catalytic converter SUZUKI SX4 2008 1.G Owners Manual

OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
6
80J21-03E
60G408
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLEExhaust Gas Warning ......................................................... 6-1
Daily Inspection Checklist .................................................. 6-1
Starting the Engine ............................................................. 6-2
Engine Block Heater (if equipped) ..................................... 6-4
Using the Transaxle ............................................................ 6-5
Using the 2WD/i-AWD (intelligent All Wheel Drive)
Switch (if equipped) ............................................................ 6-7
Braking ................................................................................. 6-9
Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) (if equipped) .......... 6-12
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ........................ 6-14
Break-In ................................................................................ 6-18
Catalytic Converter ............................................................. 6-19
Improving Fuel Economy ................................................... 6-20

6-9OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J21-03E
Braking
60G165
The distance needed to bring any vehicle
to a halt increases with the speed of the
vehicle. The braking distance needed, for
example, at 60 km/h (37 mph) will be
approximately 4 times greater than the
braking distance needed at 30 km/h (19
mph). Start to brake the vehicle when there
is plenty of distance between your vehicle
and the stopping point, and slow down
gradually.
Power Assisted BrakesYour vehicle has power assisted brakes. If
power assistance is lost due to a stalled
engine or other failures, the system is still
fully operational on reserve power and you
can bring the vehicle to a complete stop by
pressing the brake pedal once and holding
it down. The reserve power is partly used
up when you depress the brake pedal and
reduces each time the pedal is pressed.
Apply smooth and even pressure to the
pedal. Do not pump the pedal.
CAUTION
Unevenly worn tires can cause prob-
lems in the operation of the 2WD/i-
AWD switch. Be sure to rotate the
tires according to the maintenance
schedule. Refer to “Tires” and “Main-
tenance Schedule” in the “INSPEC-
TION AND MAINTENANCE” section
for proper tire rotation procedures.
WARNING
If water gets into the brake drums,
brake performance may become poor
and unpredictable.
After driving through water or wash-
ing the underside of the vehicle, test
the brakes while driving at a slow
speed to see if they have maintained
their normal effectiveness. If the
brakes are less effective than normal,
dry them by repeatedly applying the
brakes while driving slowly until the
brakes have regained their normal
effectiveness.
Braking: 6
Break-In: 6
Catalytic Converter: NO

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

6-19OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J21-03E
Catalytic Converter
54G236
The purpose of the catalytic converter is to
minimize the amount of harmful pollutants
in your vehicle’s exhaust. Use of leaded
fuel in vehicles equipped with catalytic
converters is prohibited by federal law,
because lead deactivates the pollutant-
reducing components of the catalyst sys-
tem.
The converter is designed to last the life of
the vehicle under normal usage and when
unleaded fuel is used. No special mainte-
nance is required on the converter. How-
ever, it is very important to keep the engine
properly tuned. Engine misfiring, which
can result from an improperly tuned
engine, may cause overheating of the cat-
alyst. This may result in permanent heat
damage to the catalyst and other vehicle
components.
54G584S
CAUTION
To minimize the possibility of catalyst
or other vehicle damage:
 Maintain the engine in the proper
operating condition.
 In the event of an engine malfunc-
tion, particularly one involving
engine misfire or other apparent
loss of performance, have the vehi-
cle serviced promptly.
 Do not shut off the engine or inter-
rupt the ignition when the transaxle
is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
 Do not try to start the engine by
pushing or towing the vehicle or
coasting down a hill.
 Do not idle the engine with any
spark plug wires disconnected or
removed, such as during diagnos-
tic testing.
 Do not idle the vehicle for pro-
longed periods if idling seems
rough or there are other malfunc-
tions.
 Do not allow the fuel tank to get
near the empty level.
WARNING
Be careful where you park and drive;
the catalytic converter and other
exhaust components can get very
hot. As with any vehicle, do not park
or operate this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials such as dry
grass or leaves can come in contact
with a hot exhaust system.

10-3EMERGENCY SERVICE
80J21-03E
Jump Starting Instructions
When jump starting your vehicle, use
the following procedure:
60A269
1) Use only a 12 volt battery to jump start
your vehicle. Position the good 12V bat-
tery close to your vehicle so that the
jumper cables will reach both batteries.
When using a battery installed on
another vehicle, DO NOT LET THE
VEHICLES TOUCH. Set the parking
brakes fully on both vehicles.2) Turn off all vehicle accessories, except
those necessary for safety reasons (for
example, headlights or hazard lights).
54G079
3) Make jumper cable connections as fol-
lows:
1. Connect one end of the first jumper
cable to the positive (+) terminal of
the discharged battery (1).
2. Connect the other end to the positive
(+) terminal of the booster battery
(2).
3. Connect one end of the second
jumper cable to the negative (–) ter-
minal of the booster battery (2).
4. Make the final connection to an
unpainted, heavy metal part (i.e.
engine hook (3)) of the engine of the
vehicle with the discharged battery
(1).
WARNING
 Never attempt to jump start your
vehicle if the battery appears to be
frozen. Batteries in this condition
may explode or rupture if jump
starting is attempted.
 When making jumper cable con-
nections, be certain that your
hands and the jumper cables
remain clear from pulleys, belts or
fans.
 Batteries produce flammable
hydrogen gas. Keep flames and
sparks away from the battery or an
explosion may occur. Never smoke
when working near the battery.
 If the booster battery you use for
jump starting is installed in another
vehicle, make sure the two vehicles
are not touching each other.
 If your battery discharges repeat-
edly, for no apparent reason, have
your vehicle inspected by an autho-
rized SUZUKI dealer.
 To avoid harm to yourself or dam-
age to your vehicle or battery, fol-
low the jump starting instructions
below precisely and in order. If you
are in doubt, call for qualified road
service.
CAUTION
Your vehicle should not be started by
pushing or towing. This starting
method could result in permanent
damage to the catalytic converter.
Use jumper cables to start a vehicle
with a weak or run-down battery.12V BATTERY
(1)
(3)
(2)
EXAMPLE
Jacking Instructions: 5

11-2
APPEARANCE CARE
80J21-03E
Keep passenger and cargo compart-
ments clean
Moisture, dirt or mud can accumulate
under the floor mats and may cause corro-
sion. Occasionally, check under these
mats to ensure that this area is clean and
dry. More frequent checks are necessary if
the vehicle is used off road or in wet
weather.
Certain cargo such as chemicals, fertiliz-
ers, cleaners, salts, etc. are extremely cor-
rosive by nature. These products should
be transported in sealed containers. If a
spill or leak does occur, clean and dry the
area immediately.
Use the body trim
The use of the body trim will help protect
your vehicle, especially if you frequently
drive on gravel or salted roads. The fittings
for such guards should also be corrosion
resistant. Please check with your autho-
rized SUZUKI dealer for information on
these guards.
Store your vehicle in a dry, well-venti-
lated area
Do not park your vehicle in a damp, poorly
ventilated area. If you often wash your
vehicle in the garage or if you frequently
drive it in when wet, your garage may be
damp. The high humidity in the garage
may cause or accelerate corrosion. A wet
vehicle may corrode even in a heated
garage if the ventilation is poor.Cover your vehicle
50G203
If you can not regularly park your vehicle in
a garage, we recommend you use a vehi-
cle cover. Years of exposure to midday sun
can cause the colors in paint, plastic parts
and fabrics to fade. Covering your vehicle
with a high-quality, “breathable” vehicle
cover can help protect the finish from the
harmful UV rays in sunlight, and can
reduce the amount of dust and air pollution
reaching the surface. Your SUZUKI dealer
can help you select the right cover for your
vehicle.
WARNING
Do not apply additional undercoating
or rust preventive coating on or
around exhaust system components
such as the catalytic converter,
exhaust pipes, etc. A fire could be
started if the undercoating substance
becomes overheated.
Corrosion Prevention:

15-1
INDEX
15
80J21-03E
INDEXSymbols“CRUISE” Indicator Light...................................................... 4-8
“ESP OFF” Indicator Light ........................................... 4-6, 6-14
“ESP OFF” Switch ............................................................... 4-13
“ESP” (Electronic Stability Program) Warning Light ......... 4-5
“ESP” Warning Light ........................................................... 6-13
“PASS AIRBAG OFF” Indicator .......................................... 4-20
“SET” Indicator Light ............................................................ 4-8Numerics2WD/i-AWD (intelligent All Wheel Drive) Switch ............... 4-14
4-Speed Automatic Transaxle .............................................. 6-5AA/T Selector Position Indicator .......................................... 4-10
Accelerator Pedal .................................................................. 5-2
Accessory Socket ................................................................ 5-11
Adding Coolant .................................................................... 9-18
Adjusting Seat Position ...................................................... 2-20
Adjusting Seatbacks ........................................................... 2-20
AIR BAG Light ........................................................................ 4-7
Air Cleaner............................................................................ 9-19
Air Conditioning System ..................................................... 9-48
All Seat Belts ........................................................................ 2-25
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .......................................... 6-10
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light ................... 4-5
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) ....................................... 6-12
Assist Grips............................................................................ 5-9
Audio Systems ..................................................................... 4-32
Automatic Heating and Air Conditioning System
(Climate Control).................................................................. 4-28Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) ................................... 2-24
Automatic Transaxle Fluid .................................................. 9-16
BBasic Operations.................................................................. 4-35
Battery ................................................................................... 9-35
Brake Assist System............................................................ 6-10
Brake Fluid............................................................................ 9-21
Brake Pedal.................................................................... 5-2, 9-22
Brake System Warning Light ................................................ 4-4
Brakes ................................................................................... 9-21
Braking .................................................................................... 6-9
Break-In ................................................................................. 6-18
Bulb Replacement ................................................................ 9-39CCatalytic Converter .............................................................. 6-19
Changing Engine Oil and Filter........................................... 9-12
Changing Wheels ................................................................. 9-31
Charging Light........................................................................ 4-6
Child Lock System (rear doors) .......................................... 2-13
Child Restraint Systems ...................................................... 2-29
Cigarette Lighter and Ashtray............................................. 4-16
Clock ..................................................................................... 4-17
Clutch Pedal .................................................................. 5-2, 9-24
Compact Spare Tire ............................................................. 9-30
Coolant Level Check ............................................................ 9-18
Coolant Replacement .......................................................... 9-18
Corrosion Prevention .......................................................... 11-1
Cruise Control ........................................................................ 3-9
Cup Holder and Storage Area ............................................. 5-11DDaily Inspection Checklist..................................................... 6-1