6-3VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
74LH0-74E
Additional Trailer Towing Warnings
WA R N I N G
Connect trailer lights and hook up
safety chains every time you tow.
NOTICE
Because towing a trailer puts addi-
tional stress on your vehicle, more
frequent maintenance will be
required than under normal driving
conditions.
WA R N I N G
Your vehicle will handle differently
when towing a trailer. For your safety
and the safety of others, you should
observe the following precautions:
Practice turning, stopping, and
reversing before you begin towing
in traffic. Do not tow in traffic until
you are confident that you can han-
dle the vehicle and trailer safely.
Never exceed towing speed limits
or 80 km/h (50 mph), whichever is
lower.
Never drive at a speed that causes
shaking or swaying of the trailer. If
you notice even the slightest sign
of shaking or swaying, slow down.
When roads are wet, slippery or
rough, drive at a slower speed than
you would on dry, smooth roads.
Failure to slow down when road
conditions are bad can result in
loss of control.
Always have someone guide you
when reversing.
Allow adequate stopping distance.
Stopping distance is increased
when you tow a trailer. For each 16
(Continued)
WA R N I N G
(Continued)
km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow at
least one vehicle and trailer length
between you and the vehicle ahead.
Follow at a greater distance if roads
are wet or slippery.
If the trailer has over-run brakes,
apply the brakes gradually to avoid
snatching caused by the trailer
wheels locking.
Slow down before corners and
maintain a steady speed while cor-
nering. Deceleration or accelera-
tion while cornering can result in
loss of control. Remember that a
larger than normal turning radius is
needed because the trailer wheels
will be closer than vehicle wheels
to the inside of the turn.
Avoid sudden acceleration and
stopping of the vehicle. Do not
make quick maneuvers unless they
are necessary.
Slow down in cross winds and be
prepared for gusts of wind from
large passing vehicles.
(Continued)
6-4
VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
74LH0-74E
60A186
Towing Your VehicleYour vehicle may be towed behind another
vehicle (such as a motor-home), provided
your vehicle is 2 wheel drive (2WD) and
you use the proper towing method speci-
fied for your vehicle.
Use the towing instruction table to select
the proper towing method for your vehicle,and carefully follow the corresponding
instructions. Be sure to use proper towing
equipment designed for recreational tow-
ing and make sure that towing speed does
not exceed 90 km/h (55 mph)
TOWING INSTRUCTION TABLE
WA R N I N G
Be careful when overtaking other
vehicles. Be sure to allow enough
room for your trailer before you
change lanes, and signal well in
advance. Slow down and change into a lower
gear before you reach long or steep
downhill grades. It is hazardous to
attempt changing down while you
are descending a hill.
Avoid “riding” the brakes. This
could cause the brakes to overheat
resulting in reduced braking effi-
ciency. Use engine braking as
much as possible.
Because of the added trailer
weight, your engine may overheat
on hot days when going up long or
steep hills. Pay attention to your
engine temperature gauge. If it indi-
cates overheating, pull off the road
and stop in a safe place. Refer to “If
the Engine Overheats” in “EMER-
GENCY SERVICE” section.
WA R N I N G
When parking your vehicle and con-
nected trailer, always use the follow-
ing procedure:
1) Apply the vehicle’s brakes firmly.
2) Have another person place wheel
chocks under the wheels of the
vehicle and the trailer while you
are holding the brakes.
3) Slowly release the brakes until the
wheel chocks absorb the load.
4) Fully engage the parking brake.
5) Change the manual transmission
into reverse or first gear and turn
off the engine.
When starting out after parking:
1) Depress the clutch and start the
engine.
2) Change into gear, release the
parking brake, and slowly pull
away from the chocks.
3) Stop, apply the brakes firmly and
hold them.
4) Have another person remove the
chocks.
WA R N I N G
When you tow your vehicle, follow
the instructions below to avoid acci-
dents and damage to your vehicle. In
addition, be sure to observe govern-
ment and local requirements regard-
ing vehicle lighting and trailer hitches
or tow bars.
DRIVE
TRAINTRANS
MISSIONTOWING
METHOD
2WD M/T
(MANUAL)A/B
2WD A/T
(AUTOMATIC)A
2WD AGS
(AUTO GEAR
SHIFT)A/B
7-5INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
74LH0-74E
9-2.
All rods and arms (Loose, damage, wear)
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10-1. Battery electrolyte (Level, leakage) I I I I I I I I I I
ELECTRICAL
10-2. Wiring harness connection (Loose, damage)
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Lightening system (Operation, stains, damage)
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10-4. Horn (Operation) I I I I I I I I I I
10-5.
System Voltage
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BODY
11-1.
All chassis bolts and nuts (Tighten)
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11-2. All latches, hinges and locks (Function)) I I&L I&L I&L I&L I&L I&L I&L I&L I&L
ROAD TEST12-1.
Operation of Brakes, gear shifting and speedometer
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12-2.
Body and chassis noise
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AIR CONDITIONER (If equipped)
13-1.
Check belt tension
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13-2. Tighten compressor mounting bolt
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T T T T T T T T T
13-3.
All hose joint (Check, tighten)
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13-4. Check functioning of Recirc flap I I I I I I I I I I
13-5.
Clean condenser with low pressure water
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13-6. Check belt for frayed edges I I I I I I I I I I
13-7.
Check all mounting bolts
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13-8. Air conditioner filter element (if equipped) I I I I R I I R I I
Interval: This interval should be judged by odometer reading
or months, whichever comes first.
FREE INSPECTION
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AT COST
km (x1000)
1
5
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
months
1
6
12
24
36
48
60
72
84
96
Engine Oil and Filter: 1, 2
7-14
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
74LH0-74E
Clutch Pedal
Cable Control Clutch (For Petrol
Engine Model)
54G274
Clutch pedal play “d”:
10 - 15 mm (0.4 - 0.6 in.)
Measure the clutch pedal play by moving
the clutch pedal with your hand and mea-
suring the distance it moves until you feel
slight resistance. The play in the clutch
pedal should be between the specified val-
ues. If the play is more or less than the
above, or clutch dragging is felt with the
pedal fully depressed, have the clutch
inspected by your MARUTI SUZUKI autho-
rized dealer.
Fluid Control Clutch (For Diesel
Engine Model)
68LM703
Check the clutch pedal for smooth opera-
tion and clutch fluid level from time to time.
If clutch dragging is felt with the pedal fully
depressed, have the clutch inspected by
your MARUTI SUZUKI dealer. If the clutch
fluid level is near the “MIN” line, fill it up to
the “MAX” line with Maruti Genuine Brake
Fluid (MGBF) or DOT 3.
We highly recommend to use “Maruti Gen-
uine Brake Fluid” (MGBF).
Automatic Transaxle (AT) Fluid
Specified Fluid
Use an automatic transaxle fluid SUZUKI
ATF 3317 or Mobil ATF 3309.
Fluid Level Check
You must check the fluid level with the
automatic transaxle fluid at normal operat-
ing temperature.
To check the fluid level:
1) To warm up the transaxle fluid, drive the
vehicle or idle the engine until the tem-
perature gauge indicates normal oper-
ating temperature.
2) Then drive for ten more minutes.NOTE:
Do not check the fluid level if you have just
driven the vehicle for a long time at high
speed, if you have driven in city traffic in
hot weather, or if the vehicle has been pull-
ing a trailer. Wait until the fluid cools down
(about 30 minutes), or the fluid level indi-
cation will not be correct.
3) Park your vehicle on level ground.
4) Apply the parking brake and then start
the engine in “P” (Park). Let it idle for
two minutes and keep it running during
the fluid level check.
5) With your foot on the brake pedal, move
the gearshift lever through each range,
pausing for about three seconds in
each range. Then move it back to the
“P” (Park) position.
EXAMPLE
NOTICE
Driving with too much or too little
fluid can damage the transaxle.
NOTICE
Be sure to use the specified auto-
matic transaxle fluid. Using auto-
matic transaxle fluid other than
SUZUKI ATF 3317 or Mobil ATF 3309
may damage the automatic transaxle
of your vehicle.
EXAMPLE
Windshield Washer Fluid: 3
Air Cleaner: 1, 2
7-16
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
74LH0-74E
Brakes
Brake Fluid
68LM703
Check the brake fluid level by looking at
the reservoir in the engine compartment.
Check that the fluid level is between the
“MAX” and “MIN” lines. If the brake fluid
level is near the “MIN” line, fill it up to the
“MAX” line with Maruti Genuine Brake
Fluid (MGBF) or DOT 3.
We highly recommend to use “Maruti Gen-
uine Brake Fluid” (MGBF).NOTE:
With disc brakes, the fluid level can be
expected to gradually fall as the brake
pads wear.
Brake PedalCheck if the brake pedal stops at the regu-
lar height without “spongy” feeling when
you depress it. If not, have the brake sys-
tem inspected by your MARUTI SUZUKI
dealer. If you doubt the brake pedal for the
regular height, check it as follows:
54G108
WA R N I N G
Failure to follow the guidelines below
can result in personal injury or seri-
ous damage to the brake system.
If the brake fluid in the reservoir
drops below a certain level, the
brake warning light on the instru-
ment panel will come on (the
engine must be running with the
parking brake fully disengaged).
Should the light come on, immedi-
ately ask your MARUTI SUZUKI
dealer to inspect the brake system.
A rapid fluid loss indicates a leak in
the brake system which should be
inspected by your MARUTI SUZUKI
dealer immediately.
Do not use any fluid other than
Maruti Genuine Brake Fluid (MGBF)
or DOT 3. Do not use reclaimed
fluid or fluid that has been stored in
old or open containers. It is essen-
tial that foreign particles and other
liquids are kept out of the brake
fluid reservoir.
CAUTION
Brake fluid can harm your eyes and
damage painted surfaces. Use cau-
tion when refilling the reservoir.
WA R N I N G
Brake fluid is harmful or fatal if swal-
lowed, and harmful if it comes in con-
tact with skin or eyes. If swallowed,
do not induce vomiting. Immediately
contact a poison control center or a
physician. If brake fluid gets in eyes,
flush eyes with water and seek medi-
cal attention. Wash thoroughly after
handling. Solution can be poisonous
to animals. Keep out of the reach of
children and animals.
Spark Plugs: 1, 2
7-17INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
74LH0-74E
Pedal to floor carpet minimum dis-
tance “a”: 68 mm (2.7 in.)
With the engine running, measure the dis-
tance between the brake pedal and floor
carpet when the pedal is depressed with
approximately 30 kg (66 lbs) of force. The
minimum distance required is as specified.
Since your vehicle’s brake system is self-
adjusting, there is no need for pedal
adjustment.
If the pedal to floor carpet distance as
measured above is less than the minimum
distance required, have your vehicle
inspected by your MARUTI SUZUKI
dealer.
NOTE:
When measuring the distance between the
brake pedal and floor carpet, be sure not to
include the floor mat or rubber on the floor
carpet in your measurement.
60G104S
Parking Brake
54G109
Ratchet tooth specification “b”:
4th – 9th
Lever pull force (1):
200 N (20 kg, 44 lbs)
Check the parking brake for proper adjust-
ment by counting the number of clicks
made by the ratchet teeth as you slowly
pull up on the parking brake lever to thepoint of full engagement. The parking
brake lever should stop between the speci-
fied ratchet teeth and the rear wheels
should be securely locked. If the parking
brake is not properly adjusted or the
brakes drag after the lever has been fully
released, have the parking brake inspected
and/or adjusted by your MARUTI SUZUKI
dealer.
Steering
68LM708
Steering wheel play “c”:
0 – 30 mm (0.0 – 1.2 in.)
Check the play of the steering wheel by
gently turning it from left to right and mea-
suring the distance that it moves before
you feel slight resistance. The play should
be between the specified values.
WA R N I N G
If you experience any of the following
problems with your vehicle’s brake
system, have the vehicle inspected
immediately by your MARUTI SUZUKI
dealer.
Poor braking performance
Uneven braking (brakes not work-
ing uniformly on all wheels.)
Excessive pedal travel
Brake dragging
Excessive noise
EXAMPLE
“c”
EXAMPLE
Fuel Filter (diesel engine):
Brakes: 6
8-5EMERGENCY SERVICE
74LH0-74E
Full Wheel Cover (if equipped)
60G309
Insert a piece of cloth between the spokes
of the wheel cover and try to pull the cover
outward (as shown in figure). Take out the
detached wheel cover from the wheel rim.
For installation first match the slot at the
wheel cover with the air filling nozzle of the
wheel. Apply equal pressure at the circum-
ference of the wheel cover to fix it in the
wheel rim.
74LHT0860
When installing the cover, make sure that it
is positioned so that it does not cover or
foul the air valve.
Jump Starting Instructions
When Jump Starting Your Vehicle,
Use the Following Procedure:1) Use only a 12-volt battery to jump start
your vehicle. Position the good 12-volt
battery close to your vehicle so that the
jump leads will reach both batteries.
When using a battery installed on
another vehicle, DO NOT LET THE
VEHICLES TOUCH. Set the parking
brakes fully on both vehicles.
2) Turn off all vehicle accessories, except
those necessary for safety reasons (for
example, headlights or hazard lights).
EXAMPLEEXAMPLE
WA R N I N G
Never attempt to jump start your
vehicle if the battery appears to be
frozen. Batteries in this condition
may explode or rupture if jump
starting is attempted.
When making jump lead connec-
tions, be certain that your hands
and the jump leads remain clear
from pulleys, belts, or fans.
Batteries produce flammable
hydrogen gas. Keep flames and
sparks away from the battery or an
explosion may occur. Never smoke
when working in the vicinity of the
battery.
If the booster battery you use for
jump starting is installed in another
vehicle, make sure the two vehicles
are not touching each other.
If your battery discharges repeat-
edly, for no apparent reason, have
your vehicle inspected by an
authorized MARUTI SUZUKI dealer.
To avoid harm to yourself or dam-
age to your vehicle or battery, fol-
low the jump starting instructions
below precisely and in order.
If you are in doubt, contact your
nearest MARUTI SUZUKI autho-
rized workshop.
NOTICE
Your vehicle should not be started by
pushing or towing. This starting
method could result in permanent
damage to the catalytic converter and
high pressure fuel pump (diesel) Use
jump leads to start a vehicle with a
weak or flat battery.
9-3APPEARANCE CARE
74LH0-74E
Cleaning the ExteriorCaring for Aluminum Wheels
NOTE:
Do not use an acidic or alkaline deter-
gent to wash aluminum wheels. These
types of detergent will cause permanent
spots, discoloration and cracks on fin-
ished surfaces.
Do not use a bristle brush and soap con-
taining an abrasive material. These will
damage finished surfaces.Washing
60B212S
When washing the vehicle, park it where
direct sunlight does not fall on it and follow
the instructions below:
1) Flush the underside of body and wheel
housings with pressurized water to
remove mud and debris. Use plenty of
water.
2) Rinse the body to loosen the dirt.
Remove dirt and mud from the bodyexterior with running water. You may
use a soft sponge or brush. Do not use
hard materials which can scratch the
paint or plastic. Remember that the
headlight covers or lenses are made of
plastic in many cases.
3) Wash the entire exterior with a mild
detergent or car wash soap using a
sponge or soft cloth. The sponge or
cloth should be frequently soaked in the
soap solution.
4) Once the dirt has been completely
removed, rinse off the detergent with
running water.
5) After rinsing, wipe off the vehicle body
with a wet chamois or cloth and allow it
to dry in the shade.
6) Check carefully for damage to painted
surfaces. If there is any damage,
NOTICE
It is important that your vehicle be
kept clean and free from dirt. Failure
to keep your vehicle clean may result
in fading of the paint or corrosion to
various parts of the vehicle body.
WA R N I N G
Never attempt to wash and wax
your vehicle with the engine run-
ning.
When cleaning the underside of the
body and fender, where there may
be sharp-edged parts, you should
wear gloves and a long-sleeved
shirt to protect your hands and
arms from being cut.
After washing your vehicle, care-
fully test the brakes before driving
to make sure they have maintained
their normal effectiveness.
NOTICE
When washing the vehicle Avoid
directing steam or hot water of more
than 80°C (176°F) on plastic parts.
To avoid damaging engine compo-
nents, do not use pressurized
water in the engine compartment.
NOTICE
To avoid damage to the paint or plas-
tic surface, do not wipe the dirt off
without ample water. Be sure to fol-
low above procedure.
NOTICE
When using a commercial car wash
product, observe the cautions speci-
fied by the manufacturer. Never use
strong household detergents or
soaps.
Vehicle Cleaning: 5