window SUZUKI RENO 2008 1.G User Guide
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Page 67 of 226

2-19FEATURES AND CONTROLS
85Z14-03E
Engine Exhaust Running Your Engine While You Are
Parked
It’s better not to park with the engine run-
ning. But if you ever have to, here are
some things to know.
Follow the proper steps to be sure your
vehicle won’t move. See “Shifting Into Park
(P)” or “Parking Your Vehicle (Manual
Transmission)” in this section.
WARNING
Engine exhaust can kill. It contains
the gas carbon monoxide (CO), which
you can’t see or smell. It can cause
unconsciousness and death.
You might have exhaust coming in if:
Your exhaust system sounds
strange or different.
Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.
Your vehicle was damaged in a col-
lision.
Your vehicle was damaged when
driving over high points on the
road or over road debris.
Repairs weren’t done correctly.
Your vehicle or exhaust system had
been modified improperly.
If you ever suspect exhaust is com-
ing into your vehicle:
Drive it only with all the windows
down to blow out any CO; and
Have your vehicle fixed immedi-
ately.
WARNING
Idling the engine with the climate
control system off could allow dan-
gerous exhaust into your vehicle. See
the earlier Warning under “Engine
Exhaust.”
Also, idling in a closed-in place can
let deadly carbon monoxide (CO) into
your vehicle even if the climate con-
trol fan is at the highest setting. One
place this can happen is a garage.
Exhaust – with CO – can come in eas-
ily. NEVER park in a garage with the
engine running.
Another closed-in place can be a bliz-
zard. See “Winter Driving” in the
Index.
WARNING
It is dangerous to get out of your
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) or the appropriate position
with the parking brake firmly set.
Your vehicle can roll. To determine
the appropriate position, see “Park-
ing Your Vehicle”. Don’t leave your
vehicle when the engine is running
unless you have to. If you’ve left the
engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t
move, even when you’re on fairly
level ground, always set your parking
brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P) or the appropriate position
as described under “Parking Your
Ve h i cl e ” .
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle:
Mirrors:
Page 69 of 226

2-21FEATURES AND CONTROLS
85Z14-03E
Outside Convex MirrorYour passenger’s side mirror is convex. A
convex mirror’s surface is curved so you
can see more from the driver’s seat.Outside Heated MirrorsIf your vehicle has this feature, when you
operate the rear window defogger, the
heated driver’s and passenger’s outside
power mirrors are warmed to help clear
them of ice and snow. See “Rear Window
and Outside Mirror Defogger” under “Cli-
mate Control System” in section 3 for more
information.
Storage AreasGlove BoxThe glove box is located in front of the pas-
senger’s seat on the instrument panel.
Open the glove box by pulling the bottom
of the handle upward. Close the glove box
with a firm push.
Cupholder(s)The cupholders are located in the center
console and in the rear seat center arm-
rest.
To use the front cupholder, move the inner
support forward or backward. If your vehi-
cle has rear cupholders, push down the
rear seat center armrest to use them.
WARNING
A convex mirror can make things
(like other vehicles) look farther away
than they really are. If you cut too
sharply into the right lane, you could
hit a vehicle on your right. Check
your inside mirror or glance over
your shoulder before changing lanes.
WARNING
Never drive with the glove box lid
open. It could cause injury if an acci-
dent occurs.
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Storage Areas:
Page 71 of 226

2-23FEATURES AND CONTROLS
85Z14-03E
Rear Seat ArmrestYour vehicle’s rear seat armrest may con-
tain two cupholders. To access the cup-
holders, pull the armrest down from the
rear seatback.AntennaThe antenna is located in the windshield
glass. Be sure that the inside surface of the
windshield glass is not scratched and that
the lines on the glass are not damaged. If
the inside surface is damaged, it could
interfere with radio reception.
Because this antenna is built into your
windshield glass, there is a reduced risk of
damage caused by car washes and van-
dals.If you choose to add a cellular telephone to
your vehicle, and the antenna needs to be
attached to the glass, be sure that you do
not damage the grid lines for the antenna.
There is enough space between the lines
to attach a cellular telephone antenna with-
out interfering with radio reception.
Do not apply aftermarket glass tinting to
the back glass. The metallic film in some
tinting materials will interfere with or distort
the incoming radio reception. Care must
be taken when cleaning the rear window or
windshield glass to avoid causing breaks in
the resistive material heating element
which can adversely affect radio and
defogger performance. See your SUZUKI
dealer for details.
SunroofIf your vehicle has this feature, the switch
is located between the map lamp buttons.
The sunroof will only operate when the
ignition is in the ON position. The sunroof
can be opened to a vent position or it can
be opened all the way.
You must manually open and close the
sunroof cover.
To open the sunroof to the vent position,
push the front part of the switch. To return
the sunroof to its original position, push the
rear part of the switch and hold it until the
sunroof reaches the desired position.
To fully open the sunroof, push the rear
part of the switch. The sunroof will open
automatically until you push either the front
or the rear part of the switch again. To
close the sunroof, push the front part of the
WARNING
Using a razor blade or sharp object to
clear the inside rear window or wind-
shield glass may damage the antenna
and/or the rear window defogger.
Repairs would not be covered by
your warranty. Do not clear the inside
of the windshield glass or rear win-
dow with sharp objects.
WARNING
Do not apply aftermarket glass tinting
with metallic film. The metallic film in
some tinting materials will interfere
with or distort the incoming radio
reception. Any damage caused to
your antenna due to metallic tinting
materials will not be covered by your
warranty.
N4U2024A
Storage Areas:
Sunroof:
Page 80 of 226

3-6
INSTRUMENT PANEL
85Z14-03E
Rear Window Washer/WiperIf your vehicle has this feature, operate the
rear window washer/wiper system by
pushing the windshield wiper/washer lever
away from you. The wiper operates contin-
uously when the lever is in the first posi-
tion.
Washer fluid sprays onto the rear window
and the wiper operates continuously when
the lever is pushed to the second position.
Cruise ControlCruise Control
If your vehicle has cruise control, you can
maintain a speed of about 24 mph (39 km/
h) or more without keeping your foot on the
accelerator. This can really help on long
trips. Cruise control does not work at
speeds below 24 mph (39 km/h).
When you apply your brakes, or depress
the clutch pedal if you have a manual
transmission, the cruise control shuts off.
CAUTION
To help prevent damage to wind-
shield wiper and washer system
components, you should take the fol-
lowing precautions:
Do not continue to hold in the lever
when there is no windshield
washer fluid being sprayed or the
washer motor can be damaged.
Do not attempt to remove dirt from
a dry windshield with the wipers or
you can damage the windshield
and the wiper blades. Always wet
the windshield with washer fluid
before operating the wipers.
Clear ice or packed snow from the
wiper blades before using the wip-
ers.
Check the washer fluid level regu-
larly. Check it often when the
weather is bad.
Only fill the washer fluid reservoir
3/4 full during cold weather to allow
room for expansion if the tempera-
ture falls low enough to freeze the
solution.
WARNING
Do not spray washer fluid on the
liftgate window in freezing weather.
Warm the tailgate window before
you operate the liftgate window
washer.
Washer fluid can form ice on a frozen
liftgate window and obstruct your
vision.
N4U30460A
FASTSLOW
WARNING
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at a
steady speed. So, do not use your
cruise control on winding roads or in
heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could
lose control. Do not use cruise con-
trol on slippery roads.
Instrument Panel Overview:
Page 88 of 226

3-14
INSTRUMENT PANEL
85Z14-03E
(Floor):
This mode directs most of the air to the
floor outlets. Some of the air will also be
directed to the windshield, instrument
panel side outlets, and rear outlets. Be
sure to keep the area under the front seats
clear to allow the flow of air to the rear
compartment.Recirculation
Press this button when driving in dusty
conditions or to avoid traffic or outside
fumes, and when quick cooling or heating
of the passenger area is required. The
indicator light will illuminate and interior air
will be recirculated.
Pressing the recirculation mode button
again will draw outside air into the passen-
ger compartment. The indicator will go out.
Your windows may fog if you use the recir-
culation mode for extended periods. If this
happens, select the defrost mode.Air Conditioning
If your vehicle has air conditioning, follow
these steps to use the system. Start the
engine and set the fan control knob to the
desired speed. The air conditioning com-
pressor does not operate when the fan
control knob is in the off position. Press the
air conditioning button to turn the air condi-
tioning system on. When this button is
pressed, the indicator light on the button
will come on to let you know the air condi-
tioning is activated.
To turn off the air conditioning, press the
button again. The indicator button will then
turn off to let you know that the air condi-
tioning is deactivated.
On hot days, open the windows to let hot
inside air escape; then close them. This
helps to reduce the time it takes for your
N4U3027AN4U3027A
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Climate Controls:
Page 89 of 226

3-15INSTRUMENT PANEL
85Z14-03E
vehicle to cool down. It also helps the sys-
tem to operate more efficiently.
For quick cool down on hot days, do the
following:
1) Press the recirculation button.
2) Press the A/C button.
3) Select the coolest temperature on the
temperature control knob.
4) Select the highest fan speed on the fan
control knob.
Using these settings together for long peri-
ods of time may cause the air inside of
your vehicle to become too dry. To prevent
this from happening, after the air in your
vehicle has cooled, turn off the recircula-
tion mode by pressing the button again.
The air-conditioning system removes mois-
ture from the air, so you may sometimes
notice a small amount of water dripping
underneath your vehicle while idling or
after turning off the engine. This is normal.Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of
high humidity (moisture) condensing on
the cool window glass. This can be mini-
mized if the climate control system is used
properly. There are two modes to clear fog
or frost from your windshield and side win-
dows. Use the defog mode to clear the
windows of fog or moisture and warm the
passengers. Use the defrost mode to
remove fog or frost from the windshield
more quickly. For best results, clear all
snow and ice from the windshield before
defrosting. Turn the air distribution knob to
select the defog or defrost mode.(Defog):
This mode directs air to the windshield,
side window outlets and floor outlets.
When you select this mode, the system
runs the air-conditioning compressor. To
defog the windows faster, turn the temper-
ature control knob clockwise to the warm-
est setting.
N4U3030B
Climate Controls:
Page 90 of 226

3-16
INSTRUMENT PANEL
85Z14-03E
(Defrost):
This mode directs most of the air to the
windshield, with some air directed to the
side window outlets. When you select this
mode, the system runs the air-conditioning
compressor. To defrost the windows faster,
turn the temperature control knob clock-
wise to the warmest setting.
Rear Window and Outside Rearview
Mirror DefoggerYour vehicle may have a rear window and
outside mirror defogger.
The rear window defogger uses a warming
grid to remove fog or frost from the rear
window. This feature will only work when
the ignition is in ON.
(Rear):
Press the button to turn the rear window
and outside mirror defogger on or off. The
defogger will turn off approximately 10 min-
utes after the button is pressed. Be sure to
clear as much snow from the rear window
as possible. An indicator light on the button
will come on to let you know that the fea-
ture is activated.
N4U3032B
N4U3032AN4U3032A
CAUTION
Don’t use anything sharp on the
inside of the rear window. If you do,
you could cut or damage the warm-
ing grid, and the repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Do not
attach a temporary vehicle license,
tape, a decal or anything similar to
the defogger grid.
Climate Controls:
Page 135 of 226

4-11DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE
85Z14-03E
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:
Page 138 of 226

4-14
DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE
85Z14-03E
cle’s stability when you make a hard stop
on a slippery road.) Whether you have an
anti-lock braking system or not, you’ll want
to begin stopping sooner than you would
on dry pavement. Without anti-lock brakes,
if you feel your vehicle begin to slide, let up
on the brakes a little. Push the brake pedal
down steadily to get the most traction you
can.
Remember, unless you have anti-lock, if
you brake so hard that your wheels stop
rolling, you’ll just slide. Brake so your
wheels always keep rolling and you can
still steer.
Whatever your braking system, allow
greater following distance on any slip-
pery road.
Watch for slippery spots. The road might
be fine until you hit a spot that’s covered
with ice. On an otherwise clear road, ice
patches may appear in shaded areas
where the sun can’t reach: around
clumps of trees, behind buildings or
under bridges. Sometimes the surface of
a curve or an overpass may remain icy
when the surrounding roads are clear. If
you see a patch of ice ahead of you,
brake before you are on it. Try not to
brake while you’re actually on the ice,
and avoid sudden steering maneuvers.If You’re Caught in a Blizzard
If you are stopped by heavy snow, you
could be in a serious situation. You should
probably stay with your vehicle unless you
know for sure that you are near help and
you can hike through the snow. Here are
some things to do to summon help and
keep yourself and your passengers safe:
Turn on your hazard flashers.
Tie a red cloth to your vehicle to alert
police that you’ve been stopped by the
snow.
Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket
around you. If you have no blankets or
extra clothing, make body insulators
from newspapers, burlap bags, rags,
floor mats – anything you can wrap
around yourself or tuck under your cloth-
ing to keep warm.You can run the engine to keep warm, but
be careful.
WARNING
Snow can trap exhaust gases under
your vehicle. This can cause deadly
CO (carbon monoxide) gas to get
inside. CO could overcome you and
kill you. You can’t see it or smell it, so
you might not know it is in your vehi-
cle. Clear away snow from around the
base of your vehicle, especially any
that is blocking your exhaust pipe.
And check around again from time to
time to be sure snow doesn’t collect
there.
Open a window just a little on the
side of the vehicle that’s away from
the wind. This will help keep CO out.
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle:
Page 139 of 226

4-15DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE
85Z14-03E
Run your engine only as long as you must.
This saves fuel. When you run the engine,
make it go a little faster than just idle. That
is, push the accelerator slightly. This uses
less fuel for the heat that you get and it
keeps the battery charged. You will need a
well-charged battery to restart the vehicle,
and possibly for signaling later on with your
headlamps. Let the heater run for a while.
Then, shut the engine off and close the
window almost all the way to preserve the
heat. Start the engine again and repeat
this only when you feel really uncomfort-
able from the cold. But do it as little as pos-
sible. Preserve the fuel as long as you can.
To help keep warm, you can get out of the
vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exer-
cises every half hour or so until help
comes.
If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or
Snow
In order to free your vehicle when it is
stuck, you will need to spin the wheels, but
you don’t want to spin your wheels too fast.
The method known as “rocking” can help
you get out when you’re stuck, but you
must use caution.For information about using tire chains on
your vehicle, see “Tire Chains” in section 5.Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
First, turn your steering wheel left and
right. That will clear the area around your
front wheels. Then shift back and forth
between REVERSE (R) and a forward
gear (or with a manual transmission,
between FIRST (1) or SECOND (2) and
REVERSE (R)), spinning the wheels as lit-
tle as possible. Release the accelerator
pedal while you shift, and press lightly on
the accelerator pedal when the transmis-
sion is in gear. By slowly spinning your
wheels in the forward and reverse direc-
tions, you will cause a rocking motion that
may free your vehicle. If that doesn’t get
you out after a few tries, you may need to
be towed out. If you do need to be towed
out, see “Towing Your Vehicle” in the fol-
lowing section.
WARNING
If you let your tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you or
others could be injured. And, the
transmission or other parts of the
vehicle can overheat. That could
cause an engine compartment fire or
other damage. When you’re stuck,
spin the wheels as little as possible.
Don’t spin the wheels above 35 mph
(55 km/h) as shown on the speedom-
eter.
CAUTION
Spinning your wheels can destroy
parts of your vehicle as well as the
tires. If you spin the wheels too fast
while shifting your transmission back
and forth, you can destroy your trans-
mission. See “Rocking Your Vehicle
To Get It Out.”
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle: