OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
Daily inspection checklist
Before driving
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1) Check that windows, mirrors, lights and reflectors are clean and unobstructed. 2) Visually check the tyres for the follow-ing points: -the depth of the tread groove -abnormal wear, cracks and damage -loose wheel nuts -existence of foreign material such as nails, stones, etc.
Refer to "Tyres" in "INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE" section for details. 3) Look for fluid and oil leakage.
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NOTE: It is normal for water to drip from the air conditioning system while and after use.
4) Check that the hood is fully closed and latched. 5) Check the headlights, turn signal lights, brake lights and horn for proper operation. 6) Adjust the seat and head restraint. 7) Check the brake pedal and the parking brake lever. 8) Adjust the mirrors. 9) Check that you and all passengers have properly fastened by the seat belts. 1 0)Check that all warning lights come on as the ignition switch is turned to "ON" position. 11 )Check all gauges. 12)Check 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 fluid (acid) level 5) Windshield washer fluid level
6) Hood latch operation Pull the hood release handle inside the vehicle. Check that you cannot open . the hood further without releasing the secondary latch. Close the hood securely after checking for proper latch operation. See the item "All latches, hinges and locks" of "Chassis, body and others" in "Maintenance schedule" in "INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE" section for lubrication schedule.
A WARNING
Check that 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.
Once a month, or each time you fill your fuel tank, check the tyre pressure using a tyre pressure gauge. Also check the tyre pressure of the spare tyre.
Engine oil consumption
It is normal for the engine to consume some engine oil during normal vehicle operation.
The amount of engine oil consumption depends on viscosity and quality of the oil and your driving conditions. More oil is consumed during high-speed driving and when there is frequent acceleration 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 oil consumption only after approximately 5000 km (3000 miles) driving.
Oil consumption: Max. 1.0 L per 1000 km (1 Qt. per 600 miles)
When judging the amount of oil consumption, note that the oil may become diluted and it is difficult to judge the accurate oil level. As an example, if a vehicle is used for repeated short trips, and consumes a normal amount of oil, the dipstick may not show any drop in the oil level at all, even after 1000 km (600 miles) or more of driving. This is because the oil gradually becomes 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.
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
Ignition switch
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A WARNING
To avoid possible injury, do not operate controls by reaching through the steering wheel.
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OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
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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.
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Manual transmission
Turn to "LOCK"
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Manual transmission vehicles You must push in the key to turn it to "LOCK" position. It locks the ignition, and prevents normal use of the steering wheel after the key is removed.
Automatic transmission vehicles The gearshift lever must be in "P" (Park) position to turn the key to "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 wheel, try turning the steering wheel slightly to the right or left while turning the key.
ACC Accessories such as the radio can operate, 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 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.
A. WARNING
Never return the ignition switch to "LOCK" position and remove the ignition key while the vehicle is moving. The steering wheel will lock and you will not be able to steer the vehicle. (Continued)
A. WARNING
(Continued) Always return the ignition switch to "LOCK" position and remove the ignition key when leaving the vehicle even only for a short time. Also do not leave children alone in a parked vehicle. Unattended children may be able to start the vehicle or shift the transmission into neutral, which could result in an accident. There is also a danger that children may injure themselves by playing with the power windows or other moving features of the vehicle. In addition, heat build-up or extremely cold temperatures inside the vehicle can be fatal to children.
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
NOTICE
For protection of a lead-acid battery and a starter motor, do not use the starter motor by turning the key to "START" for more than 12 seconds at a time. If the engine dose not start, turn the key to "LOCK" position and wait for more than 30 seconds before trying again. If the engine does not start after several attempts, consult a SUZUKI dealer or a qualified workshop. Do not leave the ignition switch in "ON" position if the engine is not running as the lead-acid battery will discharge.
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A WARNING
Always set the parking brake fully before leaving your vehicle or it may move, causing injury or damage. When parking, make sure the gearshift lever for manual transmission vehicles is in 1st gear or "R" (Reverse) and the gearshift lever for automatic transmission vehicles is in "P" (Park). Remember, even though the transmission is in gear or in Park, you must set the parking brake fully.
A WARNING
When parking the vehicle in extremely cold weather, the following procedure should be used: 1) Set the parking brake. 2) Manual transmission -turn off the engine, then shift into reverse or first gear. Automatic transmission -shift into "P" (Park) and turn off the engine. 3) Get out of the vehicle and put chocks under the wheels. 4) Release the parking brake. When you return to your vehicle, first set the parking brake, and then remove the wheel chocks.
A WARNING
Do not leave cigarette lighters, spray cans, soft drink cans or plastic arti~ cles (such as glasses, CD case, etc.) in sun-heated vehicle. The temperature inside the vehicle may cause as follows: Gas may leak from a cigarette lighter or spray can and may lead to a fire. The glasses, plastic cards or CD cases, etc. may deform or crack. Soft drink cans may fracture.
Parking brake reminder buzzer
A buzzer sounds intermittently to remind you to release the parking brake if you start the vehicle without fully releasing the parking brake. Check that the parking brake is fully released and the brake system warning light turns off.
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
Pedal
Manual transmission
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Automatic transmission
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OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
Clutch pedal (1)
A clutch pedal is used to disengage the driving force to the wheels when starting the engine, stopping, or shifting the gearshift lever. Depressing the pedal disengages the clutch.
A WARNING
Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal. It could result in excessive clutch wear, clutch damage, or unexpected loss of engine braking.
Brake pedal (2)
Your vehicle is equipped with either front and rear disc brakes or front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. Depressing a brake pedal applies both sets of brakes.
You may hear occasional brake squeal when you apply the brakes. This is a normal condition caused by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity or dust, etc.
A WARNING
If brake squeal is excessive and occurs each time the brakes are applied, you should have the brakes checked by a SUZUKI dealer.
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A WARNING
Do not apply brakes continuously or rest your foot on the brake pedal. This will result in overheating of the brakes which could cause unpredictable braking action, longer stopping distances, or permanent brake dam
age.
Accelerator pedal (3)
An accelerator pedal controls the speed of the engine. Depressing the accelerator pedal increases power output and speed.
Starting engine
Before starting engine
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NOTE: Your vehicle is equipped with Brake Over-fl..l""'"-i ® ride System. If you depress both the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal simultaneously, the engine power output may be suppressed.
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1) Check that the parking brake is set fully. 2) Manual transmission -Shift into "N" (Neutral). Hold the clutch pedal and brake pedal fully depressed. Automatic transmission -If the gearshift lever is not in "P" (Park) position, shift into "P" (Park). (If you need to restart the engine while the vehicle is moving, shift into "N".)
NOTE: Automatic transmission vehicles have a starter interlock device which is designed to keep the starter from operating if the transmission is in any of the drive positions.
A WARNING
Check that the parking brake is set fully and the transmission is in Neutral (or Park for vehicles with an automatic transmission) before attempting to start the engine.
Starting a cold and warm engine
With your foot taken off the accelerator pedal, crank the engine by turning the ignition key to "START". Release the key when the engine starts.
NOTICE
• Stop turning the starter immediately after the engine has started or the starter system can be damaged. For protection of a lead-acid battery and a starter motor, do not use the starter motor by turning the key to "START" for more than 12 seconds at a time. If the engine dose not start, turn the key to 11LOCK" position and wait for more than 30 seconds before trying again. If the engine does not start after several attempts, consult a SUZUKI dealer or a qualified workshop.
If the engine does not start after 12 seconds of cranking, wait about 30 seconds, and then press down the accelerator pedal to 1/3 of its stroke and try cranking the engine again. Release the key and accelerator pedal when the engine starts.
If the engine still does not start, depress the accelerator pedal all the way to the fioor while cranking.
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
Using transmission
A WARNING
Do not hang any items on the gearshift lever and do not use the gearshift lever as a handrest. Otherwise, it could prevent proper operation of the gearshift lever and cause its malfunction, resulting in an accident.
Manual transmission
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OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
Starting off To start off, depress the clutch pedal all the way to the floor and shift into 1 st gear. After releasing the parking brake, gradually release the clutch. When you hear a change in the engine's sound, slowly press the accelerator while continuing to gradually release the clutch.
Shifting All forward gears are synchronized and provide quiet and easy shifting. Always depress the clutch pedal all the way to the floor before shifting gears. Keep the engine speed from rising into the red zone of the tachometer.
Downshifting maximum allowable speeds
Transfer lever in "2H" or "4H" position
Downshifting km/h (mph)
2nd to 1st 40 (25)
3rd to 2nd 75 (47)
4th to 3rd 105 (65)
5th to 4th 150 (93)*
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Transfer lever in "4L" position
Downshifting km/h (mph)
2ndto1st 20 (12)
3rd to 2nd 35 (22)
4th to 3rd 50 (31)
5th to 4th 75 (47)*
*NOTE: You may not accelerate to the maximum allowable speed because of the driving situation and/or the vehicle condition.
NOTICE
Do not downshift to a lower gear at the speed faster than the maximum allowable speeds for the next lower speed) or severe damage to engine and transmission can result.
A WARNING
• 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, slow down before downshifting. Excessive and/or sudden changes in engine speed may cause loss of traction, which could cause you to lose control.
NOTICE
Check that the vehicle is completely 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 cause negative effect to smooth shifting.