2009 Suzuki SX4 Owner's Manual - Page 159

Daily Inspection Checklist: NO Starting the Engine: 1 OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE 12)Check all gauges. 13)Make sure that the BRAKE light turns off when the parking brake is released. Once a week, or each time you fill your fuel tank, perform the following under-hood checks: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) Engine oil level Coolant level Brake fluid level Power steering (if equipped) fluid level Windshield washer fluid level Hood latch operation Pull the hood release handle inside the vehicle. Make sure that you cannot open the hood all the way without releasing the secondary latch. Be sure to close the hood securely after checking for proper latch operation. See the item "All latches, hinges and locks" of "CHASSIS AND BODY" in the "Periodic Maintenance Schedule" section in the "INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE" section for lubrication schedule. Starting the Engine Before Starting the Engine 1) Make sure the parking brake is set fully. 2) Manual Transaxle - Shift into "N" (Neutral) and depress the clutch pedal all the way to the floor. Hold the clutch pedal while starting the engine. Automatic Transaxle - If the gearshift lever is not in "P" (Park) position, shift into "P". (If you need to re-start the engine while the vehicle is moving, shift into "N".) NOTE: The engine of manual transaxle vehicle will not start unless the clutch pedal is depressed. NOTE: Automatic transaxle vehicles have a starter interlock device which is designed to keep the starter from operating if the transaxle is in any of the drive positions. Starting a Cold Engine With your foot off the accelerator pedal, crank the engine by turning the ignition key to "START". Release the key when the engine starts. CAUTION • Stop turning the starter immediately after the engine has started or the starter system can be damaged. • Do not crank the engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. If the engine doesn't start on the first try, wait about 15 seconds before trying again. If the engine does not start after 15 seconds of cranking, wait about 15 seconds, then press down the accelerator pedal to 1/3 of its travel and try cranking the engine again. Release the key and accelerator pedal when the engine starts. If the engine still does not start, try holding the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor while cranking. This should clear the engine if it is flooded. If you are unable to start the engine using this procedure, consult your SUZUKI dealer. WARNING Make sure the hood is fully closed and latched before driving. If it is not, it can fly up unexpectedly during driving, obstructing your view and resulting in an accident. WARNING Make sure that the parking brake is set fully and the transaxle is in Neutral (or Park for vehicles with an automatic transaxle) before attempting to start the engine. Starting a Warm Engine Use the same procedure as for "Starting a Cold Engine". 6-2 80J22-03E