2-40
BEFORE DRIVING
74LH0-74E
Conditions of front air bags deployment
(inflation)
80J097
• In frontal collisions with a fixed wall that
does not move or deform in more than
about 25 km/h (15 mph)
80J098E
• In collisions such as above at an angle of
about 30 degrees (1) or less from the
frontConditions of front air bags may inflate
Receiving a strong impact to the lower
body of your vehicle, the front air bags will
inflate in many cases.
80J099
• Hitting a curb or medial strip
80J100E
• Falling into a deep hole or ditch
80J101
• Landing hard or falling
Front air bags may inflate in a strong
impact
80J120
• Collision from the rear
80J119
• Collision from the side
(1)
(1)
2-42
BEFORE DRIVING
74LH0-74E
Air bag symbol (if equipped) meaning
67LH029
You may find this label on the sun visor.
How the System Works
In a frontal collision, the crash sensors will
detect rapid deceleration, and if the con-
troller judges that the deceleration rep-
resents a severe frontal crash, the
controller will trigger the inflators. The infla-
tors inflate the appropriate air bags with
nitrogen or argon gas. The inflated air bags
provide a cushion for your head and upper
body. The air bag inflates and deflates so
quickly that you may not even realize that it
has activated. The air bag will neither hin-
der your view nor make it harder to exit the
vehicle.
Air bags must inflate quickly and forcefully
in order to reduce the chance of serious or
fatal injuries. However, an unavoidable
consequence of the quick inflation is that
the air bag may irritate bare skin, such as
the facial area against a front air bag. Also,
upon inflation, a loud noise will occur and
some powder and smoke will be released.
These conditions are not harmful and do
not indicate a fire in the vehicle. Be aware,
however, that some air bag components
may be hot for a while after inflation.
A seat belt helps keep you in the proper
position for maximum protection when an
air bag inflates. Adjust your seat as far
back as possible while still maintaining
control of the vehicle. Sit fully back in your
seat; sit up straight; do not lean over the
steering wheel or dashboard. Front occu-
pants should not lean on or sleep against
the door. Please refer to the “Seat Adjust-
ment” section and the “Seat Belts andChild Restraint Systems” in this section for
details on proper seat and seat belt adjust-
ments.
65D610
54G535
WARNING
NEVER use a rearward facing child
restraint on a seat protected by an
ACTIVE AIRBAG in front of it, DEATH
or SERIOUS INJURY to the CHILD
can occur.
WARNING
If the AIR BAG light in the instrument
cluster ever comes on and stays on,
it means that something may be
wrong with the air bag system. If this
ever happens, have the vehicle ser-
viced immediately, because the air
bags may not offer the protection for
which they were designed.
EXAMPLE
2-43
BEFORE DRIVING
74LH0-74E
Note that even though your vehicle may be
moderately damaged in a collision, the col-
lision may not have been severe enough to
trigger the air bags to inflate. If your vehicle
sustains ANY front-end or side damage,
have the air bag system inspected by an
authorized MARUTI SUZUKI dealer to
ensure it is in proper working order.
Your vehicle is equipped with a diagnostic
module which records information about
the air bag system if the air bags deploy in
a crash. The module records information
about overall system status, which sensors
activated the deployment.
Servicing the air bag systemIf the air bags inflate, have the air bags and
related components replaced by an autho-
rized MARUTI SUZUKI dealer as soon as
possible.
If your vehicle ever gets in deep water and
the driver’s floor is submerged, the air bag
controller could be damaged. If it does,
have the air bag system inspected by the
MARUTI SUZUKI dealer as soon as possi-
ble.
Special procedures are required for servic-
ing or replacing an air bag. For that reason,
only an authorized MARUTI SUZUKI
dealer should be allowed to service or
replace your air bags. Please remind any-
one who services your MARUTI SUZUKI
that it has air bags.Service on or around air bag components
or wiring must be performed only by an
authorized MARUTI SUZUKI dealer.
Improper service could result in unin-
tended air bag deployment or could render
the air bag inoperative. Either of these two
conditions may result in severe injury.
To prevent damage or unintended inflation
of the air bag system, be sure the battery
is disconnected and the ignition switch has
been in the “LOCK” position or the ignition
mode has been “LOCK” (OFF) for at least
90 seconds before performing any electri-
cal service work on your MARUTI SUZUKI.
Do not touch air bag system components
or wires. The wires are wrapped with yel-
low tape or yellow tubing, and the couplers
are yellow for easy identification.
Scrapping a vehicle that has an uninflated
air bag can be hazardous. Ask your dealer,
body repair shop or scrap yard for help
with disposal.
According to accident statistics, children
are safer when properly restrained on rear
seats than front passenger’s seat when-
ever possible, MARUTI SUZUKI recom-
mends that child restraint systems be
installed the rear seat.
WA R N I N G
• The driver should not lean over the
steering wheel. The front passenger
should not rest his or her body against
the dashboard, or otherwise get too
close to the dashboard. In these situa-
tions, the out-of-position occupant
would be too close to an inflating air
bag, and may suffer severe injury.
• Do not attach any objects to, or place
any objects over, the steering wheel or
dashboard. Do not place any objects
between the air bag and the driver or
front passenger. These objects may
interfere with air bag operation or may
be propelled by the air bag in the event
of a crash. Either of these conditions
may cause severe injury.
2-46
BEFORE DRIVING
74LH0-74E
Warning and Indicator Lights
Brake System Warning Light
65D477
For working check of this light, there are
following three different type of operations
depending on the vehicle's specification.
1) The light comes on briefly when the
ignition switch is turned to the “ON”
position or the engine switch is pressed
to change the ignition mode to “ON”.
2) The light comes on when the parking
brake is engaged with the ignition
switch in the “ON” position or the igni-
tion mode “ON”.
3) The light comes on when under either
or both of above two conditions.
The light also comes on when the fluid in
the brake fluid reservoir falls below the
specified level.The light should go out after starting the
engine and fully releasing the parking
brake, if the fluid level in the brake fluid res-
ervoir is adequate.
The light also comes on together with the
ABS warning light when the rear brake
force control function (proportioning valve
function) of the ABS system fails.
If the brake system warning light comes on
while you are driving the vehicle, it may
mean that there is something wrong with
the vehicle’s brake system. If this happens,
you should:
1) Pull off the road and stop carefully.
2) Test the brakes by carefully starting and
stopping on the shoulder of the road.
3) If you determine that it is safe, drive
cautiously at low speed to the nearest
dealer for repairs,
or
4) Have the vehicle towed to the nearest
MARUTI SUZUKI dealer for repairs.NOTE:
Because the brake system is self-adjust-
ing, the fluid level will drop as the brake
pads become worn. Replenishing the
brake fluid reservoir is considered normal
periodic maintenance.
NOTE:
(Parking Brake Reminder Buzzer)
A buzzer sounds intermittently to remind
you to release the parking brake if you
start the vehicle without releasing the park-
ing brake. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the brake sys-
tem warning light turns off.
WA R N I N G
Remember that stopping distance
may be longer, you may have to push
harder on the pedal, and the pedal
may go down farther than normal.
WA R N I N G
If any of the following conditions
occur, you should immediately ask
your MARUTI SUZUKI dealer to
inspect the brake system.
• If the brake system warning light
does not go out after the engine
has been started and the parking
brake has been fully released.
• If the brake system warning light
does not come on when the igni-
tion switch is turned to the “ON”
position or the engine switch is
pressed to change the ignition
mode to “ON”.
• If the brake system warning light
comes on at any time during vehi-
cle operation.
2-48
BEFORE DRIVING
74LH0-74E
Driver’s Seat Belt Reminder Light
60G049
When the driver doesn’t buckle his or her
seat belt, this light will come on and/or
blink.
For details about the seat belt reminder,
refer to “Seat Belts and Child Restraint
Systems” in this section.
“AIR BAG” Light (if equipped)
63J030
This light blinks or comes on for several sec-
onds when the ignition switch is turned to
the “ON” position or the engine switch is
pressed to change the ignition mode to “ON”
so you can check if the light is working.
The light will come on and stay on if there is
a problem in the air bag system or the seat
belt pretensioner system (if equipped).
Malfunction Indicator Light
65D530
Your vehicle has a computer-controlled
emission control system. A malfunction
indicator light is provided on the instrument
panel to indicate when it is necessary to
have the emission control system serviced.
The malfunction indicator light comes on
when the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position or the engine switch is
pressed to change the ignition mode to
“ON” to let you know the light is working
and goes out when the engine is started. If the malfunction indicator light comes on
or blinks when the engine is running, there
is a damage in the emission control sys-
tem.
Take the vehicle to your MARUTI SUZUKI
dealer to have the damage fixed.
Transaxle Warning Light
(if equipped)
80J219
This light comes on for several seconds
when the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position or the engine switch is
pressed to change the ignition mode to
“ON” so you can check the light is working.
If this light comes on when the engine is
running, there is a problem with the
transaxle system. Ask your MARUTI
WA R N I N G
If the “AIR BAG” light does not blink
or come on briefly when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position
or the engine switch is pressed to
change the ignition mode to “ON”,
stays on for more than 10 seconds,
or comes on while driving, the air bag
system or the seat belt pretensioner
system (if equipped) may not work
properly. Have both systems
inspected by an authorized MARUTI
SUZUKI dealer.
NOTICE
Continuing to drive the vehicle when
the malfunction indicator light is on
or blinking can cause permanent
damage to the vehicle’s emission
control system, and can affect fuel
economy and driveability.
2-63
BEFORE DRIVING
74LH0-74E
mist or light rain. In the “LO” position, the
wipers operate at a steady low speed. In
the “HI” position, the wipers operate at a
steady high speed. To turn off the wipers,
move the lever back to the “OFF” position.
Move the lever up and hold it to the “MIST”
position, the windshield wipers will turn on
continuously at low speed.
Windshield Washer
74LHT0231
To spray windshield washer fluid, pull the
lever toward you. The windshield wipers
will automatically turn on at low speed if
they are not already on and the “INT” posi-
tion is equipped.
Rear Window Wiper/Washer Switch
(if equipped)
74LHT0232
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.
To spray window washer fluid, twist the
switch rearward from the “OFF” position, or
twist the switch forward from the “ON” posi-
tion. The rear wiper will turn on automati-
cally while spraying the window washer
fluid.
WA R N I N G
• To prevent windshield icing in cold
weather, turn on the defroster to
heat the windshield before and
during windshield washer use.
• Do not use radiator antifreeze in
the windshield washer reservoir. It
can severely impair visibility when
sprayed on the windshield, and can
also damage your vehicle’s paint.
NOTICE
To help prevent damage to the wind-
shield wiper and washer system
components, you should take the fol-
lowing precautions:
• Do not continue to hold in the lever
when there is no windshield
washer fluid being sprayed or the
washer motor can be damaged.
• Do not attempt to remove dirt from
a dry windshield with the wipers or
you can damage the windshield
and the wiper blades. Always wet
the windshield with washer fluid
before operating the wipers.
• Clear ice or packed snow from the
wiper blades before using the wip-
ers.
• Check the washer fluid level regu-
larly. Check it often when the
weather is bad.
• Only fill the washer fluid reservoir
3/4 full during cold weather to allow
room for expansion if the tempera-
ture falls low enough to freeze the
solution.
NOTICE
Clear ice or snow from the rear win-
dow and rear wiper blade before
using the rear wiper. Accumulated
ice or snow could prevent the wiper
blade from moving, causing damage
to the wiper motor.
Washer
Wiper
EXAMPLE
3-1OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
74LH0-74E
Exhaust Gas Warning
52D334
Daily Inspection ChecklistBefore Driving
60A187S
1) Make sure that windows, mirrors, lightsand reflectors are clean and unob-
structed.
2) Visually check the tyres for the following points:
– the depth of the tread groove
– abnormal wear, cracks and damage
– loose wheel bolts
– existence of foreign material such as nails, stones, etc.
Refer to “Tyres” in “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section for details.
3) Look for fluid and oil leaks.
NOTE:
It is normal for water to drip from the air
conditioning system after use.
4) Make sure the bonnet is fully closed and latched.
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 carbon
monoxide is difficult to detect by
itself, be sure to take the following
precautions to help prevent carbon
monoxide 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 blower is at
high speed.
Avoid operating the vehicle with the tailgate or trunk open. If it is
necessary to operate the vehicle
with the tailgate or trunk open,
make sure 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 the
windshield clear of snow, leaves or
other obstructions at all times.
Keep the exhaust tailpipe area clear of snow and other material to help
reduce the buildup of exhaust
gases under the vehicle. This is
particularly important when parked
in blizzard conditions.
Have the exhaust system inspected periodically for damage and leaks.
Any damage or leaks should be
repaired immediately.
Exhaust Gas Warning: NO
Daily Inspection Checklist: NO
3-12
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
74LH0-74E
NOTE:
You do not need to keep the engine
switch pressed to start the engine.
The engine of a manual transaxle vehi-
cle will not start unless the clutch pedal
is depressed.
You should turn off such loads as the
headlights and air conditioning system to
facilitate starting of the engine.
Even if you fail to start the engine, the
starter motor will stop turning automati-
cally after a short time. After the starter
motor has stopped or if there is some
problem with the system, the starter
motor will rotate only while the engine
switch is being pressed.
Stopping the engine Depress the engine switch to stop the
engine after the vehicle stopped com-
pletely.
In case of emergency, you can stop the
engine by quickly pushing the engine
switch more than 3 times, or pushing
and holding the engine switch more than
2 seconds while the vehicle in motion.
NOTE:
Except in emergency, do not stop the
engine while the vehicle in motion.
The steering and braking operation will
require more efforts when the engine
stopped.
Refer to “Braking” in this section.
If the engine has been stopped and
stayed as it as for while after the engine
was stopped unexpectedly or was raced
before stopped, a clicking sound may be
heard from around the engine when
engine restarted. This is not a malfunc-
tion. In this case, always let the engine
idle before stop it.
Starting a Cold and Warm Engine(For Petrol Engine Model)
With your foot off the accelerator pedal,
crank the engine by pressing the engine
switch to change the ignition mode to
“START”.After pressing the engine switch to change the
ignition mode to “START”, the starter cranks
the engine for about 12 seconds before it can
start the engine. If the engine fails to start at
the first attempt, wait about 15 seconds, then
try again while keeping the engine switch
pressed while pressing down the accelerator
pedal to 1/3 of its travel. Release the accelera-
tor 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.
If you are unable to start the engine using
this procedure, consult your MARUTI
SUZUKI dealer.
NOTICE
Do not depress the accelerator
during the engine starting proce-
dure. If the engine does not respond
when you try to start it with the
engine switch or if the engine
switch repeats cycling through the
“LOCK”(OFF) - “ACC” - “ON” mode,
the vehicle battery may be dis-
charged. Check the voltage of the
vehicle battery before trying again.
NOTICE
Avoid stopping the engine while driv-
ing.
NOTICE
Do not crank the engine for more
than 12 seconds at a time.
If the engine doesn’t start on the first
try, wait about 15 seconds before try-
ing again.