> SUZUKI 2001 VITARAVITARA OWNER’S MANUAL Keep With Vehicle At All Times. Contains Important information On Safety, Operation & Maintenance. SUZUKI Coe fr Gastomers Part No. 99011-85022-03E February, 2001 ©) ©TABLE OF CONTENTS FUEL RECOMMENDATION BE BEFORE DRIVING EB STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS SS ‘This manual should be consid- INSTRUMENT PANEL cred 2 permanemt part ofthe Ve- [nstauenTravce file end snoutd remain with the OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT = Nehicle when resold or otherwise Ls transferred toa new over or op- trator, Please read this manual OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE Ez carstully before operating your = new Suzuki and review the manu- DRIVING TIPS ai from time to time. contains [avncres important information on safety, EI ‘operation, and maintenance. VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE jo Calitornia Propesition 65 Warning “prencencysennceSs”*~*~‘s*™*~daR EMERGENCY SERVICE Engine exhaust, ome offs constitu- ‘APPEARANCE CARE ents end certain product compo. ents ‘contain. or ‘emit chemicels a Gaal known to the State of Callforiia bo. GENERAL INFORMATION Including “Reporting Safety roth awpoionen. FUSES AND PROTECTED CIRCUITS SPECIFICATIONS ja INDEX EaLOCATION OF WARNING MESSAGES Read and follow all of the wamings (labels etc.) on your vehicle. Make sure you under- stand all of them. Keep them on the vehicle. De not remove the messages for any rea- son, Italabel comes offorthe messages be- come diffcuitto be read, have tcorrectadby your SUZUKI dealer. @Airbag warning labels (on both sun visors) Rollover warning label Passenger seat bett warning label Jacking warning label @ sacking warning label @Fue' filer ca message @ Transter lever warring label ® Brake fuid cap messace @Engine cooling fan warning label @ Raciator cap waming lave @ Air conditioner warning label @ Battery label @ Canvas top warning label (Canvas top mode!) ‘on the back site Driver, } 2 Passenger SLY @ =FOREWORD Your SUZUKI multipurpose vehicle is de- signed and buit io be capable ofpertorming oth on pavement and oft road. You should therefore remember that your vehice is aistinetiy diferent from ordinary passenger cars in handing as well as in structure. As with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this vehicle corecty may result in loss of control or an accident. Be sure to read “important Vehicle Design Fea- tures to Know” and the “on-pavement” and “offroad” driving guidelines which folow. it is very important fo familiarize yoursell with the prover operation of this vehicle before ‘you start driving. All information in this manual based on the latest product in- formation available at the time of publication. Due to improve- ments or other changes, there may be discrepancies between information in this manual and your vehicle. ‘SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION reserves the right to make pro- duction changes at any time, without notice and without incur ring any obligation to make the same or similar changes to ve- hicles previously built or sold. SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION be- lieves in conservation and protection of Earth's natural resources. To that end, we encourage every vehicle ‘owner to recycle, trade in, or properly dis+ pose of, as appropriate, used motor oil, coolant, and other fluids; batteries; and tires. IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH YOUR SUZUKi: Please review the New Vehicle Warranty In- formation booklet supplied with your SUZU- Ki. Should you have a question or preblem regarding the warranty or service of your ve hicle, please take the following action: Consult the Service Manager and the Qun- er of the Suzuki Automotive Dealershio. Ex- plain your problem and ask for their ‘assistance in resolving your problem. The Oumer of the dealershig is in the very best position 10 assist you as he or she is vitally concerned with your continued satisfaction. It you are stil in need of additional informa- tion, or it you are cissatistied. request that youraeslerarrangea meeting with your Dis- trict Service Manager. It, after doing so, you stil require further as- sistance, and you purchased your SUZUKI inthe continertal United States, please con- tact the American Suzuki Customer Rela- tions Department at 1-800-534-0934 or wate: oO‘American Suzuil Motor Corporation ‘Automotive Customer Relations 251 East imoerial Highway Brea, OA $2821-6722 Please be certain to provide us withthe fol ‘owing information: the model, Vehicle en- tification Number, mileage, accessories Involved, event dates, dealer name, dealer ‘personnel consulted, your problem erques- tion, and any other comments you have. When we receive your correspondence, We willbe glad to contact tne Owner of your dealership and assist in resolving your con- cer. For owners outside the continental United States, please refer tothe disinbutor’s ac- dress listed in your Warranty Information booklet SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION 0-2 IMPORTANT A WARNING/A CAUTIONINOTE Please read this manual and follow its instructions carefully. To emphasize special information, the symbol A and the words WARNING, CAUTION, ‘2nd NOTE has special meanings. Pay special atterti the messages highlighted by these signal words: to Toms MODIFICATION WARNING aware) Do not modify this vehicle. Modifica- tion could adversely affect satety, handling, performance, or durability and may violate governmental reguia- tions. In addition, damage or pertor- mance problems resulting from modification may not be covered un- der warranty. NOTE: Indicates special information to make main- tenance easier or instructions clearer. The circle with 2 slash in this manu- ‘almeans ‘Don'tdo this” or ‘Don’t let this happen’. Incieatesa potential hezard that coule result in death o injury. ‘CAUTION Improper installation of mobile com> munication equipment such as cellu- Ae CALSTION lar telephones or CB (Citizen's Band) Indicatesapotentiaihazardthateould | | radios may eause electronic interter- result in venicle damage. fence with your vehicle's ignition sys- tem, resulting in vehicle performance problems. Consult your SUZUKI deal ‘or qualified service technician for advice on installing such mobile com- munication equipment.FUEL RECOMMENDATION BEFORE DRIVING FUEL RECOMMENDATION Fuel Recommendation 14 Keys ... Spare Tire Nut Lock {if equipped) .. Door Locks .. Windows . Mirrors . Seat Adjustment . Head Restraints (f equipped) « ‘Seat Belts and Child Restraint Systems ‘Supplemental Restraint System (Air Bags) . an 2-23FUEL RECOMMENDATION FUEL RECOMMENDATION ——_—— Your vehicle requires regular unleaded gas- ing of 87 pump oc- method). In some areas, the oline with a minimum (R=M) tane ( 2 only fuels that are available are oxygenated fudls. ‘Oxygenated fuels which meet the minimum Octane requirement and the requirements described below may be used in your ve- hicle without jeopardizing the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. NOTE: Oxygenated tuels are fuels which contain oxygen-cerrying advitives such as MTBE cr alcoho. mW Gasoline Containing MTBE Unieaded gasoline containing MTBE (meth- yi tertiary Duty! ether) may be used in your Vehicle the MTBE content is not greater than 15%. This oxygenated fuel does not Contain alcohol. Gasoline/Ethanol Blends Bends of unleaded gasoline and ethanol (Grain alcoho), also known as gaschol, may Deusedin your vehicle ifthe ethancl content is not greater than 10%, Gasoline/Methanol Blends Fuels containing 5% or less methanol (wood alcohol) may be suitable for use in your ve- hicle if they contain cosolvents and corro- sion inhibiters. Do NOT USE fuels Containing more than 8% methanol under any circumstances. Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems. resulting from the use of such fuels are not the re~ sponsibility of SUZUKI and may not be cov= eted_under the New Vehicie Limited Warranty. Fuel Pump Labeling in some states. pumps that dispense oxy- ‘gerated fuels are required to be labeled for the type anc percentage of oxygenate and whether important actitives are present Such labels may provide enough informa- ion for you to determine i a particular blend of ue! meets the requirements isted above. Incther areas, pumps may notbe clearly la- beled as to the content or type of oxygenate: and additives. you are noi sure that the fuel you intend to use meeis these require. ‘ments, check with the service station opera- tor or the fuel supplier. NOTE: To help clean the air, SUZUKI recommends you use the oxygenated tuels. However, it {you are not satisfied with the criveabilty or fuel economy of your vehicle when you are using an oxygenated ivel, switch back t regular unleaded gasoline. ‘A CAUTION Be careful not to spill fuel contai alcohol while refueling. Fuels. con- taining alcohol can cause paint dam- ‘age, which is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.BEFORE DRIVING ‘SPARE TIRE NUT LOCK (if equipped) INSERT Push wc Oe Your vehicle comes with a pair of identical keys. Keep the spare key in a safe place. (One key can open alot the locks on the ve- hide. ‘The Key identification numberis stamoedon ametal tag provided with the keys. Keep the tag ina safe place. Ifyou lose yourkeys, you will need this number to have new keys made. Write the number below for your fu ture reference. KEY NUMBER: Ignition Key Reminder ‘A buzzer sounds to remind you to remove ‘the igntion key i itis in the ignition swrten when the criver’s doors opened ‘Arnut lock is used for the spare tre. Simply Insert the ignition key into the lock as far as the key will go and remove the lock with the key in. To lock the spare tire nut, putthe lock con the nut and push the lock in, 24BEFORE DRIVING = DOOR LOCKS ‘Type A = or man 2 oe “Doves ‘Always lock all doors when driving. Locking the doors helps to prevent ‘occupants from being thrown from the vehicle in the event of an accident. It also helps prevent unintended opening of the doors. ‘Side Door Locks Tolocka frontdoor from outside the vehicle’ a) Insert the key and turn the top of the key toward the front of the vehice, or 'b) For 2.5¢ mode! Push in the lock knob and hold the door handle up as you close the door. For 1,672.00 models: Push the lock knob down and close the oor. 22 key toward the rear of the vehice, Tolock a door trom inside the vehicle, push ‘down the lock knob. Pull up the lock knob to unlock the door. © For 4-DOOR MODEL To lock a rear side door from outside the vehicle, push in the lock knob and close thedoor. Youdo not need to hold the door handle up as you close the door. ‘The power door locking switch is located on the driver's side door panel. Youcan lock and/or unlock driver's doorand all other doors (except Canvas top model rear gate) by: 2) Turing the key in a door lock, or ') Pushing the central door locking switch © To lock all doors (except Canvas reat gate) simultaneously, push ine switch © to “LOCK” as shown in the i lustration or turn the key in one of the door locks to the LOCK side.BEFORE DRIVING ty Alcor Divers a door Alcoors © Tounlock the driver's door only, push the switch D to “UNLOCK” as shown in the illustration or turn the key in the driv 2s door to the UNLOCK side. © Tounlock all other doors (excest Can- vas top tear gate), repeat above UN- LOCK operation (oy the switch @ or by the key) once again within a short time. NOTE: For Vitara without the keyless entry sys: tem, two stage unlocking is unavailable: All doors are unlocked by operating the switch @ one time and * only the crvers door can be unlocked by using the key in the arver's door lock. iniocking by using the key in a doorlock ther than driver's door will unlock that oor only, lock all doors {except Canvas top model rear gate) simultanecus- ly by operating the transmitter near the ve- hicie. © Push the LOCK" button on the transmit ter to lock the doors. © Push the UNLOCK" button on the trans- miter to unlock the driver's docr. © Push the “UNLOCK® button one more n a short time, to unlock other ‘The tur signal lights will lash once when the doors are locked. ‘The turn signal lights will flash twice when the door(s) is (ere) unlocked. Be sure the doors arelocked ater you oper- ate the “LOCK button. Ir door is opened within about 30 seconds after the “UN- LOCK "buttons operated, the doors will au- tomaticaly lock again. NOTE: The maximum operating distance is about Sm ({6%t), but this can vary de- pending on the surroundings, especially hear other transmiting devices such as radio towers or CB (Citzen's Band) ra- dies, * The coor locks ean not be operated win the. "tre itor hey is inthe "ON" or “START positon, of if any door is open or incompletely closed. * Ifyou lose your transmitter, ask your Sux -2uki Geales as soon as possible fora re- placement and to have the lost one ceactveted. ‘A CAUTION ‘The transmitter is a sensitive elec- tronic instrument. To avoid damaging the transmitter, do not expose it to im- pacts, moisture, or high temperature (such as on the dashboard under di- Fect sunlight). 23BEFORE DRIVING eae Replacement of the transmitter battery ifthe transmitter becomes urreiaole, 7 place the battery Jy Put te ene of 2 coin or a fat blade sore crverin the sot af the transmiter and ary itopen 2) Replace the battery (specified in the f lustraton) soits © ferminelteces the+" mark of ne ansmiter 3) Close the transmitter frm 4) Make sure the door locks can be oper- ated with the transmitter. 5) Dispose of he used battery propery 20 csteingtoappicanie vies orequiatons Do net dscose of lthivm batteries with ordinary household trash 2h Eo ‘Swallowing a lithium battery may ‘cause serious internal injury. Do net allow anyone to swallow a lithium bat- tery. Keep lithium batteries away from children and pets. If swallowed, con- tact physician immediately. A CAUTION ‘The transmitter is a sensitive elec- tronic instrument. To avoid damaging the transmitter, do not expose it to dust or moisture or tamper with inter- nal parts. For vehicles sold in U.S.A. FCC ID: MOZ DO1TB MADE IN JAPAN ‘This device comolies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the fol- lowing two conditions: 1) this device may not cause harmful inter ference, and 2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation FCC ID: MOZ DO1RB MADE IN JAPAN ‘This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the fol lowing two conditions: 1) this device may not cause harmful inter- ference, and 2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. NOTE: ‘Changes or modifications nat expressly ap- proved by the party responsible for com- pliance could void the user’s authority to ‘operate the equipment,For vehicles sold in Canada: This device complies with RSS-210 of In- dustry Canada, Operation is subject to the following two concitions: 4) this device may not cause interference, and 2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. RR Child Lock System (4-door models) Each of the rear doors is equipped with @ Child lock which canbe used to help prevent unwanted opening of the door from inside the vehicle. When the lock lever is in the “LOCK” position ©, the rear coor can only be opened from cutsice. When the lock le- verisin the ‘RELEASE" position @ therear door can be opened from inside or outside. BEFORE DRIVING eet Door Lock AS Rear Door Lock Tall Gate Lock (if equipped) ‘To lock the ear door or the tll gate, insert the key and turn it clockwise. To uniock the oor, um the key counterclockwise. 25BEFORE DRIVING WINDOWS, Tyre, Drivers side Type8 | Devers side aaa Manual Window Control (if equipped) Raise or lower the door windows by turing the hang erank located on the door panei. 26 Sea Power Window Controls (i equipped) ‘The driver's door has a switch te operate he iver’ window ©, and a switch fo operaie the front passenger’ window @.In 4-do0r models, there are surtcnes ©. @. to oper- te the reer let and eght passesger mn Sows, respectively. coos ‘The passenger's door only has @ switch to operate the passenger's window @. The power windows can only be operated when the ignition switch isin the “ON” position. ‘To open @ window. push the top part of the switch and to close @ window lft up the top part of the switchBEFORE DRIVING Passengers coor Tyee OR ‘The driver's window has an auto-cown tea- ture for added convenience (at oll booths or Grive-through restaurants, for examole). This means you can open the window with- ‘out holding the window switch in the "Down" position. Press the driver's window switch completely dawn and release it. To stop the window before it reaches the bottom, pull the switch up briefly. ‘The driver's door also has a lock switch for the passenger's window(s). When you push in the lock switch or the lock side of the switch, the passenger's windows) can not bee raised or lowered by operating either of the switches @ or @, and @ or @)in ¢-door models. To restore normal operation. re- lease the lock switch by pushing itn again (or by pushing the uniock side of the switch You should always lock the passen- ger's window operation when there {are children in the vehicle. Children can be seriously injured if they get part of their body caught by the win- dow during operation. 27BEFORE DRIVING woemsee MIRRORS canned AD et toe Day diving Night eriving EERE Eco Day-Night Rearview Mirror [DGGE O'si¢ Feorview mirors (equipped) Adjust the outside rearview mirrors 80 you To adjust the inside rearview mirror, set the selector tab to the day position. then move the mirror up, down. or sideways to obtain the best view. When driving at night, you can move the se- lector tab 16 the night positon to reduce glare from the headlights of vehicies behind you. 28 * Always adjust the mirror with the ‘selector set to the day position. * Only use the night position if itis necessary to reduce glare from the headlights of vehicles behind you. Be aware that in this position you may not be able to see some ob- jects that could be seen in the day position. ‘can just see the side of your vehicle in the mirrors. ‘The passenger's side mirror is a convex (curved surtace) mirror. Objects seen in this rmitror will ook smaller and appear farther away than when seen in a tat mirror. Be careful when judging the size or distance of a vehicle or other object seen in the side convex mirror. Be ‘aware that objects look smaller and ‘appear farther away than when seen ina flat mirror.BEFORE DRIVING co Power Mirror Control (if equipped) ‘The switch to control the power rearview mirrors is located on the instrument pane. You can only adjust the mirors when the ignition switchis in the “ON” position. To ad- just the micrors 1) Move the selector switch to the left or ‘ight to Select the mitror you wish to ad- just 2) Press the outer partotthe switon tnateor- fesponds to the direction you wish mirror. Return the selector switch to the center position to help prevent unintended ac- Justmert. SEAT ADJUSTMENT Never attempt to adjust the driver's seat or seatback while driving. The seat or seatback could move unex- Pectedly, causing loss of control. Make sure that the driver's seat and seatback are properly adjusted before you start driving. To avoid excessive seat belt slack, which reduces the effectiveness of the seat belts asa satety device, make ‘sure that the seats are adjusted be- fore the seat belts are fastened. Adjusting Seat Position The adjustment lever for each front seat's located under the front ofthe seat. To adiust the seat position, pull up on the adjustment lever anc sie the seat forward or rearward. After adjustment, try to move the seat for- ward and rearward to ensure thet it's se- curely laiched. 28BEFORE DRIVING Front coat [ EXAMPLE ] aril Adjusting Seatbacks The front and rear seatoacks can be ad: justedto different angles. To adjust the seat- back angle of front seats, pull up the leveron ‘the outboard side of the seat, move theseat- back o the desired postion, and release the leverto look the seatback in place. Atter ad: justment, try moving the seatback to make sure itis securely locked. To adjust the seatback angle of the rear seats: a) Pull up the knob on the top of a split fold- 1g seat. 240 SORE 'b) Move the seatback to one of the lock positions. The number of the lock pos tions depends on the vehicle specifica- tion ) Release the knob to lock the seatback in position. After adjustment, try moving the Seatback to make sure it is securely locked. ‘All seatbaoks should always be In 2 fairly upright position when driving, or seat belt effectiveness may be re- duced. Seat belts are designed to of- fer maximum protection when ‘seatbacks rein the fully upright posi- tion. Walk-in Type Seats (if equipped) ‘The walk-in type seat can be moved to pro- vide easy entry to and exit ftom the rear seats. You can move a walk-in seat from outside the vehicle by pulling up the lever on the outboard side of the seat. You can move the front passenger's seat from inside the vehicle by depressing the pedal on the rear of the seat.HEAD RESTRAINTS (if equipped) BEFORE DRIVING LA ‘After using the walk-in function, be ‘sure to return the folded seat back to an upright position. Before returning a walk-in seat to its normal seating position, make ‘sure that the fest of the passenger in the rear seat are out of the wa After returning the seat to its nor- mal seating position, make sure it is securely latched. Head restraints are designed to help reduce the tisk of neck injuries in case of an acci- dent. Adjust the head restraint to the position which places the top of the head restraint ‘closest to the top of your ears. = Never drive the vehicle with the head restraints removed. * Do not attempt to adjust the head restraint while driving. To raise the head restraint, pull upward on the restrain unti it cicks. To lower the re- straint, push down on the restraint while holding in the release knob. If 2 nead re- straint must be removed (for cleaning, re- placement, ete), push in the release knob and pul the head restraint all tne way out NOTE: Itmay be necessary to reciine the seatback to provide enough overhead clearance io remove the head resiraint. anBEFORE DRIVING woes SEAT BELTS AND CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS ‘An air bag supplements, or adds to, the frontal crash protection offered by sseat belts. The driver and all passen- gers must be properly restrained by ‘wearing seat belts at all times, wheth- erornotan air bag is mounted at their ‘seating position, to minimize the risk of severe injury or death in the event ofacrash. 242 * Never allow persons to ride in the cargo area of a vehicle. In the event of an accident, there is a much greater risk of injury for persons who are not riding in a seat with their seat belt securely fastened. * Seat belts should always be ad- justed so the lap portion of the belt is worn low across the pelvis, not across the waist. Shoulder straps should be worn on the outside ‘shoulder only, and never under the arm. Seat belts should never be wor with the straps twisted and should be adjusted as tightly as is, (Continued) (Continues) comfortable to provide the protec- tion for which they nave been de- signed. A slack belt will provide less protection than one which is snug. * Make sure that each seat belt buckle is inserted into the proper buckle catch. itis possibleto cross the buckles in the rear seat. * Do not wear your seat belt over hard or breakable objects in your pockets or on your clothing. it an ‘accident occurs, objects such as glasses, pens, etc. under the seat belt can cause injury. ContisuedBEFORE DRIVING 2s low as possibie (Continued) * Never use the same seat belt on more than one occupant and never attach a seat belt over an infant or ‘child being held on an occupant's lap. Such seat belt use could cause ‘serious injury in the event of an ac- cident. * Pregnant women should use seat belts, although specific recom- mendations about driving should be made by the woman's medical advisor. Remember that the lap portion of the belt should be worn as low as possible across the hips, (Continued) (Continued) ‘2s shown in the diagram. Periodically inspect seat belt as- somblies for excessive wear and damage. Seat belts should be re- placed if webbing becomes ‘rayed, ‘contaminated, or damaged in any way. It is essential to replace the entire seat belt assembly after it has been worn in a severe impact, even if damage to the assembly is not obvious. Children age 12 and under should ride properly restrained in the rear ‘seat, if equipped. Infants and smail children should ever be transported unless they are properly restrained. Restraint systems for infants and small chil- dren can be purchased commer- cially and should be used. Make sure that the system you purchase meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Read and follow all the directions provided by the manufacturer. Avoid contamination of seat belt webbing by polishes, oils, chemi- cals, and particularly battery acid. Cleaning may safely be carried out (Continues (Continued) using mild soap and water. For children, if the shoulder belt ir- ritates the neck or face, move the child closer to the center of the ve- hicle. All seatbacks should always be a fairly upright position when driv- ing, or seat belt effectiveness may be ‘reduced. Seat belts are de- signed to offer maximum protec- tion when seatbacks are in the fully upright position.BEFORE DRIVING SIT UP STRAIGHT AND FULLY BACK Lowon HIPS Your vehicle is equipped with alap-shoulder belt at each outboard seating position and a lap bett at the rear center seating position (it available. Front and Rear Lap-Shoulder Belts ull the buckle tongue attached to the seat belt across your body and press it into the buckle catch unt you hear a “cick”. The buckle catch is located atthe inboard side of the seat. To reduce the risk of sliding under the Delt during a collision, position the lap Portion ofthe belt acass your lap as iow on your hips as possible anc adjustitto a snug fitby pulling the shoulder portion of the belt Upward through the latch plate. 214 CENA The length of the diagonal shoulder strap adjusts itself to allow freedom of movement, The seat belt has an emergency locking re- tractor (ELA), which is designed to lock the seat belt only during a sudden stop or im- pact To unfasten the belt. press the release Button on the buckle catch. NOTE: The front passenger's seat beltand the rear ‘seat belts have emergency locking retrac- tors (ELRs) that can be temporarily con- verted 10 function as automatic locking ‘etractors (ALR). The ALR mode should be used if you need to secure a chil restraint ‘system in the seat. Refer to the ‘CHILD RE- STRAINT” section for detailsBEFORE DRIVING TO TIGHTEN TO LOOSEN \ Low on. HIPS Right angie SRA SEA TERE ‘Shoulder anchor height adjuster Lap belt To lengthen, release the tongue from the Gf equipped) ‘Situp straight and well back in the seat. Pull buckle catch, pull the tongue (adjuster) in ‘Adjust the shoulder anchor height so that _ the ouckle tongue attached to the seat belt the cirection of the arrow. at right angles to the shoulder belt rides on the center of the ‘outboard shovider. To adjust the shoulder anchor height, side the anchor up or down ‘while pulling the lock knob out. After adjust ment, make sure that the anchor is securely locked ‘across your hips and press tinto the buckle catch until you hear a “dlck’. The buckle catch is located at the left side of the seating position, To reduce the risk of sliding under the Delt during a collision, position the belt ‘across your lap as low on your hins as pos- sible and adjust it to a snug fit To tighten the belt, pull the free end of the ‘belt across alongside the lap strap. the belt. The tongue should then be refited into the buckle catch and the bel ightened as previously described, 245BEFORE DRIVING TERA NOTE: At the left side of the rear center seating position, there are Iwo buckle catches, one forthe centerlap eltand one forthe letlap- shoulder bet. To identity them, “CENTER” is molded on the buckle catch for the center lap belt. The buckle catches are designed so 2 buckle not be inserted into the wrong crory Stow the rear seat belt buckle catches and the center seat belt webbing in the seat back as ilusirated when the seatback is folded. ‘Seat Belt inspection Periodically inspect the seat belts to make sure they work properly and are not dam- aged. Check the webbing, buckles, latch plates, retractors, anchorages, and guide oops. Replace any seat belts which do not work properly or are damaged.BEFORE DRIVING Be sure to inspect all seat belt assem- blies after any collision. Any seat belt assembly which was in use during a the assembly is not obvious. Any seat belt assembly which was not in use during a collision should be replaced if it does not function properly or is damaged in any way. | Child Restraint Systems EXAMPLE (infant restraint rear seat only) Ba | EXAMPLE | Chit restraint) Ero EXAMPLE —— 247BEFORE DRIVING Child Restraint Systems ‘SUZUKI highly recommends that you use a Child restraint system to restrain infants and small children. Many different types of child restraint systems are available: make sure that the restraint system you select meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Ail child restraint systems are designed to be secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or the lap portion of lap-shoulder belts. When- fever possible, SUZUKI recommends that child restraint systems be installed on the rear seat. According to accident statistics, children are safer when oroperly restrained inrear seating positions than in front seating positions. It you must use a front-facing child restraint in the front passengers seat, be sure to ove the front passenger's seat as far back 2s possible, Do not install a rear-facing child re- straint in the front passenger's seat. If the passenger's air bag inflates, a child in a rearacing child restraint ‘could be seriously injured. The back of a rearcacing child restraint would be too close to the inflating air bag. 248 ‘Children could be endangered in 2 crash if thelr child restraints are not properly secured in the vehicle. When installing a child restraint system, be ‘sure to follow the instructions below. Be sure to secure the child in the re- straint system according to the manufacturer's instructions. aBEFORE DRIVING EXAMPLE EXAMPLE Sa Installation with lap-shoulder seat belts (Child restraint with no Top Strap) Install your child restraint system according to the instructions provided by the child re- straint system manufacturer. If you install the child restraint system in the front seat, be sure to slide the seat to the rearmost position. After making sure that the seatbeit 's securely latched: Ba 41) Pull all of the rem ‘the retractor. You will hear a cick, which ‘means that the emergency locking re- tractor (ELR) has converted to function ‘as an automatic locking retractor (ALA). BEE ing webbing out of 2) Allow the extra webbing to retract. and pull the webbing toward the retractor to take uo any siack. Make sure that the lao portion ofthe bettis tight around the child restraint system and the shoulder portion of the belt is posttioned so that it can not interfere with the child's head or neck. 249BEFORE DRIVING EXAMPLE a ie WN s. BEA 9) Make sure that the retractor has con- verted to the ALR mode by trying to pull ‘webbing out ofthe retractor. Ifthe retrac- tor is in the ALR mode, the bett will be locked. Ifthe retractor is not in the ALR mode, the child restraint system can moveor tip over when your vehicle turns or stops abruptly. 2-20 | EXAMPLE 4) Try moving the chi restraint system in all directions, to make sure itis securely installed. If you need to tighten the belt, pull more webbing toward the retractor. When you unbuckle the seat belt and allow itto retract to a certain length, the retractor ‘will automatically revert back to the normal ELR moce.BEFORE DRIVING | EXAMPLE Cy Instaltation with a lap belt (Child re- straint with no Top Strap) Install your child restraint system according to the instructions provided by the child re- straint system manufacturer. To lengthen or tighten the bet, refer to the ‘Lap belt” item in this “SEAT BELTS AND CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS" section After making sure that the seat belt is se- Ccurely latched, try moving the child restraint system in all directions, to make sure'itisse- curely installed. If you need to tighten the belt, pul the free end of the webbing. TaesoETA Installation-Child Restraint with Top ‘Strap Some child restraint systems require the use ofa top strap. Too strap anchor brackets, are located on either side (and at the center (for4 door model) ofthe rear ofthe luggage compartment. Install the child restraint sys- temas follows: 1) Remove the luggage compartment cover (equipped). 2) Secure the child restraint on the rear seat Using the procedure described above for ‘securing a restraint system that does not require a top strap. 3) Lift up the anchor bracket. Hook the top strap to the anchor btacket ang tighten the fop strap according tothe instructions provided by the child restraint system manufacturer. Be sure to attach the top strap to the corresponding anchor io- cated directly behind the child restraint Donotattach the top strap to the luggage restraint loops {if equipped). Do not attach the child restraint top strap to the luggage restraint loops (if equipped). Incorrectly attached top strap will reduce the intended effec- tiveness of the child restraint system. 4) When routing the top strap at an outboard seating position, be sure to pass it be- tween the head restaint and the rear seatback as shown, 221BEFORE DRIVING '5) When routing the top strap at the center seating position, be sure to pass it be- tween the rear seatbacks as shown, ifthe top strap connection tothe child restraint {is below the top of the rear seatback, 6) Make sure that cargo does not interfere with routing of the top strap, 2.22 dd of eerder bucite ‘Seat Belt Extender If front seat belt cannot be fastened se- curely because it is not long enough. see your authorized SUZUKI dealer for a seat belt extender. After inspecting the relation- ship between the seat beit length, the occu- pants body size, and the seat adjustment (the driver's seat should always be adjusted 2 fat back as possible while stil maintain- ing control ofthe vehic'e, ans the passenger ‘Seat should be adjusted as far back as pos- sibie), he can select the appropriate seat belt extender for either the criver or passen- ger seat. © A seat belt extender should only be used for the person, vehicle, and seating loca- tion it was provided for. © When using the extender, ensure that both ends are latched securely. Do not use the extender if the open end of the ‘extender's buckles withing inones of ine center of the occupant's body (See dia- gram). Use of the extender when the Duckie is too ciose to the center of the body couls increase the risk of abcor al injury in the evert of an accident, and ‘could cause the shoulder belt to be pos tioned incorrectly. © Seat belt extenders are not intended for use by pregnant women, and should only be used upon approval by their medical advisors. © Remove and stow the extender when itis, not being used.BEFORE DRIVING Failure to follow these instructions may increase the risk of injury in @ crash. * Only use an extender for the per= son, vehicle, and seating position it ‘was provided for. * Do not use if open end of extend- er's buckle is within 6 inches of center of occupant's body (See dia gram). SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (Air Bags) 2.23BEFORE DRIVING Frontal eolision range ‘SUP STRAIGHT ‘AND FULLY BACK LOW ON 2:24 This section of the owner's manual describes the protection provided by your SUZUKI's SUPPLEMENTAL RE- STRAINT SYSTEM (Air Bags). Please read and follow ALL these instruc- tions carefully to minimize yourrisk of severe injury or death in the event ot 2 collision. Your vehicie is equipped with a Suppiemen- tal Restraint System consisting of a driver airbag and a front passenger airbag, crash ‘sensors, an electronic controller, and airbag intiators, in addition toa lap’shoulder bett at each front seating position. The driver's air bag is located behind the center pac of the steering wheel and the front passenger's ar bag is located behind the passenger's side of the dashboard. The words AIRBAG" are molded intothe airbag igentity he location of the airbags. ‘An air bag supplements, or adds to, the frontal crash protection offered by ‘seat belts. The driver and all passen- {gers must be properly restrained by wearing seat belts at all times, wheth- erornot an air bag is mounted at their ‘seating position, to minimize the risk Of severe injury or death in the event of acrash.BEFORE DRIVING AIR BAG Air bags are designed to infate oniy in se- Vere frontal colisions. They are not de- signed to inflate in tear impacts. side impacts, rollovers, or minor frontal coli- sions, since they would offerno protection in those types of accidents. Also since an alr bag deploys only one time curing an acc Gent, seat belts ate needed 10 restrain ‘occupants trom further movements during the accident. Therefore, an airbag is NOT a substitute for ‘seat belts. To maximize your protection, AL WAYS WEAR YOUR SEAT BELTS. Be ‘aware that no system can prevent all pos- sible injuries that may occur in an accent. Ifthe “AIR BAG" light on the instrument clus- does net blink wher the ignition switch is first turned to the “ON” position, or the “AIR, BAG" light stays on, or comes on while driv. ing, the airbag eystem may not work proper- ly. Have the air bag system inspected by an authorized SUZUKI dealer as soon as pos sie. * Do not install a rear-facing child re- straint in the front passenger's seat. If the passenger's air bag inflates, a child in a rear-facing child restraint could be severely injured, The back of a rear-facing child restraint would be too close to the inflating air bag. it you must use a front-facing child restraint in the front passenger's seat, be sure to move the front passenger's seat as far back as possible. Please refer to the “SEAT BELTS AND CHILO RESTRAINT SYS- TEMS" section in the “BEFORE DRIVING” section for details on securing your child How the System Works. In frontal colision, the crash sensors will Getsct rapid deceleration and senda signal to the controler. f the controller judges that the decsieration cepresents a severe frontal crash, the controller will tigger the inflators. The inflators inflate the air bags with nitro- gen or argon gas. The infiated air bags pro- ‘vide a cushion for your head and upper body. The air bag inflates and detiates so Quickly that you may not even realize that it has activated, The airbag will neither hinder yout view nor make it harder to exit the ve- Ficle. Aloegs must inate quickty and forcetully in order fo reduce the chance of serious or fa- tal injuries. However, an unavoidable con- sequence of the quick inftation is thatthe air ag may irritate bare skin, such as the facial area. Also, upon infiation, a loud noise will occur and some powder and smoke will be released, These concitions are not harmiul and do not indicate a fire in the car. Be ‘aware, however, that some air bag compo: ents may be hot for a while after inflation. A seat belt helps Keep you in the proper position for maximum protection when an airbag inflates. Adjust your seat as far back as possibie white sill maintaining contol of the vehicle. Sit fully back in your seat Stelgnt;do not ean overthe steering whee! 225BEFORE DRIVING ‘or dashocard. Please reter to the “FRONT SEAT ADJUSTMENT” section and the “SEAT BELTS AND CHILD RESTRAINT ‘SYSTEMS" section in the “BEFORE DRIV- ING" section for details on proper seat and ‘Seat belt adjustments. Do not attach any objects to, or place any objects over, the steering wheel or dashboard. Do not place any ob- jects between the airbag andthe driv- ©. These objects ‘er of front passer may interfere with air bag operation or may be propelled by the air bag in the event ofacrash. Either of thesecondi- tions may cause severe injury. ‘Note that even though your vehicle may be moderately damaged in a frontal colision, the collision may not have been severe ‘enough to trigger the air bags to inflate. If your car sustains ANY front-end damage, have the air bag system inepectedby an au- thorized SUZUKI dealer to ensure it is in proper working order. Your vehicle is equioped with a diagnostic ‘Module which records information about the air bag sysiom if the air bags deploy in a crash. The module records information about overall system status, which sensors 2-26 BEER activated the deployment, and whether the river's seat bet was in use. Servicing the Air Bag System. Ifthe air bags inflate, have the airbags and related components replaced by an autho- flzed SUZUKI dealer a8 soon as possible. It your vehicle ever gets in deep water and the criver’s floor is submerged, the air bag controller could be damages. ifitdoes, have the airbag system inspected by the SUZUKI Gealer as soon as possible. ‘Special procedures are required for servic~ ing or replacing an air bag. For that reason, cnly an authorized SUZUKI dealer should bbe allowed to service or replace your air bags. Please remind anyone who services your SUZUKI that it has air bags. Service on or around air bag components or 1g ust be performed only by an autho- rized SUZUKI Gealer. Improper service ‘could result in unintended air bag depioy- ment or could render the airbag inoperative. Either of these two conditions may result in severe injury To prevent damage or unintended intiation of the air bag system, be sure the battery is disconnected and the ignition switen has been in the “LOCK” position for at least 90 seconds before periorming any electrical service work on your SUZUKI. Do not touch air bag system components of wires. The wires are wrapped with yellowtapeor yellow tubing, and the couplers are yellow for easy identiication. ‘Scrapping a car that has an uninfleted air- bag can be hazardous. Ask your dealer body repair shop. or scrap yard for help with disposal