2-39
BEFORE DRIVING
74LH0-74E
“AIR BAG” light (If equipped)
63J030
If the “AIR BAG” light on the instrument
cluster does not blink or come on when the
ignition switch is first turned to the “ON”
position, or the ignition mode is first
changed to “ON” or the “AIR BAG” light
stays on, or comes on while driving, the air
bag system (or the seat belt pretensioner
system) may not work properly. Have the
air bag system inspected by an authorized
MARUTI SUZUKI dealer as soon as possi-
ble.
Front Air Bags
63J113
Front air bags are designed to inflate in
severe frontal collisions when the ignition
switch is in the “ON” position or the ignition
mode is “ON”.
Front air bags are not designed to inflate in
rear impacts, side impacts, rollovers or
minor frontal collisions, since they would
offer no protection in those types of acci-
dents. Remember, since an air bag
deploys only one time during an accident,
seat belts are needed to restrain occu-
pants from further movements during the
accident.
Therefore, an air bag is NOT a substitute
for seat belts. To maximize your protection,
ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SEAT BELTS. Be
aware that no system can prevent all pos-
sible injuries that may occur in an accident.
63J114
The driver’s front air bag is located behind
the center pad of the steering wheel and
the front passenger’s front air bag is
located behind the passenger’s side of the
dashboard. The words “SRS AIRBAG” aremolded into the air bag covers to identity
the location of the air bags.
58MS030
Please refer to the “Seat Belts and Child
Restraint Systems” section in this section
for details on securing your child.
EXAMPLE
WA R N I N G
Do not install a rear-facing child
restraint in the front passenger’s
seat. If the passenger’s front air bag
inflates, a child in a rear-facing child
restraint could be killed or severely
injured. The back of a rear-facing
child restraint would be too close to
the inflating air bag.
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.
2-48
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.
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:
4-1DRIVING TIPS
67LH3-74E
74LHM0401
Running-inCatalytic Converter
74LHM0402
The purpose of the catalytic converter is to
minimize the amount of harmful pollutants
in your vehicle’s exhaust. Use of leaded
fuel in vehicles equipped with catalytic
converters is prohibited, because lead
deactivates the pollutant-reducing compo-
nents of the catalyst system.
The converter is designed to last the life of
the vehicle under normal usage and when
unleaded fuel is used. No special mainte-
nance is required on the converter. How-
ever, it is very important to keep the engine
properly tuned. Engine misfiring, which can
result from an improperly tuned engine,
may cause overheating of the catalyst.
This may result in permanent heat damage
to the catalyst and other vehicle compo-
nents.
WA R N I N G
WEAR YOUR SEAT BELTS AT ALL
TIMES. Even though air bags are
equipped at the front seating posi-
tions, the driver and all passengers
should be properly restrained at all
times, using the seat belts pro-
vided. Refer to the “Seat Belts and
Child Restraint Systems” section
for instructions on proper use of
the seat belts.
Never drive while under the influ-
ence of alcohol or other drugs.
Alcohol and drugs can seriously
impair your ability to drive safely,
greatly increasing the risk of injury
to yourself and others. You should
also avoid driving when you are
tired, sick, irritated, or under
stress.EXAMPLE
NOTICE
The future performance and reliabil-
ity of the engine depends on the care
and restraint exercised during its
early life. It is especially important to
observe the following precautions
during the initial 960 km of vehicle
operation.
After starting, do not race theengine. Warm it up gradually.
Avoid prolonged vehicle operation at a constant speed. Moving parts
will break in better if you vary your
speed.
Start off from a stop slowly. Avoid
full throttle starts.
Avoid hard braking, especially during the first 320 km of driving.
Do not drive slowly with the trans- axle in a high gear.
Drive the vehicle at moderate
engine speeds.
Do not tow a trailer.
EXAMPLE
5-54
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
74LH0-74E
(with spare tyre)
74LHT0528
1) Pick up the towing hook (1), jack handle
(A) and wheel brace (B) kept in the stor-
age bag under the spare tyre in the lug-
gage compartment
68LM546
2) Remove the cover (C) by using a jack
handle (A) covered with a soft cloth as
shown in the illustration.
63J120
3) Install the towing hook (1) by hand.
62J161
4) To tighten the towing hook (1), turn it
clockwise by using a wheel brace (B)
until the hook (1) is securely installed.To remove the towing hook (1), reverse the
procedure used to install the towing hook.
Rear
68LM547
The frame hook (2) is provided on the rear
of the vehicle for use in emergency situa-
tions and trailer/train shipping purposes
only.
To tow your vehicle on the road or highway,
follow the instruction of “Towing” in “EMER-
GENCY SERVICE” section.
(1)(A)(B)
(C)
(A)
EXAMPLE
NOTICE
When you use the towing hook (1),
avoid the driving that gives signifi-
cant physical shock on hook. Such
operation can damage the hook, or
the vehicle body.
Do not sudden accelerate.
(1)
EXAMPLE
(1)
(B)
EXAMPLE
NOTICE
When you use the frame hook (2),
avoid the driving that gives signifi-
cant physical shock on hook. Such
operation can damage the hook, the
vehicle body or the drive system.
Do not sudden accelerate.
Do not tow the vehicle heavier
than your vehicle.
(2)
EXAMPLE
5-55OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
74LH0-74E
Other Hooks
74LHT0536
The hooks (3) (if equipped) is provided for
trailer/train shipping purposes only. The
hooks (4) are provided for sea shipping-
purpose only.
Luggage Carpet Hook (if equipped)The hook (1) is provided in the luggage
compartment area to hang the luggage
carpet.
WA R N I N G
Do not use the frame hooks to tow
another vehicle or to have your vehi-
cle towed on the road or highway.
The hook (1) is designed for use in
emergency situations only, such as if
your vehicle or another vehicle gets
stuck in deep mud or snow. The hook
(2) is designed for use in emergency
situations and trailer/train shipping
only.
The hooks (3) (if equipped) is pro-
vided for trailer/train shipping pur-
poses only. The hooks (4) are
provided for sea shipping purpose
only.
(4)(3)
EXAMPLE
NOTICE
Never use the hooks (1) for trailer/
train shipping and sea shipping pur-
poses to prevent damage to the vehi-
cle.
(1)
EXAMPLE