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OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
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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.
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OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
76MH1-74E
76MH1-74E
Engine Hood
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To open the engine hood: 1) Pull the hood release handle located onthe outboard side of the driver’s side. This will disengage the engine hood lock halfway.
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2) Push the under-hood release lever up with your finger, as shown in the illustra- tion. While pushing the lever, lift up theengine hood.
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3) While holding the hood, pull the prop rod out from the holding clip, then insert the end of the rod into the designatedhole in the hood.
WA R N I N G
If you need to replace the fuel cap,use a Maruti genuine cap. Use of animproper cap can result in a malfunc- tion of the fuel system or emission control system. It may also result infuel leakage in the event of an acci- dent.
EXAMPLE
CAUTION
The release lever can be hot enough to burn your finger right after driving. Touch the lever after it becomes cool enough.
NOTICE
Make sure that the wiper arms are notraised before you lift up the engine hood to avoid damaging the wiper arms and the engine hood.
CAUTION
• The prop rod can be hot enough toburn your finger right after driving. Touch the rod after it becomes cool enough.• Insert the end of the rod into the hole securely. If the rod drops off, your body may be caught in thehood. • The rod may drop off when the hood is hit by a wind. Be careful onwindy days.
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