
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 3-7OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
60MK0-14E
PedalManual transaxle
80J2121
Automatic transaxle
80J2122
Clutch Pedal (1)
(for manual transaxle)The clutch pedal is used to disengage the
drive to the wheels when starting the
engine, stopping, or shifting the gearshift
lever. Depressing the pedal disengages
the clutch.
Brake Pedal (2)Your SUZUKI vehicle is equipped with front
disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Depressing the brake pedal applies both
sets of brakes.
You may hear occasional brake squeal
when you apply the brakes. This is a nor-
mal condition caused by environmental
factors such as cold, wet, snow, etc.Accelerator Pedal (3)This pedal controls the speed of the
engine. Depressing the accelerator pedal
increases power output and speed.
(2)
(1)
(3)EXAMPLE
(3)
(2)
EXAMPLE
WARNING
Do not drive with your foot resting on
the clutch pedal. It could result in
excessive clutch wear, clutch dam-
age, or unexpected loss of engine
braking.
WARNING
If brake squeal is excessive and
occurs each time the brakes are
applied, you should have the brakes
checked by your SUZUKI dealer.
WARNING
Do not “ride” the brakes by applying
them continuously or resting your
foot on the pedal. This will result in
overheating of the brakes which
could cause unpredictable braking
action, longer stopping distances, or
permanent brake damage.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 3-8
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
60MK0-14E
Starting the EngineBefore Starting the Engine
58MS20304
1) Make sure the parking brake is set fully.
2) Manual transaxle – Shift into “N” (Neu-
tral) and depress the clutch pedal all
the way to the floor. Hold the clutch
pedal while starting the engine.
Automatic transaxle – If the gearshift
lever is not in “P” (Park) position, shift
into “P” (Park). (If you need to re-start
the engine while the vehicle is moving,
shift into “N”.)
NOTE:
Automatic transaxle vehicles have a starter
interlock device which is designed to keep
the starter from operating if the transaxle is
in any of the drive positions.
Starting a Cold and Warm Engine With your foot off the accelerator pedal,
crank the engine by turning the ignition key
to “START”. Release the key when the
engine starts.
If the engine does not start after 15 sec-
onds of cranking, wait about 15 seconds,
then press down the accelerator pedal to
1/3 of its travel and try cranking the engine
again. Release the key and accelerator
pedal when the engine starts.
If the engine still does not start, try holding
the accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor while cranking. This should clear the
engine if it is flooded.
WARNING
Make sure that the parking brake is
set fully and the transaxle is in Neu-
tral (or Park for vehicles with an auto-
matic transaxle) before attempting to
start the engine.
NOTICE
Stop turning the starter immedi-
ately after the engine has started or
the starter system can be dam-
aged.
Do not crank the engine for more
than 15 seconds at a time. If the
engine doesn’t start on the first try,
wait about 15 seconds before try-
ing again.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 3-9OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
60MK0-14E
Using the TransaxleManual Transaxle
68LM324
Starting off
To start off, depress the clutch pedal all the
way to the floor and shift into 1st gear.
After releasing the parking brake, gradually
release the clutch. When you hear a
change in the engine’s sound, slowly press
the accelerator while continuing to gradu-
ally release the clutch.
Shifting
All forward gears are synchronized, which
provides for quiet and easy shifting. Always
depress the clutch pedal all the way to the
floor before shifting gears. Keep the engine
speed does not rise into the red zone of
the tachometer.
Downshifting maximum allowable
speeds*NOTE:
You may not accelerate to the maximum
allowable speed because of the driving sit-
uation and/or the vehicle condition.
EXAMPLE
Downshifting km/h (mph)
2nd to 1st 35 (22)
3rd to 2nd 70 (43)
4th to 3rd 105 (65)
5th to 4th 140 (87)*
NOTICE
When downshifting to a lower gear,
make sure not to downshift at the
speed faster than the maximum
allowable speeds, or severe engine
damage can result.
WARNING
Reduce your speed and downshift
to a lower gear before going down
a long or steep hill. A lower gear
will allow the engine to provide
braking. Avoid riding the brakes or
they may overheat, resulting in
brake failure.
When driving on slippery roads, be
sure to slow down before down-
shifting. Excessive and/or sudden
changes in engine speed may
cause loss of traction, which could
cause you to lose control.
NOTICE
Make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stationary before you shift
into reverse.
NOTICE
To help avoid clutch damage, do
not use the clutch pedal as a foot-
rest while driving or use the clutch
to keep the vehicle stationary on a
slope. Depress the clutch fully
when shifting.
When shifting or starting off, do not
race the engine. Racing the engine
can shorten engine life and cause
negative effect to smooth shifting.

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OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
60MK0-14E
4-Speed Automatic Transaxle
58MS20301
(1) Overdrive off switch
58MS20302
Overdrive off switch
The transaxle is a 4-speed (3-speed plus
overdrive) automatic transaxle. By operat-
ing the overdrive off switch, the transaxle
can be converted to a 3-speed automatic
transaxle that will not move to the over-
drive position. To convert the transaxle to
the 3-speed mode, push in the overdrive
off switch and release it.
To return the transaxle to the 4-speed
mode, push in the overdrive off switch
again.
When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ACC” position, the transaxle in the 3-
speed mode is converted to the 4-speed
mode automatically.
The 3-speed mode is suitable for the fol-
lowing driving conditions:
Driving on hilly, winding roads
– You can drive more smoothly with less
frequent gear changing
Going down a steep hill
– Some engine braking is providedGearshift lever
58MS20303
(1) knob button
The gearshift lever is designed so that it
cannot be shifted out of the “P” position
unless the ignition switch is in the “ON”
position and the brake pedal is depressed.
The gearshift lever has a lock mechanism
to help prevent accidental shifting. To shift
the gearshift lever:
WARNING
Always depress the brake pedal
before shifting from “P” (Park) (or
“N” (Neutral) if the vehicle is station-
ary) to a forward or reverse gear, to
help prevent the vehicle from moving
unexpectedly when you shift.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 3-13OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
60MK0-14E
Power-Assisted Brakes 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 it
senses that the wheels are locking up. Youmay 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).
WARNING
If water gets into the brake drums,
brake performance may become poor
and unpredictable. After driving
through water or washing the under-
side 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 effectiveness.
WARNING
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.
WARNING
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
conventional brake system, skid-
ding tires are able to “plow” the
gravel or snow layer, shortening
the stopping distance. ABS mini-
mizes 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)

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 3-14
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
60MK0-14E
63J081
(1) ABS warning light
(2) Brake system warning light
How the ABS WorksA computer continuously monitors wheel
speed. The computer compares the
changes in wheel speed when braking. If
the wheels slow suddenly, indicating a
skidding situation, the computer will
change braking pressure several times
each second to prevent the wheels from
locking. When you start your vehicle or
when you accelerate after a hard stop, you
may hear a momentary motor or clicking
noise as the system resets or checks itself.
WARNING
(Continued)
In both of the above conditions,
ABS will still offer the advantage of
helping you maintain directional
control. However, remember that
ABS will not compensate for bad
road or weather conditions or poor
driver judgment. Use good judg-
ment and do not drive faster than
conditions will safely allow.
(1)
(2)
WARNING
If the ABS warning light (1) on the
instrument panel comes on and
stays on while driving, there may
be a problem with the ABS system.
Ask your SUZUKI dealer to inspect
the ABS system immediately. If the
ABS system becomes inoperative,
the brake system will function as
an ordinary brake system that has
no ABS.
If the ABS warning light (1) and the
Brake system warning light (2) on
the instrument panel simulta-
neously stays on or comes on
when driving, both anti-lock func-
tion and rear brake force control
function (proportioning valve func-
tion) of the ABS system may have
failed. If so, the rear wheels may
easily skid or the vehicle can even
spin in the worst case when brak-
ing on a slippery road or when hard
braking even on a dry paved road.
Ask your SUZUKI dealer to inspect
the ABS system immediately. Drive
carefully, avoiding hard braking as
much as possible.
WARNING
The ABS may not work properly if
tires or wheels other than those
specified in the owner’s manual are
used. This is because the ABS works
by comparing changes in wheel
speed. When replacing tires or
wheels, use only the size and type
specified in this owner’s manual.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 4-1DRIVING TIPS
60MK0-14E
52D078S
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.
WARNING
Wear Your Seat Belts at All Times.
Even though air bags are equipped
at the front seating positions, the
driver and all passengers 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 (600 miles)
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 dur-
ing the first 320 km (200 miles) of
driving.
Do not drive slowly with the trans-
axle in a high gear.
Drive the vehicle at moderate
engine speeds.
Do not tow a trailer during the first
960 km (600 miles) of vehicle oper-
ation.
EXAMPLE

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 4-2
DRIVING TIPS
60MK0-14E
54G584S
Improving Fuel EconomyThe following instructions will help you
improve fuel economy.
Avoid excessive idling
If you are to wait for more than a minute
while you are parked, stop the engine and
start it again later. When warming up a
cold engine, allow the engine to idle until
the temperature gauge pointer comes up
to the “C” position (if the idling is not pro-
hibited). In this position, the engine is suffi-
ciently warm for starting off.
Avoid “fast” starts
Fast starts away from lights or stop signs
will consume fuel unnecessarily and
shorten engine life. Start off slowly.
Avoid unnecessary stops
Avoid unnecessary deceleration and stop-
ping. Try to maintain a slow, steady speed
whenever possible. Slowing down and then
accelerating again uses more fuel.
Keep a steady cruising speed
Keep as constant a speed as road and traf-
fic conditions will permit.
NOTICE
To avoid damaging catalyst or other
vehicle damage:
Maintain the engine in the proper
operating condition.
In the event of an engine malfunc-
tion, particularly one involving
engine misfiring or other apparent
loss of performance, have the vehi-
cle serviced promptly.
Do not turn off the engine or inter-
rupt the ignition when the transaxle
is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
Do not try to start the engine by
pushing or towing the vehicle, or
coasting down a hill.
Do not idle the engine with any
spark plug wires disconnected or
removed, such as during diagnos-
tic testing.
Do not idle the vehicle for pro-
longed periods if idling seems
rough or there are other malfunc-
tions.
Do not allow the fuel tank to get
near the empty level.
Avoid driving your vehicle at exces-
sively high engine speed in or
around the red zone of the tachom-
eter (if equipped).
WARNING
Be careful in areas where you park
and drive; the catalytic converter and
other exhaust components can get
very hot. As with any vehicle, do not
park or operate this vehicle in areas
where combustible materials such as
dry grass or leaves can come in con-
tact with a hot exhaust system.