3-18
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
74LH0-74E
knob button (2) and shift the gearshift
lever to the desired position.
This procedure is for emergency use only.
If repeated use of this procedure is neces-
sary, or the procedure does not work as
described, take the vehicle to your dealer
for repair.
Auto Gear ShiftAuto Gear Shift is a 5-speed forward/
reverse transaxle.
Auto Gear Shift has the basic features of
conventional manual transaxle, but clutch
operation and transaxle gear shifting are
controlled electronically.
NOTE:
When you open the driver’s door, the Auto
Gear Shift systems run automatically and
you may hear an operating noise. This
sound does not indicate a malfunction.
The features are as follows:
67LM3002
67MH3003
Depress brake pedal indicator
76MH0A047
This light will come on if you do not
depress the brake pedal in the following
situations. When starting the engine.
When the engine is on and the gearshift
lever is shifted from “N” position to “D”,
“M” or “R” position.
When the ignition switch is in the “ON”
position and the engine is off, the gear-
shift lever is shifted into any position.
This light will also come on if one of the
gears cannot be engaged and the system
is unable to re-try shifting when you shift
the gearshift lever from “N” position to “D”,
“M” or “R” position.
Starting the engine
When starting the engine, always place the
gearshift lever in the “N” position and
depress the brake pedal firmly. The engine
cannot be started unless the gearshift
lever is in the “N” position and the brake
pedal is depressed.
76MH0A056
Clutch operation
You can select either the Drive (D) mode or
the Manual (M) mode. Since this vehicle
controls clutch operation electronically in
either mode, you do not need to operate
the clutch.
Creeping function
This vehicle has a creeping function that
helps the vehicle to start smoothly by
NOTICE
Do not depress both the brake pedal
and accelerator pedal simultane-
ously. This can cause damage or
overheating to the clutch.
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-M+R
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3-19OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
74LH0-74E
engaging the clutch. When the gearshift
lever is in any of the positions “D”, “M” or
“R”, and you release your foot from the
brake pedal, the vehicle starts slowly with-
out depressing the accelerator pedal. The
creeping function is disabled if you depress
the brake pedal or pull up the parking
brake lever. Creep is not possible in man-
ual mode with 2nd gear engaged.
NOTE:
If the driver’s door is opened and/or the
parking brake lever is engaged with the
gear in the “M”, “D” or “R” position, the
creeping function will not operate.
Parking and Stopping the vehicle
Auto Gear Shift does not have a parking
position. The vehicle can be parked with
the gearshift lever at “D” or “R” position.
Remember, even though the transaxle is in
gear, you must set the parking brake firmly. Drive (D) mode
When the Drive (D) mode is activated, the
most appropriate gear position is automati-
cally selected upon operation of the accel-
erator pedal and variation of vehicle speed.
Normal driving:
1) Start the engine as instructed in “Start-
ing the engine” in this section.
2) With your foot on the brake pedal, shift
the gearshift lever to the “D” position.
When the gearshift lever is shifted to
the “D” position, the gear will be shifted
to 1st.
76MH0A057
NOTE:
If 1st gear cannot be engaged even
though the gearshift lever has been
shifted from the “N” to the “D” position,
the system will re-try shifting automati-
cally. This will take some time, noise
may be heard from the gears, and shift-
ing gear shock may occur. However,
they do not indicate a malfunction.
The “N” indicator will flash, the depress
brake pedal indicator will come on and a
warning buzzer (long pulse sound) will
sound if any of the following cases
occur;– If you shift the gearshift lever from the
“N” to the “D” position without depress-
ing the brake pedal
– If the system is unable to re-try shifting
You should depress the brake pedal and
shift the gearshift lever to “N” position,
then shift to “D” again.
3) Release the parking brake and brake
pedal.
4) Depress the accelerator pedal slowly.
NOTICE
A buzzer will sound continuously if
the vehicle is operated with the gear-
shift lever in-between of each shift
positions. The vehicle will become
inoperative if you continue to operate
the vehicle with the gearshift lever in-
between shift positions.
WA R N I N G
While driving the vehicle, do not
shift the gearshift lever to the “N”
position. The engine brake may not
work and you may get involved in
an unexpected accident. If you
return the gearshift lever from “N”
to “D” because of unintended shift-
ing, the gear position will be shifted
according to the current vehicle
speed.
Always keep your foot on the brake
pedal while stopped with the
engine running. This operation pre-
vents the vehicle from moving due
to unintended activation of the
creeping function.
3-20
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
74LH0-74E
Starting off on an uphill/downhill:
Uphill1) Apply the parking brake firmly so that the
vehicle does not roll backwards.
2) Shift the gearshift lever to the “D” posi-
tion while depressing the brake pedal.
Make sure that the gear position indica-
tor in the instrumental cluster displays
1st gear.
3) Release the brake pedal and depress
the accelerator pedal gradually, and
when the vehicle starts to move, release
the parking brake and depress the accel-
erator pedal to start off.Downhill
1) Depress the brake pedal and shift the
gearshift lever to the “D” position. Make
sure that the gear is in 1st by checking
the gear position indicator.
2) Release the brake pedal and depress
the accelerator pedal slowly. Even if the
accelerator pedal is not depressed, the
clutch will be engaged when the vehicle
speed increases.Using engine braking:
When driving on a downhill slope, down-
shifting is recommended. So you can use
engine braking.
By placing the gearshift lever in the “M”
position, the Manual (M) mode is selected,
and you can shift to a lower gear manually.
For details of downshift operation, refer to
“Upshift and downshift” in the “Manual (M)
mode”.
Manual (M) mode
The gears are not shifted automatically. To
shift the transaxle, the driver must operate
the gearshift lever to the “+” or “–” direc-
tion. As for conventional manual transaxle
vehicles, releasing the accelerator pedal a
little may help the transaxle to shift
smoothly.
Upshift and downshift:
Upshifting
67LM3004
NOTICE
If the gearshift lever cannot shift into
any position, or the gear is changed
to “N” position automatically when
the vehicle speed becomes less than
10 km/h, there may be a systematic
malfunction. In this case, ask your
MARUTI SUZUKI dealer to inspect the
Auto Gear Shift system as soon as
possible.
NOTICE
Do not operate the system as
described below. The life cycle of the
clutch may be reduced.
Using the accelerator pedal to hold
the vehicle on an uphill slope with
the gearshift lever in the “D” or “M”
position. If you perform this opera-
tion for a certain period of time, a
warning buzzer will sound.
Shifting the gearshift lever to the
“D”, “M” or “R” position while rac-
ing the engine.
Driving at low speed using a high
gear.
Holding the vehicle on an uphill
slope using the creeping function.
If you perform this operation for a
certain period of time, a warning
buzzer will sound.
NOTICE
On an uphill slope, never hold the
vehicle at a stop using only the accel-
erator pedal or the creeping function.
If you perform this operation for a
certain period of time, a warning
buzzer will sound, and in some cases
the engine will stall. This can also
cause excessive damage to the
clutch.
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3-21OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
74LH0-74E
Pull the gearshift lever to the “+” direction
and release it. Every time the lever is oper-
ated, the transaxle is upshifting 1 step in
the order of 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th
gear.
76MH0A059
Downshifting
67LM3005
Push the gearshift lever to the “–” direction
and release it. Every time the lever is oper-
ated, the transaxle is downshifted in the
order 5th 4th 3rd 2nd 1st gear.
76MH0A061
The gear position is displayed on the gear
position indicator. The gear position indica-
tor shows the transaxle gear position.
Before starting off, always check the gear
position indicator to make sure that the
transaxle is engaged in 1st or reverse, then
depress the accelerator pedal. It is possi-
ble to start vehicle in 2nd gear using man-
ual mode, from stop condition.
NOTE:
Always use 1st gear while starting off on
an uphill slope, otherwise you may dam-
age the clutch.
NOTE:
To downshift smoothly, the engine runs
fast in some cases. This is done inten-
tionally by the system and is not a mal-
function.
When driving down a hill, downshift and
use the engine braking appropriately. If
necessary, continuous downshifting is
possible. However, if downshifting more
than 3 steps, gear shifting will take more
time.
When the gear is shifting, a noise can be
heard in some case. This is not a mal-
function.
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WA R N I N G
Be careful when accelerating,
upshifting, downshifting or braking
on a slippery surface. Sudden
acceleration or engine braking
could cause the vehicle to spin or
skid. While starting off on a slip-
pery or snowy roads, please use
2nd gear (if required).
To drive down a long or steep hill,
reduce your speed and downshift.
Remember, if you ride the brakes
excessively, they may overheat and
fail.
While driving the vehicle, do not
shift the gearshift lever to “N” posi-
tion. The engine brake may not
work and you may get involved in
an unexpected accident. If you
return the gearshift lever from “N”
to “M” because of unintended shift-
ing, the gear position will be shifted
according to the current vehicle
speed.
Do not apply the parking brake
while driving. Otherwise, it could
cause a skid and you may get
involved in an unexpected acci-
dent.
3-22
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
74LH0-74E
Starting off:
1) Start the engine as instructed in “Start-
ing the engine” in this section.
2) With your foot on the brake pedal, shift
the gearshift lever to the “M” position.
When the gearshift lever is shifted to
the “M” position, the gear will be shifted
to 1st. Before starting off, always make
sure that the intended gear is engaged
by checking the gear position indicator,
then depress the accelerator pedal.NOTE:
If 1st gear cannot be engaged even
though the gearshift lever has been
shifted from the “N” to the “M” position,
the system will re-try shifting automati-
cally. This will take some time, noise
may be heard from the gears, and shift-
ing gear shock may occur. However,
they do not indicate a malfunction.
The “N” indicator will flash, the depress
brake pedal indicator will come on and a
warning buzzer (long pulse sound) will
sound if any of the following cases
occur;
– If you shift the gearshift lever from the
“N” to the “M” position without
depressing the brake pedal
– If the system is unable to re-try shifting
You should depress the brake pedal and
shift the gearshift lever to “N” position,
then shift to “M” position again a few
seconds later.
3) Release the parking brake and brake
pedal. Depress the accelerator pedal
slowly for smooth starting.Starting off on an uphill/downhill slope:
Uphill
1) Apply the parking brake firmly so that
the vehicle does not roll backwards.
2) Shift the gearshift lever to the “M” posi-
tion while depressing the brake pedal.
Make sure that the gear position indica-
tor in the instrumental cluster displays
1st gear.
3) Release the brake pedal and depress
the accelerator pedal gradually, and
when the vehicle starts to move,
NOTICE
If the gearshift lever cannot shift
into any position, or the gear is
changed to “N” position automati-
cally when the vehicle speed
becomes less than 10 km/h, there
may be a systematic malfunction. In
this case, ask your MARUTI SUZUKI
dealer to inspect the Auto Gear Shift
system as soon as possible.
The manual (M) mode does not
upshift even if the engine speed
reaches the rev-limit.
The system will not allow shifting up
or down to a gear that would cause
engine over-revving or under-rev-
ving.
If frequently driving at low speed
using a high gear position, the life
cycle of the clutch may be reduced.
Frequent downshifting (more than 3
positions consecutively) causes the
reduction of transaxle life.
WA R N I N G
Always keep your foot on the brake
pedal or pull up the parking lever
while stopped with the engine run-
ning. These operations prevent the
vehicle from starting due to unin-
tended activation of the creeping
function.
NOTICE
Do not operate the system as
described below. The life cycle of the
clutch may be reduced.
Using the accelerator pedal to hold
the vehicle on an uphill slope oper-
ation with the gearshift lever in the
“M” or “D” position. If you perform
this operation for a certain period
of time, a warning buzzer will
sound.
Shifting the gearshift lever to the
“M”, “D” or “R” position while rac-
ing the engine.
Driving at low speed using a high
gear.
Stopping on a slope using the
creeping function. If you perform
this operation for a certain period
of time, a warning buzzer will
sound.
3-23OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
74LH0-74E
release the parking brake and depress
the accelerator pedal to start off.
Downhill
1) Depress the brake pedal and shift the
gearshift lever to the “M” position.
Check the gear position indicator to
make sure that the gear is in 1st.
2) Release the brake pedal and depress
the accelerator pedal slowly. Even
though the accelerator pedal is not
depressed, the clutch will be engaged
when the vehicle speed increases.
Backing up
After the vehicle has stopped completely,
depress the brake pedal and shift the gear-
shift lever to the “R” position. Depress the
accelerator pedal slowly as when starting
off in 1st gear. Before backing up, makesure that reverse gear is selected by
checking the gear position indicator.
76MH0A062
NOTE:
If reverse gear cannot be engaged even
though the gearshift lever has been
shifted from the “N” to the “R” position,
the system will re-try shifting automati-
cally. This will take some time, noise
may be heard from the gears, and shift-
ing gear shock may occur. However,
they do not indicate a malfunction.
The “N” indicator will flash, the depress
brake pedal indicator will come on and a
warning buzzer (long pulse sound) will
sound if any of the following cases
occur;
– If you shift the gearshift lever from the
“N” to the “R” position without depress-
ing the brake pedal
– If the system is unable to re-try shifting
You should depress the brake pedal and
shift the gearshift lever to “N” position,
then shift to “R” position again a few sec-
onds later.
The system will not allow shifting to the
“R” position if the vehicle speed is over
about 3 km/h (2 mph). If the gearshift
lever is operated under this condition,the “N” indicator in the instrument cluster
will blink. However, when the vehicle
speed drops below about 3 km/h (2
mph), the gear will be shifted to reverse.
Make sure that the vehicle has stopped
completely before shifting to the “R”
position.
Stopping
The vehicle can be stopped by depressing
the brake pedal regardless of the gear
position. This is because the clutch is auto-
matically disengaged to prevent the engine
from stopping.
If the gearshift lever is in the “D” position,
the gear will be downshifted to 1st when
the vehicle stops.
If the gearshift lever is in the “M” posi-
tion, the gear will be downshifted to 1st
when the vehicle stops.
NOTICE
On an uphill slope, never hold the
vehicle at a stop using only the accel-
erator pedal or creeping function. If
you perform this operation for a cer-
tain period of time, a warning buzzer
will sound, and in some cases the
engine will stall. This can also cause
excessive damage to the clutch. In
case the warning buzzer is on, shift-
ing to 2nd gear will not be possible is
manual mode. Always use 1st gear
while starting off on an uphill slope,
otherwise you may damage the
clutch.
NOTICE
On a downhill slope, never hold the
vehicle at a stop using only the accel-
erator pedal or the creeping function.
If you perform this operation for a
certain period of time, a warning
buzzer will sound, and in some cases
the engine will stall. This can also
cause excessive damage to the
clutch.
3-24
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
74LH0-74E
Parking
Unlike an automatic transaxle, Auto Gear
Shift does not have a parking position. The
vehicle can be parked with the gearshift
lever at “D” or “R” position. Remember,
even though the transaxle is in gear, you
must set the parking brake firmly
1) Apply the parking brake and the brake
pedal firmly.
2) While depressing the brake pedal, shift
the gearshift lever to the “R” position on
a downhill slope, and to the 1st position
in the drive (D) mode or the “M(1)” posi-
tion in the manual (M) mode on an
uphill slope and confirm the gear posi-tion by checking the gear position indi-
cator.
3) Stop the engine completely.
4) In the case of uphill/downhill slope,
release the parking brake and brake
pedal slowly in order to check the gear
is engaged.
5) After check the vehicle stopped by the
gear engaged, Apply the parking brake
and the brake pedal firmly again.
6) Get out of the vehicle and put chocks
under the wheels.
When you return to your vehicle, you must
remember to remove the wheel chocks.
NOTE:
After the engine is stopped or ignition
switch is OFF, the gear in the transaxle
does not change even if you shift the
gearshift lever in any position. Always
shift the gearshift lever before turn igni-
tion switch OFF.
Check the transaxle gear position by
looking at the gear position indicator,
then turn the ignition switch off to stop
the engine.
WA R N I N G
When stopping, for example, at a
traffic light, be sure to depress the
brake pedal firmly. For your safety,
apply the parking brake, too, when
stopping on a hill.
When racing the engine, make sure
that the gear is in the “N” position
by checking the gear position indi-
cator. If the accelerator is operated
with the gear in any other position,
the vehicle may move resulting in
an unexpected accident.
Do not leave your vehicle unat-
tended while the engine is running.
When leaving the vehicle, stop the
engine and park the vehicle with a
gear engaged. Remember, even
though the transaxle is in gear, you
must set the parking brake firmly. If
you need to leave the vehicle with
the engine running, apply the park-
ing brakes firmly, and shift the
gearshift lever to the “N” position
and confirm the neutral position by
checking the gear position indica-
tor. However basically don’t leave
the vehicle with the engine running.
Otherwise, the vehicle may move
unexpectedly and may cause an
accident.
NOTICE
On a slope, never hold the vehicle
at a stop using only the accelerator
pedal or the creeping function. If
you perform this operation for a
certain period of time, a warning
buzzer will sound, and in some
cases the engine will stall. This can
also cause excessive damage to
the clutch.
If the gearshift lever is operated
more than necessary, the system
may not allow operation of the
gearshift lever for a certain period
of time, and the gear may not be
shifted appropriately. Therefore, do
not operate the gearshift lever if not
necessary.
3-25OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
74LH0-74E
Parking cancel
Depress the brake pedal, turn the ignition
switch to the “ON” position, and shift the
gearshift lever to the “N” position. The gear
will be disengaged.
Warning functions
A warning buzzer will sound or the indica-
tor will blink under the following conditions.Warning buzzer
The clutch is heated due to excessive
load.
The creeping function is being activated
for a long period of time.
The ignition switch is turned to the
“LOCK” position with the gear in 2nd,
3rd, 4th or 5th. In this case, turn the igni-
tion switch to the “ON” position and shift
the gearshift lever in the “N” position,
shift it to the “D” or “M” or “R” position,
then turn the ignition switch to “LOCK”.
During a stop, the driver’s door is
opened with the gearshift lever in the
“R”, “D” or “M” position while the engine
is running.
“N” indicator blinking
When the gear indicator lamp blinks “N”,
you should depress the brake pedal and
shift the gearshift lever to “N” position.
“1st” indicator blinking
When the gear indicator lamp blinks “1st”,
you should depress the brake pedal and
shift the gearshift lever to “N” position, then
shift to “D” or “M” position again a few sec-
onds later.“R” indicator blinking
When the gear indicator lamp blinks “R”,
you should depress the brake pedal and
shift the gearshift lever to “N” position, then
shift to “R” position again a few seconds
later.
Parking Sensors (if equipped) The parking sensor system uses ultra-
sonic sensors to detect obstacles near
the rear bumpers. If obstacles are
sensed while you are parking or moving
the vehicle slowly, the system warns you
by sounding a buzzer.
The system emits an ultrasonic wave
and the relevant sensor detects the
return of the wave reflected by an obsta-
cle. The system measures the time
taken by the ultrasonic wave to reach the
obstacle and return from it, from which it
determines the obstacle’s position.
The parking sensor function can be used
when the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” or the engine switch is pressed to
change the ignition mode to “ON”, the
gearshift lever is in the “R” position and
the parking sensor switch is in the “ON”
position. This function is helpful in the
following cases: pulling over to the curb;
parallel-parking the vehicle; steering the
vehicle into a garage; driving along an
alley; and moving slowly in a place with
obstacles.
WARNING
If the gear is not engaged properly
and completely before the ignition
switch is turned off, the vehicle
may not be parked with the gear
engaged. Always confirm the gear
position by checking the gear posi-
tion indicator when parking.
Remember, even though the
transaxle is in gear, you must set
the parking brake firmly.
On a downhill slope, the gear
should be put in reverse, and in 1st
gear on an uphill slope. In the case
of uphill/downhill slope, after check
the vehicle stopped by the gear
engaged, put chocks under the
wheels. Otherwise, the vehicle may
move, and cause an unexpected
accident. If the gear is left in the
“N” position, the vehicle cannot be
parked with a gear engaged.
NOTICE
In the above cases, pull over to the
side of the road and stop the engine,
and then ask your MARUTI SUZUKI
dealer to inspect your vehicle. Other-
wise, the clutch disc may be dam-
aged.