check engine light SUZUKI ALTO 2013 7.G Owners Manual

2-31
BEFORE DRIVING
53MH0-74E
If the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled when
the ignition switch is turned to the “ON”
position, this light will blink until the driver’s
seat belt is buckled.
For details about the seat belt reminder,
refer to “Seat Belts and Child Restraint
Systems” in this section.
“AIR BAG” Light (if equipped)
53M-04-074
This light blinks or comes on for several
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the “ON” position so you can check if the
light is working.
The light will come on and stay on if there
is a problem in the air bag system.
Malfunction Indicator Light
53M-04-075
Your vehicle has a computer-controlled
emission control system. A malfunction
indicator light is provided on the instrument
panel to indicate when it is necessary to
have the emission control system serviced.
The malfunction indicator light comes on
when the ignition switch is turned to “ON”
position to let you know the light is working
and goes out when the engine is started.
If the malfunction indicator light comes on
when the engine is running, there is a
damage with the emission control system.
Bring the vehicle to your MARUTI SUZUKI
dealer to have the damage fixed.
Also, if the light comes on, there may be
something wrong with the transaxle sys-
tem. Have the system inspected by MAR-
UTI SUZUKI authorized dealer.Transaxle Warning Light
(if equipped)
53M-04-076
This light comes on briefly when the igni-
tion switch is turned to the “ON” position or
the engine switch is pressed to change the
ignition mode to “ON” so you can check the
light is working.
If this light comes on when the engine is
running, there is the problem with the auto-
matic transaxle system. Ask your MARUTI
SUZUKI dealer to have the system
inspected.
NOTE:
If the automated manual transaxle system
temperature becomes too high, this light
will blink. Stop the vehicle in a safe place
and let the system cool down.
WA R N I N G
If the “AIR BAG” light does not blink
or come on briefly when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position,
stays on for more than 10 seconds,
or comes on while driving, the air bag
system may not work properly. Have
both systems inspected by an
MARUT SUZUKI authorized dealer.
NOTICE
Continuing to drive the vehicle when
the malfunction indicator light is on
can cause permanent damage to the
vehicle’s emission control system,
and can affect fuel economy and
driveability.

2-32
BEFORE DRIVING
53MH0-74E
Electric Power Steering Light
(if equipped)
53M-04-077
This light comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position, and
goes out when the engine is started.
If this light comes on while driving, the
power steering system may not work prop-
erly. Have the system inspected by your
MARUTI SUZUKI dealer.
NOTE:
If the power steering system does not work
properly, you will feel heavier to steer but
you still will be able to steer.
Oil Pressure Light
53M-04-078
This light comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position, and
goes out when the engine is started. Thelight will come on and remain on if there is
insufficient oil pressure. If the light comes
on when driving, pull off the road as soon
as you can and stop the engine.
Check the oil level and add oil if necessary.
If there is enough oil, the lubrication sys-
tem should be inspected by your MARUTI
SUZUKI dealer before you drive the vehi-
cle again.
Charging Light
53M-04-079
This light comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position, and
goes out when the engine is started. The
light will come on and remain on if there is
something wrong with the battery charging
system. If the light comes on when the
engine is running, the charging system
should be inspected immediately by your
MARUTI SUZUKI dealer.
High Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
53M-04-080
When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position, this light comes on briefly so
you can check that the light is working. If
this light blinks while driving, it means the
engine is running hot. Avoid driving condi-
tions that may lead to actual overheating. If
NOTICE
• If you operate the engine with this
light on, severe engine damage can
result.
• Do not rely on the Oil Pressure
Light to indicate the need to add
oil. Be sure to periodically check
the engine oil level.

3-1
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
53MH0-74E
Exhaust Gas Warning
52D334
Daily Inspection Checklist
Before Driving
60A187S
1) Make sure that windows, mirrors, lights,
and reflectors are clean and unob-
structed.
2) Visually check the tires for the following
points:
– the depth of the tread groove
– abnormal wear, cracks and damage
– loose wheel nuts
– existence of foreign material such as
nails, stones, etc.
Refer to “Tires” in “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section for details.
3) Look for fluid and oil leaks.
NOTE:
It is normal for water to drip from the air
conditioning system during use.WA R N I N G
Avoid breathing exhaust gases.
Exhaust gases contain carbon mon-
oxide, a potentially lethal gas that is
colorless and odorless. Since carbon
monoxide is difficult to detect by
itself, be sure to take the following
precautions to help prevent carbon
monoxide from entering your vehicle.
• Do not leave the engine running in
garages or other confined areas.
(Continued)
EXAMPLE
WA R N I N G
(Continued)
• Do not park with the engine run-
ning for a long period of time, even
in an open area. If it is necessary to
sit for a short time in a parked vehi-
cle with the engine running, make
sure the air intake selector is set to
“FRESH AIR” and the fan is at high
speed.
• Avoid operating the vehicle with
the tailgate or trunk open. If it is
necessary to operate the vehicle
with the tailgate or trunk open,
make sure all windows are closed,
and the blower is at high speed
with the air intake selector set to
“FRESH AIR”.
• To allow proper operation of your
vehicle’s ventilation system, keep
the air inlet grille in front of the
windshield clear of snow, leaves, or
other obstructions at all times.
• Keep the exhaust tailpipe area clear
of snow and other material to help
reduce the buildup of exhaust
gases under the vehicle. This is
particularly important when parked
in blizzard conditions.
• Have the exhaust system inspected
periodically for damage and leaks.
Any damage or leaks should be
repaired immediately.
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.

3-4
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.

3-15
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.

7-18
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
53MH0-74E
Brakes
Brake Fluid
53M-09-028
Check the brake fluid level by looking at
the reservoir in the engine compartment.
Check that the fluid level is between the
“MAX” and “MIN” lines. If the brake fluid
level is near the “MIN” line, fill it up to the
“MAX” line with MARUTI GENUINE
BRAKE FLUID (MGBF).NOTE:
With disc brakes, the fluid level can be
expected to gradually fall as the brake
pads wear.
Brake Pedal
Check if the brake pedal stops at the regu-
lar height without “spongy” feeling when
you depress it. If not, have the brake sys-
tem inspected by your MARUTI SUZUKI
dealer. If you doubt the brake pedal for the
regular height, check it as follows:
EXAMPLE
WA R N I N G
Failure to follow the guidelines below
can result in personal injury or seri-
ous damage to the brake system.
• If the brake fluid in the reservoir
drops below a certain level, the
brake warning light on the instru-
ment panel will come on (the
engine must be running with the
parking brake fully disengaged).
Should the light come on, immedi-
ately ask your MARUTI SUZUKI
dealer to inspect the brake system.
• A rapid fluid loss indicates a leak in
the brake system which should be
inspected by your MARUTI SUZUKI
dealer immediately.
• Do not use any fluid other than
MARUTI GENUINE BRAKE FLUID
(MGBF) brake fluid. Do not use
reclaimed fluid or fluid that has
been stored in old or open contain-
ers. It is essential that foreign parti-
cles and other liquids are kept out
of the brake fluid reservoir.
CAUTION
Brake fluid can harm your eyes and
damage painted surfaces. Use cau-
tion when refilling the reservoir.
WA R N I N G
Brake fluid is harmful or fatal if swal-
lowed, and harmful if it comes in con-
tact with skin or eyes. If swallowed,
do not induce vomiting. Immediately
contact a poison control center or a
physician. If brake fluid gets in eyes,
flush eyes with water and seek medi-
cal attention. Wash thoroughly after
handling. Solution can be poisonous
to animals. Keep out of the reach of
children and animals.

8-6
EMERGENCY SERVICE
53MH0-74E
Towing
If you need to have your vehicle towed,
contact a professional service. Your dealer
can provide you with detailed towing
instructions.
2-Wheel Drive (2WD) Manual Transaxle
or Automated Manual Transaxle
Manual transaxle vehicles or Automated
Manual Transaxle may be towed using
either of the following methods.
1) From the front, with the front wheels
lifted and the rear wheels on the
ground. Before towing, make sure that
the parking brake is released.
2) From the rear, with the rear wheels
lifted and the front wheels on the
ground, provided the steering and
drivetrain are in operational condition.
Before towing, make sure that transaxle
is in neutral, the steering wheel is
unlocked (the ignition key should be in
the “ACC” position), and the steering
wheel is secured with a clamping
device designed for towing service.
If the Starter Does Not
Operate
1) Try turning the ignition switch to the
“START” position with the headlights
turned on to determine the battery con-
dition. If the headlights go excessively
dim or go off, it usually means that
either the battery is flat or the battery
terminal contact is poor. Recharge the
battery or correct battery terminal con-
tact as necessary.
2) If the headlights remain bright, check
the fuses. If the reason for failure of the
starter is not obvious, there may be a
major electrical problem. Have the vehi-
cle inspected by your authorized MAR-
UTI SUZUKI dealer.
If the Engine is Flooded
If the engine is flooded with gasoline, it
may be hard to start. If this happens, press
the accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and hold it there while cranking the
engine. (Do not operate the starter motor
for more than 15 seconds).
NOTICE
To help avoid damage to your vehicle
during towing, proper equipment and
towing procedures must be used.
NOTICE
After shifting the auto gear shift gear-
shift lever to the “N” position, always
check the gear position indicator in
the instrument cluster shows the “N”
position to make sure that the
transaxle is disengaged.
If the transaxle cannot be put in neu-
tral, turn the key from the “OFF” to
the “ON” position, and move the auto
gear shift gearshift lever from “N” to
“D”, “M” or “R”, then back to “N”
again. Then turn the key from the
“ON” to the “OFF” position.
These procedures may help put the
transaxle in neutral. If the transaxle
still cannot be put in neutral, you can-
not tow the vehicle without using a
towing dolly.
NOTICE
The steering column is not strong
enough to withstand shocks trans-
mitted from the front wheels during
towing. Always unlock the steering
wheel before towing.

8-7
EMERGENCY SERVICE
53MH0-74E
If the Engine Overheats
The engine could overheat temporarily
under severe driving conditions. If the high
engine coolant temperature warning light
comes on as overheating during driving:
1) Turn off the air conditioner, if equipped.
2) Take the vehicle to a safe place and
park.
3) Let the engine run at the normal idle
speed for a few minutes until the high
engine coolant temperature warning
light goes off.
If the high engine coolant temperature
warning light does not go off:
1) Turn off the engine and check that the
water pump belt and pulleys are not
damaged or slipping. If any abnormality
is found, correct it.2) Check the coolant level in the reservoir.
If it is found to be lower than the “LOW”
line, look for leaks at the radiator, water
pump, and radiator and heater hoses. If
you locate any leaks that may have
caused the overheating, do not run the
engine until these problems have been
corrected.
3) If you do not find a leak, carefully add
coolant to the reservoir and then the
radiator, if necessary. (Refer to “Engine
Coolant” in the “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section.)
NOTE:
If your engine overheats and you are
unsure what to do, contact your MARUTI
SUZUKI dealer.
65D614
WA R N I N G
If you see or hear escaping steam,
stop the vehicle in a safe place and
immediately turn off the engine to let
it cool. Do not open the hood when
steam is present. When the steam
can no longer be seen or heard, open
the hood to see if the coolant is still
boiling. If it is, you must wait until it
stops boiling before you proceed.
WA R N I N G
• It is hazardous to remove the radia-
tor cap (or degassing tank cap for a
diesel engine) when the water tem-
perature is high, because scalding
fluid and steam may be blown out
under pressure. The cap should
only be taken off when the coolant
temperature has lowered.
• To help prevent personal injury,
keep hands, tools and clothing
away from the engine cooling fan
and air-conditioner fan (if
equipped). These electric fans can
automatically turn on without warn-
ing.