drive SUZUKI ALTO 2013 7.G Owner's Manual

2-40
BEFORE DRIVING
53MH0-74E
Headlight Leveling Switch
53M-04-109
Level the headlight beam according to the
load condition of your vehicle by turning
this switch. The chart below shows the
appropriate switch position for different
vehicle-load conditions.
Turn Signal Control Lever
53M-04-110
Turn Signal Operation
With the ignition switch in the “ON” posi-
tion, move the lever up or down to activate
the right or left turn signals.
Normal turn signal
Ty p e 1
53M-04-111
Move the lever all the way upward or down-
ward to signal. When the turn is com-
pleted, the signal will cancel and the lever
will return to its normal position.
Ty p e 2
53M-04-112
Vehicle
Load
ConditionSwitch Position
Alto 800 Alto K10
Petrol CNG Petrol CNG
Driver only0000
Driver + 1
passenger
(in front
seat)0000
Driver + 4
passen-
gers, No
cargo1111
EXAMPLE
Driver + 4
passen-
gers,
Cargo
added2NA3NA
Driver +
Full cargo3NA4NA
WA R N I N G
To avoid possible injury, do not oper-
ate controls by reaching through the
steering wheel.
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE

3-2
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
53MH0-74E
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 parking
brake lever.
8) Adjust the mirrors.
9) Make sure that you and all passengers
have 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 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) Windshield washer fluid level
5) Battery solution level
6) Hood latch operation
Pull the hood release handle inside the
vehicle. Make sure that you cannot
open 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 “INSPECTION
AND 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 tire
pressure 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, the
quality of the oil and the conditions the
vehicle is driven under.
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
When judging the amount of oil consump-
tion, note that the oil may become diluted
and make it difficult to accurately judge the
true 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 or more of driving. This is
because the oil is gradually becoming
diluted with fuel or moisture, making it
appear that the oil level has not changed.
WA R N I N G
Make sure the hood is fully closed
and latched before driving. If it is not,
it can fly up unexpectedly during
driving, obstructing your view and
resulting in an accident.

3-3
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
53MH0-74E
You should also be aware that the diluting
ingredients evaporate out when the vehicle
is subsequently driven at high speeds,
such as on an expressway, making it
appear that oil is excessively consumed
after high-speed driving.Ignition Switch
65D61152KM052
The ignition switch has the following four
positions:
LOCK
This is the normal parking position. It is the
only position in which the key can be
removed.
60G033
WA R N I N G
To avoid possible injury, do not oper-
ate controls by reaching through the
steering wheel.
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
Turn to “LOCK”
Push
EXAMPLE

3-4
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
53MH0-74E
It locks the ignition, and prevents normal
use of the steering wheel after the key is
removed.
To release the steering lock, insert the key
and turn it clockwise 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 (if equipped)
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
WA R N I N G
• Never remove the ignition key
while the vehicle is moving. The
steering wheel will lock and you
will not be able to steer the vehicle.
• Always remove the ignition key
when leaving the vehicle even if
only for a short time. Also do not
leave children alone in a parked
vehicle. Unattended children could
cause accidental movement of the
vehicle or could tamper with power
windows. They also could suffer
from heat stroke in warm or hot
weather. These could result in
severe injury or even death.
EXAMPLENOTICE
• Do not use the starter motor for
more than 15 seconds at a time. If
the engine does not start, wait 15
seconds before trying again. If the
engine does not start after several
attempts, check the fuel and igni-
tion systems or consult your MAR-
UTI SUZUKI dealer.
• Do not leave the ignition switch in
the “ON” position if the engine is
not running as the battery will dis-
charge.

3-5
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
53MH0-74E
Parking Brake Lever
60MHM03001
(1) To set
(2) To release
(3) To release
The parking brake lever is located between
the front 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.
(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 MARUTI SUZUKI dealer.
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, make sure the gear-
shift lever is in 1st gear. Remember,
even though the transaxle is in gear,
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 transmission - turn off the
engine, then shift into reverse or
first gear, with ignition key “ON”
position.
Automated manual transaxle -
shift into reverse or first gear and
check the gear position indicator
in the instrument cluster to make
sure that the transaxle is engaged
in 1st or reverse, then turn the
ignition switch “LOCK” position.
3) Get out of the vehicle and put
chocks under the wheels.
4) Release the parking brake.
When you return to your vehicle,
you must remember to first set the
parking brake, then remove the
wheel chocks.

3-6
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
53MH0-74E
Pedal
Manual Transaxle
80J2121
Auto Gear Shift
53M05009
Clutch Pedal (1)
(For manual transaxle)
The clutch pedal is used to disengage the
drive to the wheels when starting the
engine, stopping, or shifting the gearshift
lever. Depressing the pedal disengages
the clutch.
Brake Pedal (2)
Your MARUTI SUZUKI vehicle is equipped
with front disc brakes and rear drum
brakes. Depressing the brake pedal
applies both sets of brakes.
You may hear occasional brake squeal
when you apply the brakes. This is a nor-
mal condition caused by environmental
factors such as cold, wet, snow, etc.
Accelerator Pedal (3)
This pedal controls the speed of the
engine. Depressing the accelerator pedal
increases power output and speed.
(2)(1)
(3)
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
WA R N I N G
Do not drive with your foot resting on
the clutch pedal. It could result in
excessive clutch wear, clutch dam-
age, or unexpected loss of engine
braking.
WA R N I N G
If brake squeal is excessive and
occurs each time the brakes are
applied, you should have the brakes
checked by your MARUTI SUZUKI
dealer.
WA R N I N G
Do not “ride” the brakes by applying
them continuously or resting your
foot on the brake pedal. This will
result in overheating of the brakes
which could cause unpredictable
braking action, longer stopping dis-
tances, or permanent brake damage.

3-9
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
53MH0-74E
76MH0A055
Depress brake pedal indicator
(if equipped)
76MH0A047
This light will come on if you do not
depress the brake pedal in the following
situations.
When starting the engine.
When the engine is on and the gearshift
lever is shifted from “N” position to “D”,
“M” or “R” position.
When the ignition switch is in the “ON”
position and the engine is off, the gear-
shift lever is shifted into any position.Starting the engine
When starting the engine, always place the
gearshift lever in the “N” position and
depress the brake pedal firmly. The engine
cannot be started unless the gearshift
lever is in the “N” position and the brake
pedal is depressed.
76MH0A056
Clutch operation
You can select either the Drive (D) mode or
the Manual (M) mode. Since this vehicle
controls clutch operation electronically in
either mode, you do not need to operate
the clutch.
Creeping function
This vehicle has a creeping function that
helps the vehicle to start smoothly by
engaging the clutch. When the gearshift
lever is in any of the positions “D”, “M” or
“R”, and you release your foot from the
brake pedal, the vehicle starts slowly with-
out depressing the accelerator pedal. The
creeping function is disabled if you depress
the brake pedal or pull up the parking
brake lever.NOTE:
If the driver’s door is opened and/or the
parking brake lever is engaged with the
gear in the “M”, “D” or “R” position, the
creeping function will not operate.
Parking and Stopping the vehicle
Automated manual transaxle does not
have a parking position. The vehicle can
be parked with the gearshift lever in any
position. When stopping the vehicle, the
gear will be shifted to 1st.
Drive (D) mode
When the Drive (D) mode is activated, the
most appropriate gear position is automati-
cally selected upon operation of the accel-
erator pedal and variation of vehicle speed.
Normal driving:
1) Start the engine as instructed in “Start-
ing the engine” in this section.
2) With your foot on the brake pedal, shift
the gearshift lever to the “D” position.
When the gearshift lever is shifted to
the “D” position, the gear will be shifted
to 1st.
R
N
D -
M
+
R
N
D -
M
+
EXAMPLE
NOTICE
A buzzer will sound continuously if
the vehicle is operated with the gear-
shift lever in-between of each shift
positions. The vehicle will become
inoperative if you continue to operate
the vehicle with the gearshift lever in
between shift positions.

3-11
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
53MH0-74E
Starting off on an uphill/downhill:
Uphill1) Apply the parking brake firmly so that the
vehicle does not roll backwards.
2) Shift the gearshift lever to the “D” posi-
tion while depressing the brake pedal.
Make sure that the gear position indica-
tor in the instrumental cluster displays
1st gear.
3) Release the brake pedal and depress
the accelerator pedal gradually, and
when the vehicle starts to move, release
the parking brake and depress the accel-
erator pedal to start off.
Downhill
1) Depress the brake pedal and shift the
gearshift lever to the “D” position. Make
sure that the gear is in 1st by checking
the gear position indicator.
2) Release the brake pedal and depress
the accelerator pedal slowly. Even if the
accelerator pedal is not depressed, theclutch will be engaged when the vehicle
speed increases.
Using engine braking:
When driving on a downhill slope, down-
shifting is recommended. So you can use
engine braking.
By placing the gearshift lever in the “M”
position, the Manual (M) mode is selected,
and you can shift to a lower gear manually.
For details of downshift operation, refer to
“Upshift and downshift” in the “Manual (M)
mode”.
Manual (M) mode
The gears are not shifted automatically. To
shift the transaxle, the driver must operate
the gearshift lever to the “+” or “–” direc-
tion. As for conventional manual transaxle
vehicles, releasing the accelerator pedal a
little may help the transaxle to shift
smoothly.
Upshift and downshift:
Upshifting
76MH0A058
Pull the gearshift lever to the “+” direction
and release it. Every time the lever is oper-
ated, the transaxle is upshifting 1 step in
the order of 1st  2nd  3rd  4th  5th
gear.
76MH0A059
NOTICE
On an uphill slope, never hold the
vehicle at a stop using only the accel-
erator pedal or the creeping function.
If you perform this operation for a
certain period of time, a warning
buzzer will sound, and in some cases
the engine will stall. This can also
cause excessive damage to the
clutch.
R
N
D -
M
+

3-12
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
53MH0-74E
Downshifting
76MH0A060
Push the gearshift lever to the “–” direction
and release it. Every time the lever is oper-
ated, the transaxle is downshifted in the
order 5th  4th  3rd  2nd  1st gear.
76MH0A061
The gear position is displayed on the gear
position indicator. The gear position indica-
tor shows the transaxle gear position.
Before starting off, always check the gear
position indicator to make sure that the
transaxle is engaged in 1st or reverse, then
depress the accelerator pedal.
NOTE:
• To downshift smoothly, the engine runs
fast in some cases. This is done inten-
tionally by the system and is not a mal-
function.
• When driving down a hill, downshift and
use the engine braking appropriately. If
necessary, continuous downshifting is
possible. However, if downshifting more
than 3 steps, gear shifting will take more
time.
• When the gear is shifting, a noise can be
heard in some case. This is not a mal-
function.
R
N
D -
M
+
WA R N I N G
• Be careful when accelerating,
upshifting, downshifting or braking
on a slippery surface. Sudden
acceleration or engine braking
could cause the vehicle to spin or
skid.
• To drive down a long or steep hill,
reduce your speed and downshift.
Remember, if you ride the brakes
excessively, they may overheat and
fail.
• While driving the vehicle, do not
shift the gearshift lever to “N” posi-
tion. The engine brake may not
work and you may get involved in
an unexpected accident. If you
return the gearshift lever from “N”
to “M” because of unintended shift-
ing, the gear position will be shifted
according to the current vehicle
speed.
• Do not apply the parking brake
while driving. Otherwise, it could
cause a skid and you may get
involved in an unexpected acci-
dent.

3-15
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
53MH0-74E
If the gearshift lever is in the “M” posi-
tion, the gear will be downshifted to 1st
when the vehicle stops.
Parking
Unlike an automatic transaxle, Automated
manual transaxle does not have a parking
position. The vehicle can be parked with
the gearshift lever in any position.
1) Apply the parking brake firmly and turn
the ignition “ON” position.
2) While depressing the brake pedal, shift
the gearshift lever to the “R” position on
a downhill slope, and to the 1st position
in the drive (D) mode or the “M(1)” posi-
tion in the manual (M) mode on an
uphill slope and confirm the gear posi-
tion by checking the gear position indi-
cator.3) turn the ignition switch to “LOCK” posi-
tion.
NOTE:
• After the ignition switch is turn to “ACC”
or “LOCK” position is stopped, the gear
in the transaxle does not change even if
you shift the gearshift lever in any posi-
tion. Always shift the gearshift lever
before stop the engine.
• Check the transaxle gear position by
looking at the gear position indicator,
then turn the ignition switch off to stop
the engine. Release the brake pedal
after a few seconds.
WA R N I N G
• When stopping, for example, at a
traffic light, be sure to depress the
brake pedal firmly. For your safety,
apply the parking brake, too, when
stopping on a hill.
• When racing the engine, make sure
that the gear is in the “N” position
by checking the gear position indi-
cator. If the accelerator is operated
with the gear in any other position,
the vehicle may move resulting in
an unexpected accident.
• Do not leave your vehicle unat-
tended while the engine is running.
• When leaving the vehicle, stop the
engine and park the vehicle with a
gear engaged. If you need to leave
the vehicle with the engine running,
apply the parking brakes firmly,
and shift the gearshift lever to the
“N” position. Otherwise, the vehi-
cle may move unexpectedly and
may cause an accident.
NOTICE
• On a slope, never hold the vehicle
at a stop using only the accelerator
pedal or the creeping function. If
you perform this operation for a
certain period of time, a warning
buzzer will sound, and in some
cases the engine will stall. This can
also cause excessive damage to
the clutch.
• If the gearshift lever is operated
more than necessary, the system
may not allow operation of the
gearshift lever for a certain period
of time, and the gear may not be
shifted appropriately. Therefore, do
not operate the gearshift lever if not
necessary.
WA R N I N G
• If the gear is not engaged properly
and completely before the ignition
switch is turned off, the vehicle
may not be parked with the gear
engaged. Always confirm the gear
position by checking the gear posi-
tion indicator when parking.
• On a downhill slope, the gear
should be put in reverse, and in 1st
gear on an uphill slope. Otherwise,
the vehicle may move, and cause
an unexpected accident. If the gear
is left in the “N” position, the vehi-
cle cannot be parked with a gear
engaged.