steering SUZUKI SX4 2010 1.G User Guide

3-3OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J23-03E
Vehicle Without Keyless Start
System
60B041
The ignition switch has the following four
positions:
LOCK
This is the normal parking position. It is the
only position in which the key can be
removed.Manual transaxle
60A055
Manual transaxle vehicles
You must push in the key to turn it to the
“LOCK” position. It locks the ignition, and
prevents normal use of the steering
wheel after the key is removed.
CVT vehicles
The gearshift lever must be in the “P”
(Park) position to turn the key to the
“LOCK” position. It locks the ignition and
prevents normal use of the steering
wheel and gearshift lever.
To release the steering lock, insert the key
and turn it clockwise to one of the other
positions. If you have trouble turning the
key to unlock the steering, try turning the
steering wheel slightly to the right or left
while turning the key.ACC
Accessories such as the radio can oper-
ate, but the engine is off.
ON
This is the normal operating position. All
electrical systems are on.
START
This is the position for starting the engine
using the starter motor. The key should be
released from this position as soon as the
engine starts.
Ignition key reminder
A buzzer sounds intermittently to remind
you to remove the ignition key if it is in the
ignition switch when the driver’s door is
opened.
Push
Turn to “LOCK”
Lighting/Turn Signal Control Lever: 8

3-5OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J23-03E
If you leave any of the doors open with the
ignition switch in the “ACC” position for a
while (and no key inserted), the engine
may not start when you turn the ignition
switch to “START”. If the engine does not
start, close all doors completely or turn the
ignition switch back to the “LOCK” position,
then start the engine.
The ignition switch has the following four
positions:
LOCK (1)
This is the normal parking position. It is the
only position in which the key can be
removed. It locks the ignition, and prevents
normal use of the steering wheel.
For vehicles with a CVT, the gearshift lever
must be in the “P” (Park) position to turn
the key to the “LOCK” position.
To release the steering lock, turn the igni-
tion switch clockwise to one of the other
positions. If you have trouble turning the
ignition switch to unlock the steering, try
turning the steering wheel slightly to the
right or left while turning the switch.
 Manual transaxle vehicle
You must push in the ignition switch to
turn it from the “LOCK” position to the
“ACC” position. To return to the “LOCK”
position from the “ACC” position, turn the
ignition switch counterclockwise while
pushing in the switch.CVT vehicle
To turn the ignition switch, push the
switch.
ACC (2)
Accessories such as the radio can oper-
ate, but the engine is off.
ON (3)
This is the normal operating position. All
electrical systems are on.
START (4)
This is the position for starting the engine
using the starter motor. The switch should
be released from this position as soon as
the engine starts.
Ignition switch reminder
(When using the keyless start system)
A buzzer sounds intermittently to remind
you to return the ignition switch to the
“LOCK” position if it is in the “ACC” position
when the driver’s door is opened.You can also turn the ignition switch by
inserting the ignition key into the slot.
80JM139
The ignition switch cap (1) is installed to
make the ignition switch turn easily.
If you use the ignition key to turn the igni-
tion switch, remove the cap (1) by pinching
both side of the cap and pull it out.
NOTE:
If you remove the cap, be careful not to
lose it.
Ignition key reminder
(When using the ignition key)
A buzzer sounds intermittently to remind
you to remove the ignition key if it is in the
ignition switch when the driver’s door is
opened.
(1)
Windshield Wiper and Washer Lever: 8
Rear Window Wiper/Washer Switch: 8

3-6
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J23-03E
81A297S
Parking Brake Lever
52D122
(1) To set
(2) To release
(3) To release
The parking brake lever is located between
the seats. To set the parking brake, hold
the brake pedal down and pull the parking
brake lever all the way up. To release the
parking brake, hold the brake pedal down,
pull up slightly on the parking brake lever,
push the button on the end of the lever with
your thumb and lower the lever to its origi-
nal position.
WARNING
 For manual transaxle vehicles,
never remove the ignition key while
the vehicle is moving. The steering
wheel will lock and you will not be
able to steer the vehicle.
 Always remove the ignition key
when leaving the vehicle even if
only for a short time. Also do not
leave children or pets alone in a
parked vehicle. Unattended chil-
dren could cause accidental move-
ment of the vehicle or could tamper
with power windows. Children or
pets could suffer from heatstroke
in warm or hot weather, which
could result in severe injury or
even death.
CAUTION
 Do not turn the starter motor for
more than 15 seconds at a time. If
the engine does not start, wait 15
seconds before trying again. If the
engine does not start after several
attempts, check the fuel and igni-
tion systems or consult your
SUZUKI dealer.
 Do not leave the ignition switch in
the “ON” position if the engine is
not running or the battery will dis-
charge.
Rear Window Wiper/Washer Switch: 8
Tilt Steering Lock Lever: 6
Cruise Control: 7, 8

3-13OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J23-03E
D (Drive)
Use this position for all normal driving.
With the gearshift lever in “D” range you
can get an automatic downshift by press-
ing the accelerator pedal. The higher the
vehicle speed is, the more you need to
press the accelerator pedal to get a down-
shift.
M (manual mode)
Use this position for driving in the manual
mode.
Refer to “Manual mode” later in this section
for details on how to use the manual mode.Manual mode
The CVT can shift gears automatically.
When using the manual mode, you can
shift gears in the same manner as conven-
tional manual transaxle.
To use the manual mode, shift the gearshift
lever from “D” to “M”.
80J2037
80J2073
(1) Manual mode indicator
(2) Gear positionThe information display shows the manual
mode indicator (1) and the current gear
position (2).
NOTE:
 The indicated gear position on the infor-
mation display when you shift from “D” to
“M” is the gear position that was selected
automatically when the gearshift lever
was in “D”.
 You can change to the manual mode
temporarily by pulling the shift paddle (if
equipped) on the steering wheel toward
you when the gearshift lever is in “D”.
Shifting in the manual mode
You can shift gears from 1st to 6th depend-
ing on driving speed.
NOTE:
 When the engine is revved, the gear is
shifted up automatically to prevent dam-
age to the engine and the transaxle. If
the CVT fluid becomes hot such as
when driving on up hill, the engine speed
at which shifting occurs may be lower
than usual.
 When the driving speed becomes slow,
the gear shifts down automatically, and
when the vehicle stops, the gear position
will be in 1st gear without shifting the
gearshift lever.
 If you depress the accelerator pedal a
certain amount, the gear shifts down
automatically even if the gearshift lever
is in the manual mode.
CAUTION
Be sure to take the following precau-
tions to help avoid damage to the
CVT:
 Make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stationary before shifting
into “P” or “R”.
 Do not shift from “P” or “N” to “R”,
“D” or “M” when the engine is run-
ning above idle speed.
 Do not rev the engine with the tran-
saxle in a drive position (“R”, “D”
or “M”) and the front wheels not
moving.
 Do not use the accelerator to hold
the vehicle on a hill. Use the vehi-
cle’s brakes.
(1)
(2)
EXAMPLE

3-14
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J23-03E
NOTE:
When you shift gears, the gear may not
shift to the desired position. This is to
maintain good drivability and to protect the
transaxle.
Using the gearshift lever
80J2039
(1) “+” side (shift up)
(2) “–” side (shift down)
To shift up, pull the gearshift lever to the “+”
side (rearward). When you remove your
hand from the gearshift lever, the lever will
return to the “M” position automatically.
To shift down, push the gearshift lever to
the “–” side (forward). When you remove
your hand from the gearshift lever, the
lever will return to the “M” position auto-
matically.NOTE:
To shift gears continuously, remove your
hand from the gearshift lever, then shift the
lever again. You cannot shift gears continu-
ously while holding the lever in the “+” or
“–” position.
Using the shift paddle (if equipped)
80J1358
To shift up, pull the “+” side shift paddle,
located on right side of the steering wheel,
toward you. When you remove your finger
from the switch, the switch will return to the
original position.
80J1359
To shift down, pull the “–” side shift paddle,
located on left side of the steering wheel,
toward you. When you remove your finger
from the switch, the switch will return to the
original position.
NOTE:
 To shift gears continuously, remove your
finger from the shift paddle, then pull the
shift paddle again. You cannot shift
gears continuously while holding the
shift paddle toward you.
 When you pull the both “+” and “–” shift
paddle simultaneously, the gear may not
shift.
(1)
(2)

3-18
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J23-03E
Cruise Control (if equipped)
79JM005
The cruise control system allows you to
maintain a steady speed without keeping
your foot on the accelerator pedal. The
controls for operating the cruise control
system are on the steering wheel.
You can use the cruise control system with
the following conditions:
 For manual transaxle vehicle, the gear
position is in 4th, 5th or 6th.
 For CVT vehicle, the gearshift lever is in
“D” position, or the gear position is in
3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th in the manual mode.
 The vehicle speed is about 25 mph (40
km/h) or higher.
79JM006
(1) “CRUISE” switch
(2) “CANCEL” switch
(3) “SET/COAST” switch
(4) “RES/ACC” switch
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
To help avoid loss of vehicle control,
do not use the cruise control system
when driving in heavy traffic, on slip-
pery or winding roads, or on steep
downgrades.
(1)(2)
(3)(4)

3-21OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J23-03E
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.
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 quickly and forcefully depress the
brakes, you may hear a clicking sound in
the brake pedal. This is normal and indi-
cates that the brake assist system is acti-
vated 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 about 6 km/h (4mph).
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.
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.

3-24
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J23-03E
The ESP
® has the following three systems:
Stability Control SystemThe vehicle stability control system helps
provide integrated control of systems such
as anti-lock brakes, traction control, engine
control, etc. This system automatically
controls the brakes and engine to help pre-
vent the vehicle from skidding when cor-
nering on a slippery road surface or when
turning the steering wheel abruptly.Traction Control SystemThe traction control system automatically
helps prevent the spinning of wheels when
the vehicle is started or accelerated on
slippery road surfaces. The system oper-
ates only if it senses that some of the
wheels are spinning or beginning to lose
traction. When this happens, the system
operates the front or rear brakes and
reduces engine power to limit wheel spin.
NOTE:
You may hear a clicking sound in the
engine compartment for a few seconds
when you start the engine or just after the
vehicle begins to move. This means that
the above systems are in the self-check
mode. This sound does not indicate a mal-
function.
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)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 automati-
cally, so you do not have to use any special
braking technique. Just push the brake
pedal down without pumping. The ABS will
operate whenever it senses that wheels
are locking up. You may feel the brake
pedal pulsate while the ABS is operating.
(For more information on ABS, see “Brak-
ing” in the “OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE”
section.)
NOTE:
If the ABS system is activated, you may
hear a clunking noise and/or feel pulsating
in the brake pedal. This is normal and indi-
cates that the brake fluid pressure is being
controlled properly.
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.

3-27OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J23-03E
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.
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.

4-3DRIVING TIPS
80J23-03E
60A183S
Keep the air cleaner clean
If the air cleaner is clogged with dust, there
will be greater intake resistance, resulting
in decreased power output and increased
fuel consumption.
Keep weight to a minimum
The heavier the load, the more fuel the
vehicle consumes. Take out any luggage
or cargo when it is not necessary.
Keep tire pressure correct
Underinflation of the tires can waste fuel
due to increased running resistance of the
tires. Keep your tires inflated to the correct
pressure shown on the label located below
the driver’s side door latch striker.
Highway DrivingWhen driving at highway speeds, pay
attention to the following:
 Stopping distance progressively
increases with vehicle speed. Apply the
brakes far enough ahead of the stopping
point to allow for the extra stopping dis-
tance.
 On rainy days, “Hydroplaning” can occur.
“Hydroplaning” is the loss of direct con-
tact between the road surface and the
vehicle’s tires due to a water film forming
between them. Steering or braking the
vehicle while “Hydroplaning” can be very
difficult, and loss of control can occur.
Keep speed down when the road surface
is wet.
 At high speeds, the vehicle may be
affected by side winds. Therefore,
reduce speed and be prepared for unex-
pected buffeting, which can occur at the
exits of tunnels, when passing by a cut of
a hill, or when being overtaken by large
vehicles, etc.
Driving on Hills
80J2066
 When climbing steep hills, the car may
begin to slow down and show a lack of
power. If this happens, you should shift
to a lower gear so that the engine will
again be operating in its normal power
range. Shift rapidly to prevent the car
from losing momentum.
 When driving down a hill, the engine
should be used for braking by shifting to
next lower gear. (Do this with EITHER a
CVT or manual transaxle.)
EXAMPLE
Warning and Indicator Lights: 8