Wiper and washer operation
When the ignition switch is in "ON" position, you can use the wiper/washer lever.
When the wipers are under heavy load such as covered by snow, the breaker will be activated and the wipers will stop operating to protect the wiper motor from overheating. If the wiper stops during operation, do the following methods.
1) Stop the vehicle in a safe place, and turn the engine off. 2) Move the wiper lever and switch to "OFF" position. 3) Remove obstacles such as snow on the wipers. 4) After a while, when the temperature of the wiper motor becomes low enough, the breaker will be reset automatically and the wipers will be able to use.
If you cannot use the wipers after a while, there may be another problem. Ask a SUZUKI dealer to have the wipers inspected.
Windshield wipers
MIST
OFF
INT
LO
HI
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To turn the windshield wipers on, move the lever down to one of the three operating positions. In "INT" position, the wipers operate intermittently. The "INT" position is very convenient for driving in mist or light rain. In "LO" position, the wipers operate at a steady low speed. In "HI" position, the wipers operate at a steady high speed. To turn off the wipers, move the lever back to "OFF" position.
Move the lever up and hold it to "MIST" position, the windshield wipers will turn on continuously at low speed.
BEFORE DRIVING
Windshield washer
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To spray windshield washer fluid, pull the lever toward you. The windshield wipers will automatically turn on at low speed if they are not already on and your vehicle is equipped with "INT" position.
.A, WARNING
To prevent windshield icing in cold weather, turn on the defroster to heat the windshield before and during windshield washer use. Do not use radiator antifreeze in the windshield washer reservoir. It can severely impair visibility when sprayed on the windshield, and can also damage your vehicle's paint.
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BEFORE DRIVING
Heated rear window switch/
heated outside rearview
mirror switch (if equipped)
Type 1
(1)
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Type2
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When the rear window is misted, push this switch (1) to clear the window.
If the outside rearview mirror has the mark (2), it is also equipped with the heated outside rearview mirrors. When you push the switch (1 ), both the heated outside rearview mirrors and the heated rear window will operate simultaneously.
An indicator light will come on when the defogger is on. The defogger will work only when the engine is running. To turn off the defogger, push the switch (1) again.
NOTICE
The heated rear window and the heated outside rearview mirrors (if equipped) use a large amount of electricity. Turn off the switch after the window and mirrors have become clear.
NOTE: The defogger will work only when the engine is running. The defogger will automatically turn off after the defogger remains on for 15 minutes to prevent discharging of the lead-acid battery.
Tow bars
Only use a tow bar that is designed to attach to the chassis of your vehicle, and a hitch that is designed to bolt to this tow bar. We recommend that you use a genuine SUZUKI tow bar kit (available as an option), or equivalent.
A WARNING
Never use a tow bar which attaches to the axle or the bumper of your vehicle.
Safety chains
Always attach safety chains between your vehicle and the trailer. Cross safety chains under the nose of the trailer so that the nose will not drop to the road if the trailer becomes separated from the tow bar. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for attaching safety chains. Always leave just enough slack to permit full turning. Never allow safety chains to drag on the road.
A WARNING
Never attach safety chains to the bumper of your vehicle. Secure connections so that they cannot come loose.
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Trailer lights
Check that your trailer is equipped with lights which meet local requirements. Always check for the proper operation of all trailer lights before you start to tow.
A WARNING
Never connect trailer lights directly into your vehicle's electrical system, or electrical system damage may occur.
Brakes
A WARNING
If the trailer is equipped with the brakes, follow all instructions provided by the manufacturer. Never connect to the brake system of your vehicle and never take an electrical supply directly from the wiring har
ness.
BEFORE DRIVING
Tyres
A WARNING
When towing a trailer, it is very important for your vehicle and trailer to have properly inflated tyres. Your vehicle's tyres should be inflated to the pressures listed on your vehicle's tyre information label. The tyres should be inflated to the laden pressures. Inflate trailer tyres according to the specifications provided by the trailer manufacturer.
Mirrors
Check if your vehicle's mirrors meet local requirements for mirrors used on towing vehicles. If they do not, you must install the required mirrors before you tow.
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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
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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.
3-1
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
68PH00310
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.
3-3
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.
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.