3-75
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
54P00-01E
Brake assist system
When you slam the brakes on, the brake
assist system determines it to be an emer-
gency stop and provides more powerful
braking for a driver who cannot hold down
the brake pedal firmly.
NOTE:
If you quickly and forcefully depress the
brakes, you may hear a clicking sound in
the brake pedal. This is normal and indi-
cates that the brake assist system is acti-
vated properly.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS will help you avoid skidding by elec-
tronically controlling braking pressure. It
will also help you maintain steering control
when braking on slippery surfaces or when
braking hard.
The ABS works automatically, so you do
not need any special braking technique.
Just push the brake pedal down without
pumping. The ABS will operate wheneverit senses that the wheels are locking up.
You may feel the brake pedal move a little
while the ABS is operating.
NOTE:
The ABS will not work if vehicle speed is
under about 9 km/h (6 mph).63J081
(1) ABS warning light
(2) Brake system warning light
WA R N I N G
Even without reserve power in the
brake system, you can still stop the
vehicle by pressing the brake pedal
harder than normally required. How-
ever, the stopping distance may be
longer.
WA R N I N G
• On some types of loose surfaces
(such as gravel, snow-covered
roads, etc.), the stopping distance
required for a vehicle with ABS
may be slightly greater than the
one required for a comparable vehi-
cle with a conventional brake sys-
tem. With a conventional brake
system, skidding tires are able to
plow the gravel or snow layer,
shortening the stopping distance.
ABS minimizes this resistance
effect. Allow for extra stopping dis-
tance when driving on loose sur-
faces.
• On regular paved roads, some driv-
ers may be able to obtain slightly
shorter stopping distances with
conventional brake systems than
with ABS.
(Continued)
WA R N I N G
(Continued)
• In both of the above conditions,
ABS will still offer the advantage of
helping you maintain directional
control. However, remember that
ABS will not compensate for bad
road or weather conditions or poor
driver judgment. Use good judg-
ment and do not drive too fast.
(1)(2)
3-76
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
54P00-01E
How ABS works
A computer continuously monitors wheel
speed. The computer compares the
changes in wheel speed when braking. If
the wheels slow suddenly, indicating a
skidding situation, the computer will
change braking pressure several times
each second to prevent the wheels from
locking. When you start your vehicle or
when you accelerate after a hard stop, you
may hear a momentary motor or clicking
noise as the system resets or checks itself.
Electronic stability program
(ESP®)
ESP® is a registered trademark of Daimler
AG.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®)
helps to control the vehicle during corner-
ing if front wheels or rear wheels skid. It
also assists you in maintaining traction
while accelerating on loose or slippery
road surfaces. It does this by regulating
the engine’s output, and by selectively
applying the brakes. In addition, ESP
®
helps to avoid skidding by controlling brak-
ing pressure.
WA R N I N G
• If the ABS warning light (1) on the
instrument cluster comes on and
stays on while driving, there may
be a problem with the ABS system.
Ask your SUZUKI dealer to inspect
the ABS system immediately. If the
ABS system becomes inoperative,
the brake system will function as
an ordinary brake system that has
no ABS.
• If the ABS warning light (1) and the
brake system warning light (2) on
the instrument cluster simultane-
ously stay on or come on while
driving, both anti-lock function and
rear brake force control function
(proportioning valve function) of
the ABS system may have failed. If
so, the rear wheels may easily skid
or the vehicle can even spin in the
worst case when braking on a slip-
pery road or when hard braking
even on a dry paved road. Ask your
SUZUKI dealer to inspect the ABS
system immediately. Drive care-
fully, avoiding hard braking as
much as possible.
WA R N I N G
The ABS may not work properly if
tires or wheels other than those
specified in the owner’s manual are
used. This is because the ABS works
by comparing changes in wheel
speed. When replacing tires or
wheels, use only the size and type
specified in this owner’s manual.
WA R N I N G
The ESP® cannot enhance the vehi-
cle’s driving stability in all situations
and does not control your vehicle’s
entire braking system. The ESP
® can-
not prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed
in turns, or hydroplaning. Only safe
and attentive drive can prevent acci-
dents. The capabilities of an ESP
®-
equipped vehicle must never be used
as a substitute for careful driving.
3-77
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
54P00-01E
The ESP® has the following three sys-
tems:
Stability control system
The vehicle stability control system helps
provide integrated control of systems such
as anti-lock brakes, traction control, engine
control, etc. This system automatically
controls the brakes and engine to help pre-
vent the vehicle from skidding when cor-
nering on a slippery road surface or when
turning the steering wheel abruptly.
Traction control system
The traction control system automatically
helps prevent the spinning of wheels when
the vehicle is started or accelerated on
slippery road surfaces. The system oper-
ates only if it senses that some of the
wheels are spinning or beginning to lose
traction. When this happens, the system
operates the front or rear brakes and
reduces engine power to limit wheel spin.
NOTE:
You may hear a clunking sound when you
start the engine or after the vehicle begins
to move. This means that the above sys-
tems are in the self-check mode. This
sound does not indicate a malfunction.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS will help you avoid skidding by elec-
tronically controlling braking pressure. It
will also help you maintain steering control
when braking on slippery surfaces or when
braking hard. The ABS works automati-
cally, so you do not have to use any spe-
cial braking technique. Just push the brake
pedal down without pumping. The ABS will
operate whenever it senses that wheels
are locking up. You may feel the brake
pedal pulsate while the ABS is operating.
(For more information on ABS, see “Brak-
ing” in this section.)
NOTE:
If the ABS system is activated, you may
hear a clunking noise and/or feel pulsating
in the brake pedal. This is normal and indi-
cates that the brake fluid pressure is being
controlled properly.WA R N I N G
• The ESP® may not work properly if
tires or wheels other than those
specified in the owner’s manual are
used. When replacing tires or
wheels, use only the size and type
specified in this owner’s manual.
• The ESP
® may not work properly if
tires are not inflated to the recom-
mended tire inflation pressure.
• The ESP
® may not work properly if
tires are fitted with tire chains.
• The ESP
® may not work properly if
the tires are excessively worn.
Replace tires when the tread wear
indicators in the grooves appear on
the tread surface.
• The ESP
® is not a substitute for
winter tires or tire chains on a
snow-covered road.
WA R N I N G
• The ESP® may not work properly if
engine related parts such as the
muffler are not equivalent to stan-
dard equipment or are extremely
deteriorated.
• Do not modify the vehicle’s sus-
pension since the ESP
® may not
work properly.
3-79
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
54P00-01E
Models with parking sensors
61MM0A105
(1) ESP® OFF switch
When the ESP
® OFF switch located at the
instrument panel is pushed and held to
turn off the ESP
® systems (other than
ABS), the ESP® OFF indicator light in the
instrument cluster comes on.
When you have turned the ESP
® systems
(other than ABS) off, turn them back on
before resuming ordinary driving.
When you push the ESP
® OFF switch
again, the ESP® OFF indicator light will go
out and all of the ESP® systems will be
activated.
61MM0A178
If the message shown in the above illustra-
tion appears on the information display,
there may be a problem with the ESP
®
system. Have your vehicle inspected by an
authorized SUZUKI dealer.
NOTE:
The ESP
® system will not activate while
this message is displayed.
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with the radar
brake support system, when the ESP
®
system is turned off, the radar brake sup-
port system will be turned off.
ABS warning light / brake system
warning light
See “Braking” in this section.
Hill descent control system (if equipped)
The hill descent control system is designed
to reduce the driver’s workload when going
down steep, rough and/or slippery hills
where the vehicle cannot decelerate
enough by engine braking alone. The hill
descent control system helps to control
vehicle speed by automatically engaging
the vehicle’s brakes, as needed, so you
can concentrate on steering the vehicle.(1)
WA R N I N G
Do not rely excessively on the hill
descent control system. The hill
descent control system may not con-
trol the vehicle speed on a hill under
all load or road conditions. Always be
prepared to control vehicle speed by
applying the brakes. Failure to pay
attention and control vehicle speed
using the brakes when necessary
may result in loss of control or an
accident.
3-80
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
54P00-01E
Hill descent control switch
Models without ENG A-STOP system
54P000317
(1) Hill descent control switchModels with ENG A-STOP system
54P000318
(1) Hill descent control switch
To activate the hill descent control system:
1) Turn the driving mode switch (if
equipped) to “LOCK” position.
2) Shift the gearshift lever into a forward
gear or reverse gear.
3) Push the hill descent control switch (1)
when the vehicle speed is under 25 km/h
(15 mph). The hill descent control indica-
tor on the instrument cluster will come on
and the hill descent control system will be
activated.
If the driving mode switch (if equipped) is
in “LOCK” position, vehicle speed is main-
tained at approximately 10 km/h (6 mph)
when going down a hill.The brake/tail lights come on and the
ESP
® warning light blinks while the hill
descent control system applies the brakes
to maintain the vehicle speed.
If the accelerator or brake pedal is
depressed while the hill descent control
system is activated, the system will stop
working temporarily. As soon as the accel-
erator or brake pedal is released, the hill
descent control system begins to function
again if the hill descent control operating
conditions are fulfilled. However, when the
vehicle speed exceeds 25 km/h (15 mph),
the hill descent control system will be
deactivated automatically.
To deactivate the hill descent control sys-
tem, push the hill descent control switch
again.
(1)(1)
3-82
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
54P00-01E
NOTE:
If any of the following conditions occur,
there may be a problem with the hill
descent control system or the ESP
® sys-
tem. Have your vehicle inspected by an
authorized SUZUKI dealer.
• The hill descent control indicator does
not come on or blink when you push the
hill descent control switch.
• The hill descent control indicator stays
on when driving without pushing the hill
descent control switch.
61MM0A179
If the message shown in the above illustra-
tion appears on the information display,
there may be a problem with the hill
descent control system and the hill hold
control system. Have your vehicle
inspected by an authorized SUZUKI
dealer.
NOTE:
You cannot activate the hill descent control
system while this message is displayed.
Hill hold control system (if equipped)
The hill hold control system is designed to
assist you in starting to move up steep or
slippery hills. When you start to move up a
hill, the system helps to prevent the vehicle
from rolling downward (for approximately 2
seconds) while you move your foot from
the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal.
The hill hold control system activates for a
maximum of about 2 seconds if your foot is
moved from the brake pedal when the fol-
lowing conditions are all met.
1) The gearshift lever is in a forward gear
or reverse gear.
2) The parking brake is released.
3) The clutch pedal is depressed.
4) The vehicle is on an upward incline.
NOTE:
You may hear a sound coming from the
engine when the hill hold control system is
activated. This sound is normal and does
not indicate a malfunction.
WA R N I N G
• Do not rely excessively on the hill
hold control system. The hill hold
control system may not prevent the
vehicle from rolling downward on a
hill under all load or road condi-
tions. Always be prepared to
depress the brake pedal to prevent
the vehicle from rolling downward.
Failure to pay attention and
depress the brake pedal to hold the
vehicle on a hill when necessary,
may result in loss of control or an
accident.
• The hill hold control system is not
designed to stop the vehicle on a
hill.
(Continued)
WA R N I N G
(Continued)
• After you release your foot from the
brake pedal, accelerate the vehicle
to move up immediately. If you
release your foot from the brake
pedal over 2 seconds, the hill hold
control system will be canceled. If
so, the vehicle may roll downward,
which can result in an accident
depending on the degree of slope.
And, the engine may stall and the
power assist for the steering and
brakes will not work so steering
and braking will be much harder
than usual which can result in an
accident or vehicle damage.
4-3
DRIVING TIPS
54P00-01E
Keep the air cleaner clean
60A183S
If the air cleaner is clogged with dust, there
will be greater intake resistance, resulting
in decreased power output and increased
fuel consumption.
Keep weight to a minimum
The heavier the load is, the more fuel the
vehicle consumes. Unload any unneces-
sary luggage or cargo.
Keep tire pressures correct
Under-inflation of the tires can waste fuel
due to increased running resistance of the
tires. Keep your tires inflated to the correct
pressure shown on the label on the driver’s
side door or the driver’s door lock pillar.
Highway driving
When driving at highway speeds, pay
attention to the following:
• Stopping distance progressively
increases with vehicle speed. Apply the
brakes far enough ahead of the stopping
point to allow for the extra stopping dis-
tance.
• On rainy days, hydroplaning can occur.
Hydroplaning is the loss of direct contact
between the road surface and the vehi-
cle’s tires due to a water film forming
between them. Steering or braking the
vehicle during hydroplaning can be very
difficult, and loss of control can occur.
Keep speed down when the road sur-
face is wet.
• At high speeds, the vehicle may be
affected by side winds. Therefore,
reduce speed and be prepared for unex-
pected buffeting, which can occur at the
exits of tunnels, when passing by a cut
of a hill, or when being overtaken by
large vehicles, etc.
Driving on hills
54P000401
• When climbing steep hills, the vehicle
may begin to slow down and show a lack
of power. If this happens, you should
shift to a lower gear so that the engine
will again be operating in its normal
power range. Shift rapidly to prevent the
vehicle from losing momentum.
• When driving down a hill, the engine
should be used for braking by shifting to
the next lower gear.
EXAMPLE
4-4
DRIVING TIPS
54P00-01E
Driving on slippery roads
60G089S
On wet roads, you should drive at a lower
speed than you do on dry roads due to
possible slippage of tires during braking.
When driving on icy, snow-covered or
muddy roads, reduce your speed and
avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt braking,
or sharp steering movements.
Four-mode 4WD models
Your four-mode 4WD is designed to get
better traction on slippery roads than 2-
wheel drive models. However, your four-
mode 4WD will not have as much traction
in deep snow, mud or sand as multipur-
pose 4WD vehicles. You should not
attempt to drive your four-mode 4WD in
deep snow, mud or sand. Four-mode 4WDmodels are not sport/utility vehicles, and
are not designed for off-road use.
Tire chains
Tire 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 tires.
Also check that there is enough clearance
between the fenders and the chains as
installed on the tires.
Install the chains on the front tires tightly,
according to the chain manufacturer’s
instructions. Retighten the chains after
driving about 1.0 km (1/2 mile) if neces-
sary. With the chains installed, drive slowly.
WA R N I N G
Do not hold the brake pedal down too
long or too often while going down a
steep or long hill. This could cause
the brakes to overheat, resulting in
reduced braking efficiency. Failure to
take this precaution could result in
loss of vehicle control.
NOTICE
When descending a downhill, Never
turn the ignition key to “LOCK” posi-
tion or press the engine switch to
change the ignition mode to “LOCK”
(OFF). Emission control system dam-
age may result.
NOTICE
• If you hear the chains hitting
against the vehicle body while driv-
ing, stop and tighten them.
• If your vehicle is equipped with full
wheel caps, remove the wheel caps
before installing the chains or the
wheel caps can be damaged by the
chain bands.