BEFORE DRIVING
Vehicle/trailer loading
The weight of your loaded trailer (gross trailer weight) should never exceed the towing capacity.
Distribute cargo in your trailer so that the nose weight is about 10% of gross trailer weight, but does not exceed "Maximum vertical load" of 75 kg (165 lbs), and does not fall below 25 kg (55 lbs) or 4%, whichever is heavier, on trailer hitch point. You should measure gross trailer weight and nose weight before towing to check that your load is properly distributed.
A WARNING
Improper weight distribution of your trailer may result in poor vehicle handling and swaying of the trailer. Always check that the trailer nose weight is about 10% of gross trailer weight, but does not exceed 11Maximum vertical load" of75 kg (165 lbs), and does not fall below 25 kg (55 lbs) or 4%, whichever is heavier, on trailer hitch point. Also check that the cargo is properly secured. Failure to observe this requirement may result in an accident.
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A WARNING
Never overload cargo on your trailer and your vehicle. Gross trailer weight must never exceed towing capacity. Gross vehicle weight (sum of the weights of the vehicle, all the occupants, accessories including tow bars and a trailer hitch, cargo and trailer nose weight) must never exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) listed in "SPECIFICATIONS" section, except as described in NOTE below. • It is dangerous and may be illegal to transport people in a trailer.
NOTE: Only in the case of towing a trailer, GVW can be exceeded by not more than 40 kg (88 lbs), if road traffic legislation allows it.
Connect trailer lights and hook safety chains every time you tow.
NOTICE
Because towing a trailer puts additional stress on your vehicle, more frequent maintenance will be required than under normal driving conditions. Follow the schedule in "Maintenance recommended under severe driving conditions". The additional load will affect fuel consumption, durability and performance of the vehicle as well.
A WARNING
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 confident that you can handle the vehicle and trailer safely. Never exceed local 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)
A WARNING
(Continued) Always admit greater 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 slippery. 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 cornering. Deceleration or acceleration while cornering can result in loss of control. Remember that a larger than normal turning radius is needed because the trailer wheels will go inside than vehicle's wheels. 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)
BEFORE DRIVING
A WARNING
(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 for better engine braking 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 excessively. This could cause the brakes to over-heat resulting in reduced braking efficiency. Use engine braking as much as possible. 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 coolant temperature. If it indicates overheating, pull off the road and stop the vehicle in a safe place. Refer to "Engine trouble: Overheating" in "EMERGENCY SERVICE" section.
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OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
Daily inspection checklist
Before driving
60A187
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.
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
Parking brake lever
(1) To set (2) To release (3) To release
The parking brake lever is located between the front seats. To set the parking brake, depress the brake pedal and pull the parking brake lever all the way up. To release the parking brake, depress the brake pedal and pull up slightly on the parking brake lever, push the button on the end of the lever with your thumb, and lower the lever to its original position.
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For automatic transmission vehicles, always set the parking brake before moving the gearshift lever to "P" (PARK) position. If you park on an incline and shift into "P" before setting the parking brake, the weight of the vehicle may make it difficult to shift out of "P" when you are ready to drive the vehicle.
When preparing to drive the vehicle, move the gearshift lever out of "P" position before releasing the parking brake.
A WARNING
• Whenever parking, make sure the gearshift lever for manual transmission vehicles is in 1st gear or "R" (Reverse) and the gearshift lever for automatic transmission or automatic transmission vehicles is in 11P" {Park). Remember, even though the transmission is in gear or in Park, you must set the parking brake fully. • When parking on an uphill, turn the steering wheel so that the front wheels point to the center of the
road. • When parking on a downhill, turn the steering wheel so that the front wheels point to the curb. • Never drive your vehicle with the parking brake on: rear brake effectiveness can be reduced from overM heating, brake life may be shortened, or permanent brake damage may result. • If the parking brake does not hold the vehicle securely or does not fully release, have your vehicle inspected immediately by a SUZUKI dealer.
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
80J2121
Automatic transmission
80J2122
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OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
NOTE: When you select the "4L" position the ESF'® systems (other than ABS) w/11 be canceled to provide improved vehicle traction, and the ESF'® OFF indicator light, dual sensor brake support OFF indicator light and lane departure warning OFF indicator light will come on. When you select the "4L" position braketraction control can be activated'. Braketraction control brakes the spinning wheel to distribute drive power to the other wheels for increased climbing ability or for better performance on a rolling hill or a slippery surface. If dual sensor brake support OFF indicator light and lane departure warning OFF indicator light come on or go off, the intenor buzzer beeps. This is not a ma/function.
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Transfer lever operation
NOTICE
Unevenly worn tyres can cause problems in the operation of the transfer lever. Be sure to rotate the tyres according to the maintenance schedule. Refer to "Tyres" and "Maintenance Schedule" in the "INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE" section for proper tyre rotation procedures. If a problem exists during the shifting function, all lights of the 4WD indicator will blink continuously and the transfer lever operation will not work. If the shift function does not work after trying the shifting operation several times, it may be the result of a system failure. Have the system inspected by a SUZUKI dealer.
NOTE: When the temperature of 4-whee/ drive system or the transmission is not warm ':'nder the low temperature, you may feel ,t hard to shift the transfer lever or gear n01se may occur. Unless you can shift the transfer lever drive your vehicle for a while and the/2 shift the transfer lever again.
Operate the transfer lever according to the appropriate procedure described below:
From u2H" position to "4H" position Fr " 11 • • " " • •
78RB03026
The transfer lever can be shifted when the vehi_c_le is either stopped or moving. Pos1t1on the front wheels straight ahead and shift the transfer lever from "2H" to "4H" or "4H" to "2H". If the vehicle is moving, the speed must be less than 100 km/h (60 mph) during this operation.
A WARNING
Do not shift the transfer lever while the rear tyre is spinning. Your vehicle may move to the unexpected direction. 4-wheel drive system may be also damaged.
There may be a case that it is difficult to From "4L" position to "4H" position operate the transfer lever or the gear noise occurs after driving the vehicle for a while in the cold weather. There may be a possibility of difficulty to shift the transfer lever from "4H" position to "4L" position. In this case, shift the transfer lever into "4H" position or "2H" position
and then operate the transfer lever again after driving for a while.
78RB03028
Stop the vehicle completely, place the transmission in "N" (Neutral) or depress the clutch pedal fully (if equipped), then shift the transfer lever from "4L" position to "4H" position.
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
Cruise control (if equipped)
The cruise control system allows you to maintain a steady speed without keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal. The controls for operating the cruise control system are on the steering wheel.
You can use the cruise control system under the following conditions: For manual transmission vehicle, the gear position is in 3rd, 4th, 5th. For automatic transmission vehicle, the gearshift lever is in "D" position. When the transfer lever is in "2H" or "4H" position, When 4WD indicator light does not blink, The vehicle speed is about 40 km/h (25 mph) or higher.
A, WARNING
To help avoid loss of vehicle control, do not use the cruise control system when driving in heavy traffic, on slippery or winding roads, or on steep downhills.
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OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
Setting cruising speed
Cruise control switch
(1)
(1) Cruise switch (2) "CANCEL" switch (3) "RES +/SET-" switch
(4) Cruise indicator light (5) "SET" indicator light
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52RM30190
75RM329
78R803029
(6) Cruise indicator (7) Set indicator
1) Turn on the cruise control system by pushing cruise switch (1). When the cruise indicator light (4) (type A) or cruise indicator (6) (type B) comes on, you can set cruising speed. 2) Accelerate or decelerate to the desired speed. 3) Push down the "RES +/SET -" switch (3) and turn on the "SET" indicator light (5) (type A) or set indicator (7) (type B). Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and the set speed will be maintained.
A WARNING
If the cruising speed is set by accident, you cannot decelerate or could loose control of the vehicle. This could lead to an accident, resulting in severe injury or death. Turn off the cruise control system and check that cruise indicator (6) is off when the system is not in use.
Changing speed temporarily
When the cruising speed is maintained, you can temporarily accelerate or decelerate.
To accelerate, depress the accelerator pedal. When you take your foot off the pedal, your vehicle will return to the set speed.
To decelerate, depress the brake pedal. The set speed will be canceled and "SET" indicator light (5) or set indicator (7) will go off. To resume the previously set speed, push up the "RES +/SET -" switch (3) and turn on "SET" indicator light (5) or set indicator (7) again when vehicle speed is above 40 km/h (25 mph). The vehicle will accelerate to the previously set speed and maintain its speed.