DRIVING TIPS
4
54P00-01E
60G409
DRIVING TIPS
Running-in ........................................................................... 4-1
Catalytic converter .............................................................. 4-1
Improving fuel economy ..................................................... 4-2
Highway driving .................................................................. 4-3
Driving on hills .................................................................... 4-3
Driving on slippery roads ................................................... 4-4
4-2
DRIVING TIPS
54P00-01E
heat damage to the catalytic converter and
other vehicle components.
54G584S
Improving fuel economy
The following instructions will help you
improve fuel economy.
Avoid excessive idling
If you park your vehicle for more than one
minute, stop the engine and start it again
later. When warming up a cold engine,
allow the engine to idle until the tempera-
ture gauge pointer comes up to “C” posi-
tion (if the idling is not prohibited). In this
position, the engine is sufficiently warm for
starting off.
Avoid fast starts
Fast starts away from lights or stop signs
will consume fuel unnecessarily and
shorten engine life. Start off slowly.
Avoid unnecessary stops
Avoid unnecessary deceleration and stop-
ping. Try to maintain a slow, steady speed
whenever possible. Slowing down and
then accelerating again uses more fuel.
Keep a steady cruising speed
Drive at a constant speed that road and
traffic conditions will permit.NOTICE
To minimize the possibility of cata-
lytic converter or other vehicle dam-
age:
• Maintain the engine in the proper
operating condition.
• In the event of an engine malfunc-
tion, particularly one involving
engine misfire or other apparent
loss of performance, have the vehi-
cle serviced promptly.
• Do not turn off the engine or inter-
rupt the ignition when the transaxle
is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
• Do not try to start the engine by
pushing or towing the vehicle, or
coasting down a hill.
• Do not idle the engine with any
spark plug wires disconnected or
removed, such as during diagnos-
tic testing.
• Do not idle the vehicle for pro-
longed periods if idling seems
rough or there are other malfunc-
tions.
• Do not allow the fuel tank to get
near the empty level.
WA R N I N G
Be careful where you park and drive;
the catalytic converter and other
exhaust components can get very
hot. As with any vehicle, do not park
or operate this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials such as dry
grass or leaves can come in contact
with a hot exhaust system.
4-3
DRIVING TIPS
54P00-01E
Keep the air cleaner clean
60A183S
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
The heavier the load is, the more fuel the
vehicle consumes. Unload any unneces-
sary luggage or cargo.
Keep tire pressures correct
Under-inflation 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
side door or the driver’s door lock pillar.
Highway driving
When driving at highway speeds, pay
attention to the following:
• Stopping distance progressively
increases 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 during 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
54P000401
• 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
the next lower gear.
EXAMPLE
4-4
DRIVING TIPS
54P00-01E
Driving on slippery roads
60G089S
On wet roads, you should drive at a lower
speed than you do on dry roads due to
possible slippage of tires during braking.
When driving on icy, snow-covered or
muddy roads, reduce your speed and
avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt braking,
or sharp steering movements.
Four-mode 4WD models
Your four-mode 4WD is designed to get
better traction on slippery roads than 2-
wheel drive models. However, your four-
mode 4WD will not have as much traction
in deep snow, mud or sand as multipur-
pose 4WD vehicles. You should not
attempt to drive your four-mode 4WD in
deep snow, mud or sand. Four-mode 4WDmodels are not sport/utility vehicles, and
are not designed for off-road use.
Tire chains
Tire chains should only be used if they are
needed to increase traction or are required
by law. Check that the chains you use are
the correct size for your vehicle’s tires.
Also check that there is enough clearance
between the fenders and the chains as
installed on the tires.
Install the chains on the front tires tightly,
according to the chain manufacturer’s
instructions. Retighten the chains after
driving about 1.0 km (1/2 mile) if neces-
sary. With the chains installed, drive slowly.
WA R N I N G
Do not hold the brake pedal down too
long or too often while going down a
steep or long hill. This could cause
the brakes to overheat, resulting in
reduced braking efficiency. Failure to
take this precaution could result in
loss of vehicle control.
NOTICE
When descending a downhill, Never
turn the ignition key to “LOCK” posi-
tion or press the engine switch to
change the ignition mode to “LOCK”
(OFF). Emission control system dam-
age may result.
NOTICE
• If you hear the chains hitting
against the vehicle body while driv-
ing, stop and tighten them.
• If your vehicle is equipped with full
wheel caps, remove the wheel caps
before installing the chains or the
wheel caps can be damaged by the
chain bands.
5-37
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
54P00-01E
You can use the air conditioning switch (6)
to manually turn the air conditioner on or off
according to your preference. When you
turn the air conditioning switch off, the cli-
mate control system cannot lower the inside
temperature below outside temperature.
To turn the climate control system off, push
“OFF” switch (7).
NOTE:
If “AUTO” on the display blinks, there is a
problem in the heating system and/or air
conditioning system. You should have the
system inspected by an authorized
SUZUKI dealer.
NOTE:
• To find the temperature at which you are
most comfortable, start with the 22°C
(72°F) or 25°C (75°F) setting. (the tem-
perature vary depending on vehicle
specifications.).
• If you turn the temperature selector (1)
until “HI” or “LO” appears on the display,
the climate control system will operate at
maximum heating or cooling and the
blower will run at full speed.
• To avoid blowing cold air in cold weather
or hot air in hot weather, the system will
delay turning on the blower until warmed
or chilled air is available.
• If your vehicle has been left in the sun
with the windows closed, it will cool
faster if you open the windows briefly.
• Even under the automatic operation, you
can set individual selectors to the manualmode. The manually selected functions
are maintained, and the other functions
remain under automatic operation.
• If the windshield and/or the front door
windows are fogged, push the defrost
switch (5) to turn on the defroster, or
push the air flow selector (4) to change
the air flow to HEAT & DEFROST posi-
tion to defog the windows.
• To return the blower speed selector (2),
air intake selector (3), and air flow selec-
tor (4) to automatic operation, push
“AUTO” switch (8).
54P000548
Be careful not to cover the interior tem-
perature sensor (10) located between the
steering wheel and the climate control
panel, or the solar sensor (11) located at
the top of the driver’s side dashboard.
These sensors are used by the automatic
system to regulate temperature.
Manual operationYou can manually control the climate con-
trol system. Set the selectors to the
desired positions.
54P000540
NOTE:
If you need maximum defrosting:
• push the defrost switch (5) to turn on the
defroster (the air conditioning system will
come on and FRESH AIR mode will be
selected automatically),
• set the blower speed selector to high,
• adjust the temperature selector to “HI”
indication on the display, and
• adjust the side outlets so the air blows
on the side windows.
(10) (11)
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
6-4
VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
54P00-01E
WA R N I N G
Your vehicle should be handled in a
different way when towing a trailer.
For the safety of yourself and others,
observe the following precautions:
• Practice turning, stopping, and
reversing before you begin towing
a trailer in traffic. Do not tow a
trailer in traffic until you are confi-
dent that you can handle the vehi-
cle 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 or smooth roads.
Failure to slow down when road
conditions are bad can result in
loss of control.
• Always have someone guide you
when reversing.
(Continued)
WA R N I N G
(Continued)
• Allow adequate stopping distance.
Stopping distance is increased
when you tow a trailer. For each 16
km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow at
least one vehicle and trailer length
between you and the vehicle
ahead. Allow a greater stopping
distance if roads are wet or slip-
pery.
• 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)
WA R N I N G
(Continued)
• Be careful when overtaking other
vehicles. Allow enough room for
your trailer before changing lanes,
and use turn signal lights properly
in advance.
• Slow down and shift into a lower
gear before you reach long or steep
downhill grades. It is hazardous to
attempt downshifting while you are
descending a hill.
• Do not step on the brake pedal
strongly. This could cause the
brakes to over-heat resulting in
reduced braking efficiency. Use
engine braking as much as possi-
ble.
• 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 the vehicle in a safe place.
Refer to “Engine trouble: Overheat-
ing” in “EMERGENCY SERVICE”
section.
13-2
INDEX
54P00-01E
D
Daily inspection checklist ..................................................... 3-1
Daytime running light (D.R.L.) system............................. 2-107
Dead lock system .................................................................. 2-4
Diesel engine.......................................................................... 1-2
Diesel particulate filter (DPF
®)............................................ 3-18
Diesel particulate filter (DPF®) warning light .................. 2-101
Door locks .............................................................................. 2-2
Drive belt .............................................................................. 7-20
Driver’s seat belt reminder light / Front passenger’s
seat belt reminder light ....................................................... 2-93
Driving on hills ....................................................................... 4-3
Driving on slippery roads ..................................................... 4-4
Driving range........................................................................ 2-67
E
Electric mirrors .................................................................... 2-20
Electric power steering light............................................... 2-95
Electric window controls .................................................... 2-17
Electronic stability program (ESP
®)................................... 3-76
Emergency locking retractor (ELR) ................................... 2-30
ENG A-STOP system (engine auto stop start system)..... 3-29
Engine coolant ..................................................................... 7-26
Engine hood ........................................................................... 5-2
Engine oil and filter .................................................... 7-20, 12-4
Engine oil consumption ........................................................ 3-2
Engine serial number .......................................................... 10-1
Engine switch......................................................................... 3-5
Engine trouble: Flooded engine ......................................... 8-11
Engine trouble: Overheating .............................................. 8-12
Engine trouble: Starter does not operate .......................... 8-11
ESP
® OFF indicator light............................................ 2-92, 3-78ESP
® OFF switch ................................................................. 3-78
ESP® warning light .....................................................2-91, 3-78
Exhaust gas warning ............................................................. 3-1
F
Flat tire repair kit .................................................................... 8-5
Floor mats ............................................................................. 5-16
Fluid control clutch .............................................................. 7-32
FM/LW/MW CD player .......................................................... 5-40
Folding rear seats ................................................................ 2-26
Footrest ................................................................................. 5-15
Footwell lights ........................................................................ 5-6
For Australia ......................................................................... 12-1
For European countries, Mexico and South Africa........... 12-5
For Mexico ............................................................................ 12-3
Four-mode 4WD system ...................................................... 3-23
Frame hooks ......................................................................... 5-20
Front air bags ....................................................................... 2-51
Front bottle holder ............................................................... 5-14
Front cup holders................................................................. 5-14
Front fog light ....................................................................... 7-47
Front fog light switch......................................................... 2-107
Front passenger air bag deactivation system ................... 2-60
Front position light .............................................................. 7-46
Front seat back pocket ........................................................ 5-14
Front seat heater .................................................................. 2-23
Front seats ............................................................................ 2-21
Front turn signal light .......................................................... 7-46
Fuel consumption ................................................................ 10-2
Fuel filler cap .......................................................................... 5-1
Fuel filter (diesel engine) ..................................................... 7-33
Fuel filter warning light (for diesel engine model) .......... 2-100
13-3
INDEX
54P00-01E
Fuel gauge ............................................................................ 2-64
Fuel pump labeling .............................................................. 12-4
Fuel recommendation .................................................. 1-1, 12-3
Full wheel cover ..................................................................... 8-5
Fuses .................................................................................... 7-41
Fuses in engine compartment ............................................ 7-41
Fuses under dashboard ...................................................... 7-43
G
Gasoline containing MTBE ................................................. 12-4
Gasoline engine ..................................................................... 1-1
Gasoline-ethanol blends .............................................. 1-1, 12-4
Gasoline-methanol blends ........................................... 1-1, 12-4
Gear oil ................................................................................. 7-30
Gear oil change .................................................................... 7-32
Gear oil level check ............................................................. 7-31
Gearshift indicator ...................................................... 2-71, 3-21
Glove box ............................................................................. 5-12
Glove box light .............................................................. 5-6, 7-55
Glow plug indicator light................................................... 2-100
H
Hazard warning switch ...................................................... 2-110
Head restraints............................................................ 2-23, 2-26
Headlight leveling switch .................................................. 2-108
Heated rear window switch / heated outside
rearview mirror switch ...................................................... 2-115
Heating and air conditioning system ................................. 5-23
Heating system .................................................................... 5-25
Highway driving ..................................................................... 4-3
Hill descent control indicator light..................................... 2-92
Hill descent control switch ................................................. 3-80
Hill descent control system ................................................ 3-79Hill hold control system ...................................................... 3-82
Horn ..................................................................................... 2-115
How ABS works.................................................................... 3-76
I
Ignition key reminder ............................................................. 2-2
Ignition switch ........................................................................ 3-3
Illumination indicator light .................................................. 2-98
Immobilizer system ................................................................ 2-1
Immobilizer/keyless push start system warning light ...... 2-94
Improving fuel economy........................................................ 4-2
Information display ........................................... 2-66, 3-43, 3-46
Inside rearview mirror.......................................................... 2-20
Installation of child restraint with top tether ..................... 2-47
Installation of radio frequency transmitters ...................... 5-39
Installation with ISOFIX type anchorages.......................... 2-46
Installation with lap-shoulder seat belts ............................ 2-45
Instantaneous fuel consumption ........................................ 2-67
Instrument cluster ................................................................ 2-63
Instrument panel pocket...................................................... 5-14
Interior light ...................................................................5-5, 7-54
Interior workable area for engine starting ........................... 3-9
J
Jacking instructions .............................................................. 8-1
Jump-starting instructions.................................................... 8-8
K
Keyless entry system transmitter................................2-6, 2-13
Keyless push start system .................................................... 3-6
Keyless push start system remote controller ..............2-6, 2-7
Keys......................................................................................... 2-1
L
Lap-shoulder belt ................................................................. 2-30