wheel SUZUKI SX4 2010 1.G Owner's Manual

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)

3-16
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J23-03E
Using the 2WD/i-AWD
(intelligent All Wheel Drive)
Switch (if equipped)
80J009
This i-AWD system enables you to select
the driving mode according to the driving
conditions by operating the 2WD/i-AWD
switch. With this feature, you can select 3
mode positions, “2WD”, “i-AWD AUTO”
and “i-AWD LOCK” by operating the 2WD/
i-AWD switch even when the vehicle is
moving, provided the front wheels are in
the straight ahead position.Description of 3 Mode 4 x 4 System
Positions2WD
In this position, engine power is supplied to
the front axle only. Use this position for
normal driving (on dry, hard surfaces).i-AWD AUTO
In this position, engine power is supplied to
the front and rear axles at normal speed,
providing greater traction than 2-wheel
drive. Use this position for driving on paved
roads or on slippery roads (icy, snow-cov-
ered, muddy, etc.).
In the AUTO mode, the i-AWD controller
judges the driving conditions using signals
from sensors.
When slipping of the front wheels is
detected, the electronically controlled cou-
pling supplies optimum driving force to the
rear wheels. This function improves driving
stability and running through performance
on rough roads and stabilizes driving per-
formance even on a snow covered up-hill
road or the like.
Also, during normal driving on paved
roads, torque distribution to the rear
wheels is reduced to achieve the nearly
front wheel drive condition, thereby fuel
consumption is improved.
i-AWD LOCK
In this position, engine power is supplied to
the front and rear axles at reduced speed.
Use this position when it is hard to start off
in the “i-AWD AUTO” mode such as in
mud, sand or on snow.
NOTE:
 Avoid operating your vehicle in the “i-
AWD LOCK” on wet pavement as much
as possible. Operating your vehicle in
the “i-AWD LOCK” on wet pavementmay cause severe damage to the drive
train.
 As the vehicle speed increases, the “i-
AWD LOCK” mode is automatically can-
celed and the “i-AWD AUTO” mode is
selected.
 When the ignition switch is turned to the
“OFF” position, the “i-AWD LOCK” mode
is canceled.
2WD/i-AWD Switch OperationOperate the 2WD/i-AWD switch according
to the appropriate procedure described
below:
How to turn on 2WD/i-AWD switch
2WD/i-AWD switch will activate when the
ignition switch is turned on.
From 2WD to i-AWD AUTO
Turn the 2WD/i-AWD switch to the neutral
position, and the “i-AWD AUTO” indicator
will come on.
79J040

3-17OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J23-03E
From i-AWD AUTO to i-AWD LOCK
Push the “i-AWD LOCK” switch for a few
seconds until the “i-AWD LOCK” indicator
will come on.
79J100
From i-AWD LOCK to i-AWD AUTO
Push the “i-AWD LOCK” switch, and the “i-
AWD AUTO” indicator will come on.
From i-AWD AUTO or LOCK to 2WD
Push the “2WD” switch, and the “i-AWD
AUTO” or “i-AWD LOCK” indicator will turn
off.
NOTE:
 The 2WD/i-AWD switch can be operated
when the vehicle is either stopped or
moving.
 Make sure that the front wheels are in
the straight ahead position when operat-
ing the 2WD/i-AWD switch.
 While making turns or accelerating and
decelerating, operating the 2WD/i-AWD
switch or turning off the key switch in the
“i-AWD AUTO” or “i-AWD LOCK” mode
may cause a shock, but this is not a sys-
tem malfunction. While driving in the “i-AWD LOCK”
mode, as the vehicle speed increases,
the driving mode changes to the “i-AWD
AUTO” mode automatically. Even when
the vehicle speed reduces, on the other
hand, the driving mode does not return
to the “i-AWD LOCK” mode automati-
cally. You should press the “i-AWD
LOCK” switch according to the driving
conditions.
 Any forcible operation while driving off-
road in the sand or water or when a
wheel has run off the road, the difference
of the revolution between front wheels
and rear wheels increases (wheels run
idle). If this state continues, the oil tem-
perature of the driving system parts
rises.
In such case, the “i-AWD AUTO” indica-
tor light blinks and the driving mode
changes to the 2WD mode to protect the
driving system parts.
When you operate your vehicle in the i-
AWD mode continuously, park the vehi-
cle at a safe place and run the engine
idle. After some time, the “i-AWD AUTO”
indicator light turns on again and the
driving mode returns to the “i-AWD
AUTO” mode.
CAUTION
 Never use the “i-AWD LOCK” mode
when driving on dry paved roads.
Avoid using the “i-AWD LOCK”
mode when driving on wet paved
roads as much as possible. Use of
the “i-AWD LOCK” mode in above
conditions will apply excessive
force to the driving system and
may cause a critical failure. Also,
the tires may wear faster and fuel
consumption may be affected
adversely.
 Note that i-AWD vehicles are not
all-around vehicles. Be sure to
observe following instructions
when driving your vehicle.
– Do not drive through water like
crossing a river.
– Do not drive continuously where
front wheels tend to race in
places such as sand and mud.
– When any wheel is in the air for
such reason as running off the
road, do not race it needlessly.
 If the “i-AWD AUTO” and the “i-
AWD LOCK” indicator lights stay
on and come on simultaneously
when driving, there may be some-
thing wrong the i-AWD system.
Have the system inspected by an
authorized SUZUKI dealer.

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.

3-23OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J23-03E
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.
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP
®) (if equipped)
ESP
® is a registered trademark of Daimler
AG.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®)
helps to control the vehicle during corner-
ing if front wheels or rear wheels skid. It
also assists you in maintaining traction
while accelerating on loose or slippery
road surfaces. It does this by regulating the
engine’s output, and by selectively apply-
ing the brakes. In addition, ESP
® helps to
avoid skidding by controlling braking pres-
sure.
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 (pro-
portioning 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, avoiding
hard braking as much as possible,
and ask your SUZUKI dealer to
inspect the ABS system immediately.
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.
WARNING
The ESP
® cannot enhance the vehi-
cle’s driving stability in all situations
and does not control your vehicle’s
entire braking system. The ESP
® can-
not prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed
in turns, or hydroplaning. Only a safe
and attentive driver can prevent acci-
dents. The capabilities of an ESP
®-
equipped vehicle must never be used
as a substitute for careful driving.

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.

3-25OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J23-03E
The ESP
® indicator lights are described
below:
SLIP Indicator Light
52KM133
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.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.
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.
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.

3-26
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J23-03E
“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.
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)

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.