2-49
BEFORE DRIVING
74LH0-74E
SUZUKI dealer to have the system
inspected.
Immobilizer/Keyless Push Start
System Warning Light
80JM122
When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position or the engine switch is
pressed to change the ignition mode to
“ON”, the light comes on briefly so you can
check that the light is working. If this light
stays on, there is a problem with the sys-
tem. Ask your MARUTI SUZUKI dealer to
have the system inspected.
Open Door Warning Light
54G391
This light remains on until all doors (includ-
ing the tail gate for some model) are com-
pletely closed.
If any door is open when the vehicle is
moving, a ding sounds to remind you to
close all doors completely.
Low Fuel Warning Light
54G343
If this light comes on, fill the fuel tank
immediately.
When this light 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 the
“ON” position or the engine switch is pressed
to change the ignition mode to “ON”.
NOTE:
The activation point of this light varies
depending on road conditions (for exam-
ple, slope or curve) and driving conditions
because of fuel moving in the tank.
Electric Power Steering Light
79J039
This 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”, and goes out when
the engine is started.If this light comes on while driving, the
power steering system may not work prop-
erly. Have the system inspected by your
MARUTI SUZUKI dealer.
NOTE:
Following operations of the steering wheel
while parking or driving at a very low-
speed may have steering effort bigger
gradually. This is not a malfunction of the
steering system, but the power steering
control system limits the power assist in
order to prevent them from overheating.
• The steering wheel is operated very
often.
• The steering wheel is kept in a fully
turned position for a long while.
When the power steering control system
cool down, the power steering system
back to the original condition.
However, repeating these operations could
cause the power steering system damaged.
NOTE:
If the power steering system does not work
properly, you will feel heavier to steer but
you still will be able to steer.
NOTE:
If the steering is operated, you may hear a
rubbing noise. This is normal and indicates
that the power steering system works
properly.
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
3-9OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
74LH0-74E
PedalManual transaxle
80J2121
Automatic transaxle/Auto gear shift
80J2122
Clutch Pedal (1)(For manual transaxle)
The clutch pedal is used to disengage the
drive to the wheels when starting the
engine, stopping, or shifting the gearshift
lever. Depressing the pedal disengages
the clutch.
Brake Pedal (2)Your MARUTI SUZUKI vehicle is equipped
with front and rear drum brakes. Depress-
ing the brake pedal applies both sets of
brakes.
You may hear occasional brake squeal
when you apply the brakes. This is a nor-
mal condition caused by environmental
factors such as cold, wet, snow, etc.
Accelerator Pedal (3)This pedal controls the speed of the
engine. Depressing the accelerator pedal
increases power output and speed.
(2)
(1)
(3)EXAMPLE
(3)
(2)
EXAMPLE
WA R N I N G
Do not drive with your foot resting on
the clutch pedal. It could result in
excessive clutch wear, clutch dam-
age, or unexpected loss of engine
braking.
NOTICE
Do not pump the clutch pedal repeat-
edly. It may result in pressure built up
in the clutch circuit and damage to
the clutch system.
WA R N I N G
If brake squeal is excessive and
occurs each time the brakes are
applied, you should have the brakes
checked by your MARUTI SUZUKI
dealer.
WA R N I N G
Do not “ride” the brakes by applying
them continuously or resting your
foot on the pedal. This will result in
overheating of the brakes which
could cause unpredictable braking
action, longer stopping distances, or
permanent brake damage.
Running-in: 6
Catalytic Converter: NO
3-16
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
74LH0-74E
R (Reverse) Use this position to reverse the vehicle
from stop. Make sure that vehicle is com-
pletely stationary before shifting into
Reverse. N (Neutral) Use this position for starting the engine if
the engine stalls and you need to restart it
while the vehicle is moving. You may also
shift into Neutral and depress the brake
pedal to hold the vehicle stationary during
idling. D (Drive)Use this position for all normal driving. With
the gearshift lever in “D” range you can get
an automatic downshift by pressing the
accelerator pedal. The higher the vehicle
speed is, the more you need to press the
accelerator pedal to get a downshift. 2 (Low 2) Use this position to provide extra power
when climbing hills, or to provide engine
braking when going down hills. L (Low 1)Use this position to provide maximum-
power when climbing steep hills or driving
through deep snow or mud, or to provide
maximum engine braking when going
down steep hills.4-Speed Automatic Transmission
68LM324
(1) Overdrive off switch
68LM324
NOTICE
When downshifting to a lower gear,
make sure not to downshift at the
speed faster than the maximum
allowable speeds for the next lower
speed, or severe engine damage can
result.
WA R N I N G
Reduce your speed and downshift
to a lower gear before going down
a long or steep hill. A lower gear
will allow the engine to provide
braking. Avoid riding the brakes or
they may overheat, resulting in
brake failure.
When driving on slippery roads, be
sure to slow down before down-
shifting. Excessive and/or sudden
changes in engine speed may
cause loss of traction, which could
cause you to lose control.
NOTICE
Make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stationary before you shift
into reverse.
NOTICE
To help avoid clutch damage, do not
use the clutch pedal as a footrest
while driving or use the clutch to keep
the vehicle stationary on a slope.
Depress the clutch fully when shifting.
When shifting or starting off, do not
race the engine. Racing the engine
can shorten engine life and affect to
smooth shifting.
3-18
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
74LH0-74E
knob button (2) and shift the gearshift
lever to the desired position.
This procedure is for emergency use only.
If repeated use of this procedure is neces-
sary, or the procedure does not work as
described, take the vehicle to your dealer
for repair.
Auto Gear ShiftAuto Gear Shift is a 5-speed forward/
reverse transaxle.
Auto Gear Shift has the basic features of
conventional manual transaxle, but clutch
operation and transaxle gear shifting are
controlled electronically.
NOTE:
When you open the driver’s door, the Auto
Gear Shift systems run automatically and
you may hear an operating noise. This
sound does not indicate a malfunction.
The features are as follows:
67LM3002
67MH3003
Depress brake pedal indicator
76MH0A047
This light will come on if you do not
depress the brake pedal in the following
situations. When starting the engine.
When the engine is on and the gearshift
lever is shifted from “N” position to “D”,
“M” or “R” position.
When the ignition switch is in the “ON”
position and the engine is off, the gear-
shift lever is shifted into any position.
This light will also come on if one of the
gears cannot be engaged and the system
is unable to re-try shifting when you shift
the gearshift lever from “N” position to “D”,
“M” or “R” position.
Starting the engine
When starting the engine, always place the
gearshift lever in the “N” position and
depress the brake pedal firmly. The engine
cannot be started unless the gearshift
lever is in the “N” position and the brake
pedal is depressed.
76MH0A056
Clutch operation
You can select either the Drive (D) mode or
the Manual (M) mode. Since this vehicle
controls clutch operation electronically in
either mode, you do not need to operate
the clutch.
Creeping function
This vehicle has a creeping function that
helps the vehicle to start smoothly by
NOTICE
Do not depress both the brake pedal
and accelerator pedal simultane-
ously. This can cause damage or
overheating to the clutch.
-M+R
N
D-
-M+R
N
D-
-M+R
N
D-
3-21OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
74LH0-74E
Pull the gearshift lever to the “+” direction
and release it. Every time the lever is oper-
ated, the transaxle is upshifting 1 step in
the order of 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th
gear.
76MH0A059
Downshifting
67LM3005
Push the gearshift lever to the “–” direction
and release it. Every time the lever is oper-
ated, the transaxle is downshifted in the
order 5th 4th 3rd 2nd 1st gear.
76MH0A061
The gear position is displayed on the gear
position indicator. The gear position indica-
tor shows the transaxle gear position.
Before starting off, always check the gear
position indicator to make sure that the
transaxle is engaged in 1st or reverse, then
depress the accelerator pedal. It is possi-
ble to start vehicle in 2nd gear using man-
ual mode, from stop condition.
NOTE:
Always use 1st gear while starting off on
an uphill slope, otherwise you may dam-
age the clutch.
NOTE:
To downshift smoothly, the engine runs
fast in some cases. This is done inten-
tionally by the system and is not a mal-
function.
When driving down a hill, downshift and
use the engine braking appropriately. If
necessary, continuous downshifting is
possible. However, if downshifting more
than 3 steps, gear shifting will take more
time.
When the gear is shifting, a noise can be
heard in some case. This is not a mal-
function.
-M+R
N
D-
WA R N I N G
Be careful when accelerating,
upshifting, downshifting or braking
on a slippery surface. Sudden
acceleration or engine braking
could cause the vehicle to spin or
skid. While starting off on a slip-
pery or snowy roads, please use
2nd gear (if required).
To drive down a long or steep hill,
reduce your speed and downshift.
Remember, if you ride the brakes
excessively, they may overheat and
fail.
While driving the vehicle, do not
shift the gearshift lever to “N” posi-
tion. The engine brake may not
work and you may get involved in
an unexpected accident. If you
return the gearshift lever from “N”
to “M” because of unintended shift-
ing, the gear position will be shifted
according to the current vehicle
speed.
Do not apply the parking brake
while driving. Otherwise, it could
cause a skid and you may get
involved in an unexpected acci-
dent.
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
4-5DRIVING TIPS
67LH3-74E
If Your Vehicle Gets StuckIf your vehicle gets stuck in snow, mud, or
sand, follow the directions below:
1) Shift the transaxle back and forthbetween a forward range (or first gear
for manual transaxle) and reverse. This
will create a rocking motion which may
give you enough momentum to free the
vehicle. Press gently on the accelerator
to keep wheel spinning to a minimum
wheel rpm. Remove your foot from the
accelerator while shifting.
Do not race the engine. Excessive
wheel spin will cause the tires to dig
deeper, making it more difficult to free
the vehicle.
2) If your vehicle remains stuck after a few
minutes of rocking, we recommend you
to consult your authorised Maruti
Suzuki workshop or a roadside assis-
tance service. If a towing service is not
available in an emergency, your vehicle
may be temporarily towed by a towing
cable or chain secured to the towing
hook either on the front of the vehicle or
on the rear of the vehicle. Refer to
“Frame Hooks” in the “OTHER CON-
TROLS AND EQUIPMENT” section.
Driving on Wet Roads
WA R N I N G
Do not allow anyone to stand near
the vehicle when you are rocking it,
and do not spin the wheels faster
than an indicated 40 km/h on the
speedometer. Perso nal injury and/or
vehicle damage may result from spin-
ning the wheels too fast.
NOTICE
Do not continue rocking the vehicle
for more than a few minutes. Pro-
longed rocking can cause engine
overheating or transaxle damage.
NOTICE
When driving on wet roads, avoid driving through large amount of
standing water on the road. Large
amount of water entering the
engine compartment may cause
damage to the engine and or elec-
trical components.
If stuck in deep water, do not start the engine.
Water is incompressible substance, water inside engine is harmful to
the engine.
WA R N I N G
In addition to following the driving
tips in this section, it is important to
observe the following precautions.
Make sure your tires are in good
condition and always maintain the
specified tire pressure. Refer to
“Tires” in the “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section for
details.
Do not use tires other than those
specified by MARUTI SUZUKI.
Never use different sizes or types
of tires on the front and rear
wheels. For information regarding
the specified tires, refer to the Tire
Information Label located on the
driver’s door lock pillar.
Never use oversized tires or spe- cial shock absorbers and springs
to raise (jack up) your vehicle. This
will change the handling character-
istics. Oversized tires may also rub
against the vehicle body over
bumps, causing vehicle damage or
tire failure.
After driving through water, test the brakes while driving at a slow
speed to see if they have main-
tained their normal effectiveness. If
they are less effective than normal,
dry them by repeatedly applying
the brakes while driving slowly
until the brakes have regained their
normal effectiveness.