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3-1
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
76MH1-74E
76MH1-74E
Exhaust Gas Warning
52D334
Daily Inspection Checklist
Before Driving
60A187S
1) Make sure that windows, mirrors, lights, and reflectors are clean and unob-structed. 2) Visually check the tires for the following 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 “Tires” in “INSPECTION ANDMAINTENANCE” section for details. 3) Look for fluid and oil leaks.
WA R N I N G
Avoid breathing exhaust gases. Exhaust gases contain carbon mon- oxide, a potentially lethal gas that is colorless and odorless. Since carbonmonoxide is difficult to detect by itself, be sure to take the following precautions to help prevent carbonmonoxide from entering your vehicle. • Do not leave the engine running in garages or other confined areas.(Continued)
WA R N I N G
(Continued)• Do not park with the engine run- ning for a long period of time, even in an open area. If it is necessary to sit for a short time in a parked vehi- cle with the engine running, make sure the air intake selector is set to “FRESH AIR” and the fan is at highspeed. • Avoid operating the vehicle with the tailgate or trunk open. If it isnecessary to operate the vehicle with the tailgate or trunk open, make sure the sunroof (if equipped)and all windows are closed, and the blower is at high speed with the air intake selector set to “FRESH AIR”.• To allow proper operation of your vehicle’s ventilation system, keep the air inlet grille in front of thewindshield clear of snow, leaves, or other obstructions at all times. • Keep the exhaust tailpipe area clearof snow and other material to help reduce the buildup of exhaust gases under the vehicle. This isparticularly important when parked in blizzard conditions. • Have the exhaust system inspectedperiodically for damage and leaks. Any damage or leaks should be repaired immediately.
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3-2
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
76MH1-74E
76MH1-74E
NOTE: It is normal for water to drip from the air conditioning system after use.
4) Make sure the hood is fully closed and latched.5) Check the headlights, turn signal lights, brake lights and horn for proper opera- tion.6) Adjust the seat and head restraint (if equipped). 7) Check the brake pedal and the parkingbrake lever. 8) Adjust the mirrors. 9) Make sure that you and all passengershave properly fastened your seat belts. 10)Make sure that all warning lights come on as the key is turned to the “ON” posi-tion. 11)Check all gauges. 12)Make sure that the BRAKE SYSTEMWARNING 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 level3) Brake fluid level 4) Windshield washer fluid level 5) Battery solution level6) Hood latch operation Pull the hood release handle inside the vehicle. Make sure that you cannotopen the hood all the way without
releasing the secondary latch. Be sure to close the hood securely after check- ing for proper latch operation. See “Alllatches, hinges & locks” of “CHASSIS AND BODY” in the “Periodic Mainte- nance Schedule” in the “INSPECTIONAND MAINTENANCE” section for lubri- cation schedule.
Once a month, or each time you fill your fuel tank, check the tire pressure using a tire pressure gauge. Also check the tirepressure of the spare tire.
Engine Oil Consumption
It is normal for the engine to consume some engine oil during normal vehicle operation.
The amount of engine oil consumed depends on the viscosity of the oil, thequality of the oil and the conditions the vehicle is driven under. More oil is consumed during high-speeddriving and when there is frequent acceler- ation 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 5000km (3000 miles) driving.
Oil consumption: Max. 1.0 L per 1000 km (1 Qt. per 600 miles)
When judging the amount of oil consump- tion, note that the oil may become diluted and make it difficult to accurately judge thetrue oil level. As an example, if a vehicle is used for repeated short trips, and consumes a nor-mal 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 driv-ing. This is because the oil is gradually becoming diluted with fuel or moisture, making it appear that the oil level has notchanged. You should also be aware that the diluting ingredients evaporate out when the vehicleis subsequently driven at high speeds, such as on an expressway, making it appear that oil is excessively consumedafter high-speed driving.
WA R N I N G
Make sure the hood is fully closed and latched before driv ing. If it is not, it can fly up unexpectedly duringdriving, obstructing your view and resulting in an accident.
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8-6
EMERGENCY SERVICE
76MH1-74E
76MH1-74E
If the Starter Does Not
Operate
1) Try turning the ignition switch to the “START” position with the headlights turned on to determine the battery con- dition. If the headlights go excessivelydim or go off, it usually means that either the battery is flat or the battery terminal contact is poor. Recharge thebattery or correct battery terminal con- tact as necessary. 2) If the headlights remain bright, checkthe fuses. If the reason for failure of the starter is not obvious, there may be a major electrical problem. Have the vehi-cle inspected by your authorized MAR- UTI SUZUKI dealer.
If the Engine is Flooded
If the engine is flooded with petrol, it may be hard to start. If this happens, press theaccelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there while cranking the engine. For petrol engine model, do not operatethe starter motor for more than 12 sec- onds. For diesel engine model, do not operatethe starter motor for more than 30 sec- onds.
If the Engine Overheats
The engine could overheat temporarily under severe driving conditions. If the highengine coolant temperature warning light comes on as overheating during driving: 1) Turn off the air conditioner, if equipped.2) Take the vehicle to a safe place and park. 3) Let the engine run at the normal idlespeed for a few minutes until the high engine coolant temperature warning light goes off.
If the high engine coolant temperature warning light does not go off: 1) Turn off the engine and check that the water pump belt and pulleys are notdamaged or slipping. If any abnormality is found, correct it.
2) Check the coolant level in the reservoir. If it is found to be lower than the “LOW” line, look for leaks at the radiator, waterpump, and radiator and heater hoses. If you locate any leaks that may have caused the overheating, do not run theengine until these problems have been corrected. 3) If you do not find a leak, carefully addcoolant to the reservoir and then the radiator, if necessary. (Refer to “Engine Coolant” in the “INSPECTION ANDMAINTENANCE” section.)
NOTE: If your engine overheats and you are unsure what to do, contact your MARUTI SUZUKI dealer.
WA R N I N G
If you see or hear escaping steam,stop the vehicle in a safe place andimmediately turn off the engine to let it cool. Do not open the hood when steam is present. When the steamcan no longer be seen or heard, open the hood to see if the coolant is still boiling. If it is, you must wait until itstops boiling before you proceed.
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