2-51
BEFORE DRIVING
74LH0-74E
Ignition “ON” Indicator Light
(if equipped)
82K098
This light comes on when the ignition
mode is “ON” with the engine off.
Speedometer
68LM223
The speedometer indicates vehicle speed
in km/h.
Tachometer (if equipped)
68LM224
The tachometer indicates engine speed in
revolutions per minute.
NOTE:
Maximum engine speed is limited at
approximately 5000 revolutions per minute
by the fuel cut control when you press the
accelerator pedal while the gearshift is in
“N” (Neutral).
Fuel Gauge
74LHT0220
When the ignition switch is in the “ON”
position or the ignition mode is “ON”, this
gauge gives an approximate indication of
the amount of fuel in the fuel tank. “F”
stands for full and “E” stands for empty.
If the indicator gets off the graduation of
“E” (not character “E”), refill the tank as
soon as possible.
NOTE:
The indicator moves a little depending on
road conditions (for example, slope or
curve) and driving conditions because of
fuel moving in the tank.
If the low fuel warning light (1) comes on,
fill the fuel tank immediately.
EXAMPLE
NOTICE
Never drive the vehicle with the
engine revving in the red zone or
severe engine damage can result.
Keep the engine speed below the red
zone even when downshifting to a
lower gear position.
Refer to “Downshifting maximum
allowable speeds” in the “OPERAT-
ING YOUR VEHICLE” section.
EXAMPLE
(1)(2)
2-52
BEFORE DRIVING
74LH0-74E
When the low fuel warning light (1) comes
on, a ding sounds once to remind you to fill
the fuel.
If you do not fill the fuel, a ding sounds
every time when the ignition switch is
turned to “ON” position.
NOTE:
The activation point of the low fuel warning
light (1) varies depending on road condi-
tions (for example, slope or curve) and
driving conditions because of fuel moving
in the tank.
The mark (2) indicates that the fuel filler
door is located on the left side of the vehi-
cle.
Temperature Gauge
74LHT0221
When the ignition switch is in the “ON”
position or the ignition mode is "ON", this
gauge indicates the engine coolant tem-perature. Under normal driving conditions,
the indicator should stay within the normal,
acceptable temperature range between “H”
and “C”. If the indicator approaches “H”,
overheating is indicated. Follow the
instructions for engine overheating in the
“EMERGENCY SERVICE” section.
Brightness Control
68LM227
When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position or the engine switch is
pressed to change the ignition mode is
"ON", the pointer lights come on.
Your vehicle has a system to automatically
dim the brightness of the instrument panellights when the position lights or headlights
are on.
When the position lights and/or headlights
are ON, you can control the meter illumina-
tion intensity.
To increase the brightness of the instru-
ment panel lights, turn the brightness con-
trol knob (1) clockwise.
To reduce the brightness of the instrument
panel lights, turn the brightness control
knob (1) counterclockwise.
NOTE:
• If you do not turn the brightness control
knob within about 5 seconds of activat-
ing the brightness control display, the
brightness control display will be can-
celed automatically.
• When you reconnect the battery, the
brightness of the instrument panel lights
will be reinitialized. Readjust the bright-
ness according to your preference.
NOTICE
Continuing to drive the vehicle when
engine overheating is indicated can
result in severe engine damage.
(1)
EXAMPLE
2-58
BEFORE DRIVING
74LH0-74E
NOTE:
Depending on vehicle’s specifications,
some items may not be displayed.How to operate the setting mode:
1) When the ignition switch is in the “ON”
position or press the engine switch to
change the ignition mode to “ON” and the
vehicle is stationary, push the trip meter
selector knob (2) to switch the information
display indication (D) to the odometer.
2) Push and hold the indicator selector
knob (3) until the display shows “ ”.
3) Turn and/or push the indicator selector
knob (3) to select a function that you want
to set up according to the above chart.
4) Turn and/or push the indicator selector
knob (3) to register settings of the fol-
lowing functions.Shock sensor “ ”
Pre-warning sensitivity of the shock sensor “ ”
Full blast warning sensitivity
of the shock sensor “ ”
Initialization setting “ ”
Exit the setting mode “ ” Indication Functions
Turn the indicator selector knob
(3).
Push the indicator selector
knob (3).
2-61
BEFORE DRIVING
74LH0-74E
Light Reminder Buzzer
(if equipped)
A buzzer sounds to remind you to turn off
the lights if they are left on when the igni-
tion key is removed and the driver’s door is
opened.
Rear Fog Light Switch (if equipped)
74LHT0226
To turn the rear fog light on, twist the knob
as shown in the illustration with the head-
lights are on. When the rear fog light is on,
an indicator light on the instrument cluster
will come on.
Front Fog Light Switch (if equipped)
64J058
The front fog light comes on when the fog
light switch is pushed in with the position
lights, tail lights and/or the headlights are
on. An indicator light above the switch will
be lit when the front fog light is on.
Headlight Leveling Switch
80JM040
Level the headlight beam according to the
load condition of your vehicle by turning
this switch. The chart below shows the
appropriate switch position for different
vehicle-load conditions.
Turn Signal Control Lever
65D611
EXAMPLE
Vehicle Load Condition Switch Position
Driver only 0
Driver + 1 passenger
(in front seat)1
Driver + 4 passengers,
no cargo2
Driver + 4 passengers,
cargo added2
Driver + full cargo 4
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
3-2
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:
3-3OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
74LH0-74E
Ignition Switch
(Vehicle without Keyless
Push Start System)
65D611
60B041
The ignition switch has the following four
positions:LOCK
This is the normal parking position. It is the
only position in which the key can be removed.Manual transaxle
60G033
Manual transaxle/Auto Gear Shift
vehicles
You must push in the key to turn it to the
“LOCK” position. It locks the ignition, and
prevents normal use of the steering
wheel after the key is removed.
Automatic transaxle vehicles
The gearshift lever must be in the “P”
(Park) position to turn the key to the
“LOCK” position. It locks the ignition and
prevents normal use of the steering
wheel and gearshift lever.
To release the steering lock, insert the key
and turn it clockwise to one of the other
positions. If you have trouble turning the
key to unlock the steering, try turning the
steering wheel slightly to the right or left
while turning the key.ACC
Accessories such as the radio can oper-
ate, but the engine is off.
ON
This is the normal operating position. All
electrical systems are on.
START
This is the position for starting the engine
using the starter motor. The key should be
released from this position as soon as the
engine starts.
Ignition key reminder (if equipped)
A buzzer sounds intermittently to remind you
to remove the ignition key if it is in the ignition
switch when the driver’s door is opened.
81A297S
WA R N I N G
To avoid possible injury, do not oper-
ate controls by reaching through the
steering wheel.EXAMPLE
Turn to “LOCK”
Push
WA R N I N G
Never return the ignition switch to the
“LOCK” position and remove the igni-
tion key while the vehicle is moving.
The steering wheel will lock and you
will not be able to steer the vehicle.
(Continued)
Starting the Engine: 1
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