3-13OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
75RM4-01E
Starting engine
(vehicle without keyless push start system)Before starting engine
75RM256
1) Check that the parking brake is set fully.
2) Manual transaxle – Shift into “N” (Neu- tral) and depress the clutch pedal all
the way to the floor. Hold the clutch
pedal while starting the engine.
CVT – If the gearshift lever is not in “P”
(Park) position, shift into “P” (Park). (If
you need to re-start the engine while
the vehicle is movi ng, shift into “N”.)
Auto Gear Shift – Shift into “N” (Neutral)
and depress the brake pedal. Hold the
brake pedal while starting the engine.
NOTE:
• CVT vehicles have a starter interlock device which is designed to keep the
starter from operating if the transaxle is
in any of the drive positions.
• For Auto Gear Shift vehicles, if the engine cannot be started, make sure the
gearshift lever is in “N” before restarting
the engine.
Starting a cold and warm engineWith your foot taken off the accelerator
pedal, crank the engine by turning the igni-
tion key to “START”. Release the key when
the engine starts.
If the engine does not start after 12 sec-
onds of cranking, wait about 15 seconds,
and then press down the accelerator pedal
to 1/3 full of capacity and try cranking the
engine again. Release the key and accel-
erator pedal when the engine starts.
If the engine still does not start, try holding
the accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor while cranking. This should clear the
engine if it is flooded.
MT
CVT
AGS
WA R N I N G
Check that the parking brake is set
fully and the transaxle is in Neutral
(or Park for vehicles with a CVT)
before attempting to start the engine.
NOTICE
• Stop turning the starter immedi-ately after the engine has started or
the starter system can be damaged.
• Do not crank the engine for more than 12 seconds at a time. If the
engine does not start on the first
try, wait about 15 seconds before
trying again.
3-14
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
75RM4-01E
Starting engine
(vehicle with keyless push start system)Before starting engine
75RM257
1) Check that the parking brake is set fully.
2) Manual transaxle – Shift to “N” (Neutral) and fully depress the clutch pedal. Hold
the clutch and brake pedals fully
depressed.
CVT – If the gearshift lever is not in the
“P” (Park) position, shift it to “P”. Hold
the brake pedal fully depressed.
Auto Gear Shift – Shift into “N” (Neutral)
and depress the brake pedal. Hold the
brake pedal while starting the engine.
82K254
3) The “PUSH START SWITCH” messagewill appear on the information display in
the instrument cluster. Push the engine
switch (1). When the engine is started,
the starter motor will automatically stop. NOTE:
• You do not need to keep the engine
switch pressed to start the engine.
• The engine of a manual transaxle vehi- cle will not start unless the clutch pedal
is depressed.
• CVT vehicles have a starter interlock device which is designed to keep the
starter from operating if the transaxle is
in any of the drive positions.
MT
CVT
AGS
(1)
WA R N I N G
Check that the parking brake is set
fully and the transaxle is in Neutral
(or Park for vehicles with a CVTS)
before attempting to start the engine.
NOTICE
• Do not depress the accelerator
during the engine starting proce-
dure.
• If the engine does not respond when you try to start it with the
engine switch or if the engine
switch repeats cycling through
LOCK (OFF) – ACC – ON mode, the
lead-acid battery may be dis-
charged. Check the voltage of the
lead-acid battery before trying
again.
3-15OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
75RM4-01E
• For Auto Gear Shift vehicles, if theengine cannot be started, make sure the
gearshift lever is in “N” before restarting
the engine.
• During the engine starting procedure, messages on the information display will
help you. Refer to “Information display” in
the “BEFORE DRIVING” section for
details.
• You should turn off such loads as the headlights and air co nditioning system to
facilitate starting of the engine.
• Even if you fail to start the engine, the starter motor will stop turning automati-
cally after a short time. After the starter
motor has stopped or if there is some
problem with the system, the starter
motor will rotate only while the engine
switch is being pressed.
Stopping engine• Depress the engine switch to stop theengine after the vehicle stopped com-
pletely.
• In case of emergency, you can stop the engine by quickly pushing the engine
switch more than 3 times, or pushing
and holding the engine switch for more
than 2 seconds while the vehicle is in
motion.
NOTE:
Except in cases of emergency, do not stop
the engine while the vehicle is in motion.
The steering and braking operation will
require more effort when the engine is
stopped.
Refer to “Braking” in this section.
• If the engine remains stopped for while after it was stopped unexpectedly or was
raced before stopping, a clicking sound
may be heard from around the engine
when it is restarted. This is not a mal-
function. Always let the engine idle
before stopping it.
Starting a cold and warm engineWith your foot taken off the accelerator
pedal, crank the engine by pressing the
engine switch to change the ignition mode
to START.
After pressing the engine switch to change
the ignition mode to START, the starter
cranks the engine for about 12 seconds
before it can start the engine. If the engine
fails to start at the first attempt, wait about
15 seconds, and then try again while keep-
ing the engine switch pressed while press-
ing down the accelerator pedal 1/3 of full
capacity. Release the accelerator pedal
when the engine starts.
If the engine still does not start, try holding
the accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor while cranking. This should clear the
engine if it is flooded.
If you are unable to start the engine using
this procedure, consult your SUZUKI
dealer.
NOTICE
If you stop the engine while the vehi-
cle is in motion, the CVT may be dam-
aged.
Avoid stopping the engine while driv-
ing.
NOTICE
Do not crank the engine for more
than 12 seconds at a time.
If the engine does not start on the
first try, wait abou t 15 seconds before
trying again.
3-16
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
75RM4-01E
If the master warning indicator light
blinks and the engine cannot be started
Your keyless push start system remote
controller may not be sensed as being
within the interior workable area. Try again
after checking that you have the remote
controller with you. If the engine still can-
not be started, the battery of the remote
controller may be discharged. To start the
engine, use the following method:
58MST0302
1) Check that the parking brake is set fully.
2) Manual transaxle – Shift to “N” (Neutral) and fully depress the clutch pedal. Hold
the clutch and brake pedals fully
depressed.
CVT – If the gearshift lever is not in the
“P” (Park) position, shift it to “P”. Hold
the brake pedal fully depressed.
Auto Gear Shift – Shift to “N” (Neutral)
and fully depress the brake pedal. Hold
the brake pedal fully depressed. 3) “PUSH START SWITCH.” message will
appear on the information display in the
instrument cluster. Press the engine
switch (1).
4) The master warning indicator light in the instrument cluster blinks within
about 10 seconds. Touch the engine
switch with LOCK button end of remote
controller (2) for about 2 seconds.
NOTE:
• If you still cannot start the engine after several attempts using the above
method, there may be a problem else-
where, such as the lead-acid battery per-
formance is poor. Contact your SUZUKI
dealer for inspection.
• The immobilizer/keyless push start sys- tem warning light will come on for about
5 seconds while the master warning indi-
cator light is blinking. In addition, the
information display will show a certain
message during this time. Refer to
“Information display” in the “BEFORE
DRIVING” section for details.
• You may customize the system to cause
the interior buzzer to sound once for
warning that remote controller is out of
sensing range. Please contact an autho-
rized SUZUKI dealer for the customiza-
tion. • If the battery of the remote controller is
about to become completely discharged,
the corresponding message will appear
on the information display when you
press the engine switch to change the
ignition mode to ON. For details on
replacing the battery, refer to “Keyless
push start system remote controller /
keyless entry system transmitter” in the
“BEFORE DRIVING” section.
(1)
(2)
EXAMPLE
3-17OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
75RM4-01E
Returning ignition mode to LOCK (OFF)CVT – To ensure safety, the ignition mode
can be returned to LOCK (OFF) by press-
ing the engine switch only when the gear-
shift lever is placed in the “P” position
without pressing the knob button.
NOTE:
In the case of a CVT model, the ignition
mode cannot be returned to the LOCK
(OFF) position if the gearshift lever is in
any other position than “P”.
Certain problems like a fault in engine sys-
tem may prevent the engine switch from
going back to the LOCK (OFF) mode. If
this happens, have the vehicle inspected
by an authorized SUZUKI dealer after
doing the following:
• Lock the doors using the key to prevent
theft. (The request switches and the key-
less push start system remote controller
cannot be used to lock them.)
• Disconnect the negative cable from the lead-acid battery to prevent discharge. LOCK (OFF) mode reminder buzzer
If the driver’s door is opened without
returning the ignition mode to LOCK (OFF)
by pressing the engine switch, a buzzer
sounds to warn you of this state.
• If you open the driver’s door after press-
ing the engine switch to change the igni-
tion mode to ACC, the interior buzzer
beeps intermittently.
• The buzzer will stop sounding if you then push the engine switch twice, thus bringing
it back the ignition mode to LOCK (OFF).NOTE:
Whenever you leave the vehicle, check
that you have returned the ignition mode to
LOCK (OFF) using the engine switch and
then lock the doors. Without returning the
ignition mode to LOCK (OFF), you cannot
use a request switch or keyless push start
system remote controller to lock the doors.
Steering lock warning buzzer
If the steering lock fails to engage due to a
fault in the system when the ignition mode
is turned to LOCK (OFF) by pressing the
engine switch and any door (including the
tailgate) is opened or closed, the interior
buzzer will warn you of this condition with
repeated short beeps. If this happens,
have the vehicle inspected by an autho-
rized SUZUKI dealer.
Using transaxleManual transaxle
75RM254
WA R N I N G
Do not hang any items on the gear-
shift lever and do not use the gear-
shift lever as a handrest. Otherwise,
it could prevent proper operation of
the gearshift lever and cause its mal-
function, resulting in an unexpected
accident.EXAMPLE
3-18
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
75RM4-01E
Starting off
To start off, depress the clutch pedal all the
way to the floor and shift into 1st gear.
After releasing the parking brake, gradually
release the clutch. When you hear a
change in the engine’s sound, slowly press
the accelerator while continuing to gradu-
ally release the clutch.
Shifting
All forward gears are synchronized and
provide quiet and easy shifting. Always
depress the clutch pedal all the way to the
floor before shifting gears. Keep the
engine speed from rising into the red zone
of the tachometer (if equipped).Downshifting maximum allowable speedsK12C engine modelK12M engine model
*NOTE:
You may not accelerate to the maximum
allowable speed because of the driving sit-
uation and/or the vehicle condition.
Downshifting km/h (mph)
2nd to 1st 45 (28)
3rd to 2nd 80 (50)
4th to 3rd 130 (81)
5th to 4th 175 (109)*
Downshifting km/h (mph)
2nd to 1st 45 (28)
3rd to 2nd 85 (53)
4th to 3rd 130 (81)
5th to 4th 175 (109)*
NOTICE
Do not downshift to a lower gear at
the speed faster than the maximum
allowable speeds for the next lower
speed, or severe damage to engine
and transaxle can result.
WA R N I N G
• Reduce your speed and downshift to a lower gear before going down
a long or steep hill. A lower gear
will allow the engine to provide
braking. Avoid riding the brakes or
they may overheat, resulting in
brake failure.
• When driving on slippery roads,
slow down before downshifting.
Excessive and/or sudden changes
in engine speed may cause loss of
traction, which could cause you to
lose control.
NOTICE
Check that the vehicle is completely
stationary before you shift into
reverse.
NOTICE
• To help avoid clutch damage, donot use the clutch pedal as a foot-
rest while driving or use the clutch
to keep the vehicle stationary on a
slope. Depress the clutch fully
when shifting.
• When shifting or starting off, do not race the engine. Racing the engine
can shorten engine life and cause
negative effect to smooth shifting.
3-20
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
75RM4-01E
Models with switch of S-mode
75RM361
(1) Knob buttonNOTE:
• Always shift the gearshift lever without
pushing in the knob button (1) except
when you shift from “P” to “R”, from “D”
to “M” or “L”, from “N” to “R” or from “R”
to “P”. If you always push in the knob
button (1) when shifting the gearshift
lever, you could shift into “P”, “R”, “M” or
“L” by mistake.
• If driver’s or passenger’s knee hits the gearshift lever while driving, the lever
could move and the gear could be
changed unexpectedly.
Use the gearshift lever positions as fol-
lows:
P (Park)
Use this position to lock the transaxle
when the vehicle is parked or when start-
ing the engine. Shift into Park only when
the vehicle is completely stationary.
R (Reverse)
Use this position to reverse the vehicle
from stop. Make sure that vehicle is com-
pletely stationary before shifting into
Reverse. NOTE:
For Hong Kong models, the warning
buzzer of Reverse position sounds when
you shift into Reverse to notify the driver
that the gearshift lever is in “R” range. The
warning buzzer of Reverse position is not
used for notifying the vehicle’s reverse to
persons outside the vehicle.
N (Neutral)
Use this position for starting the engine if
the engine stalls and you need to restart it
while the vehicle is moving. You may also
shift into Neutral and depress the brake
pedal to hold the vehicle stationary during
idling.
D (Drive)
Use this position for all normal driving.
With the gearshift lever in “D” range you
can get an automatic downshift by press-
ing the accelerator pedal. The higher the
vehicle speed is, the more you need to
press the accelerator pedal to get a down-
shift.
Shift with the knob button (1)
pushed in and the brake pedal
depressed.
Shift with the knob button (1)
pushed in.
Shift without the knob button (1)
pushed in.
(1)
EXAMPLE
NOTICE
Do not shift the gearshift lever into
“R” while moving forward, or the
transaxle may be damaged. If you
shift into “R” when the vehicle speed
is over 10 km/h (6 mph), the transaxle
will not shift into reverse.
3-21OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
75RM4-01E
M (manual mode) (models with manual
mode)
Use this position for driving in the manual
mode.
Refer to “Manual mode” later in this section
for details on how to use the manual mode.
L (Low) (models with switch of S-mode)
Use this position to provide maximum
power when climbing steep hills or driving
through deep snow or mud, or to provide
maximum engine braking when going
down steep hills. Switch of S-mode (models with switch
of S-mode)
75RM051
(1) Switch of S-mode
Switch of S-mode is ON
This mode is suitable when driving on hills
and/or rough roads.
• It will engage the engine brake when driving on down hills.
• It helps to operate powerful and smooth driving on up hills or rough roads with
stable engine revolutions. Switch of S-mode is OFF
This mode is suitable for normal driving.
• You can keep low fuel consumption with
less noise.
• Each time you press the switch, ON and OFF is switched.
• When the switch of S-mode is turned on, the S-mode indicator comes on.
• When you start the engine, the switch of
S-mode will be OFF.
NOTICE
Be sure to take the following precau-
tions to help avoid damage to the
CVT:
• Make sure that the vehicle is com-pletely stationary before shifting
into “P” or “R”.
• Do not shift from “P” or “N” to “R”, “D”, “M” or “L” wh en the engine is
running above idle speed.
• Do not rev the engine with the transaxle in a drive position (“R”,
“D”, “M” or “L”) and the front
wheels not moving.
• Do not use the accelerator to hold the vehicle on a hill. Use the vehi-
cle’s brakes.
(1)
EXAMPLE