
3-11
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
54P00-01E
Parking brake reminder buzzer
A buzzer sounds intermittently to remind
you to release the parking brake if you
start the vehicle without releasing the park-
ing brake. Check that the parking brake is
fully released and the brake system warn-
ing light turns off.
Pedal
80J2121
WA R N I N G
Always set the parking brake fully
before leaving your vehicle or it may
move, causing injury or damage.
When parking, check that the gear-
shift lever is in reverse or first gear.
Remember, even though the
transaxle is in gear or in Park, you
must set the parking brake fully.
WA R N I N G
When parking the vehicle in
extremely cold weather, the following
procedure should be used:
1) Set the parking brake.
2) Turn off the engine, and then shift
into reverse or first gear.
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.
(2)(1)
(3)
EXAMPLE

3-59
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
54P00-01E
If dirt is detected on the radar sensor
cover, the radar brake support system will
stop functioning and the radar brake sup-
port system warning light (3) will come on,
and “RADAR BRAKE SUPPORT: NOT
ACTIVE BY SENSOR.” message (4) will
appear.
54P000340
NOTE:
The system may not function properly if
there is any snow or water on the radar
sensor cover.
(3)
(4)
WA R N I N G
• Always keep the sensor cover sur-
face clean. When it is dirty, wipe it
down with a soft cloth that will not
scratch the cover. Also, when the
following things are covering or
attached to the sensor cover, they
will be detected as dirt and the
radar will either take more time to
detect things or it will not detect
things at all. If this happens, the
system will not function normally
and unexpected accidents may
occur.
– Plastic bags (transparent, semi-
transparent, colored or metal-
coated)
– Rain, snow, etc.
• Observe the following instructions
in order to keep the radar sensor
functioning properly. If mishandled,
the radar sensor cannot accurately
detect a vehicle in front of you, the
system will not function properly
and unexpected accidents may
occur.
– Do not strike the radar sensor
forcefully. If there is a minor
crash and the radar sensor is
damaged or hindered, have it
inspected by an authorized
SUZUKI dealer.
(Continued)
WA R N I N G
(Continued)
– Do not stick or affix anything to
the sensor cover, not even clear
items.
– Do not do any customizing, coat-
ing or applying of non-genuine
SUZUKI parts to the radiator grill
or front bumper. For repairs and
parts replacement, contact an
authorized SUZUKI dealer.
– Do not remove or disassemble
the radar sensor or any sur-
rounding parts.
– Do not sit on or lean against the
front bumper.
– When using a high pressure car
washer, do not point the nozzle
at, or around, the sensor cover.
– Do not push other vehicle or
objects with the front bumper
when you pull out of a parking
area.

3-67
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
54P00-01E
NOTE:
• Thin poles or obstacles lower than the
sensors may become undetectable as
the vehicle moves closer to them even if
they have been detected from longer
distances.
• The system may calculate the distance
to a road sign or similar obstacle to be
shorter than the actual distance.
WA R N I N G
• Under the following conditions, the
parking sensor system may not
work normally because the sensors
cannot detect obstacles correctly.
– Sensors are covered with mud,
ice or other materials. (Such
materials must be removed for
normal operation.)
– Sensors are wet from water
splashes or heavy rain.
– Sensors are covered by a hand,
sticker, accessory, etc.
– There is an accessory or other
object attached within the sen-
sor’s sensing area.
– Items such as tow hooks, com-
mercially available corner poles,
radio antenna, etc. are installed
on the bumper.
– The height of the bumper is
changed due to alteration to the
suspension or other causes.
– The sensor areas are extremely
hot from direct sunlight or cold
due to freezing weather.
– The vehicle is on a rough sur-
face, slope, gravel road or grass
field.
– The vehicle is at a steep angle.
(Continued)
WA R N I N G
(Continued)
– Sensors have intercepted ultra-
sonic noise from another vehi-
cle’s horn, engine, air braking
system (large vehicles), or park-
ing sensor.
– Obstacles are too close to the
sensors.
– Sensors are at an angle to a
highly reflective object such as
glass. (Ultrasonic waves are not
reflected back from the obstacle.)
• Sensors may not be able to cor-
rectly detect the following types of
obstacles:
– Objects made of a thin material
such as wire netting and ropes
– Square-shaped curbstones or
other objects with sharp edges
– Tall objects with a large upper
part such as a road sign
– Low-profile objects such as curb-
stones
– Sound-absorbing objects such
as cotton and snow

3-71
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
54P00-01E
Rearview camera
(if equipped)
When the gearshift lever is shifted to “R”
position while the ignition switch is in “ON”
position or the ignition mode is “ON”, the
rearview camera system automatically
shows the view behind the vehicle on the
display.
Rearview camera location
54P000316
(1) Rearview camera
The rearview camera is installed beside
the license plate light.
WA R N I N G
The distance viewed in the rearview
camera may differ from the actual
distance according to the condition
of road or the load the vehicle is car-
rying. Since the camera display area
is also limited, backing up by only
looking at the display may cause an
accident or a crash with an object.
The rearview camera cannot replace
the driver’s attention. The driver
alone is responsible for parking and
similar driving maneuvers.
• Use the rearview camera only to
provide driving assistance.
• Always drive carefully confirming
the safety of the rear and the sur-
rounding conditions by looking
directly with your eyes and using
the rear view mirror.
• Check that the tailgate is securely
closed when backing up.
NOTICE
If you use the rearview camera for a
long time when the ignition switch is
in “ON” position or the ignition mode
is “ON”, but the engine is not run-
ning, the battery may discharge.
Do not leave the ignition switch in
“ON” position or the ignition mode
“ON” for a long time when the engine
is not running.
NOTICE
The rearview camera is a precision
instrument. If you strike the camera,
it may be broken and cause damage
resulting in a catch fire or a malfunc-
tion.
• Do not strike the camera.
• Do not remove snow or mud on the
camera lens with a stick.
(1)
EXAMPLE

4-2
DRIVING TIPS
54P00-01E
heat damage to the catalytic converter and
other vehicle components.
54G584S
Improving fuel economy
The following instructions will help you
improve fuel economy.
Avoid excessive idling
If you park your vehicle for more than one
minute, stop the engine and start it again
later. When warming up a cold engine,
allow the engine to idle until the tempera-
ture gauge pointer comes up to “C” posi-
tion (if the idling is not prohibited). In this
position, the engine is sufficiently warm for
starting off.
Avoid fast starts
Fast starts away from lights or stop signs
will consume fuel unnecessarily and
shorten engine life. Start off slowly.
Avoid unnecessary stops
Avoid unnecessary deceleration and stop-
ping. Try to maintain a slow, steady speed
whenever possible. Slowing down and
then accelerating again uses more fuel.
Keep a steady cruising speed
Drive at a constant speed that road and
traffic conditions will permit.NOTICE
To minimize the possibility of cata-
lytic converter or other vehicle dam-
age:
• Maintain the engine in the proper
operating condition.
• In the event of an engine malfunc-
tion, particularly one involving
engine misfire or other apparent
loss of performance, have the vehi-
cle serviced promptly.
• Do not turn off the engine or inter-
rupt the ignition when the transaxle
is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
• Do not try to start the engine by
pushing or towing the vehicle, or
coasting down a hill.
• Do not idle the engine with any
spark plug wires disconnected or
removed, such as during diagnos-
tic testing.
• Do not idle the vehicle for pro-
longed periods if idling seems
rough or there are other malfunc-
tions.
• Do not allow the fuel tank to get
near the empty level.
WA R N I N G
Be careful where you park and drive;
the catalytic converter and other
exhaust components can get very
hot. As with any vehicle, do not park
or operate this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials such as dry
grass or leaves can come in contact
with a hot exhaust system.

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.

4-5
DRIVING TIPS
54P00-01E
Stuck vehicle
If your vehicle gets stuck in snow, mud or
sand, follow the directions below:
1) Shift the transaxle back and forth
between a forward range (or first gear
for manual transaxle) and reverse. This
will create a rocking motion which may
give you enough momentum to free the
vehicle. Press gently on the accelerator
to keep wheel spinning to a minimum
wheel rpm. Remove your foot from the
accelerator while shifting.
Do not race the engine. Excessive
wheel spin will cause the tires to dig
deeper, making it more difficult to free
the vehicle.
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with the ESP
®,
you may have to turn the ESP® system off
in order to spin the wheels.
2) If your vehicle remains stuck after a few
minutes of rocking, we recommend you
to consult your SUZUKI dealer or a
roadside assistance service. If a towing
service is not available in an emer-
gency, your vehicle may be temporarily
towed by a towing cable or chain
secured to the towing hook either on
the front of the vehicle or on the rear of
the vehicle. Refer to “Frame hooks” in
“OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIP-
MENT” section.
54G638S
WA R N I N G
Do not allow anyone to stand near
the vehicle when you are rocking it,
and do not spin the wheels faster
than an indicated 40 km/h (25 mph)
on the speedometer. Personal injury
and/or vehicle damage may result
from spinning the wheels too fast.
NOTICE
Do not continue rocking the vehicle
for more than a few minutes. Pro-
longed rocking can cause engine
overheating or transaxle damage.
WA R N I N G
In addition to following the driving
tips in this section, it is important to
observe the following precautions.
• Check that your tires are in good
condition and always maintain the
specified tire pressure. Refer to
“Tires” in “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section for
details.
(Continued)

5-1
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
54P00-01E
Fuel filler cap
54P000501
62J058
A fuel filler cap is located on the left rear
side of the vehicle. The fuel filler door can
be unlocked by pulling up the opener lever
located on the outboard side of the driver’s
seat and locked by simply closing the door.
57L51093
To remove the fuel filler cap:
1) Open the fuel filler door.
2) Remove the cap by turning it counter-
clockwise.
54P000502
NOTE:
The cap holder (1) holds the fuel filler cap
(2) by hooking the groove (3) when refuel-
ing.
To reinstall the fuel filler cap:
1) Turn the cap clockwise until you hear
several clicks.
2) Close the fuel filler door.
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
CAUTION
Remove the fuel filler cap slowly. The
fuel may be under pressure and may
spray out, causing injury.
OpenClose
EXAMPLE
WA R N I N G
Fuel is extremely flammable. Do not
smoke when refueling, and check
that there are no open flames or
sparks in the area.
(1)(1)
(2)(3)(1)
EXAMPLE