3-2
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
75RM4-01E
NOTE:
It is normal for water to drip from the air
conditioning system after use.
4) Check that the hood is fully closed andlatched.
5) Check the headlights, turn signal lights, brake lights and horn for proper opera-
tion.
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 your seat belts.
10)Check that all warning lights come on as the ignition switch is turned to “ON”
position or the engine switch is pressed
to change the ignition mode to ON.
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) Lead-acid battery solution 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 all the way 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 the “INSPECTION AND MAINTE-
NANCE” section for lubrication sched-
ule.
Once a month, or each time you fill your
fuel tank, check the tire pressure using a
tire pressure gauge. Also check the tire
pressure of the spare tire.
Engine oil consumptionIt is normal for the engine to consume
some engine oil during normal vehicle
operation.
The amount of engine oil consumption
depends on viscosity and quality of the oil
and your driving conditions.
More oil is consumed during high-speed
driving 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
5000 km (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 it is difficult to judge the accurate 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 gradually
becomes diluted with fuel or moisture,
WA R N I N G
Check that the hood is fully closed
and latched before d riving. If it is not,
it can fly up unexpectedly during
driving, obstructing your view and
resulting in an accident.
3-4
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
75RM4-01E
Manual transaxle/Auto Gear Shift
60G033
• Manual transaxle/Auto Gear Shift vehi-cles
You must push in the key to turn it to
“LOCK” position. It lo cks the ignition, and
prevents normal use of the steering
wheel after the key is removed.
• CVT vehicles The gearshift lever must be in “P” (Park)
position to turn the key to “LOCK” posi-
tion. 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 clockwis e to one of the other
positions. If you have trouble turning the
key to unlock the steering, try turning the
steering wheel slightly to the right or left
while turning the key. ACC
Accessories such as the radio can oper-
ate, 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.
81A297S
Turn to “LOCK”
Push
WA R N I N G
• Never return the ignition switch to“LOCK” position and remove the
ignition key while the vehicle is
moving. The steering wheel will
lock and you will not be able to
steer the vehicle. (Continued)
3-6
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
75RM4-01E
CVT – Provided you have the keyless
push start system remote controller with
you, the engine automatically starts when
you press the engine switch to select this
ignition mode after placing the gearshift
lever in the “P” position and depressing the
brake pedal. (If you need to re-start the
engine while the vehicle is moving, shift
into “N”.)
NOTE:
You do not need to keep the engine switch
pressed to start the engine.
NOTE:
In the presence of strong radio signals or
noise, you may not be able to change the
ignition mode to ACC or ON or to start the
engine using the engine switch. In this
case, the information display in the instru-
ment cluster will show the following mes-
sage: KEY FOB NOT DETECTED.
Unreleased steering lock warningIf the steering lock remains engaged when
you press the engine switch to change the
ignition mode to ON, the information dis-
play in the instrument cluster shows the
message: “TRN. STEERING WHEEL TO
RELEASE LOCK”. Refer to “Information
display” in the “BEFORE DRIVING” sec-
tion for details.
NOTE:
The steering lock may not be released and
the immobilizer/keyless push start system
warning light turns on if some load is acting
on the steering wheel . If this happens, turn
the steering wheel to the right or left to
relieve it from the load before you press
the engine switch again to change to the
desired ignition mode.
Keyless push start system (if equipped)Provided the keyless push start system
remote controller is within the interior work-
able area (refer to the related explanation
in this section), you can use the engine
switch for starting the engine and selecting
an ignition mode (ACC or ON). In addition,
the following functions can be used:
• Keyless entry function. Refer to “Keyless push start system r emote controller /
keyless entry system transmitter” in the
“BEFORE DRIVING” se ction for details.
• Locking and unlocking doors (including the tailgate) using a request switch.
Refer to “Keyless push start system
remote controller / keyless entry system
transmitter” in the “BEFORE DRIVING”
section for details.
• Immobilizer (anti-thef t) function. Refer to
“Immobilizer syste m” in the “BEFORE
DRIVING” section for details.
NOTICE
Do not leave the engine switch in
ACC or ON mode when the engine is
not running. Avoid using the radio or
other electric accessories for a long
time when the engine switch is in
ACC or ON mode when the engine is
not running, other wise the lead-acid
battery may discharge.
3-10
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
75RM4-01E
NOTE:
• Even when the remote controller is in theinterior workable area, if it is in any of the
following conditions, you may not be
able to start the engine or select the igni-
tion modes, and the REMOTE CON-
TROLLER OUTSIDE warning may be
given.
– The remote controller’s battery is low.
– The remote controller is affected by strong radio signals or noise.
– The remote controller is in contact with
or covered by a metallic object.
– The remote controller is in stowage such as the glove box or a door
pocket.
– The remote controller is in the sun
visor pocket or on the floor.
• Even when the remote controller is out- side the interior workable area, if it is in
any of the following conditions, you may
be able to start the engine or select the
ignition mode. The REMOTE CON-
TROLLER OUTSIDE warning may not
be given at that time.
– The remote controller is outside the
vehicle but very close to a door.
– The remote controller is on the instru-
ment panel.
Parking brake lever
54G039
(1) To set
(2) To release
(3) To release
The parking brake lever is located between
the seats. To set the parking brake, hold
the brake pedal down and pull the parking
brake lever all the way up. To release the
parking brake, hold the brake pedal down,
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. For CVT 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.
(2)
(3) (1)
EXAMPLE
WA R N I N G
• Never drive your vehicle with the
parking brake on: rear brake effec-
tiveness can be reduced from over-
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 an autho-
rized SUZUKI dealer.
3-11OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
75RM4-01E
NOTE:
(For Auto Gear Shift Model)
For details on how to use the gearshift
lever to park the vehicle, refer to “Parking”
in “Auto Gear Shift” in this section.
Parking brake reminder buzzerA 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.
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 one of the following
positions;
• 1st gear or “R” (Reverse) for man-ual transaxle vehicles.
• “P” (Park) for CVT vehicles.
• “D”, “M” or “R” for Auto Gear Shift vehicles. Also, check the instru-
ment cluster to make sure that the
transaxle is engaged in “1” or “R”
position.
Remember, even though the tran-
saxle 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) Manual transaxle – turn off the
engine, then shift into reverse or
first gear.
Auto Gear Shift – shift into “D”,
“M” or “R” and check the gear
position indicator in the instru-
ment cluster to make sure that the
transaxle is engaged in “1” or “R”
position, then tur n off the engine.
CVT – shift into “P” (Park) and
turn off the engine.
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.
WA R N I N G
Do not leave cigarette lighters, spray
cans, soft drink cans or plastic arti-
cles (such as glasses, CD cases, etc.)
in sun-heated vehicle. The tempera-
ture inside the vehicle may cause as
follows:
• Gas may leak from a cigarette lighter or spray can and may lead
to a fire.
• The glasses, plastic cards or CD cases, etc. may deform or crack.
• Soft drink cans may fracture.
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.
3-15OPERATING 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.
3-18
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.