4-3DRIVING TIPS
79K21-03E
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. In this position, the
engine is sufficiently warm for starting off.
Avoid “jackrabbit” 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.
CAUTION
To minimize the possibility of 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 misfire or other apparent
loss of performance, have the vehi-
cle serviced promptly.
Do not shut off the engine or inter-
rupt the ignition when the transmis-
sion 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.
WARNING
Be careful 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 contact
with a hot exhaust system.
On-Pavement Driving: NO
Off-Road Driving: NO
4-7DRIVING TIPS
79K21-03E
Tire ChainsTire chains should only be used if they are
needed to increase traction or are required
by law. Make sure that the chains you use
are small-link chains or cable-type chains
and are the correct size for your vehicle’s
tires. Also make sure that there is enough
clearance between the fenders and the
chains as installed on the tires.
Install the chains on the rear tires tightly,
according to the chain manufacturer’s
instructions. Retighten the chains after
driving about 1.0 km (1/2 mile) if neces-
sary. With the chains installed, drive slowly.Do not drive through deep or rushing
water
Driving in deep or rushing water can be
hazardous. You could lose control of the
vehicle and the occupants could drown.
Also, your vehicle could be seriously dam-
aged. To avoid these risks, observe the fol-
lowing instructions and precautions.
Do not drive through deep or rushing
water. Deep or rushing water, such as
fast-moving streams or floodwaters,
could carry your vehicle away from your
intended path. The water is too deep if it
covers your wheel hubs, axles or
exhaust tailpipe. Know the depth of the
water before you attempt to drive
through it.
If water blocks the tailpipe, the engine
may not start or run. If the water is deep
enough to get drawn into the engine
intake system, the engine will be badly
damaged.
Submerged brakes will have poor brak-
ing performance. Drive slowly and care-
fully. Driving slowly will also help avoid
water splashing onto the ignition system,
which could cause the engine to stall.
Even when driving through shallow or
still waters, drive carefully since the
water may be hiding ground hazards
such as holes, ditches or bumps.
WARNING
Do not allow anyone to stand near
the vehicle when you are rocking it,
and do not spin the wheels faster
than an indicated 40 km/h (25 mph)
on the speedometer. Personal
injury and/or vehicle damage may
result from spinning the wheels too
fast.
Be sure to turn the transfer switch
from “4H” to “4H LOCK” or “4L
LOCK” when the tires slip in “4H”.
The continuing tires slip in “4H”
can cause the limited slip differen-
tial gear damage in the center dif-
ferential.
CAUTION
Release the accelerator pedal when
operating the gearshift lever. Operat-
ing the lever with the engine racing
can damage the gears.
CAUTION
Do not continue rocking the vehicle
for more than a few minutes. Pro-
longed rocking can cause engine
overheating, transmission or trans-
fer case damage or tire damage.
CAUTION
If you hear the chains hitting against
the vehicle body while driving, stop
and tighten them.
4-8
DRIVING TIPS
79K21-03E
WARNING
In addition to following the driving
tips in this section, it is important to
observe the following precautions for
on-road and off-road driving.
Driver and passengers should wear
seat belts at all times.
Do not let anyone else drive your
vehicle unless they are also aware
of the vehicle characteristics and
handling differences described in
this section.
Avoid loaning your vehicle to any-
one unless you accompany them.
Make sure your tires are in good
condition and always maintain the
specified tire pressure. Refer to
“Tires” in the “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section for
details.
Do not use tires other than those
specified by SUZUKI. Never use dif-
ferent sizes or types of tires on the
front and rear wheels. For informa-
tion regarding the specified tires,
refer to the Tire Inflation Pressure
Label located on the driver’s side
door pillar or the “SPECIFICA-
TIONS” section.
(Continued)
WARNING
(Continued)
Never use oversized tires or special
shocks and springs to raise (jack
up) your vehicle. This will raise the
center of gravity of the vehicle and
change its handling characteris-
tics. Oversized tires may also rub
against the fender over bumps,
causing vehicle damage or tire fail-
ure.
After driving through water, mud or
sandy ground, 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.
Do not use “4H LOCK” or “4L
LOCK” drive for normal driving.
After extended operation in mud,
sand or water, have the brakes
inspected by your authorized
SUZUKI dealer as soon as possi-
ble.
5-62
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
79K21-03E
Fuel Filler Cap
78K145
64J253
The fuel filler cap is located on the right
rear side of the vehicle. The fuel filler door
can be unlocked by pulling up on the
opener lever located on the outboard sideof the driver’s seat and can be locked by
simply closing the door.
79K053
To remove the fuel filler cap:
1) Open the fuel filler door.
2) Remove the cap by turning it counter-
clockwise.
78K156
NOTE:
The cap holder (1) can hold the fuel filler
cap (2) when refueling.
To reinstall the fuel filler cap:
1) Turn the cap clockwise until you hear
several clicks.
2) Close the fuel filler door.
EXAMPLE
WARNING
Remove the fuel filler cap slowly. The
fuel may be under pressure and may
spray out, causing injury.Open CloseEXAMPLE
WARNING
Fuel is extremely flammable. Do not
smoke when refueling, and make
sure there are no open flames or
sparks in the area.
(1)
(2)
EXAMPLE
5-63OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
79K21-03E
Engine Hood
64J110
To open the engine hood:
1) Pull the hood release handle located on
the outboard side of the driver’s side of
the instrument panel. This will disen-
gage the engine hood lock halfway.
64J111
2) Push the under-hood release lever
sideways with your finger, as shown in
the illustration. While pushing the lever,
lift up the engine hood.
WARNING
If you need to replace the fuel cap,
use a genuine SUZUKI cap. Use of an
improper cap can result in a malfunc-
tion of the fuel system or emission
control system. It may also result in
fuel leakage in the event of an acci-
dent.
5-64
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
79K21-03E
64J112
3) Continue to lift up the hood until it is
high enough to support with the prop
rod.
To close the engine hood:
1) Lift the hood up slightly and remove the
prop rod from the hole. Put the prop rod
back to the holding clip.
2) Lower the hood close to the bumper,
then let it drop down.
Make sure the hood is securely latched
after closing.
Sun Visor
79K055
The sun visors can be pulled down to block
glare coming through the windshield, or
they can be unhooked and turned to the
side to block glare coming through the side
window.
The extension (1) can be drawn out to
block glare widely.
Interior Light SwitchCenter
64J104
Rear
64J211
This light switch has three positions which
function as described below:
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.
CAUTION
When unhooking and hooking a sun
visor, be sure to handle it by the hard
plastic parts or the sun visor can be
damaged.
(1)
(1)
(2)
(3)
EXAMPLE
(3)
(2)
(1)
5-68
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
79K21-03E
Ashtray
64J201
You can fit the ashtray into any of the cup
holders on the center console.
Sunroof (if equipped)You can tilt or slide the sunroof by operat-
ing the “TILT” part of the sunroof switch or
the “SLIDE” part of the sunroof switch
when the ignition switch is in the “ON” posi-
tion.
There is a system to prevent being pinched
by the sunroof.
When the system senses that something is
pinched when the sunroof is sliding for-
ward, the sunroof will automatically reverse
direction and slide rearward. This system
will operate when the sunroof is closing
automatically. This system does not oper-
ate when tilting the sunroof down.
Make sure there are no hands or other
obstructions in the path of the sunroof
when you close the sunroof even though
there is a system to prevent being pinched
by the sunroof.
79K097
To tilt the sunroof up, slide the sun shade
rearward by hand and push the “TILT UP”
part (1) of the sunroof switch. To tilt the
sunroof down, push the “SLIDE OPEN”
part (2) of the sunroof switch.
If you push the switch for more than a sec-
ond, the sunroof will automatically tilt up or
down fully. To stop the sunroof halfway,
push the switch briefly.
WARNING
Make sure tobacco is fully extin-
guished before closing the ashtrays.
Never throw waste in the ashtrays: it
could create a fire hazard.
EXAMPLE
WARNING
The system to prevent being
pinched by the sunroof does not
work in the area where the sunroof
is almost completely closed.
The system to prevent being
pinched by the sunroof may not
work if the battery is not suffi-
ciently charged.
(1)(2)
5-69OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
79K21-03E
79K098
To slide the sunroof rearward, push the
“SLIDE OPEN” part (2) of the sunroof
switch. To side the sunroof forward, push
the “TILT UP” part (1) of the sunroof
switch.
If you push the switch for more than a sec-
ond, the sunroof will automatically slide
fully rearward or forward. To stop the sun-
roof halfway, push the switch briefly.
64J109
The sun shade will open automatically and
cannot be closed when the sunroof is slid
rearward.
How to reactivate the system to prevent
being pinched by the sunroof
When you disconnect the negative (–) ter-
minal from the battery or change the fuses,
the features below will not operate.
The system to prevent being pinched by
the sliding sunroof.
The system to automatically open or
close the sunroof fully.
In this case, you must reactivate the fea-
tures using the following procedures.
1) Turn the ignition switch to the “ON”
position.
2) Push and hold the “TILT UP” part (1) of
the sunroof switch, the sunroof will tilt
up fully and then down slightly. After themovement stops completely, release
the switch. The features are reacti-
vated.
3) Make sure you can open or close the
sunroof automatically by pushing the
sunroof switch for more than about a
second.
65D612
(1)(2)
WARNING
Never allow any part of your body
such as hands or head to get out of
the sunroof opening while the vehi-
cle is moving.
Be sure there are no hands or other
obstructions in the path of the sun-
roof when you close the sunroof.
(Continued)