Automatic transaxle fluid level check SUZUKI SX4 2008 1.G Owners Manual

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

9-5INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
80J21-03E
R: Replace or change
I : Inspect, clean, adjust, lubricate or replace as necessaryInterval: This interval should be judged by odometer
reading or months, whichever comes first.miles (x 1000) 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60 67.5 75
km (x 1000) 12.5 25 37.5 50 62.5 75 87.5 100 112.5 125
months 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60 67.5 75CHASSIS AND BODY
1. Clutch (for manual transaxle)
Pedal and fluid level
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*2. Brake discs and pads (front, rear) I – I – I – I – I –
Brake drums and shoes
(rear)
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
*3. Brake hoses and pipes I – I – I – I – I –
4.Brake fluid level check, *replacement
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
R
–
I
5. Brake pedal stroke check, *adjustment – I – I – I – I – I
6.Parking brake lever and *cableLever movement check, *adjustment I – I – I – I – I –7.Tires (including tire rotation)
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
8. Wheel discs I I I I I I I I I I
*9.
Suspension system
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
*10. Propeller shafts (i-AWD)/Drive axle boots I I I I I I I I I I
*11.
Manual transaxle oilLevel check, *replacement I – – R – I – R – I
12.
Automatic transaxle (A/T)
Fluid level
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*Fluid change Replace every 175000 km (105000 miles)-----4-speed A/T
*Fluid hose
–
–
–
–
–
I
–
–
–
–
*13. Transfer oil (i-AWD) I – – I – I – R – I
*14.
Rear differential oil (i-AWD)
R
–
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
15. Steering system
Steering wheel movement,
*linkage
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
16. Power steering (if equipped) I I I I I I I I I I
17.
All latches, hinges and locks
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
18. Air conditioner filter element (if equipped) – I – R – I – R – I
Maintenance Recommended under Severe Driving Condi-
tions: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10

9-6
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
80J21-03E
R: Replace or change
I : Inspect, clean, adjust, lubricate or replace as necessary
NOTE:
This table shows the service schedule up to 250000 km (150000 miles).
Beyond 250000 km (150000 miles), perform the same services at the same intervals shown in the chart.
Beyond 250000 km (150000 miles), the maintenance services enclosed with a rectangle are required.Interval: This interval should be judged by odometer
reading or months, whichever comes first.miles (x 1000) 82.5 90 97.5 105 112.5 120 127.5 135 142.5 150
km (x 1000) 137.5 150 162.5 175 187.5 200 212.5 225 237.5 250
months 82.5 90 97.5 105 112.5 120 127.5 135 142.5 150CHASSIS AND BODY
1. Clutch (for manual transaxle)
Pedal and fluid level
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*2. Brake discs and pads (front, rear) I – I – I – I – I –
Brake drums and shoes
(rear)
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
*3. Brake hoses and pipes I – I – I – I – I –
4.Brake fluid level check, *replacement
–
I
–
I
–
R
–
I
–
I
5. Brake pedal stroke check, *adjustment – I – I – I – I – I
6.Parking brake lever and *cableLever movement check, *adjustment I – I – I – I – I –7.Tires (including tire rotation)
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
8. Wheel discs I I I I I I I I I I
*9.
Suspension system
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
*10. Propeller shafts (i-AWD)/Drive axle boots I I I I I I I I I I
*11.
Manual transaxle oilLevel check, *replacement – R – I – R – I – R
12.
Automatic transaxle (A/T)
Fluid level
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*Fluid change Replace every 175000 km (105000 miles)-----4-speed A/T
*Fluid hose
–
I
–
–
–
–
–
I
–
–
*13. Transfer oil (i-AWD) – I – I – R – I – I
*14.
Rear differential oil (i-AWD)
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
15. Steering system
Steering wheel movement,
*linkage
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
16. Power steering (if equipped) I I I I I I I I I I
17.
All latches, hinges and locks
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
18. Air conditioner filter element (if equipped) – R – I – R – I – R
Maintenance Recommended under Severe Driving Condi-
tions: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10

9-9INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
80J21-03E
R: Replace or change
I : Inspect, clean, adjust, lubricate or replace as necessaryInterval: This interval should be judged by odometer
reading or months, whichever comes first.miles (x 1000) 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39
km (x 1000) 5 101520253035404550556065
months 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39CHASSIS AND BODY
1. Clutch (for manual transaxle)
Pedal and fluid level
–
–
–
–
I
–
–
–
–
I
–
–
–
*2. Brake discs and pads (front, rear) – I – I – – – I – – – I –
Brake drums and shoes
(rear)
–
I
–
I
–
–
–
I
–
–
–
I
–
*3. Brake hoses and pipes – I – I – – – I – – – I –
4.Brake fluid level check, *replacement
–
–
–
–
I
–
–
–
–
I
–
–
–
5.Brake pedal stroke check, *adjustment –––– I –––– I –––
6.Parking brake lever and *cableLever movement check, *adjustment – I –– I –––– I –––7.Tires (including tire rotation)
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
8. Wheel discs – I – I – I – I – I – I –
*9.
Wheel bearings
–
–
–
I
–
–
–
I
–
–
–
I
–
*10. Suspension system – I – I – I – I – I – I –
*11.
Propeller shafts (i-AWD)/Drive axle boots
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
*12. Manual transaxle oil
Level check, *replacement
–
–
–
–
R
–
–
–
–
R
–
–
–
13.Automatic transaxle (A/T) Fluid level –––– I –––– I –––
*Fluid change
Replace every 80000 km (48000 miles)-----4-speed A/T
*Fluid hose –––––––––––––
*14.
Transfer oil (i-AWD)
–
–
–
–
R
–
–
–
–
R
–
–
–
*15.Rear differential oil (i-AWD) ––––R––––R–––
16.
Steering systemSteering wheel movement, *linkage – I – I – I – I – I – I –
17.
Power steering (if equipped)
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
18. All latches, hinges and locks – I – I – I – I – I – I –
19.
Air conditioner filter element (if equipped)*
1
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
R
–
I
–
Engine Oil and Filter: 1, 2

9-10
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
80J21-03E
R: Replace or change
I : Inspect, clean, adjust, lubricate or replace as necessary
NOTE:
This table shows the service schedule up to 125000 km (75000 miles).
Beyond 125000 km (75000 miles), perform the same services at the same intervals shown in the chart.
*1 Clean more frequently if the air flow from the air conditioner decreases.Interval: This interval should be judged by odometer
reading or months, whichever comes first.miles (x 1000) 42 45 48 51 54 57 60 63 66 69 72 75
km (x 1000) 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125
months 42 45 48 51 54 57 60 63 66 69 72 75CHASSIS AND BODY
1. Clutch (for manual transaxle)
Pedal and fluid level
–
I
–
–
–
–
I
–
–
–
–
I
*2. Brake discs and pads (front, rear) – – I – – – I – – – I –
Brake drums and shoes
(rear)
–
–
I
–
–
–
I
–
–
–
I
–
*3. Brake hoses and pipes – – I – – – I – – – I –
4.Brake fluid level check, *replacement
–
I
–
–
–
–
R
–
–
–
–
I
5.Brake pedal stroke check, *adjustment – I –––– I –––– I
6.Parking brake lever and *cableLever movement check, *adjustment – I –––– I –––– I7.Tires (including tire rotation)
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
8.Wheel discs I–I–I–I–I–I–
*9.
Wheel bearings
–
–
I
–
–
–
I
–
–
–
I
–
*10. Suspension system I – I – I – I – I – I –
*11.
Propeller shafts (i-AWD)/Drive axle boots
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
*12. Manual transaxle oil
Level check, *replacement
–
R
–
–
–
–
R
–
–
–
–
R
13.Automatic transaxle (A/T) Fluid level – I –––– I –––– I
*Fluid change
Replace every 80000 km (48000 miles)-----4-speed A/T
*Fluid hose – I ––––––––––
*14.
Transfer oil (i-AWD)
–
R
–
–
–
–
R
–
–
–
–
R
*15.Rear differential oil (i-AWD) –R––––R––––R
16.
Steering systemSteering wheel movement, *linkage I – I – I – I – I – I –
17.
Power steering (if equipped)
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
18. All latches, hinges and locks I – I – I – I – I – I –
19.
Air conditioner filter element (if equipped)*
1
I
–
I
–
I
–
R
–
I
–
I
–
Engine Oil and Filter: 1, 2
Gear Oil: 6, 10

9-12
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
80J21-03E
Refilling
81A147
Remove the oil filler cap and pour oil slowly
through the filler hole to bring the oil level
to the upper limit on the dipstick. Be careful
not to overfill. Too much oil is almost as
bad as too little oil. After refilling, start the
engine and allow it to idle for about a
minute. Stop the engine, wait about 5 min-
utes and check the oil level again.
Changing Engine Oil and Filter
60G306
Drain the engine oil while the engine is still
warm.
1) Remove the oil filler cap.
2) Place a drain pan under the drain plug.
3) Using a wrench, remove the drain plug
and drain out the engine oil.4) Reinstall the drain plug and gasket.
Tighten the plug with a wrench to the
specified torque.
EXAMPLEOpen Close
WARNING
The engine oil temperature may be
high enough to burn your fingers
when the drain plug is loosened. Wait
until the drain plug is cool enough to
touch with your bare hands.EXAMPLE
WARNING
New and used oil and solvent can be
hazardous. Children and pets may be
harmed by swallowing new or used
oil or solvent. Repeated, prolonged
contact with used engine oil may
cause [skin] cancer. Brief contact
with used oil or solvent may irritate
skin.
 Keep new and used oil and solvent
away from children and pets.
 Wear a long-sleeve shirt and water-
proof gloves.
 Wash with soap if oil or solvent
contacts your skin.
Tightening torque specification
35 Nm (25.3 lb-ft, 3.5 kg-m)
Automatic Transaxle Fluid: 10

9-13INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
80J21-03E
Replace the Oil Filter
60A198
1) Remove the engine under cover.
2) Using an oil filter wrench, turn the oil fil-
ter counterclockwise and remove it.
3) Using a clean rag, wipe off the mount-
ing surface on the engine where the
new filter will be seated.
4) Smear a little engine oil around the rub-
ber gasket of the new oil filter.
5) Screw on the new filter by hand until the
filter gasket contacts the mounting sur-
face.
54G093
(1) Oil filter
(2) 3/4 turn
6) Tighten the filter 3/4 turn from the point
of contact with the mounting surface (or
to the specified torque) using an oil filter
wrench.
Refill with Oil and Check for Leaks1) Pour oil through the filler hole and
install the filler cap.
For the approximate capacity of the oil,
refer to the “Capacities” item in the
“SPECIFICATIONS” section.
2) Start the engine and look carefully for
leaks at the oil filter and drain plug. Run
the engine at various speeds for at least
5 minutes.
3) Stop the engine and wait about 5 min-
utes. Check the oil level again and add
oil if necessary. Check for leaks again.
CAUTION
To tighten the oil filter properly, it is
important to accurately identify the
position at which the filter gasket
first contacts the mounting surface.
Tightening torque specification
14 Nm (10.0 lb-ft, 1.4 kg-m)
CAUTION
To prevent oil leakage, make sure
that the oil filter is tight, but do not
overtighten it.
CAUTION
When replacing the oil filter, it is rec-
ommended that you use a genuine
SUZUKI replacement filter. If you use
an after-market filter, make sure it is
of equivalent quality and carefully fol-
low the manufacturer’s instructions
and precautions.
Automatic Transaxle Fluid: 10
Engine Coolant: 1, 2

9-15INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
80J21-03E
Manual transaxle
54G097
Transfer case (i-AWD)
80J007
(1) Oil filler and level plugRear differential (i-AWD)
80J015
(1) Oil filler and level plug
Tightening torque
Gear Oil Level CheckThe manual transaxle, transfer gears (i-
AWD A/T) and rear differential (i-AWD) are
lubricated with gear oil. To check the gear
oil level in any of the above locations, use
the following procedure:
1) Park the vehicle on a level surface. Set
parking brake and stop the engine.
2) Remove the oil filler plug (1).
3) Check the inside of the hole with your
finger. If the oil level comes up to the
bottom of the plug hole, the oil level is
correct. If so, reinstall the plug.
4) If the oil level is low, add gear oil
through the filler plug hole (1) until the
oil level reaches the bottom of the filler
hole.Gear Oil ReplacementSince special procedures, materials and
tools are required to change the automatic
transaxle oil, it is recommended that you
trust this job to your authorized SUZUKI
dealer.
(1)
Oil Filler Plug
Manual transaxle21 Nm
(15.2 lb-ft)
(2.1 kg-m)
Transfer 23 Nm
(16.6 lb-ft)
(2.3 kg-m) Rear differential
(1)
Engine Coolant: 1, 2
Windshield Washer Fluid: 3

9-16
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
80J21-03E
Automatic Transaxle FluidSpecified FluidUse an automatic transaxle fluid equivalent
to DEXRON
®-III.
Fluid Level CheckYou must check the fluid level with the
automatic transaxle fluid at normal operat-
ing temperature.
To check the fluid level:
1) To warm up the transaxle fluid, drive the
vehicle or idle the engine until the tem-
perature gauge indicates normal oper-
ating temperature.
2) Then drive for ten more minutes.
NOTE:
Do not check the fluid level if you have just
driven the vehicle for a long time at high
speed, or if you have driven in city traffic in
hot weather. Wait until the fluid cools down
(about 30 minutes), or the fluid level indica-
tion will not be correct.
3) Park your vehicle on level ground.
4) Apply the parking brake and then start
the engine in “P” (Park). Let it idle for
two minutes and keep it running during
the fluid level check.5) With your foot on the brake pedal, move
the gearshift lever through each gear,
pausing for about three seconds in
each range. Then move it back to the
“P” (Park) position.
75F08654G317
(1) FULL
(2) LOW
(3) The lowest point = Fluid level
6) The handle of the A/T fluid dipstick is
colored red for easy identification.
Remove the dipstick, clean it and push
it back in until the cap seats. Pull out
the dipstick and read the fluid level.
The fluid level should be between the
two marks in the “HOT” range on the
dipstick.
7) Add just enough specified fluid through
the dipstick hole to fill the transaxle to
the proper level. It takes only 0.4 liters
(0.85 US pt) for 4-speed automatic tran-
saxle to raise the level from “LOW” to
“FULL”.
CAUTION
Driving with too much or too little
fluid can damage the transaxle.
WARNING
Be sure to depress the brake pedal
when moving the gearshift lever, or
the vehicle can move suddenly.
(1)(2) (3)(1)
(2)(3)
Windshield Washer Fluid: 3
Air Cleaner: 1, 2

10-6
EMERGENCY SERVICE
80J21-03E
If the temperature indication does not
return to the normal condition:
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.)
65D614
If You Can Not Shift
Automatic Transaxle
Gearshift Lever Out of “P”
(PARK)
62J083
Vehicles with an automatic transaxle have
an electrically operated park-lock feature.
If the vehicle’s battery is discharged, or
there is some other electrical failure, the
automatic transaxle cannot be shifted out
of Park in the normal way. Jump starting
may correct the condition. If not, follow the
procedure described below. This proce-
dure will permit changing the transaxle out
of Park.
1) Be sure the parking brake is firmly
applied.
2) If the engine is running, stop the
engine.
WARNING
 It is hazardous to remove the radia-
tor cap when the water temperature
is high, because scalding fluid and
steam may be blown out under
pressure. The cap should only be
taken off when the coolant temper-
ature has lowered.
 To 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 warning.
(1)
If the Starter Does Not Operate: 2, 9
If the Engine is Flooded: 2, 9
If the Engine Overheats: 2, 9