SUZUKI FORENZA 2008 1.G Owner's Manual

1-9SEATS AND RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
85Z04-03E
Question: What’s wrong with this?
Answer: The shoulder belt is too loose. It
won’t give nearly as much protection this
way. Question: What’s wrong with this?
Answer: The belt is buckled in the wrong
place.
WARNING
Be sure that the shoulder belt is posi-
tioned on the center of the outside
shoulder. The belt should be away
from your face and neck, but not fall-
ing off your shoulder. Misadjustment
of the belt could reduce the effective-
ness of the safety belt in a crash.
WARNING
You can be severely hurt if your
shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash,
you would move forward too much,
which could increase injury. The
shoulder belt should fit against your
body.
L3U1025A
WARNING
You can be severely injured if your
belt is buckled in the wrong place. In
a crash, the belt would slide up over
your abdomen. The belt forces would
be at the waist, not at the pelvic
bones. This could cause serious
internal injuries. Always buckle your
belt into the buckle nearest you.
L3U1026A
Safety Belts:

1-10
SEATS AND RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
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Question: What’s wrong with this?
Answer: The shoulder belt is worn under
the arm. It should be worn over the shoul-
der at all times.Question: What’s wrong with this?
Answer: The belt is twisted across the
body.To unlatch the belt, just push the button on
the buckle. The belt should go back out of
the way.
Before you close the door, be sure the belt
is out of the way. If you slam the door on it,
you can damage both the belt and your
vehicle.
Safety Belt Use During PregnancySafety belts work for everyone, including
pregnant women. Like all occupants, they
are more likely to be severely injured if they
don’t wear safety belts.
WARNING
You can be severely injured if you
wear the shoulder belt under your
arm. In a crash, your body would
move too far forward, which would
increase the chance of head and neck
injury. Also, the belt would apply too
much force to the ribs, which aren’t
as strong as shoulder bones. You
could also severely injure internal
organs like your liver or spleen.
L3U1027A
WARNING
You can be severely injured by a
twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn’t
have the full width of the belt to
spread impact forces. If a belt is
twisted, make it straight so it can
work properly, or ask your SUZUKI
dealer to fix it.
L3U1028A
L3U1029A
Safety Belts:

1-11SEATS AND RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
85Z04-03E
A pregnant woman should wear a lap-
shoulder belt, and the lap portion should
be worn as low as possible, below the
rounding, throughout the pregnancy.
The best way to protect the fetus is to pro-
tect the mother. When a safety belt is worn
properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t
be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as
for anyone, the key to making safety belts
effective is wearing them properly.
Right Front Passenger PositionTo learn how to wear the right front pas-
senger’s safety belt properly, see “Driver
Position” in this section.
The right front passenger’s safety belt
works the same way as the driver’s safety
belt.Rear Seat PassengersIt’s very important for rear seat passengers
to buckle up! Accident statistics show that
unbelted people in the rear seat are hurt
more often in crashes than those who are
wearing safety belts.
Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted
can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash.
And they can strike others in the vehicle
who are wearing safety belts.
Lap-Shoulder BeltAll rear seating positions have lap-shoul-
der belts. Here’s how to wear one properly.
1) Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt
across you. Don’t let it get twisted.
The shoulder belt may lock if you pull
the belt across you very quickly. If this
happens, let the belt go back slightly to
unlock it. Then pull the belt across you
more slowly.
2) Push the latch plate into the buckle until
it clicks. Be sure you are using the cor-
rect buckle and that the latch plate
clicks when inserted into the buckle.
L3U1030A
L3U1031A
L3U1032A
Safety Belts:

1-12
SEATS AND RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
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Pull up on the latch plate to make sure
it is secure.
Make sure the release button on the
buckle is positioned so you would be
able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly
if you ever had to.3) To make the lap part tight, pull down on
the buckle end of the belt as you pull up
on the shoulder part.The lap part of the belt should be worn low
and snug on the hips, just touching the
thighs. In a crash this applies force to the
strong pelvic bones so you’d be less likely
to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under
it, the belt would apply force at your abdo-
men. This could cause serious or even
fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go
over the shoulder and across the chest.
These parts of the body are best able to
take belt-restraining forces.
The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden
stop or a crash, or if you pull the belt very
quickly out of the retractor.
L3U1033A
L3U1034A
L3U1023A
Safety Belts:

1-13SEATS AND RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
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To unlatch the belt, just push the button on
the buckle.
Rear Center Seat BeltThe rear center safety belt system includes
a retractable safety belt, a detachable con-
nector, and a buckle with red release but-
ton. The rear center safety belt buckles are
designed to prevent insertion of the wrong
latch plate.
When the rear seatback is in an upright
position, keep the detachable connector
latched. Only unlatch the connector when
you fold down the rear seat back.
Before fastening the rear center belt, push
the connector latch plate (1) at the end of
the safety belt strap into the connector and
make sure the webbing is not twisted. To
fasten the belt, sit up straight and well back
in the seat, pull the latch plate (A) across
your body and press it into the buckle (B)
until you hear a “click”.To unfasten the belt, push the red button
on the buckle (B) and allow the belt to
retract.
When folding down the rear seat back,
insert a narrow-ended tool into the groove
(1) located on the connector and allow the
belt to retract.
After returning the rear seatback to the
upright position, push the connector latch
plate (1) at the end of the safety belt strap
into the connector and make sure the web-
bing is not twisted.
WARNING
You can be severely hurt if your
shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash,
you would move forward too much,
which could increase injury. The
shoulder belt should fit against your
body.
L3U1067A
S8U1001A(1) (A)
(B)
(B)
S5U1003A
Safety Belts:

1-14
SEATS AND RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
85Z04-03E
85Z018
Safety Belt Pretensioner System
52D011
Your vehicle is equipped with a safety belt
pretensioner system at the front seating
positions. You can use the pretensioner
safety belts in the same manner as ordi-
nary safety belts.
The safety belt pretensioner system is acti-
vated based on crash severity. The crash
sensors and the electronic controller of the
air bag system also control the safety beltpretensioners. For precautions and gen-
eral information including servicing the
pretensioner system, refer to the “Supple-
mental Restraint System (air bags)” sec-
tion in addition to this “Safety Belt
Pretensioner System” section, and follow
all those precautions.
The pretensioner is located in each front
safety belt retractor. The pretensioner
tightens the safety belt so the belt fits the
occupant’s body more snugly in the event
of a frontal crash. The retractors will
remain locked after the pretensioners are
activated. Upon activation, some noise will
occur and some smoke may be released.
These conditions are not harmful and do
not indicate a fire in the vehicle.
The driver and all passengers must be
properly restrained by wearing safety belts
at all times, whether or not a pretensioner
is equipped at their seating position, to
minimize the risk of severe injury or death
in the event of a crash. Sit fully back in the
seat; sit up straight; do not lean forward or
sideways. Adjust the belt so the lap portion
of the belt is worn low across the pelvis,
not across the waist. Please refer to the
“Front Seats” section and the instructions
and precautions about the safety belts in
this “Safety Belts” section for details on
proper seat and safety belt adjustments.
Please note that the pretensioners will acti-
vate only in severe frontal collisions. They
are not designed to activate in rear
WARNING
To minimize risk of severe injury or
death in the event of a crash, always
wear the rear center safety belt with
both latches buckled.
WARNING
This section of the owner’s manual
describes your vehicle’s SAFETY
BELT PRETENSIONER SYSTEM.
Please read and follow ALL these
instructions carefully to minimize
your risk of severe injury or death.
EXAMPLE
Safety Belts:

1-15SEATS AND RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
85Z04-03E
impacts, side impacts, rollovers or minor
frontal collisions. The pretensioners can be
activated only once. If the pretensioners
are activated, have the pretensioner sys-
tem serviced by an authorized SUZUKI
dealer as soon as possible.
If the air bag readiness light on the instru-
ment cluster 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
pretensioner system or the air bag system
may not work properly. Have both systems
inspected by an authorized SUZUKI dealer
as soon as possible.
Service on or around the pretensioner sys-
tem components or wiring must be per-
formed only by an authorized SUZUKI
dealer who is specially trained. Improper
service could result in unintended activa-
tion of pretensioners or could render the
pretensioners inoperative. Either of these
two conditions may result in personal
injury.
To prevent damage or unintended activa-
tion of the pretensioners, be sure the bat-
tery is disconnected and the ignition switch
has been in the “LOCK” position for at least
60 seconds before performing any electri-
cal service work on your SUZUKI. Do not
touch pretensioner system components or
wiring. The wires are wrapped with yellow
tape or yellow tubing, and the couplers are
yellow. When scrapping your SUZUKI, askyour SUZUKI dealer, body repair shop or
scrap yard for assistance.
Safety Belt Extender
65D613
(1) Center of body
(2) Less than 152 mm (6 inches)
(3) Open end of extender buckle
If a safety belt cannot be fastened securely
because it is not long enough, see your
authorized SUZUKI dealer for a safety belt
extender. Safety belt extenders are avail-
able for each seating position except for
the rear center position. After inspecting
the relationship between the safety belt
length, the occupant’s body size, and the
seat adjustment (the driver’s seat should
always be adjusted as far back as possible
while still maintaining control of the vehicle,
and other adjustable seats should be
adjusted as far back as possible), yourSUZUKI dealer can select the appropriate
safety belt extender.
 A safety belt extender should only be
used for the person, vehicle and seating
location it was provided for.
 When using the extender, ensure that
both ends are latched securely. Do not
use the extender if the open end of the
extender’s buckle is within 152 mm (6
inches) of the center of the occupant’s
body (See diagram). Use of the extender
when the buckle is too close to the cen-
ter of the body could increase the risk of
abdominal injury in the event of an acci-
dent, and could cause the shoulder belt
to be positioned incorrectly.
 Make sure to use the correct buckle cor-
responding to your seating position.
 Safety belt extenders are not intended
for use by pregnant women, and should
only be used upon approval by their
medical advisors.
 Remove and stow the extender when it
is not being used.
Safety Belts:

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SEATS AND RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
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Child RestraintsOlder ChildrenOlder children who have outgrown booster
seats should wear the vehicle’s safety
belts.
Question: What is the proper way to
wear safety belts?
Answer: If possible, an older child should
wear a lap-shoulder belt and get the addi-
tional restraint a shoulder belt can provide.
The shoulder belt should not cross the face
or neck. The lap belt should fit snugly
below the hips, just touching the top of the
thighs. It should never be worn over the
abdomen, which could cause severe or
even fatal internal injuries in a crash.Accident statistics show that children are
safer if they are restrained in the rear seat.
In a crash, children who are not buckled up
can strike other people who are buckled
up, or can be thrown out of the vehicle.
Older children need to use safety belts
properly.
WARNING
Failure to follow these instructions
may increase the risk of injury in a
crash.
 Only use an extender for the per-
son, vehicle and seating position it
was provided for.
 A front safety belt extender must
only be used in a front seating
position, and a rear safety belt
extender must only be used in a
rear seating position.
 Safety belt extenders are not
intended for use by pregnant
women, and should only be used
upon approval by their medical
advisors.
 The extender has been designed
for adults. Never use it for securing
child seats.
 Do not use a safety belt extender if
the open end of the extender’s
buckle is within 152 mm (6 inches)
of the center of the occupant’s
body (See diagram).
 Remove and stow the extender
when it is not being used.
L3U1036A
WARNING
Never do this.
Here two children are wearing the
same belt. The belt can’t properly
spread the impact forces. In a crash,
the two children can be crushed
together and severely injured. A belt
must be used by only one person at a
time.
L3U1037A
Safety Belts:
Child Restraints:

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Question: What if a child is wearing a
lap-shoulder belt, but the child is so
small that the shoulder belt is very
close to the child’s face or neck?
Answer: If the child is sitting in a seat next
to a window, move the child toward the
center of the vehicle. If the child is sitting in
the center rear seat passenger position,
move the child toward the safety belt
buckle. In either case, be sure that the
shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder,
so that in a crash the child’s upper body
would have the restraint that belts provide.
If the child is so small that the shoulder belt
is still very close to the child’s face or neck,
you might want to place the child in a seat
that has a lap belt, if your vehicle has one.Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of
the belt should be worn low and snug on
the hips, just touching the child’s thighs.
This applies belt force to the child’s pelvic
bones in a crash.
Infants and Young ChildrenEveryone in a vehicle needs protection!
This includes infants and all other children.
Neither the distance traveled nor the age
and size of the traveler changes the need
to use safety restraints. In fact, the law in
every state in the United States and in
every Canadian province says children up
to some age must be restrained while in a
vehicle.
Every time infants and young children ride
in vehicles, they should have the protection
provided by appropriate restraints. Young
children should not use the vehicle’s adult
safety belts alone, unless there is no otherchoice. Instead, they need to use a child
restraint.
L3U1038A
WARNING
Never do this.
Here a child is sitting in a seat that
has a lap-shoulder belt, but the
shoulder part is behind the child. If
the child wears the belt in this way, in
a crash the child might slide under
the belt. The belt’s force would then
be applied right on the child’s abdo-
men. That could cause serious or
fatal injuries.
WARNING
People should never hold a baby in
their arms while riding in a vehicle. A
baby doesn’t weigh much – until a
crash occurs. During a crash a baby
will become so heavy it is not possi-
ble to hold it. For example, in a crash
at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-lb. (5.5
kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-
lb. (110 kg) force on a person’s arms.
A baby should be secured in an
appropriate restraint.
L3U1039A
Child Restraints:

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SEATS AND RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
85Z04-03E
Question: What are the different types
of add-on child restraints?
Answer: Add-on child restraints, which are
purchased by the vehicle’s owner, are
available in four basic types. Selection of a
particular restraint should take into consid-
eration not only the child’s weight, height
and age but also whether or not the
restraint will be compatible with the motor
vehicle in which it will be used.
For most basic types of child restraints,
there are many different models available.
When purchasing a child restraint, be sure
it is designed to be used in a motor vehicle.
If it is, the restraint will have a label saying
that it meets federal motor vehicle safety
standards.
The restraint manufacturer’s instructions
that come with the restraint, state the
weight and height limitations for a particu-
lar child restraint. In addition, there are
many kinds of restraints available for chil-
dren with special needs.
WARNING
Children who are up against, or very
close to, any air bag when it inflates
can be severely injured or killed. Air
bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer
outstanding protection for adults and
older children, but not for young chil-
dren and infants. Neither the vehi-
cle’s safety belt system nor its air bag
system is designed for them. Young
children and infants need the protec-
tion that a child restraint system can
provide.
L3U1040B
WARNING
Newborn infants need complete sup-
port, including support for the head
and neck. This is necessary because
a newborn infant’s neck is weak and
its head weighs so much compared
with the rest of its body. In a crash,
an infant in a rear-facing seat settles
into the restraint, so the crash forces
can be distributed across the stron-
gest part of an infant’s body, the back
and shoulders. Infants always should
be secured in appropriate infant
restraints.
WARNING
The body structure of a young child
is quite unlike that of an adult or
older child, for whom the safety belts
are designed. A young child’s hip
bones are still so small that the vehi-
cle’s regular safety belt may not
remain low on the hip bones, as it
should. Instead, it may settle up
around the child’s abdomen. In a
crash, the belt would apply force on a
body area that’s unprotected by any
bony structure. This alone could
cause serious or fatal injuries. Young
children always should be secured in
appropriate child restraints.
Child Restraints: