2020 SUZUKI JIMNY Owners Manual

Narrower Body Width and Track Your vehicle is narrower than the average passenger car so that it can pass through tight spaces. Without the essential charac­teristics described above: higher ground clearance, shorter wheelbase, and nar­rower body width and track -your vehicle could not provide you with excellent off­road driving performance. However, it is also true that on-road driving, handling, and steering will be different from what drivers experience with a conventional passenger car.
On-Paved Road Driving
The data of accidents show that most roll­over accidents for multi-purpose vehicles are caused when a driver loses control of the vehicle and leaves the paved portion of the roadway striking a ditch, curb or other off-road object that causes the vehicle to overturn. The following driving practices may reduce the risk of rollover.
Vehicle Slides Off-Road
You can reduce the risk of this kind of roll­over accident by always keeping the vehi­cle under control. Typically, drivers lose control of vehicles, often resulting in roll­over accidents, when the driver is impaired because of alcohol or other drugs, falls asleep at the wheel or is otherwise inatten­tive, or is driving too fast for the road con­
ditions.
DRIVING TIPS
Rollovers On the Roadway
If, for any reason, your vehicle slides side­ways or spins out of control at highway speeds, while on the paved portion of the roadway, the risk of rollover is greatly increased. This condition can be created when two or more wheels drop off onto the shoulder and you steer sharply in an attempt to reenter the roadway. To reduce the risk of rollover in these circumstances, if conditions permit, you should hold the steering wheel firmly and slow down before pulling back into the travel lanes with controlled steering movements.
All Types of Rollover Accidents
· As with many kinds of automobile acci­dents, rollovers can be greatly reduced by doing what all prudent drivers should do, i.e., don't drink and drive, don't drive when tired and don't do anything behind the wheel that could cause a loss of attention to the driving task. Additional guidelines are set out below for your on-road driving.
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DRIVING TIPS
Know Your Vehicle
Take time to familiarize yourself with the unique handling characteristics of your vehicle by first driving around in an area away from traffic. Practice turning the vehi­cle at a variety of speeds and in different directions. Get a feel for the greater steer­ing response that your vehicle has over a conventional car.
Wear Your Seat Belts at All Times
The driver and all passengers should be properly restrained at all times, using the seat belts provided. Refer to the "SEAT BELTS" section for instructions on proper use of the seat belts.
Don't Make Sharp Turns
As mentioned before, small multipurpose vehicles have specific design characteris­tics that allow them to perform in a wide variety of applications. These characteris­tics also change the cornering behavior relative to conventional passenger cars. Remember, small multipurpose vehicles have more responsive steering and a higher center of gravity than conventional passenger cars. If at all possible, avoid making sharp turns in your vehicle.
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Slow Down on Curves
Learn to approach curves cautiously and at a conservative speed. Do not attempt to take curves at the same speeds that you would in a vehicle with a lower center of gravity. Just as you would not drive a sports car on a trail, you should not attempt to drive your vehicle around curves like a sports car.
Slow Down and Use Caution on
Slippery Roads
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Under wet road conditions you should drive at a lower speed than on dry roads due to possible slippage of tyres during braking. When driving on icy, snow-cov­ered, or muddy roads, reduce your speed and avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt braking, or sharp steering movements. Use 4-wheel drive high range (4H) for bet­ter traction.

NOTICE
Never operate your vehicle in 114H" or 114L11 on dry pavement and, as much as possible, avoid using 114H" or 114L" on wet pavement, as this puts severe stress on the drive train, especially during tight cornering, and can d~m­age it. Also, you may have some d1ff1~ culty in steering.
Off-Road Driving
Your vehicle has specific design character­istics for off-road driving. When you leave the paved road, you will encounter driving surfaces of all kinds which may change continually as you drive. In most cases, off­road driving requires the use of 4-wheel drive.
Use Caution on Steep Inclines
Always inspect hills before you attempt to drive up them. Know what is on the other side and how you will get back down. If you have any doubt that it. is safe, do not attempt to drive over a hill. Nev".r d_nve your vehicle up an extremely steep incline. Coming down a steep hill can be trickier than getting up one. Keep the vehicle heading straight down the hill and use low gear. Do not lock the brake~. If the vehicle begins to slide, accelerate slightly to regain steering control.
DRIVING TIPS
Do not Drive Across the Side of
Hills
Driving across the side of a hill can be extremely hazardous. Most of the vehicle'.s weight will be transferred to the downhill tyres, which could result in the vehicle roll­ing sideways. Whenever possible, avoid this potential hazard. Also, 1f you have to exit your vehicle on a side-hill, always get out on the uphill side.
Wear Your Seat Belts at All Times
You and your passengers should use the seat belts at all times when driving off­road. For proper seat belt use, refer to the "Seat Belts" section in this manual.
Avoid Sudden Reactions in Mud,
Ice, or Snow
Be careful when off-road conditions are slippery. Reduce your speed and avoid sudden movements of the vehicle. Be aware that driving in deep snow or mud can cause a loss of traction and an increase in the resistance to the vehicle's forward motion. Use 4WD low gear (4L) and maintain a steady but moderate speed with a light touch on the steering wheel and brakes.
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DRIVING TIPS
Snow chains
Snow 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 tyres. Also check that there is enough clearance between the fenders and the chains as installed on the tyres. Install the chains on the rear tyres tightly, according to the chain manufacturer's instructions. Retighten the chains after driving about 1.0 km (1/2 mile) if neces­sary. With the chains installed, drive slowly.
NOTICE
If you hear the chains hitting against the vehicle body while driving, stop and tighten them.
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Do not drive in the field covered
with grown grass
If you drive in the field covered with grass, it may cause accident or vehicle damage by getting caught in grown grass.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
If your vehicle gets stuck in snow, mud, or sand, follow the directions below:
1) Shift the transfer shift lever into the "4L"
position. 2) Shift the transmission back and forth between a forward range (or first gear for manual transmission) 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 spin to a min­imum. Remove your foot from the accelerator while shifting. Do not race the engine. Excessive wheel spin will cause the tyres to dig deeper, making it more difficult to free the vehicle. 3) If your vehicle remains stuck after a few minutes of rocking, get another vehicle to pull you out.
A WARNING
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 (25 mph) on the speedometer. Personal injury and/or vehicle damage may result from spinning the wheels too fast.
NOTICE
• Release the accelerator pedal when operating the gearshift lever or the transfer lever. Operating the gear­shift lever or the transfer lever with the engine racing can damage the gears and the free axle mechanism. • Do not continue rocking the vehicle for more than a few minutes. Pro­longed rocking can cause engine overheating, transmission, trans­fer case, axles, propeller shaft or differential damage, or tyre dam­age.

A WARNING
In addition to following the driving tips in this section, it is important to observe the following precautions. • Check that your tyres are in good condition and always maintain the specified tyre pressure. Refer to "Tyres" in "INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE" section for details. (Continued)
A WARNING
(Continued) Do not use tyres other than those specified by SUZUKI. Never use dif­ferent sizes or types of tyres on the front and rear wheels. For informa­tion regarding the specified tyres, refer to the tyre information label located on the driver's door lock pillar. Never use oversized tyres or spe~ cial shock absorbers and springs to raise uack up) your vehicle. This will change the handling character­istics. Oversized tyres may also rub against the fender over bumps, causing vehicle damage, drive train damage or tyre failure. After driving through water, test the brakes while driving at a slow speed to see if they have main­tained their normal effectiveness. If the brakes are less effective than normal, dry them by repeatedly applying the brakes while driving slowly until the brakes have regained their normal effective­ness.
DRIVING TIPS
When encountering a flooded area
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Avoid driving in a flooded area or a deep puddle. If driving in a flooded area is unavoidable, go slowly in the lowest gear. In case that you have driven in a flooded area, stop the vehicle in a safe place while checking the brake effectiveness. Then, ask a SUZUKI dealer or a qualified work­shop to check the following inspection items. Function of brake Function of electrical components Changes of oil level and quality for engine, transmission and differential. In case that the oil is turbid whitely, water has been mixed in the oil and an oil change is required. Lubricant condition of the bearings, sus­pension joints, etc.
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DRIVING TIPS
NOTICE
Avoid driving in a flooded area or a deep puddle. It may cause an engine stall, short in electrical components, engine and transmission damages, etc.
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Do not drive through deep or rush­
ing water
Driving in deep or rushing water can be hazardous. You could lose control of the vehicle and the occupants could drown. Also, your vehicle could be seriously dam­aged. To avoid these risks, observe the following instructions and precautions. Do not drive through deep or rushing water. Deep or rushing water, such as fast-moving streams or fioodwaters, could carry your vehicle away from your intended path. The water is too deep if it covers your wheel hubs, axles, or exhaust tailpipe. Know the depth of the water before you attempt to drive through it.
If the vehicle goes across the river unavoidably, follow the instructions below before going across the river. 1) Confirm the depth of the river and the terrain. 2) Select the place which is less than 30cm (11.8 inch) in depth of water. Go across the river to a right angle for the river or lower part of the river 3) Drive slowly at less than 5 km/h (3.1 mph) not to raise the wave and go across the river immediately to avoid operating the gearshift lever.
If the vehicle goes across the river that is more than 30 cm (11.8 inch) in depth of water unavoidably, stop the vehicle in a safe place while checking the brake effec­tiveness. Then, ask a SUZUKI dealer or a qualified workshop to check the following
inspection items. Function of brake Function of electrical components Changes of oil level and quality for engine, transmission and differential. In case that the oil is turbid whitely, water has been mixed in the oil and an oil change is required. Lubricant condition of the bearings, sus­pension joints, etc. If water blocks the tailpipe, the engine may not start or run. If the water is deep enough to get drawn into the engine intake system, the engine will be badly damaged. Submerged brakes will have poor brak­ing performance. Drive slowly and care­fully. Driving slowly will also help avoid water splashing onto the ignition system, which could cause the engine to stall. Even when driving through shallow or still waters, drive carefully since the water may be hiding ground hazards such as holes, ditches, or bumps.

A WARNING
In addition to following the driving tips in this section, it is important to observe the following precautions for on-road and off-road driving. Driver and passengers should wear seat belts at all times. Do not let anyone else drive your vehicle unless they are also aware of the vehicle characteristics and handling differences described in this section. Avoid loaning your vehicle to any• one unless you accompany them. Make sure your tyres are in good condition and always maintain the specified tyre pressure. Refer to "Tyres" in the "INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE" section for details. Do not use tyres other than those specified by SUZUKI. Never use dif• ferent sizes or types of tyres on the front and rear wheels. For informa• lion regarding the specified tyres, refer to the "SPECIFICATIONS" section. Never use oversized tyres or spe­cial shock absorbers and springs to raise uack up) your vehicle. This will raise the center of gravity of the vehicle and change its handling characteristics. (Continued)
A WARNING
(Continued) After driving through water, mud, or sandy ground, test the brakes while driving at a slow speed to see if they have maintained their nor• mal effectiveness. If the brakes are less effective than normal, dry them by repeatedly applying the brakes while driving slowly until the brakes have regained their nor• mal effectiveness. After extended operation in mud, sand, or water, have the brakes, bearings and joint parts etc. inspected by a SUZUKI dealer as soon as possible.
DRIVING TIPS
Running-in
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 first 960 km (600 miles) of vehicle operation. • After starting, do not race the engine. Warm ii 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 (200 miles) of driving. Do not drive slowly with the !rans• mission in a high gear. Drive the vehicle at moderate engine speeds. Do not tow a trailer during the first 960 km (600 miles) of vehicle oper• ation.
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DRIVING TIPS
Catalytic converter
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The purpose of the catalytic converter is to minimize the amount of harmful pollutants in your vehicle's exhaust. Use of lead".d fuel in vehicles equipped with catalytic converters is prohibited, because lead deactivates the pollutant-reducing compo­nents 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 mainte­nance is required on the converter. How­ever, 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 catalytic converter. This may result in permanent
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heat damage to the catalytic converter and other vehicle components.
NOTICE
To mm,m,ze the possibility of cata­lytic converter or other vehicle dam­age: • Maintain the engine in the proper operating condition. In the event of an engine malfunc­tion, particularly one involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of performance, have the vehi­cle serviced promptly. • Do not turn off the engine or inter­
rupt the ignition when the t(ans~i~­sion is in gear and the vehicle 1s m 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 diagnos­tic testing. • Do not idle the vehicle for pro­longed periods if idling seems rough or there are other malfunc­tions. Do not allow the fuel tank to get near the empty level.
A. WARNING
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.