warning light SUZUKI SX4 2008 1.G Owner's Guide

6-2
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J21-03E
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 “All latches, hinges and locks” of
“CHASSIS AND BODY” in the “Periodic
Maintenance Schedule” section in the
“INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE”
section for lubrication schedule.
Starting the EngineBefore Starting the Engine1) Make sure the parking brake is set fully.
2) Manual Transaxle – Shift into “N” (Neu-
tral) and depress the clutch pedal all
the way to the floor.
Hold the clutch pedal while starting the
engine.
Automatic Transaxle – If the gearshift
lever is not in “P” (Park) position, shift
into “P”. (If you need to re-start the
engine while the vehicle is moving, shift
into “N”.)
NOTE:
The engine of manual transaxle vehicle will
not start unless the clutch pedal is
depressed.
NOTE:
Automatic transaxle vehicles have a starter
interlock device which is designed to keep
the starter from operating if the transaxle is
in any of the drive positions.
Starting a Cold EngineWith your foot off the accelerator pedal,
crank the engine by turning the ignition key
to “START”. Release the key when the
engine starts.
If the engine does not start after 15 sec-
onds of cranking, wait about 15 seconds,
then press down the accelerator pedal to
1/3 of its travel and try cranking the engine
again. Release the key and accelerator
pedal when the engine starts.
If the engine still does not start, try holding
the accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor while cranking. This should clear the
engine if it is flooded.
If you are unable to start the engine using
this procedure, consult your SUZUKI
dealer.Starting a Warm EngineUse the same procedure as for “Starting a
Cold Engine”.
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.
WARNING
Make sure that the parking brake is
set fully and the transaxle is in Neu-
tral (or Park for vehicles with an auto-
matic transaxle) before attempting to
start the engine.
CAUTION
 Stop turning the starter immedi-
ately after the engine has started or
the starter system can be dam-
aged.
 Do not crank the engine for more
than 15 seconds at a time. If the
engine doesn’t start on the first try,
wait about 15 seconds before try-
ing again.
Daily Inspection Checklist: NO
Starting the Engine: 1

6-10
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J21-03E
Brake Assist SystemWhen you slam the brakes on, the brake
assist system judges as an emergency
stop and provides more powerful braking
for a driver who cannot hold down the
brake pedal firmly.
NOTE:
If you depress the brakes forcefully, you
may hear a clicking sound in the brake
pedal. This is normal and indicates that the
brake assist system is activated properly.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
(if equipped)ABS will help you avoid skidding by elec-
tronically controlling braking pressure. It
will also help you maintain steering control
when braking on slippery surfaces or when
braking hard.
The ABS works automatically, so you do
not need any special braking technique.
Just push the brake pedal down without
pumping. The ABS will operate whenever it
senses that the wheels are locking up.
You may feel the brake pedal pulsate while
the ABS is operating.
NOTE:
The ABS will not work if vehicle speed is
under 5 – 6 km/h (3 – 4 mph).
WARNING
Even without reserve power in the
brake system, you can still stop the
vehicle by pressing the brake pedal
harder than normally required. How-
ever, the stopping distance may be
longer.
WARNING
 On some types of loose surfaces
(such as gravel, snow-covered
roads, etc.), the stopping distance
required for an ABS-equipped vehi-
cle may be slightly greater than for
a comparable vehicle with a con-
ventional brake system. With a
conventional brake system, skid-
ding tires are able to “plow” the
gravel or snow layer, shortening
the stopping distance. ABS mini-
mizes this resistance effect. Allow
for extra stopping distance when
driving on loose surfaces.
 On regular paved roads, some driv-
ers may be able to obtain slightly
shorter stopping distances with
conventional brake systems than
with ABS.
 In both of the above conditions,
ABS will still offer the advantage of
helping you maintain directional
control. However, remember that
ABS will not compensate for bad
road or weather conditions or poor
driver judgment. Use good judg-
ment and do not drive faster than
conditions will safely allow.
Catalytic Converter: NO
Improving Fuel Economy: NO

6-11OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J21-03E
54G140
65D451
How the ABS WorksA computer continuously monitors wheel
speed. The computer compares the
changes in wheel speed when braking. If
the wheels slow suddenly, indicating a
skidding situation, the computer will
change braking pressure several times
each second to prevent the wheels from
locking. When you start your vehicle or
when you accelerate after a hard stop, you
may hear a momentary motor or clicking
noise as the system resets or checks itself.
WARNING
If the ABS warning light ((1) or (2)) on
the instrument panel comes on and
stays on while driving, there may be a
problem with the ABS system.
If this happens:
1) Pull off the road and stop care-
fully.
2) Turn the ignition switch to “LOCK”
and then start the engine again.
If the warning light comes on briefly
then turns off, the system is normal.
If the warning light still stays on,
have the system inspected by your
SUZUKI dealer immediately. If the
ABS system becomes inoperative,
the brake system will function as an
ordinary brake system that has no
ABS.
or
WARNING
If the ABS warning light ((1) or (2))
and the Brake system warning light
(3) on the instrument panel simulta-
neously stay on or come on when
driving, both anti-lock function and
rear brake force control function
(Proportioning valve function) of the
ABS system may have failed. This
could cause the rear wheels to skid
or the vehicle to spin during braking
on a slippery road or hard braking on
a dry paved road. If both warning
lights come on, drive carefully, avoid-
ing hard braking as much as possi-
ble, and ask your SUZUKI dealer to
inspect the ABS system immediately.
(1) (2)
(3)or
WARNING
The ABS may not work properly if
tires or wheels other than those
specified in the owner’s manual are
used. This is because the ABS works
by comparing changes in wheel
speed. When replacing tires or
wheels, use only the size and type
specified in this owner’s manual.
Improving Fuel Economy: NO

6-13OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J21-03E
The ESP
® indicator lights are described
below:
SLIP Indicator Light
66J033
When one of the ESP
® systems other than
ABS is activated, the SLIP indicator light in
the instrument cluster blinks 5 times per
second.
NOTE:
When the SLIP indicator light comes on
and stays on while driving, indicating a
malfunction of the ESP® systems (other
than ABS), the brake system will function
as an ordinary ABS with no additional
ESP
® functions.NOTE:
When you disconnect and re-connect the
battery, ESP
® system functions other than
ABS will be deactivated and the slip indica-
tor light will blink 1 time per second. In this
case, use the following procedure to re-
activate the ESP
® systems:
1) Drive your vehicle straight ahead with-
out tire slippage at a speed until the slip
indicator is turned off. (Drive straight for
approximately 35 km/h (22 mph) or
more and 10 seconds or more.)
2) The slip indicator light will go out and
the ESP
® systems (other than ABS) will
be re-activated.
It may take more than few seconds before
the slip indicator light goes out depending
on the road surface condition.
“ESP” Warning Light
66J031
When the ESP
® systems (other than ABS)
have a system malfunction, the “ESP”
warning light in the instrument cluster
comes on.
WARNING
 The ESP
® may not work properly if
tires or wheels other than those
specified in the Owner’s Manual are
used. When replacing tires or
wheels, use only the size and type
specified in this Owner’s Manual.
 The ESP® may not work properly if
tires are not inflated to the recom-
mended tire inflation pressure.
 The ESP® may not work properly if
tires are fitted with tire chains.
 The ESP® may not work properly if
the tires are excessively worn. Be
sure to replace tires when the tread
wear indicators in the grooves
appear on the tread surface.
 The ESP® is not a substitute for
winter tires or tire chains on a snow
covered road.
WARNING
 The ESP
® may not work properly if
engine related parts such as the
muffler are not equivalent to stan-
dard equipment or are extremely
deteriorated.
 Do not modify the vehicle’s sus-
pension since the ESP
® may not
operate correctly.
CAUTION
If the SLIP indicator light comes on
and stays on while driving, there may
be a malfunction of the ESP
® sys-
tems (other than ABS). You should
have the systems inspected by an
authorized SUZUKI dealer.

6-14
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J21-03E
NOTE:
When the “ESP” warning light comes on,
or stays on while driving, indicating a mal-
function of the ESP
® systems (other than
ABS), the brake system will function as an
ordinary ABS that has no additional ESP
®
functions.“ESP OFF” Indicator Light
66J032
You should turn the ESP
® on during your
ordinary driving, so that you have the ben-
efits of all of the ESP
® systems.
It may be required to turn the ESP
® sys-
tems (other than ABS) off if your vehicle is
stuck in sand, mud, or snow, where wheel
spin is necessary.“ESP OFF” switch
62J142
When the “ESP OFF” switch located at the
center console is pushed and held to turn
off the ESP
® systems (other than ABS),
the “ESP OFF” indicator light in the instru-
ment cluster comes on.
When you have turned the ESP
® systems
(other than ABS) off, make sure to turn
them back on before resuming ordinary
driving.
When you push the “ESP OFF” switch
again, the “ESP OFF” indicator light will go
out and all of the ESP
® systems will be
activated.
ABS Warning Light / Brake System
Warning LightSee “Braking” in the “OPERATING YOUR
VEHICLE” section.
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)The tire pressure monitoring system is
designed to alert you when one or more of
the tires on your vehicle is significantly
under-inflated. A Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) sensor containing a
unique identification code is mounted on
each wheel. The TPMS sensors transmit
tire pressure signals to a central receiver
which relays the information to a tire pres-
sure monitoring system controller. When
the inflation pressure of one or more tires
indicates significant under-inflation, the low
tire pressure warning light shown below
comes on.
CAUTION
If the “ESP” warning light comes on,
or stays on while driving, there may
be a malfunction of the ESP
® sys-
tems (other than ABS). You should
have the systems inspected by an
authorized SUZUKI dealer.

6-15OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J21-03E
Low Tire Pressure Warning Light
52D305
WARNING
Each tire, including the spare (if pro-
vided), should be checked monthly
when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehi-
cle manufacturer on the vehicle plac-
ard or tire inflation pressure label. (If
your vehicle has tires of a different
size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pres-
sure label, you should determine the
proper tire inflation pressure for
those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your
vehicle has been equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
that illuminates a low tire pressure
telltale when one or more of your
tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pres-
sure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the
proper pressure.
(Continued)
WARNING
(Continued)
Driving on a significantly under-
inflated tire causes the tire to over-
heat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel effi-
ciency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver’s responsi-
bility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumi-
nation of the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale.
WARNING
The tire pressure monitoring system
is not a substitute for regular tire
pressure inspections. Check tire
inflation pressures monthly when
cold and set to the recommended
inflation pressure as specified on the
vehicle’s tire information placard and
in the owner’s manual. Refer to
“Tires” in the “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section.
WARNING
If the low tire pressure warning light
does not come on when the ignition
is turned to the “ON” position, or
comes on and blinks while driving
there may be a problem with the tire
pressure monitoring system. Have
your vehicle inspected by an autho-
rized SUZUKI dealer. Even if the light
turns off after blinking, indicating
that the monitoring system has
recovered, make sure to have an
authorized SUZUKI dealer check the
system.
WARNING
The load rating of your tires is
reduced at lower inflation pressures.
If your tires become even moderately
under-inflated, the vehicle load may
exceed the load rating of the tires,
which can lead to tire failure. The low
tire pressure warning light will not
alert you of this condition. The warn-
ing light will only come on when one
or more of your tires become signifi-
cantly under-inflated. Check and
adjust your tire inflation pressure at
least once a month. Refer to “Tires”
in the “INSPECTION AND MAINTE-
NANCE” section.

6-16
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J21-03E
The low tire pressure warning light can
come on due to normal causes such as
natural air leaks and pressure changes
caused by changes in temperature or
atmospheric pressure. Adjusting the air
pressure in the tires to the pressure shownon the tire information placard should
cause the low tire pressure warning light to
turn off.
If the light turns on again shortly after
adjusting the pressure in your tires, you
may have a flat tire. If you have a flat tire,
replace it with the spare tire. Refer to
“Jacking Instructions” in the “EMER-
GENCY SERVICE” section. Refer to
“Replacing Tires and/or Wheels” for
instructions on how to restore normal oper-
ation of the tire pressure monitoring sys-
tem after you have had a flat tire.
NOTE:
 When the tire inflation pressure is
adjusted in high altitude areas, the low
tire pressure light may not turn off even
after tire inflation pressure adjustment.
In this case, adjust the inflation pressure
to a slightly higher pressure than is
shown on the tire information placard.
 The low tire pressure warning light may
turn off temporarily after coming on. This
could be due to surface temperature
increases after long distance driving or
traveling to a high temperature area.
Even if the tire pressure warning light
turns off after coming on, make sure to
check the inflation pressure of all tires.
 To reduce the chance that the low tire
pressure warning light will come on due
to normal changes in temperature and
atmospheric pressure, it is important to
check and adjust the tire pressureswhen the tires are cold. Tires that
appear to be at the specified pressure
when checked after driving, when the
tires are warm, could have pressure
below the specification when the tires
cool down. Also, tires that are inflated to
the specified pressure in a warm garage
may have pressure below the specifica-
tion when the vehicle is driven outside in
very cold temperature. If you adjust the
tire pressure in a garage that is warmer
than the outside temperature, you
should add 1 psi to the recommended
cold tire inflation pressure for every 10°F
difference between garage temperature
and outside temperature.
For tire inflation pressure information, refer
to “Tire Inflation Pressure” in the “INSPEC-
TION AND MAINTENANCE” section.
WARNING
If the low tire pressure warning light
comes on and stays on, reduce your
speed and avoid abrupt steering and
braking. Stop in a safe place as soon
as possible and check your tires.
 If you have a flat tire, replace it with
the spare tire. Refer to “Jacking
Instructions” in the “EMERGENCY
SERVICE” section. Refer to
“Replacing Tires and/or Wheels”
for instructions on how to restore
normal operation of the tire pres-
sure monitoring system after you
have had a flat tire.
 If one or more of your tires is
under-inflated adjust the inflation
pressure in all of your tires to the
recommended inflation pressure as
soon as possible.
Be aware that driving on a signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire can cause
the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure, and may affect steering
control and brake effectiveness. This
could lead to an accident, resulting in
severe injury or death.

6-17OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J21-03E
TPMS Malfunction Indicator
When you turn off the engine, however, the
malfunction indicator resets. It takes about
ten minutes after restarting the engine for
the malfunction to be detected again and
for the light to start flashing.
TPMS LimitationsThe tire pressure monitoring system may
not function properly under certain circum-
stances. In the following situations, the low
tire pressure warning light may come on
and remain on or may blink.
 When you replace a flat tire with the
spare tire.
 When you include the spare tire during a
tire rotation.
 When the TPMS sensor is damaged dur-
ing a tire replacement or liquid sealants
are used to repair a flat tire.
WARNING
Your vehicle also has been equipped
with a TPMS malfunction indicator to
indicate when the system is not oper-
ating properly.
WARNING
The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure
telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then
remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long
as the malfunction exists.
WARNING
When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pres-
sure as intended. TPMS malfunctions
may occur for a variety of reasons,
including the installation of replace-
ment or alternate tires or wheels on
the vehicle that prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale
after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that
the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to
function properly.
CAUTION
 The tire pressure sensors can be
damaged by the installation or
removal of tires. When tires must
be repaired or replaced, we highly
recommend that you have them
repaired or replaced by an autho-
rized SUZUKI dealer.
 Do not use liquid sealants for a flat
tire as air pressure sensors can be
damaged.
 If the low tire pressure warning
light comes on frequently, there
may be something wrong with one
of the tires or with the monitoring
system. Have your vehicle
inspected by an authorized SUZUKI
dealer.

8-2
VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
80J21-03E
Trailer Towing
54G639
Do not use your vehicle to tow a trailer. The
vehicle is not designed or intended for
such use. Towing a trailer can adversely
affect handling, durability and fuel econ-
omy.
Towing Your Vehicle
(recreational towing)Your vehicle may be towed behind another
vehicle (such as a motorhome), provided
you use the proper towing method speci-
fied for your vehicle. The towing method
you must use depends on the specifica-
tions of your vehicle: whether it is a 2-
wheel drive (2WD) or intelligent All Wheel
Drive (i-AWD) vehicle.
Use the towing instruction table to select
the proper towing method for your vehicle,
and carefully follow the corresponding
instructions. Be sure to use proper towing
equipment designed for recreational tow-
ing and make sure that towing speed does
not exceed 90 km/h (55 mph).TOWING INSTRUCTION TABLE
80J010
WARNING
Always use a safety chain when tow-
ing your vehicle and be sure to
observe federal, state, and local
requirements for trailer hitches, tow
bars, lights, etc.
DRIVE
TRAINTRAN-
SAXLETOWING
METHOD
2WDA/T (AUTO)A
M/T
(MANUAL)A B
i-AWD
including
2WD modeA/Tnone
M/TB
CAUTION
For the automatic transaxle of intelli-
gent All Wheel Drive (i-AWD) models,
don’t tow your vehicle behind
another vehicle such as a motor-
home, or the drive train may be seri-
ously damaged.
Trailer Towing: 5, 11, 13
Towing Your Vehicle (recreational towing): 13

9-21INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
80J21-03E
BrakesBrake Fluid
80J004
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 DOT3 brake fluid.
80J104
EXAMPLE
WARNING
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 SUZUKI dealer to
inspect the brake system.
 A rapid fluid loss indicates a leak in
the brake system which should be
inspected by your SUZUKI dealer
immediately.
 Brake fluid can harm your eyes and
damage painted surfaces. Use cau-
tion when refilling the reservoir.
(Continued)
or
WARNING
(Continued)
 Do not use any fluid other than
DOT3 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.
WARNING
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.
CAUTION
The brake fluid should be replaced
according to the maintenance sched-
ule. Have the brake fluid replaced by
your SUZUKI dealer.
Clutch Pedal: 6
Tires: 6