The turn signal and its indicator flash three
times even if you return the lever immedi-
ately after moving it.
Hazard Warning Switch
74LHT0229
Push in the hazard warning switch to acti-
vate the hazard warning lights. All turn sig-
nal lights and both turn signal indicators
will flash simultaneously. To turn off the
lights, push the switch again.
Use the hazard warning lights to warn
other traffic during emergency parking or
when your vehicle could otherwise become
a traffic hazard.
Windshield Wiper and Washer
Lever
57L21128
EXAMPLE
WARNING
To avoid possible injury, do not oper-
ate controls by reaching through the
steering wheel.
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BEFORE DRIVING
60MK0-14E
Wiper and Washer Operation
When the ignition switch is in the “ON”
position, you can use the wiper/washer
lever or switch (if equipped).Windshield Wipers
74LHT0230
To turn the windshield wipers on, move the
lever down to one of the three operating
positions. In the “INT” position, the wipers
operate intermittently. The “INT” position is
very convenient for driving in mist or light
rain. In the “LO” position, the wipers oper-
ate at a steady low speed. In the “HI” posi-
tion, the wipers operate at a steady high
speed. To turn off the wipers, move the
lever back to the “OFF” position.
Move the lever up and hold it to the “MIST”
position, the windshield wipers will turn on
continuously at low speed.
Windshield Washer
74LHT0231
To spray windshield washer fluid, pull the
lever toward you. The windshield wipers
will automatically turn on at low speed if
they are not already on and the “INT” posi-
tion is equipped.
EXAMPLE
WARNING
To prevent windshield icing in cold
weather, turn on the defroster to
heat the windshield before and dur-
ing windshield washer use.
Do not use radiator antifreeze in
the windshield washer reservoir. It
can severely impair visibility when
sprayed on the windshield, and can
also damage your vehicle’s paint.
EXAMPLE
NOTICE
To help prevent damage to the wind-
shield wiper and washer system
components, you should take the fol-
lowing precautions:
Do not continue to hold in the lever
when there is no windshield
washer fluid being sprayed or the
washer motor can be damaged.
Do not attempt to remove dirt from
a dry windshield with the wipers or
you can damage the windshield
and the wiper blades. Always wet
the windshield with washer fluid
before operating the wipers.
Clear ice or packed snow from the
wiper blades before using the wip-
ers.
Check the washer fluid level regu-
larly. Check it often when the
weather is bad.
Only fill the washer fluid reservoir
3/4 full during cold weather to allow
room for expansion if the tempera-
ture falls low enough to freeze the
solution.
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 3-1OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
60MK0-14E
Exhaust Gas Warning
52D334
Daily Inspection ChecklistBefore 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 after use.
WARNING
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)
WARNING
(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 blower 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 the sunroof (if equipped)
and 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.
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OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
60MK0-14E
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) Battery solution level
5) Windshield washer fluid 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 theitem “All latches, hinges and locks” of
“CHASSIS AND BODY” in the “Periodic
Maintenance Schedule” in the
“INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE”
section for lubrication 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 ConsumptionIt 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
(1 Qt. per 600 miles)
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 (600 miles) or more of driv-
ing. This is because the oil is gradually
becoming diluted with fuel or moisture,
WARNING
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
60MK0-14E
60G033
Manual transaxle vehicles
You must push in the key to turn it to the
“LOCK” position. It locks the ignition, and
prevents normal use of the steering wheel
after the key is removed.
Automatic transaxle vehicles
The gearshift lever must be in the “P”
(Park) position to turn the key to the
“LOCK” position. It locks the ignition and
prevents normal use of the steering wheel
and gearshift lever.
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
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
Turn to “LOCK”
Push
WARNING
Never return the ignition switch to
the “LOCK” position and remove
the ignition key while the vehicle is
moving. The steering wheel will
lock and you will not be able to
steer the vehicle.
(Continued)
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 3-5OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
60MK0-14E
Parking Brake Lever
54G039
(1) To set
(2) To release
(3) To release
The parking brake lever is located between
the 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 origi-
nal position.
WARNING
(Continued)
Always return the ignition switch to
the “LOCK” position and 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 chil-
dren could cause accidental move-
ment of the vehicle or could tamper
with power windows or power sun-
roof. They also could suffer from
heat stroke in warm or hot weather.
These could result in severe injury
or even death.
NOTICE
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
SUZUKI dealer.
Do not leave the ignition switch in
the “ON” position if the engine is
not running as the battery will dis-
charge.
NOTICE
If you stop the engine while the vehi-
cle is in motion, the automatic tran-
saxle may be damaged. Avoid
stopping the engine while driving.
(2)
(3)(1)
EXAMPLE
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OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
60MK0-14E
For automatic transaxle vehicles, always
set the parking brake before moving the
gearshift lever to the “P” (PARK) position. If
you park on an incline and shift into “P”
before setting the parking brake, the
weight of the vehicle may make it difficult to
shift out of “P” when you are ready to drive
the vehicle.
When preparing to drive the vehicle, move
the gearshift lever out of the “P” position
before releasing the parking brake.Parking Brake Reminder Buzzer
A buzzer sounds intermittently to remind
you to release the parking brake if you
start the vehicle without releasing the park-
ing brake. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the brake sys-
tem warning light turns off.
WARNING
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 SUZUKI dealer.
WARNING
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 for manual transaxle vehi-
cles is in 1st gear or “R” (Reverse)
and the gearshift lever for automatic
transaxle vehicles is in “P” (Park).
Remember, even though the tran-
saxle is in gear, you must set the
parking brake fully.
WARNING
When parking the vehicle in
extremely cold weather, the following
procedure should be used:
1) Set the parking brake.
2) Manual transaxle - turn off the
engine, then shift into reverse or
first gear.
Automatic transaxle - shift into
“P” (Park) and turn off the engine.
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.