2-40
BEFORE DRIVING
76MH1-74E
76MH1-74E
NOTE: If the power steering system does not work properly, you will feel heavier to steer butyou still will be able to steer.
NOTE: If the steering is operated, you may hear a noise. This is normal and indicates that the power steering system works properly.
Oil Pressure Light
50G051
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 soonas 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
50G052
This light comes on when the ignitionswitch is turned to the “ON” position, and goes out when the engine is started. The light will come on and remain on if there issomething wrong with the battery charging system. If the light comes on when theengine is running, the charging system should be inspected immediately by your MARUTI SUZUKI dealer.
High Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light (red color)
54G344
When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position, this light comes on briefly soyou 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 the light stays on without blinking, then the engine is overheating. Follow the instruc-tions in the “If the Engine Overheats” of “EMERGENCY SERVICE” section.
NOTICE
• If you operate the engine with thislight on, severe engine damage can result.• Do not rely on the Oil PressureLight to indicate the need to addoil. Be sure to periodically check the engine oil level.
NOTICE
Continuing to drive the vehicle whenengine overheating is indicated can result in severe engine damage.
51
2-41
BEFORE DRIVING
76MH1-74E
76MH1-74E
Immobilizer System Light
80JM122
When the ignition switch is turn to the “ON” position, this light comes on briefly so you can check that the light is working. If thislight brinks with the ignition switch is turn to the “ON” , the engine will not start.
NOTE: If this light blinks, turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK” position, then turn it back to the “ON” position. If the light still blinks with the ignition switchturned to the “ON” position, there may be something wrong with your key or with the immobilizer system. Ask your MARUTISUZUKI dealer to inspect the system.
Open Door Warning Light
54G391
This light remains on until all doors (includ-ing the tailgate) are completely closed.
If any door (including the tailgate) is open when the vehicle is moving, a ding sounds to remind you to close all doors completely.
Low Fuel Warning Light
54G343
If this light comes on, fill the fuel tankimmediately.
When this light comes on, a ding sounds once to remind you to fill the fuel. If you do not fill the fuel, a ding sounds every time when the ignition switch isturned to the “ON” position.
NOTE: The activation point of this light varies depending on road conditions (for exam- ple, slope or curve) and driving conditionsbecause of fuel moving in the tank.
Turn Signal Indicators
50G055
When you turn on the left or right turn sig- nals, the corresponding green arrow on the instrument panel will flash along with therespective turn signal lights. When you turn on the hazard warning switch, both arrows will flash along with all of the turnsignal lights.
Main Beam (high beam) Indicator
Light
50G056
This indicator comes on when headlight main beams (high beams) are turned on.
Security System Indicator
(if equipped)
82K269
For details about the security system, referto “Security System” in this section.
52
2-42
BEFORE DRIVING
76MH1-74E
76MH1-74E
NOTE: If the security system indicator blinks whenthe ignition switch is in the “ON” position, there may be something wrong with the security system. Ask your MARUTI SUZUKI dealer to inspect the system.
Depress Brake Pedal Indicator (if equipped)
76MH0A047
Refer to “Auto Gear Shift” in the “OPERAT- ING YOUR VEHICLE” section for details.
Fuel Filter Warning Light (For Diesel Engine Model)
60A541
This light comes on for several seconds when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position so you can check the light is working.
If the light comes on when driving, there is a possibility to have water in the fuel filter.Drain water as soon as possible. For
details of draining water, refer to “Fuel Fil- ter” in the “INSPECTION AND MAINTE- NANCE” section.
Glow Plug Indicator Light (For Diesel Engine Model)
60A543
If the coolant temperature is cool enough, this light comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position and goes out when the glow plug is heated enough forengine starting.
Lighting Control Lever
65D611
Lighting Operation
60MK011
To turn the lights on or off, twist the knobon the end of the lever. There are threepositions:
OFF (1) All lights are off.
(2)Front position lights, tail lights, license plate light and instrument lights are on, but headlights are off.
(3)Front position lights, tail lights, licenseplate light, instrument lights and headlights are on.
WA R N I N G
To avoid possible injury, do not oper- ate controls by reaching through thesteering wheel.
(3)
(2)(1)
EXAMPLE
53
2-46
BEFORE DRIVING
76MH1-74E
76MH1-74E
Windshield Washer
76MH0A050
To spray windshield washer fluid, pull the lever toward you. The windshield wipers will automatically turn on at low speed ifthey are not already on and the “INT” posi- tion is equipped.
Rear Window Wiper/Washer Switch
(if equipped)
76MH0A051
To turn the rear wiper on, twist the rear wiper switch on the end of the lever for-ward to the “ON” position. To turn the rear wiper off, twist the switch rearward to the “OFF” position.
With the rear wiper in the “OFF” position, twist the switch rearward and hold it thereto spray window washer fluid.
With the rear wiper in the “ON” position, turn the switch forward and hold it there to spray window washer fluid.
WA R N I N G
• To prevent windshield icing in coldweather, turn on the defroster to heat the windshield before and during windshield washer use.• Do not use radiator antifreeze inthe windshield washer reservoir. Itcan severely impair visibility when sprayed on the windshield, and canalso damage your vehicle’s paint.
EXAMPLE
NOTICE
To help prevent damage to the wind-shield wiper and washer systemcomponents, you should take the fol- lowing precautions: • Do not continue to hold in the leverwhen there is no windshield washer fluid being sprayed or the washer motor can be damaged.• Do not attempt to remove dirt froma dry windshield with the wipers oryou can damage the windshieldand the wiper blades. Always wet the windshield with washer fluid before operating the wipers.• Clear ice or packed snow from thewiper blades before using the wip-ers.• Check the washer fluid level regu-larly. Check it often when theweather is bad.• Only fill the washer fluid reservoir3/4 full during cold weather to allowroom for expansion if the tempera-ture falls low enough to freeze thesolution.
NOTICE
Clear ice or snow from the rear win- dow and rear wiper blade before using the rear wiper. Accumulatedice or snow could prevent the wiper blade from moving, causing damage to the wiper motor.
Washer
Wiper
EXAMPLE
57
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
76MH1-74E
76MH1-74E
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLEExhaust Gas Warning ......................................................... 3-1
Daily Inspection Checklist .................................................. 3-1
Engine Oil Consumption .................................................... 3-2
Ignition Switch ..................................................................... 3-3
Parking Brake Lever ........................................................... 3-4
Pedal ..................................................................................... 3-5
Starting the Engine ............................................................. 3-6
Using the Transaxle ..... ....................................................... 3-7
Braking ................................................................................. 3-15
59
3-1
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
76MH1-74E
76MH1-74E
Exhaust Gas Warning
52D334
Daily Inspection Checklist
Before 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 ANDMAINTENANCE” section for details. 3) Look for fluid and oil leaks.
WA R N I N G
Avoid breathing exhaust gases. Exhaust gases contain carbon mon- oxide, a potentially lethal gas that is colorless and odorless. Since carbonmonoxide is difficult to detect by itself, be sure to take the following precautions to help prevent carbonmonoxide from entering your vehicle. • Do not leave the engine running in garages or other confined areas.(Continued)
WA R N I N G
(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 fan is at highspeed. • Avoid operating the vehicle with the tailgate or trunk open. If it isnecessary 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 thewindshield clear of snow, leaves, or other obstructions at all times. • Keep the exhaust tailpipe area clearof snow and other material to help reduce the buildup of exhaust gases under the vehicle. This isparticularly important when parked in blizzard conditions. • Have the exhaust system inspectedperiodically for damage and leaks. Any damage or leaks should be repaired immediately.
60
3-2
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
76MH1-74E
76MH1-74E
NOTE: It is normal for water to drip from the air conditioning system after use.
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 parkingbrake lever. 8) Adjust the mirrors. 9) Make sure that you and all passengershave 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 SYSTEMWARNING 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 level3) Brake fluid level 4) Windshield washer fluid level 5) Battery solution level6) Hood latch operation Pull the hood release handle inside the vehicle. Make sure that you cannotopen 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 “Alllatches, hinges & locks” of “CHASSIS AND BODY” in the “Periodic Mainte- nance Schedule” in the “INSPECTIONAND MAINTENANCE” section for lubri- cation schedule.
Once a month, or each time you fill your fuel tank, check the tire pressure using a tire pressure gauge. Also check the tirepressure of the spare tire.
Engine Oil Consumption
It 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, thequality of the oil and the conditions the vehicle is driven under. More oil is consumed during high-speeddriving 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 5000km (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 thetrue 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, making it appear that the oil level has notchanged. You should also be aware that the diluting ingredients evaporate out when the vehicleis subsequently driven at high speeds, such as on an expressway, making it appear that oil is excessively consumedafter high-speed driving.
WA R N I N G
Make sure the hood is fully closed and latched before driv ing. If it is not, it can fly up unexpectedly duringdriving, obstructing your view and resulting in an accident.
61
3-4
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
76MH1-74E
76MH1-74E
Parking Brake Lever
62J100
(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 theparking brake, hold the brake pedal down, pull up slightly on the parking brake lever, push the button on the end of the lever withyour thumb, and lower the lever to its origi- nal position.
WA R N I N G
(Continued) • Always remove the ignition keywhen leaving the vehicle even if only for a short time. Also do not leave children alone in a parkedvehicle. Unattended children could cause accidental movement of the vehicle or could tamper with powerwindows or power sunroof. They also could suffer from heat stroke in warm or hot weather. Thesecould result in severe injury or even death.
NOTICE
• Do not use the starter motor for more than 12 seconds at a time.For diesel engine model, do not use the starter motor for more than 30 seconds at a time. If the enginedoes not start, wait 15 seconds before trying again. If the engine does not start after severalattempts, 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.
(2)
(3)
(1)EXAMPLE
WA R N I N G
• Never drive your vehicle with theparking brake on: rear brake effec-tiveness can be reduced from over- heating, brake life may be shortened, or permanent brakedamage may result. • If the parking brake does not hold the vehicle securely or does notfully release, have your vehicle inspected immediately by an autho- rized MARUTI SUZUKI dealer.
WA R N I N G
Always set the pa rking brake fully before leaving your vehicle or it may move, causing injury or damage. When parking, make sure the gear-shift lever is in reverse or first gear. Remember, even though the transaxle is in gear, you must set theparking brake fully.
63