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Suzuki Reno (2008 year). Manual - part 9

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

While refueling, hang the tethered cap

inside the fuel door.

WARNING

To remove the fuel cap, turn it slowly to the

If a fire starts while you’re refueling,

left (counterclockwise).

don’t remove the nozzle. Shut off the

flow of fuel by shutting off the pump

WARNING

or by notifying the station attendant.

Leave the area immediately.

If you spill fuel and then something

ignites it, you could be badly burned.

Fuel can spray out on you if you open

CAUTION

the fuel cap too quickly. This spray

can happen if your tank is nearly full,

If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to

get a genuine SUZUKI cap or its

and is more likely in hot weather.

Open the fuel cap slowly and wait for

equivalent. Your SUZUKI dealer can

get one for you. If you get the

any

“hiss” noise to stop. Then

To open the fuel filler door, pull up on the

unscrew the cap all the way.

improper type, it may not fit properly.

fuel filler door release lever located on the

This may cause your malfunction

floor to the left of the driver’s seat.

indicator lamp to light and may dam-

Be careful not to spill fuel. Don’t top off or

age your fuel tank and emissions

overfill your tank, and wait a few seconds

system. See “Malfunction Indicator

after you’ve finished pumping before you

Lamp” in the Index.

remove the nozzle. Clean fuel from painted

surfaces as soon as possible. See “Clean-

ing the Outside of Your Vehicle” in this sec-

tion.

When you put the fuel cap back on, turn it

to the right

(clockwise) until you hear a

clicking sound. Make sure you fully install

the cap. The diagnostic system can deter-

mine if the fuel cap has been left off or is

improperly installed. This would allow fuel

N4U5041A

to evaporate into the atmosphere. See

“Malfunction Indicator Lamp” in section 3.

The fuel cap is located on the passenger’s

side of your vehicle.

5-3

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

Filling a Portable Fuel Container

Checking Things Under the

Hood Release

To

open the

hood, do the following.

Hood

WARNING

Never fill a portable fuel container

WARNING

while it is in your vehicle. Static elec-

tricity discharge from the container

An electric fan under the hood can

can ignite the gasoline vapor. You

start up and injure you even when the

can be badly burned and your vehicle

engine is not running. Keep hands,

can be damaged if this occurs. To

clothing and tools away from any

help avoid injury to you and others:

underhood electric fan.

• Dispense gasoline only into

approved containers.

WARNING

• Do not fill a container while it is

inside a vehicle, in a vehicle’s

Things that burn can get on hot

trunk, pickup bed or on any surface

engine parts and start a fire. These

other than the ground.

include liquids like fuel, oil, coolant,

• Bring the fill nozzle in contact with

brake fluid, windshield washer and

1)

Pull the hood release handle located at

the inside of the fill opening before

other fluids, and plastic or rubber.

the lower left side of the instrument

operating the nozzle. Contact

You or others could be burned. Be

panel.

should be maintained until the fill-

careful not to drop or spill things that

ing is complete.

will burn onto a hot engine.

• Don’t smoke while pumping gaso-

line.

5-4

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

2) Then go to the front of the vehicle and

3) Lift the hood, release the hood prop

4) Before closing the hood, be sure all the

lift the bottom of the secondary hood

from its retainer and place the hood

filler caps are on properly. Then lift the

release lever upward. The secondary

prop into the slot in the hood.

hood to relieve pressure on the hood

hood release lever is located near the

prop. Remove the hood prop from the

front center of the hood.

slot in the hood and return the prop to

its retainer. Lower the hood 12 in (30

cm) above the vehicle and release it to

latch fully. Check to make sure the hood

is closed and repeat the process if nec-

essary.

5-5

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

Engine Compartment Overview

When you open the hood on the engine, you’ll see the following:

A

B

C

D

E

I

H

G

F

N5U5007A

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter

F. Battery

B. Engine Oil Filler Cap

G. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir

C. Brake/Clutch Fluid Reservoir

H. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir

D. Engine Coolant Surge Tank

I. Engine Oil Dipstick

E. Underhood Fuse Block

5-6

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

Engine Oil

When to Add Engine Oil

If the oil pressure light appears on the

1.0 L

instrument cluster, it means you need to

check your engine oil level right away.

For more information, see “Oil Pressure

Light” in section 3.

L3U5011A

Use the engine oil dipstick to check the oil

You should check your engine oil level reg-

level. The dipstick’s handle will be a yellow

If the oil is at or below the MIN mark, then

ularly; this is an added reminder.

ring. See “Engine Compartment Overview”

you’ll need to add at least one quart of oil.

in this section for the location of the engine

But you must use the right kind. This sec-

Checking Engine Oil

oil dipstick.

tion explains what kind of oil to use. For

It’s a good idea to check your engine oil

engine oil crankcase capacity, see “Capac-

every time you get fuel. In order to get an

Turn off the engine and give the oil several

ities and Specifications” in this section.

accurate reading, the oil must be warm

minutes to drain back into the oil pan. If

and the vehicle must be on level ground.

you don’t, the oil dipstick might not show

CAUTION

the actual level.

Don’t add too much oil. If your engine

Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a

has so much oil that the oil level gets

paper towel or cloth, then push it back in all

above the upper mark that shows the

the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip

proper operating range, your engine

down and check the level.

could be damaged.

5-7

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

What Kind of Engine Oil to Use

Oils recommended for your vehicle can be

RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS

identified by looking for the starburst sym-

bol.

LOOK FOR

This symbol indicates that the oil has been

HOT

THIS SYMBOL

certified by the American Petroleum Insti-

WEATHER

tute (API). Do not use any oil which does

not carry this starburst symbol.

SAE 10W-30 ACCEPTABLE

This (A) is where you add oil. See “Engine

IF 5W-30 IS NOT AVAILABLE

SAE 5W-30

Compartment Overview” on a previous

RECOMMENDED

page in this section for more information

If you choose to perform the engine oil

on location.

change service yourself, be sure the oil

COLD

you use has the starburst symbol on the

WEATHER

Be sure to add enough oil to put the level

front of the oil container. If you have your

DO NOT USE SAE 10W-40, SAE 20W-50 OR ANY

somewhere in the proper operating range.

OTHER VISCOSITY GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED

oil changed for you, be sure the oil put into

Push the dipstick all the way back in when

your engine is American Petroleum Insti-

you’re through.

tute certified for gasoline engines.

•

SAE 5W-30

You should also use the proper viscosity oil

As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE

for your vehicle, as shown in the viscosity

5W-30 is the only viscosity grade recom-

chart.

mended for your vehicle. However, if it’s

going to be -4°F (-20°C) or above and

SAE 5W-30 is not available, you may use

SAE 10W-30.

These numbers on an oil container show

its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use

other viscosity oil such as SAE 10W-40

or SAE 20W-50 under any conditions.

5-8

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

your SUZUKI dealer, a service station or a

Driving under these conditions causes

CAUTION

local recycling center for help.

engine oil to break down sooner. If any one

Use only engine oil with the Ameri-

of these is true for your vehicle, then you

Engine Air Cleaner/Filter

can Petroleum Institute Certified For

need to change your oil and filter every

Gasoline Engines starburst symbol.

3,750 miles

(6,000 km) or 3 months -

Failure to use the recommended oil

whichever occurs first.

can result in engine damage not cov-

If none of them is true, use the long trip/

ered by your warranty.

highway maintenance schedule. Change

the oil and filter every 7,500 miles (12,000

If you are in an area of extreme cold,

km) or 6 months - whichever occurs first.

where the temperature falls below -22°F

Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed

(-30°C), it is recommended that you use

engine under highway conditions will

either an SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or an

cause engine oil to break down slower.

SAE 0W-30 oil. Both will provide easier

cold starting and better protection for your

What to Do with Used Oil

engine at extremely low temperatures.

Used engine oil contains certain elements

that may be unhealthy for your skin and

Engine Oil Additives

could even cause cancer. Don’t let used oil

Don’t add anything to your oil. The recom-

stay on your skin for very long. Clean your

The engine air cleaner/filter is located on

mended oils with the starburst symbol are

skin and nails with soap and water, or a

the passenger’s side of the engine com-

all you will need for good performance and

good hand cleaner. Wash or properly dis-

partment. See

“Engine Compartment

engine protection.

pose of clothing or rags containing used

Overview” in this section for more informa-

engine oil. See the manufacturer’s warn-

tion on location.

When to Change Engine Oil

ings about the use and disposal of oil prod-

If any one of these is true for you, use the

ucts.

When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/

short trip/city maintenance schedule:

Filter

Used oil can be a threat to the environ-

Inspect the air cleaner/filter every

7,500

• Most trips are less than 5 miles (8 km).

ment. If you change your own oil, be sure

This is particularly important when out-

miles (12,000 km) or 6 months - whichever

to drain all the oil from the filter before dis-

occurs first.

side temperatures are below freezing.

posal. Never dispose of oil by putting it in

• Most trips include extensive idling (such

the trash, pouring it on the ground, into

Replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)

as frequent driving in stop-and-go traf-

sewers, or into streams or bodies of water.

or 24 months - whichever comes first.

fic).

Instead, recycle it by taking it to a place

• The vehicle is used for delivery service,

If you are driving in dusty/dirty conditions,

that collects used oil. If you have a problem

police, taxi or other commercial applica-

inspect the filter every 3,750 miles (6,000

properly disposing of your used oil, ask

tion.

5-9

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

km) or 3 months. If necessary, clean or

replace it.

CAUTION

WARNING

If the air cleaner/filter is off, a backfire

This work requires special skill and

How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/

can cause a damaging engine fire.

equipment. Before attempting to do

Filter

And, dirt can easily get into your

the work, be sure you are fully

To inspect the air cleaner/filter, remove the

engine, which will damage it. Always

acquainted with doing this job.

filter from the vehicle and lightly shake the

have the air cleaner/filter in place

Have your SUZUKI dealer do this

filter to release loose dust and dirt. If the fil-

when you’re driving.

work if you are not confident you can

ter remains “caked” with dirt, a new filter is

complete the task safely.

required.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Otherwise, you could be injured or

To inspect or replace the filter, do the fol-

To ensure proper functioning, efficiency,

could damage the vehicle.

lowing:

and durability of the automatic transmis-

sion, be sure to keep the transmission fluid

1)

Start the engine.

1) Remove the four screws on the cover.

at the proper level. Too much or too little

2)

Warm up the engine until the tempera-

2) Lift off the cover.

fluid can cause problems.

ture of the automatic transmission fluid

3) Check or replace the engine air

reaches approximately 40°C (104°F).

cleaner/filter. See

“Normal Mainte-

The fluid level must be checked with the

3)

Move the selector lever from “P” to “1”

nance Replacement Parts” in this sec-

engine running and the selector lever in P

and return to “P”. Wait for a few sec-

tion for replacement part numbers.

(Park). The vehicle must be up to normal

onds at each select position until the

4) Reinstall the filter, put the cover back on

operating temperature and parked on level

selected gears are fully engaged.

tightly, and tighten the screws.

ground.

The normal operating temperature for the

WARNING

fluid will be reached after driving about 10

Operating the engine with the air

minutes.

cleaner/filter off can cause you or

others to be burned. The air cleaner

Checking Automatic Transmission Fluid

not only cleans the air, it helps to

Level

stop flame if the engine backfires. If it

If the fluid is contaminated or discolored,

isn’t there and the engine backfires,

change the automatic transmission fluid.

you could be burned. Don’t drive with

A decrease in the fluid level indicates a

it off, and be careful working on the

engine with the air cleaner/filter off.

leak in the automatic transmission. If

noted, contact your SUZUKI dealer for

repair as soon as possible.

5-10

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

If you do not use your vehicle under any of

1)

Turn the engine off.

these conditions, the fluid and filter do not

2)

Allow the transmission to cool. It must

require changing.

be cool enough for you to rest your fin-

gers on the transmission case.

CAUTION

3)

Remove filler plug.

4)

Make sure the fluid reaches the bottom

Use of automatic transmission fluid

edge of the filler plug hole.

labeled other than ESSO LT 71141 or

TOTAL ATF H50235 may damage your

vehicle, and the damages may not be

covered by your warranty. Always

use ESSO LT 71141 or TOTAL ATF

H50235 labeled automatic transmis-

sion fluid.

4)

Remove filler plug.

See

“Recommended Fluids and Lubri-

5)

Make sure the fluid reaches the bottom

cants” in section 6 for the proper fluid to

edge of the filler plug hole.

use.

6)

If the level is low, add fluid until it begins

to run out the filler hole.

Manual Transmission Fluid

7)

After filling to the correct level, reinstall

Checking Transmission Fluid Level

the plug securely.

5)

If the level is low, add fluid until it begins

WARNING

Recommend Automatic Transmission

to run out the filler hole.

Fluid and Maintenance Schedule

This work requires special skill and

6)

After filling to the correct level, reinstall

Change both the fluid and filter every

equipment. Before attempting to do

the plug securely.

37,500 miles (60,000 km) if the vehicle is

the work, be sure you are fully

7)

Visually check the transmission case

mainly driven under one or more of these

acquainted with doing this job.

for leaks or damage.

conditions:

Have your SUZUKI dealer do this

See

“Recommended Fluids and Lubri-

work if you are not confident you can

• In heavy city traffic where the outside

cants” in section 6 for the proper fluid to

complete the task safely.

temperature regularly reaches

90°F

use.

Otherwise, you could be injured or

(32°C) or higher.

could damage the vehicle.

• In hilly or mountainous terrain.

• For business uses such as taxi, police or

delivery service.

5-11

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

Hydraulic Clutch

the MIN and the MAX marks on the reser-

There is one reservoir for both the brake

voir, the fluid level is correct. The reservoir

WARNING

and the hydraulic clutch fluid. See “Brakes”

is located near the back of the engine com-

Do not mix Dex-cool and silicate

in this section for more information.

partment on the driver’s side of the vehicle.

based coolant in your coolant sys-

See “Engine Compartment Overview” in

The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle

tem.

this section for more information on loca-

is self-adjusting. The master cylinder res-

The mixture can damage the cooling

tion.

ervoir is filled with hydraulic fluid.

system.

A fluid loss in this system could indicate a

Engine Coolant

Use a 60/40 mixture of clean, drinkable

problem. Have the system inspected and

The following explains your cooling system

water and engine coolant which won’t

repaired.

and how to add coolant when it is low. If

damage aluminum parts. If another type of

you have a problem with engine overheat-

coolant is used, aluminum parts might be

When to Check and What to Use

ing, see “Engine Overheating” in this sec-

subject to corrosion.

Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to

tion.

determine how often you should check the

You can also use a recycled coolant with a

fluid level and for the proper fluid. See sec-

What to Use

complete coolant flush and refill. If you use

tion 6.

The cooling system in your vehicle is

this coolant mixture, you don’t need to add

designed to use either Dex-cool coolant,

anything else.

How to Check and Add Fluid

which is red in color, or silicate based cool-

A 60/40 mixture of clean, drinkable water

ant, which is blue. These two types of cool-

ant are not compatible with each other and

and proper coolant will:

should never be mixed. Therefore, if the

• Give freezing protection down to -33°F

original coolant in your vehicle’s cooling

(-36°C).

system was red, then you should use only

• Give boiling protection up to

268°F

Dex-cool coolant for the life of your vehicle.

(131°C).

If the original coolant in your vehicle's cool-

• Protect against rust and corrosion.

ing system was blue, then you should use

• Help keep the proper engine tempera-

only silicate based coolant for the life of

ture.

your vehicle. Even if the cooling system

• Let the warning lights and gauges work

has been completely drained before a refill,

as they should.

do not switch types of coolant.

For protection in extremely cold weather

conditions, use a 50/50 mixture of clean,

drinkable water and proper coolant.

To check the fluid level, look on the side of

the reservoir. If the fluid level is between

5-12

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

WARNING

CAUTION

WARNING

Adding only plain water to your cool-

If you use the proper coolant, you

Never turn the surge tank pressure

ing system can be dangerous. Plain

don’t have to add extra inhibitors or

cap - even a little - when the engine

water, or some other liquid such as

additives which claim to improve the

and radiator are hot.

alcohol, can boil before the proper

system. These can be harmful.

Loosening the surge tank pressure

coolant mixture will. Your vehicle’s

cap when the engine and radiator are

coolant warning system is set for the

Checking Coolant

hot can allow steam and scalding liq-

proper coolant mixture. With plain

uids to blow out and burn you badly.

water or the wrong mixture, your

engine could get too hot but you

The vehicle must be on a level surface.

wouldn’t get the overheat warning.

When your engine is cold, the coolant level

Your engine could catch fire and you

should be between MAX and MIN mark on

or others could be burned. Use a 60/

the coolant surge tank. The level rises at

40 mixture of clean, drinkable water

engine operation temperature and drops

and the proper coolant.

again when the engine cools down.

Adding Coolant

CAUTION

If the level falls below the MIN mark, add

If you use an improper coolant mix-

the proper coolant mixture at the surge

ture, your engine could overheat and

tank, but only when the engine is cool. If

be badly damaged. The repair cost

the surge tank is empty, a special fill proce-

wouldn’t be covered by your war-

dure is necessary. See “Cooling System”

ranty. Too much water in the mixture

The engine coolant surge tank is located

in this section for instructions on “How to

can freeze and crack the engine, radi-

on the driver’s side of the engine compart-

Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank”.

ator, heater core and other parts.

ment. See “Engine Compartment Over-

view” in this section for more information

WARNING

on location.

If you have to add coolant more than four

Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine.

times a year, have your SUZUKI dealer

You can be burned if you spill coolant

check your cooling system.

on hot engine parts. Coolant con-

tains ethylene glycol, and it will burn

if the engine parts are hot enough.

5-13

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

When replacing the pressure cap, make

If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine

sure it is hand-tight.

CAUTION

If your engine catches fire because

Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap

you keep driving with no coolant,

your vehicle can be badly damaged.

CAUTION

The costly repairs would not be cov-

Your coolant surge tank cap is a

ered by your warranty.

pressure-type cap and must be

tightly installed to prevent coolant

If No Steam Is Coming From Your

loss and possible engine damage

Engine

from overheating. See

“Capacities

If you get an engine overheat warning, but

and Specifications” for more informa-

see or hear no steam, the problem may not

tion.

be too serious. Sometimes the engine can

get a little too hot when you:

Engine Overheating

• Climb a long hill on a hot day.

You will find a coolant temperature gauge

• Stop after high-speed driving.

WARNING

on your vehicle’s instrument panel. See

• Idle for long periods in traffic.

“Engine Coolant

Temperature Gauge” in

Steam from an overheated engine

section 3.

can burn you badly, even if you just

If you get the overheat warning with no

open the hood. Stay away from the

sign of steam, try this for a minute or so:

engine if you see or hear steam com-

ing from it. Just turn it off and get

1) In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in

NEUTRAL while stopped. If it is safe to

everyone away from the vehicle until

it cools down. Wait until there is no

do so, pull off the road, shift to PARK

(P) or NEUTRAL and let the engine

sign of steam or coolant before you

open the hood.

idle.

2) Turn on your heater to full hot at the

If you keep driving when your engine

is overheated, the liquids in it can

highest fan speed and open the window

as necessary.

catch fire. You or others could be

badly burned. Stop your engine if it

If you no longer have the overheat warn-

overheats, and get out of the vehicle

ing, you can drive. Just to be safe, drive

until the engine is cool.

slower for about 10 minutes. If the warning

doesn’t come back on, you can drive nor-

mally.

5-14

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

If the warning continues and you have not

If there seems to be no leak, with the

stopped, pull over, stop, and park your

WARNING

engine on, check to see if the electric

vehicle right away.

engine cooling fan is running. If the engine

An electric engine cooling fan under

is overheating, the fan should be running.

If there’s still no sign of steam, you can idle

the hood can start up even when the

If it isn’t, your vehicle needs service.

the engine for three minutes while you’re

engine is not running and can injure

parked. If you still have the warning, turn

you. Keep hands, clothing and tools

CAUTION

off the engine and get everyone out of the

away from any underhood electric

vehicle until it cools down.

fan.

Engine damage from running your

engine without coolant isn’t covered

You may decide not to lift the hood, but to

If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank

by your warranty.

get service help right away.

is boiling, don’t do anything else until it

cools down. The vehicle should be parked

How to Add Coolant to the Coolant

Cooling System

on a level surface. Make sure that the air

Surge Tank

conditioning is turned off.

CAUTION

The coolant level should be between the

MIN and MAX marks on the coolant surge

This vehicle has a specific coolant fill

tank when the engine is cool. If it isn’t, you

procedure. Failure to follow this pro-

may have a leak at the pressure cap or in

cedure could cause your engine to

the radiator hoses, heater hoses, radiator,

overheat and be severely damaged.

water pump or somewhere else in the cool-

ing system.

If you haven’t found a problem yet, check

to see if coolant is visible in the surge tank.

WARNING

If coolant is visible but the coolant level

isn’t between the MIN and MAX marks,

Heater and radiator hoses, and other

add a 60/40 mixture of clean, drinkable

engine parts, can be very hot. Don’t

water and proper coolant at the coolant

touch them. If you do, you can be

surge tank, but be sure the cooling system,

The engine coolant surge tank is located in

burned.

including the coolant surge tank pressure

the rear of the engine compartment on the

Don’t run the engine if there is a leak.

cap, is cool before you do it. See “Engine

driver’s side.

If you run the engine, it could lose all

Coolant” in this section for more informa-

of the coolant. That could cause an

tion.

engine fire, and you could be burned.

Get any leak fixed before you drive

If no coolant is visible in the surge tank,

the vehicle.

add coolant as follows:

5-15

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

WARNING

CAUTION

Never turn the cap when the cooling

In cold weather, water can freeze and

system, including the coolant surge

crack the engine, radiator, heater

tank pressure cap, is hot.

core and other parts. Use the recom-

Steam and scalding liquids from a

mended coolant and the proper cool-

hot cooling system can blow out and

ant mixture.

burn you badly. They are under pres-

sure, and if you loosen the coolant

WARNING

surge tank pressure cap - even a lit-

tle - they can come out at high

You can be burned if you spill coolant

speed. Wait for the cooling system

on hot engine parts. Coolant con-

and coolant surge tank pressure cap

L3U5019A

tains ethylene glycol and it will burn

to cool if you ever have to loosen the

if the engine parts are hot enough.

pressure cap.

Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine.

WARNING

Adding only plain water to your cool-

1) Park the vehicle on a level surface. You

ing system can be dangerous. Plain

can remove the coolant surge tank

water, or some other liquid such as

pressure cap when the cooling system,

alcohol, can boil before the proper

including the coolant surge tank pres-

coolant mixture will. Your vehicle’s

sure cap and upper radiator hose, is no

coolant warning system is set for the

longer hot. Turn the pressure cap

proper coolant mixture. With plain

slowly counterclockwise (left) about two

water or the wrong mixture, your

or two and one-half turns. If you hear a

engine could get too hot but you

hiss, wait for that to stop. This will allow

wouldn’t get the overheat warning.

any pressure still left to be vented out

Your engine could catch fire and you

the discharge hose.

or others could be burned. Use a 60/

40 mixture of clean, drinkable water

and a proper coolant.

5-16

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

level is lower than the MAX mark, add

How to Check Power Steering Fluid

more of the proper mixture to the cool-

ant surge tank until the level reaches

the MAX mark.

2) Then keep turning the pressure cap

slowly, and remove it.

5) Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure

the pressure cap is hand-tight and fully

seated. See your SUZUKI dealer, if

necessary.

Turn the key off and then check the fluid

level. The level should be between the MIN

Power Steering Fluid

and MAX marks on the reservoir. If the

3)

Fill the coolant surge tank with the

The power steering fluid reservoir is

level is below the MIN mark, add power

proper mixture to the MAX mark on the

located toward the front of the engine com-

steering fluid.

coolant surge tank. Wait about five min-

partment on the driver’s side of the vehicle.

utes, then check to see if the level is

See “Engine Compartment Overview” in

What to Use

below the MAX mark. If the level is

this section for more information on loca-

To determine what kind of fluid to use, see

below the MAX mark, add additional

tion.

“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in

coolant to bring the level up to the MAX

section 6. Always use the proper fluid. Fail-

mark. Repeat this procedure until the

When to Check Power Steering Fluid

ure to use the proper fluid can cause leaks

level remains constant at the MAX mark

It is not necessary to regularly check

and can damage hoses and seals.

for at least five minutes.

power steering fluid unless you suspect

4)

With the coolant surge tank pressure

there is a leak in the system or you hear an

cap off, start the engine and let it run

unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system

until you can feel the upper radiator

could indicate a problem. Have the system

hose getting hot. Watch out for the

inspected and repaired.

engine cooling fan.

By this time, the coolant level inside the

coolant surge tank may be lower. If the

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