check oil SUZUKI FORENZA 2008 1.G Owners Manual

2-11FEATURES AND CONTROLS
85Z04-03E
How to Turn Off the System Alarm
If the system alarm is active, it can be
deactivated using the following methods:
 Press the Lock or Unlock button on the
remote keyless entry transmitter.
 Unlock the driver’s or passenger’s front
door using the key.
Otherwise, the alarm will automatically
stop after 30 seconds. The system will
then lock the doors and reactivate the
theft-deterrent system.
How to Detect a Tamper Condition
If the hazard lamps flash once when the
Lock or Unlock button on your transmitter
is pressed, that means the theft-security
system alarm was triggered while you
were away.
Daily Inspection ChecklistBefore Driving1) 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 the “SERVICE AND
APPEARANCE CARE” section for details.
3) Look for oil or other fluid leaks.
NOTE:
It is normal for water to drip from the air
conditioning system after use.
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) Lock all doors.
7) Adjust the seat and adjustable head
restraints (if equipped).
8) Check the brake pedal.
9) Adjust the mirrors.
10)Make sure that you and all passengers
have properly fastened your safety
belts.11)Make sure that all warning lights come
on as the key is turned to the “ON” or
“START” position.
12)Check all gauges.
13)Make sure that the BRAKE 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) Power steering (if equipped) fluid level
5) Windshield washer fluid 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 the
item “Lubricate Locks, Hinges & Hood
Latch” under “Chassis and Body” in the
“MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE” section
for the lubrication schedule.
WARNING
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.
Theft-Deterrent Systems:
Daily Inspection Checklist:

3-24
INSTRUMENT PANEL
85Z04-03E
If you experience one or more of these
conditions, change the fuel brand you use.
It will require at least one full tank of the
proper fuel to turn the light off.
If none of the above steps have made the
light turn off, your SUZUKI dealer can
check the vehicle. Your SUZUKI dealer has
the proper test equipment and diagnostic
tools to fix any mechanical or electrical
problems that may have developed.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
Some state/provincial and local govern-
ments have or may begin programs to
inspect the emission control equipment on
your vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection
could prevent you from getting a vehicle
registration.
Here are some things you need to know to
help your vehicle pass an inspection:
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if
the Check Engine light is on or is not work-
ing properly.
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if
the OBD (on-board diagnostic) system
determines that critical emission control
systems have not been completely diag-
nosed by the system. The vehicle would be
considered not ready for inspection. This
can happen if you have recently replaced
your battery or if your battery has run
down. The diagnostic system is designed
to evaluate critical emission control sys-tems during normal driving. This may take
several days of routine driving. If you have
done this and your vehicle still does not
pass the inspection for lack of OBD system
readiness, your SUZUKI dealer can pre-
pare the vehicle for inspection.
Oil Pressure LightIf you have a low engine oil pressure prob-
lem, this light will stay on after you start
your engine, or come on when you are
driving. This indicates that your engine is
not receiving enough oil.
The engine could be low on oil, or could
have some other oil problem. Have it fixed
immediately.
The oil light could also come on in three
other situations:
 When the ignition is on but the engine is
not running, the light will come on as a
check to show you it is working. The light
will go out after you start the engine. If it
doesn’t come on with the ignition on, you
may have a problem with the fuse or
bulb. Have it fixed right away. If you’re idling at a stop sign, the light
may blink on and then off.
 If you make a hard stop, the light may
come on for a moment. This is normal.
Fog Lamp LightIf your vehicle has this feature, the fog
lamps indicator light will come on when the
fog lamps are in use.
The light will go out when the fog lamps
are turned off.
WARNING
Don’t keep driving if the oil pressure
is low. If you do, your engine can
become so hot that it catches fire.
You or others could be burned. Check
your oil as soon as possible and have
your vehicle serviced.
CAUTION
Operating your engine with the low
oil pressure light on can result in
severe engine damage which is not
covered by your warranty.
Warning Lights, Gauges and Indicators:

4-11DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE
85Z04-03E
time and energy. See the next part,
“Freeway Driving.”
 Treat a green light as a warning signal. A
traffic light is there because the corner is
busy enough to need it. When a light
turns green, and just before you start to
move, check both ways for vehicles that
have not cleared the intersection or may
be running the red light.Freeway DrivingMile for mile, freeways (also called thru-
ways, parkways, expressways, turnpikes or
superhighways) are the safest of all roads.
But they have their own special rules.
The most important advice on freeway
driving is: Keep up with traffic and keep to
the right. Drive at the same speed most of
the other drivers are driving. Too-fast or
too-slow driving breaks a smooth trafficflow. Treat the left lane on a freeway as a
passing lane.
At the entrance, there is usually a ramp
that leads to the freeway. If you have a
clear view of the freeway as you drive
along the entrance ramp, you should begin
to check traffic. Try to determine where you
expect to blend with the flow. Try to merge
into the gap at close to the prevailing
speed. Switch on your turn signal, check
your mirrors and glance over your shoulder
as often as necessary. Try to blend
smoothly with the traffic flow.
Once you are on the freeway, adjust your
speed to the posted limit or to the prevail-
ing rate if it’s slower. Stay in the right lane
unless you want to pass.
Before changing lanes, check your mirrors.
Then use your turn signal.
Just before you leave the lane, glance
quickly over your shoulder to make sure
there isn’t another vehicle in your “blind”
spot.
Once you are moving on the freeway,
make certain you allow a reasonable fol-
lowing distance.
Expect to move slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move
to the proper lane well in advance. If you
miss your exit, do not, under any circum-
stances, stop and back up. Drive on to the
next exit.The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes
quite sharply. The exit speed is usually
posted. Reduce your speed according to
your speedometer, not to your sense of
motion. After driving for any distance at
higher speeds, you may tend to think you
are going slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long TripMake sure you’re ready. Try to be well
rested. If you must start when you’re not
fresh – such as after a day’s work – don’t
plan to make too many miles that first part
of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing
and shoes you can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you
keep it serviced and maintained, it’s ready
to go. If it needs service, have it done
before starting out. Of course, you’ll find
experienced and able service experts in
SUZUKI dealerships all across North
America. They’ll be ready and willing to
help if you need it.
Here are some things you can check
before a trip:
 Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reser-
voir full? Are all windows clean inside
and outside?
 Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
 Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you
checked all levels?
 Lamps: Are they all working? Are the
lenses clean?
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle:

5-2
SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
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AdditivesTo provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the
United States are now required to contain
additives that will help prevent engine and
fuel system deposits from forming, allow-
ing your emission control system to work
properly. You should not have to add any-
thing to your fuel. However, some gaso-
lines contain only the minimum amount of
additive required to meet U.S. Environ-
mental Protection Agency regulations.
SUZUKI recommends that you buy gaso-
lines that are advertised to help keep fuel
injectors and intake valves clean. If your
vehicle experiences problems due to dirty
injectors or valves, try a different brand of
gasoline.
Gasoline containing oxygenates, such as
ethers and ethanol, and reformulated gas-
olines may be available in your area to
contribute to clean air. SUZUKI recom-
mends that you use these gasolines.
Some gasolines that are not reformulated
for low emissions may contain an octane-
enhancing additive called methylcyclopen-tadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT);
ask the attendant where you buy gasoline
whether the fuel contains MMT. SUZUKI
does not recommend the use of such gas-
olines. Fuels containing MMT can reduce
the life of spark plugs and the performance
of the emission control system may be
affected. The malfunction indicator lamp
may turn on. If this occurs, return to your
SUZUKI dealer for service.
Fuels in Foreign CountriesIf you plan on driving in another country
outside the United States or Canada, the
proper fuel may be hard to find. Never use
leaded gasoline or any other fuel not rec-
ommended in the previous text on fuel.
Costly repairs caused by use of improper
fuel wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.
To check the fuel availability, ask an auto
club, or contact a major oil company that
does business in the country where you’ll
be driving.
Filling Your Tank
CAUTION
Your vehicle was not designed for
fuel that contains methanol. Don’t
use fuel containing methanol. It can
corrode metal parts in your fuel sys-
tem and also damage the plastic and
rubber parts. That damage wouldn’t
be covered under your warranty.
WARNING
Fuel vapor burns violently and a fuel
fire can cause severe injuries. To help
avoid injuries to you and others, read
and follow all the instructions on the
pump island. Turn off your engine
when you are refueling. Don’t smoke
if you’re near fuel or are refueling
your vehicle. Keep sparks, flames
and smoking materials away from
fuel. Don’t leave the fuel pump unat-
tended when refueling your vehicle –
this is against the law in some
places. Keep children away from the
fuel pump; never let children pump
fuel.
Fuel:

5-4
SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
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Filling a Portable Fuel Container
Checking Things Under the
Hood
Hood ReleaseTo open the hood, do the following.
1) Pull the hood release handle located at
the lower left side of the instrument
panel.
WARNING
Never fill a portable fuel container
while it is in your vehicle. Static elec-
tricity discharge from the container
can ignite the gasoline vapor. You
can be badly burned and your vehicle
can be damaged if this occurs. To
help avoid injury to you and others:
 Dispense gasoline only into
approved containers.
 Do not fill a container while it is
inside a vehicle, in a vehicle’s
trunk, pickup bed or on any surface
other than the ground.
 Bring the fill nozzle in contact with
the inside of the fill opening before
operating the nozzle. Contact
should be maintained until the fill-
ing is complete.
 Don’t smoke while pumping gaso-
line.
WARNING
An electric fan under the hood can
start up and injure you even when the
engine is not running. Keep hands,
clothing and tools away from any
under hood electric fan.
WARNING
Things that burn can get on hot
engine parts and start a fire. These
include liquids like fuel, oil, coolant,
brake fluid, windshield washer and
other fluids, and plastic or rubber.
You or others could be burned. Be
careful not to drop or spill things that
will burn onto a hot engine.
Fuel:
Checking Things Under the Hood:

5-6
SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
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Engine Compartment OverviewWhen you open the hood on the engine, you’ll see the following:
A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
B. Engine Oil Filler Cap
C. Brake/Clutch Fluid Reservoir
D. Engine Coolant Surge Tank
E. Underhood Fuse BlockF. B a t t e r y
G. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
H. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
I. Engine Oil Dipstick
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Checking Things Under the Hood:

5-7SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
85Z04-03E
Engine OilIf the oil pressure light appears on the
instrument cluster, it means you need to
check your engine oil level right away.
For more information, see “Oil Pressure
Light” in section 3.
You should check your engine oil level reg-
ularly; this is an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It’s a good idea to check your engine oil
every time you get fuel. In order to get an
accurate reading, the oil must be warm
and the vehicle must be on level ground.Use the engine oil dipstick to check the oil
level. The dipstick’s handle will be a yellow
ring. See “Engine Compartment Overview”
in this section for the location of the engine
oil dipstick.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several
minutes to drain back into the oil pan. If
you don’t, the oil dipstick might not show
the actual level.
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a
paper towel or cloth, then push it back in all
the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip
down and check the level.
When to Add Engine OilIf the oil is at or below the MIN mark, then
you’ll need to add at least one quart of oil.
But you must use the right kind. This sec-
tion explains what kind of oil to use. For
engine oil crankcase capacity, see “Capac-
ities and Specifications” in this section.
CAUTION
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine
has so much oil that the oil level gets
above the upper mark that shows the
proper operating range, your engine
could be damaged.
L3U5011A
1.0 L
Checking Things Under the Hood:

5-8
SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
85Z04-03E
This (A) is where you add oil. See “Engine
Compartment Overview” on a previous
page in this section for more information
on location.
Be sure to add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating range.
Push the dipstick all the way back in when
you’re through.What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
Oils recommended for your vehicle can be
identified by looking for the starburst sym-
bol.
This symbol indicates that the oil has been
certified by the American Petroleum Insti-
tute (API). Do not use any oil which does
not carry this starburst symbol.
If you choose to perform the engine oil
change service yourself, be sure the oil
you use has the starburst symbol on the
front of the oil container. If you have your
oil changed for you, be sure the oil put into
your engine is American Petroleum Insti-
tute certified for gasoline engines.
You should also use the proper viscosity oil
for your vehicle, as shown in the viscosity
chart. SAE 5W-30
As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE
5W-30 is the only viscosity grade recom-
mended for your vehicle. However, if it’s
going to be –4°F (–20°C) or above and
SAE 5W-30 is not available, you may use
SAE 10W-30.
These numbers on an oil container show
its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use
other viscosity oil such as SAE 10W-40
or SAE 20W-50 under any conditions.
HOT
WEATHERLOOK FOR
THIS SYMBOL
SAE 10W-30 ACCEPTABLE
IF 5W-30 IS NOT AVAILABLE
SAE 5W-30
RECOMMENDED
COLD
WEATHERRECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS
DO NOT USE SAE 10W-40, SAE 20W-50 OR ANY
OTHER VISCOSITY GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
Checking Things Under the Hood:

5-9SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
85Z04-03E
If you are in an area of extreme cold,
where the temperature falls below –22°F
(–30°C), it is recommended that you use
either an SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or an
SAE 0W-30 oil. Both will provide easier
cold starting and better protection for your
engine at extremely low temperatures.
Engine Oil Additives
Don’t add anything to your oil. The recom-
mended oils with the starburst symbol are
all you will need for good performance and
engine protection.
When to Change Engine Oil
If any one of these is true for you, use the
short trip/city maintenance schedule:
 Most trips are less than 5 miles (8 km).
This is particularly important when out-
side temperatures are below freezing.
 Most trips include extensive idling (such
as frequent driving in stop-and-go traf-
fic).
 The vehicle is used for delivery service,
police, taxi or other commercial applica-
tion.Driving under these conditions causes
engine oil to break down sooner. If any one
of these is true for your vehicle, then you
need to change your oil and filter every
3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months –
whichever occurs first.
If none of them is true, use the long trip/
highway maintenance schedule. Change
the oil and filter every 7,500 miles (12,000
km) or 6 months – whichever occurs first.
Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed
engine under highway conditions will
cause engine oil to break down slower.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements
that may be unhealthy for your skin and
could even cause cancer. Don’t let used oil
stay on your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water, or a
good hand cleaner. Wash or properly dis-
pose of clothing or rags containing used
engine oil. See the manufacturer’s warn-
ings about the use and disposal of oil prod-
ucts.
Used oil can be a threat to the environ-
ment. If you change your own oil, be sure
to drain all the oil from the filter before dis-
posal. Never dispose of oil by putting it in
the trash, pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water.
Instead, recycle it by taking it to a place
that collects used oil. If you have a problem
properly disposing of your used oil, askyour SUZUKI dealer, a service station or a
local recycling center for help.
Engine Air Cleaner/FilterThe engine air cleaner/filter is located on
the passenger’s side of the engine com-
partment. See “Engine Compartment
Overview” in this section for more informa-
tion on location.
When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/filter every 7,500
miles (12,000 km) or 6 months – whichever
occurs first.
Replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
or 24 months – whichever comes first.
If you are driving in dusty/dirty conditions,
inspect the filter every 3,750 miles (6,000
CAUTION
Use only engine oil with the Ameri-
can Petroleum Institute Certified For
Gasoline Engines starburst symbol.
Failure to use the recommended oil
can result in engine damage not cov-
ered by your warranty.
Checking Things Under the Hood:

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
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Hydraulic ClutchThere is one reservoir for both the brake
and the hydraulic clutch fluid. See “Brakes”
in this section for more information.
The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle
is self-adjusting. The master cylinder res-
ervoir is filled with hydraulic fluid.
A fluid loss in this system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and
repaired.
When to Check and What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine how often you should check the
fluid level and for the proper fluid. See sec-
tion 6.
How to Check and Add Fluid
To check the fluid level, look on the side of
the reservoir. If the fluid level is betweenthe MIN and the MAX marks on the reser-
voir, the fluid level is correct. The reservoir
is located near the back of the engine com-
partment on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
See “Engine Compartment Overview” in
this section for more information on loca-
tion.
Engine CoolantThe following explains your cooling system
and how to add coolant when it is low. If
you have a problem with engine overheat-
ing, see “Engine Overheating” in this sec-
tion.
What to Use
The cooling system in your vehicle is
designed to use either Dex-cool coolant,
which is red in color, or silicate based cool-
ant, which is blue. These two types of cool-
ant are not compatible with each other and
should never be mixed. Therefore, if the
original coolant in your vehicle’s cooling
system was red, then you should use only
Dex-cool coolant for the life of your vehicle.
If the original coolant in your vehicle's cool-
ing system was blue, then you should use
only silicate based coolant for the life of
your vehicle. Even if the cooling system
has been completely drained before a refill,
do not switch types of coolant.Use a 60/40 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and engine coolant which won’t
damage aluminum parts. If another type of
coolant is used, aluminum parts might be
subject to corrosion.
You can also use a recycled coolant with a
complete coolant flush and refill. If you use
this coolant mixture, you don’t need to add
anything else.
A 60/40 mixture of clean, drinkable water
and proper coolant will:
 Give freezing protection down to –33°F
(–36°C).
 Give boiling protection up to 268°F
(131°C).
 Protect against rust and corrosion.
 Help keep the proper engine tempera-
ture.
 Let the warning lights and gauges work
as they should.
For protection in extremely cold weather
conditions, use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and proper coolant.
WARNING
Do not mix Dex-cool and silicate
based coolant in your coolant sys-
tem.
The mixture can damage the cooling
system.
Checking Things Under the Hood: