
2-62
BEFORE DRIVING
74LH0-74E
Turn Signal OperationWith the ignition switch in the “ON” position
or the ignition mode is “ON”, move the
lever up or down to activate the left or right
turn signals.
Normal turn signal
74LHT0227
Move the lever all the way upward or down-
ward to signal. When the turn is com-
pleted, the signal will cancel and the lever
will return to its normal position.
Lane change signal
74LHT0228
Some times, such as when changing
lanes, the steering wheel is not turned far
enough to cancel the turn signal. For con-
venience, you can flash the turn signal by
moving the lever part way and holding itthere. The lever will return to its normal
position when you release it.
Hazard Warning Switch
74LHT0229
Push in the hazard warning switch to acti-
vate the hazard warning lights. All turn sig-
nal lights and both turn signal indicators
will flash simultaneously. To turn off the
lights, push the switch again.
Use the hazard warning lights to warn
other traffic during emergency parking or
when your vehicle could otherwise become
a traffic hazard.
Windshield Wiper and Washer
Lever
57L21128
Windshield Wipers
74LHT0230
To turn the windshield wipers on, move the
lever down to one of the three operating
positions. In the “INT” position, the wipers
operate with “LO” speed & with a gap
between two wipes/wipe cycle. The “INT”
position is very convenient for driving in
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
WA R N I N G
To avoid possible injury, do not oper-
ate controls by reaching through the
steering wheel.

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

3-2
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
74LH0-74E
5) Check the headlights, turn signal lights,
brake lights and horn for proper opera-
tion.
6) Adjust the seat and adjustable head
restraint (if equipped).
7) Check the brake pedal and the parking
brake lever.
8) Adjust the mirrors.
9) Make sure that you and all passengers
have properly fastened your seat belts.
10)Make sure that all warning lights come
on as the key is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion or the engine is pressed to change
the ignition mode to “ON”.
11)Check all gauges.
12)Make sure that the BRAKE SYSTEM
WARNING 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 level
3) Brake fluid level
4) Battery solution level
5) Windshield washer fluid level
6) Hood latch operation
Pull the bonnet hood release handle
inside the vehicle. Make sure that you
cannot open the hood all the way with-
out releasing the secondary latch. Be
sure to close the hood securely after
checking for proper latch operation.
See “All latches, hinges and locks” of“CHASSIS AND BODY” in the “Periodic
Maintenance Schedule” in the
“INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE”
section for lubrication schedule.
Once a month, or each time you fill your
fuel tank, check the tire pressure using a
tire pressure gauge. Also check the tire
pressure of the spare tire.
Engine Oil ConsumptionIt 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, the
quality of the oil and the conditions the
vehicle is driven under.
More oil is consumed during high-speed
driving 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 oilconsumption only after approximately 5000
km driving.
Oil consumption:
Max. 1.0 L per 1000 km When judging the amount of oil consump-
tion, note that the oil may become diluted
and make it difficult to accurately judge the
true 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 or more of driving. This is
because the oil is gradually becoming
diluted with fuel or moisture, making it
appear that the oil level has not changed.
You should also be aware that the diluting
ingredients evaporate out when the vehicle
is subsequently driven at high speeds,
such as on an expressway, making it
appear that oil is excessively consumed
after high-speed driving.
WA R N I N G
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.
Daily Inspection Checklist: NO
Engine Oil Consumption:

3-4
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
74LH0-74E
Engine Switch
(Vehicle with Keyless Push
Start System)
61MM0B001
LOCK (OFF)This mode is for parking the vehicle. When
this mode is selected by pressing the engine
switch and then any door is opened or closed,
the steering will be locked automatically.
ACC
Press the engine switch to select this igni-
tion mode to use such electric equipment
as the audio system, outside rearview mir-
rors and accessory socket with the engine
off. When this position is selected, the
information display in the instrument clus-
ter come on. Refer to “Warning and Indica-
tor Lights” in the “BEFORE DRIVING”
section for details.
ON
With the engine off
You can use such electric equipment as
the power windows and wipers with the
engine off. When this ignition mode is
selected by pressing the engine switch,
the information display in the instrument
cluster will come on.
With the engine on
All electric equipment is operational. The
vehicle can be driven when you have
selected this ignition mode by pressing
the engine switch.
START
Automatic transaxle – Provided you have
the keyless push start system remote con-
troller with you, the engine automatically
starts when you press the engine switch to
select this ignition mode after placing the
gearshift lever in the “P” position and
depressing the brake pedal. (If you need to
re-start the engine while the vehicle is
moving, shift into “N”.)
WA R N I N G
(Continued)
Always return the ignition switch to
the “LOCK” position and remove
the ignition key when leaving the
vehicle even if only for a short time.
Also do not leave children alone in
a parked vehicle. Unattended chil-
dren could cause accidental move-
ment of the vehicle or could tamper
with power windows or power sun-
roof. They also could suffer from
heat stroke in warm or hot weather.
These could result in severe injury
or even death.
NOTICE
Do not use the starter motor for
more than 12 seconds at a time. If
the engine does not start, wait 15
seconds before trying again. If the
engine does not start after several
attempts, 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.
NOTICE
If you stop the engine while the vehi-
cle is in motion, the automatic
transaxle may be damaged. Avoid
stopping the engine while driving.EXAMPLE
Using the Transaxle: 10

3-17OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
74LH0-74E
Overdrive off switchThe transmission is a 4-speed (3-speed
plus overdrive) automatic transmission. By
operating the overdrive off switch, the
transmission can be converted to a 3-
speed automatic transmission that will not
move to the overdrive position. To convert
the transmission to the 3-speed mode,
push in the overdrive off switch and
release it.
To return the transmission to the 4-speed
mode, push in the overdrive off switch
again.
When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ACC” position or the engine switch is
pressed to change the ignition mode to
“ACC”, the transmission in the 3-speed
mode is converted to the 4-speed mode
automatically.]
The 3-speed mode is suitable for the fol-
lowing driving conditions:
Driving on hilly, winding roads
– You can drive more smoothly with less
frequent gear changing
Going down a steep hill
– Some engine braking is provided
NOTE:
If you move the gearshift lever to a lower
gear while driving faster than the maximum
allowable speed for the lower gear, the
transaxle will not actually downshift until
your speed drops below the maximum
speed for the lower gear.
If You Cannot Shift Automatic trans-
mission Gearshift Lever Out of “P”
(PARK)Automatic transmission
Vehicles with an automatic transmission
have an electrically operated parklock fea-
ture. If the vehicle’s battery is discharged,
or there is some other electrical failure, the
automatic transmission cannot be shifted
out of Park in the normal way. Jump start-
ing may correct the condition. If not, follow
the procedure described below. This pro-
cedure will permit shifting the transmission
out of Park.
1) Be sure the parking brake is firmly
applied.
2) If the engine is running, stop the
engine.
3) Make sure the key is in the “ON” or
“ACC” position, or the ignition mode is
“ON” or “ACC”.
4) Remove the cover (1) over the button.
5) With the release button (1) pushed by
the key or the flat end rod, push the
NOTICE
Be sure to take the following precau-
tions to help avoid damage to the
automatic transmission :
Make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stationary before shifting
into “P” or “R”.
Do not shift from “P” or “N” to “R”,
“D”, “2”, or “L” when the engine is
running above idle speed.
Do not rev the engine with the
transmission in a drive position
(“R”, “D”, “2”, or “L”) and the front
wheels not moving.
NOTICE
Do not use the accelerator to hold
the vehicle on a hill. Use the vehi-
cle’s brakes.
(1)
(2)

4-3DRIVING TIPS
67LH3-74E
Keep the air cleaner clean
74LHM0404
If the air cleaner is clogged with dust, there
will be greater intake resistance, resulting
in decreased power output and increased
fuel consumption.
Keep weight to a minimum
Heavier the load, more fuel the vehicle
consumes. Take out any luggage or cargo
when it is not necessary.
Keep tire pressures correct
Underinflation of the tires can waste fuel
due to increased running resistance of the
tires. Keep your tires inflated to the correct
pressure shown on the label on the driver’s
door lock pillar.
Highway DrivingWhen driving at high speeds, pay attention
to the following:
Stopping distance progressivelyincreases with vehicle speed. Apply the
brakes far enough ahead of the stopping
point to allow for the extra stopping dis-
tance.
On rainy days, hydroplaning can occur. Hydroplaning is the loss of direct contact
between the road surface and the vehi-
cle’s tires due to a water film forming
between them. Steering or braking the
vehicle while hydroplaning can be very
difficult, and loss of control can occur.
Keep speed down when the road sur-
face is wet.
At high speeds, the vehicle may be affected by side winds. Therefore,
reduce speed and be prepared for unex-
pected buffeting, which can occur at the
exits of tunnels, when passing by a cut
of a hill, or when being overtaken by
large vehicles, etc.
Driving on Hills
74LHM0405
When climbing steep hills, the vehicle
may begin to slow down and show a lack
of power. If this happens, you should
shift to a lower gear so that the engine
will again be operating in its normal
power range. Shift rapidly to prevent the
vehicle from losing momentum.
When driving down a hill, the engine should be used for braking by shifting to
next lower gear.
EXAMPLE
R
N
D
-
M+
EXAMPLE

4-8
DRIVING TIPS
67LH3-74E
Night time driving
74LHM0414
1) Drive at lower speeds during the nightthan in the daytime, as the visual range
is restricted at night.
2) Avoid overtaking other vehicles at night.
Darkness bothers your sense of speed
and hinders your judgment of vehicle-
to-vehicle distance.
74LHM0415
3) Don’t use headlights on high beamunless its use is inevitable. It may
cause visual impairment to the driver of
the oncoming vehicle or the vehicle
ahead of you, which may cause an
accident.
4) Always keep the window glasses clean.
Don’t operate the windshield wiper
when the windshield glass is dry else
the wiper blade and glass may get
damaged.
74LHM0416
Margin for SafetyIt is important to allow yourself a margin for
safety during driving so that you can cope
with erroneous or unexpected driving of
other drivers. For that, observe the follow-
ing.
Drive at a safe speed.
Maintain a sufficient distance betweenyour vehicle and the vehicle ahead.
Don’t force yourself to overtake other
vehicles.
Don’t accelerate suddenly, steer sharply or stop suddenly.
Keep ample gaps between driving schedules.
Observe traffic rules and regulations.ConclusionA perfect driver does not exist. The
endeavour of every motorist should be to
strive for perfection. Safety consciousness
not only ensures your safety and the safety
of other road users, it also helps reduce
the wear and tear on your vehicle, length-
ens its life, gives better fuel efficiency and
ensures a comfortable driving experience.
Follow the do’s and dont’s listed, and
driving will never be the same again.
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE