Maintenance and Lubrication: Maintenance Suzuki Equator I

General Maintenance

General maintenance includes those items which should be checked during the normal day-today operation of the vehicle. They are essential if the vehicle is to continue operating properly. The owner can perform these checks and inspections or have their SUZUKI dealers perform them.

FOR MEXICO: Explanation of General Maintenance

General maintenance includes those items which should be checked during the normal day-to-day operation of the vehicle. They are essential if the vehicle is to continue operating properly. The owner can perform these checks and inspections or have their SUZUKI dealers perform them.

OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE

The maintenance items listed here should be performed from time to time, unless otherwise specified.

OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE

INSIDE THE VEHICLE

The maintenance items listed here should be checked on a regular basis, such as when performing periodic maintenance, cleaning the vehicle, etc.

INSIDE THE VEHICLE

UNDER THE HOOD AND VEHICLE

The maintenance items listed here should be checked periodically (e.g. each time you check the engine oil or refuel).

UNDER THE HOOD AND VEHICLE

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

Abbreviations: R = Replace. I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: At the mileage intervals only

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE OPERATION

CHASSIS AND BODY MAINTENANCE

Abbreviations: R = Replace. I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. L = Lubricate. [ ]: At the mileage intervals only.

CHASSIS AND BODY MAINTENANCE

CHASSIS AND BODY MAINTENANCE INTERVAL

Abbreviations: R = Replace. I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: At the mileage intervals only

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

Abbreviations: R = Replace. I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. L = Lubricate. [ ]: At the mileage interval only.

CHASSIS AND BODY MAINTENANCE

For Mexico: Periodic Maintenance

The following tables show the normal maintenance schedule. Depending upon weather and atmospheric conditions, varying road surfaces, individual driving habits and vehicle usage, additional or more frequent maintenance may be required.

Periodic maintenance beyond the last period shown on the tables requires similar maintenance.

ENGINE AND EMISSION CONTROL MAINTENANCE

Abbreviations: I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary, R = Replace, E = Check and correct the engine coolant mixture ratio

ENGINE AND EMISSION CONTROL MAINTENANCE

Abbreviations: I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary, R = Replace, L = Lubricate, T = Tighten

CHASSIS AND BODY MAINTENANCE

MAINTENANCE UNDER SEVERE DRIVING CONDITIONS

The maintenance intervals shown on the preceding pages are for normal operating conditions. If the vehicle is mainly operated under severe driving conditions as shown below, more frequent maintenance must be performed on the following items as shown in the table.

Severe driving conditions

1. Driving in dusty conditions
2. Repeatedly driving short distances
3. Towing a trailer or caravan
4. Extensive idling
5. Driving in extremely adverse weather conditions or in areas where ambient temperatures are either extremely low or extremely high
6. Driving in high humidity or mountainous areas
7. Driving in areas using salt or other corrosive materials
8. Driving on rough and/or muddy roads or in the desert
9. Driving with frequent use of braking or in mountainous areas

MAINTENANCE UNDER SEVERE DRIVING CONDITIONS

Maintenance for off-road driving (4WD only)

Whenever you drive off-road through sand, mud or water, more frequent maintenance may be required of the following items.

1. Brake pads and rotors
2. Brake lines and hoses
3. Differential gear oil, transfer fluid and automatic transmission fluid
4. Steering linkage
5. Propeller shafts and front drive shafts
6. Air cleaner filter

Scheme 18

Scheme 19

FLUSHING COOLING SYSTEM

1. Drain the engine coolant from the engine cooling system. Refer to [ «CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT»(ref-375712-S03681839052010102800000) ].
2. Fill the radiator and the reservoir tank (to the "MAX" line) with water. Reinstall the radiator cap and leave the vented reservoir cap off.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Press the engine accelerator two or three times under no-load.
5. Stop the engine and wait until it cools down.
6. Drain the water from the engine cooling system. Refer to [ «CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT»(ref-375712-S03681839052010102800000) ].
7. Repeat steps 2 through 6 until clear water begins to drain from the radiator.

1. Drain the water from the engine cooling system. Refer to [ «CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT [VQ40DE]»(ref-375712-S00650647852010102800000) ].
2. Fill the radiator and the reservoir tank (to the "MAX" line), with water. Reinstall the radiator cap and leave the vented reservoir cap off.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Press the engine accelerator two or three times under no-load.
5. Stop the engine and wait until it cools down.
6. Drain the water from the engine cooling system. Refer to [ «CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT [VQ40DE]»(ref-375712-S00650647852010102800000) ].
7. Repeat steps 2 through 6 until clear water begins to drain from the radiator.

Checking the A/T Fluid (ATF)

Scheme 20

Scheme 21

Scheme 22

Scheme 23

Scheme 24

1. Before driving, the A/T fluid level can be checked at A/T fluid temperatures of 30° to 50°C (86° to 122°F) using the "COLD" range on the A/T fluid level gauge as follows: Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the parking brake. Start the engine and move the selector lever through each gear position. Shift the selector lever into the "P" position. Check the A/T fluid level with the engine idling. Remove the A/T fluid level gauge and wipe it clean with a lint-free paper. CAUTION: When wiping the A/T fluid from the A/T fluid level gauge, always use a lint-free paper, not a cloth. Re-insert the A/T fluid level gauge into the A/T fluid charging pipe until the cap contacts the top of the A/T fluid charging pipe as shown. CAUTION: To check A/T fluid level, insert the A/T fluid level gauge until the cap contacts the top of the A/T fluid charging pipe, with the gauge reversed from the normal inserted position. Remove the A/T fluid level gauge and note the A/T fluid level. If the A/T fluid level is at low side of range, add A/T fluid to the transmission through the A/T fluid charging pipe. CAUTION: Do not overfill the transmission with A/T fluid. Install the A/T fluid level gauge and the A/T fluid level gauge bolt. A/T fluid level gauge bolt: Refer to [ «TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY: COMPONENT»(ref-375705-S19453451932010102800000) ].
2. Warm up the engine and transmission.
3. Check for any A/T fluid leaks.
4. Drive the vehicle to increase the A/T fluid temperature to 80°C (176°F).
5. Allow the A/T fluid temperature to fall to approximately 65°C (149°F). Use the SDT to monitor the A/T fluid temperature as follows: NOTE: The A/T fluid level will be significantly affected by the A/T fluid temperature as shown. Therefore monitor the A/T fluid temperature data using the SDT. Connect SDT to data link connector. Select "MAIN SIGNALS" in "Data list" mode for "A/T" with SDT. Read out the value of "ATF TEMP 1".
6. Re-check the A/T fluid level at A/T fluid temperatures of approximately 65°C (149°F) using the "HOT" range on the A/T fluid level gauge as shown. The HOT range is between 50° - 80°C (122° - 176°F). CAUTION: When wiping the A/T fluid from the A/T fluid level gauge, always use lint-free paper, not a cloth. To check the A/T fluid level, insert the A/T fluid level gauge until the cap contacts the top of the A/T fluid charging pipe, with the gauge reversed from the normal inserted position as shown.
7. Check the A/T fluid condition. If the A/T fluid is very dark or has some burned smell, there may be an internal problem with the transmission. Flush the transmission cooling system after repairing the transmission. If the A/T fluid contains frictional material (clutches, bands, etc.), replace the radiator and flush the transmission cooler lines using cleaning solvent and compressed air after repairing the transmission.
8. Install the A/T fluid level gauge in the A/T fluid charging pipe.
9. Tighten the A/T fluid level gauge bolt to specification. A/T fluid level gauge bolt: Refer to [ «TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY: COMPONENT»(ref-375705-S19453451932010102800000) ].

Changing the A/T Fluid (ATF)

Scheme 25

Scheme 26

1. Drive the vehicle to warm up the A/T fluid to approximately 80°C (176°F).
2. Stop the engine.
3. Remove the A/T fluid level gauge.
4. Drain the A/T fluid from the drain plug hole, then install the drain plug with a new gasket. Refill the transmission with new A/T fluid. Always refill with the same volume as the drained A/T fluid. Use the A/T fluid level gauge to check the A/T fluid level as shown. Add A/T fluid as necessary. Drain plug: Refer to [ «TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY: COMPONENT»(ref-375705-S19453451932010102800000) ]. To flush out the old A/T fluid from the transmission oil coolers, pour new A/T fluid into the A/T fluid charging pipe with the engine idling and at the same time drain the old A/T fluid from the auxiliary transmission oil cooler hose return line. When the color of the A/T fluid coming out of the auxiliary transmission oil cooler hose return line is about the same as the color of the new A/T fluid, flushing out the old A/T fluid is complete. The amount of new A/T fluid used for flushing should be 30% to 50% increase of the specified capacity. A/T fluid grade and capacity: Refer to [ «RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS»(ref-375712-S04876022172010102800000) ]. CAUTION: If SUZUKI approved Matic S ATF is not available, SUZUKI approved Matic J ATF may also be used. Using automatic transmission fluid other than SUZUKI approved Matic S ATF or Matic J ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may damage the automatic transmission, which is not covered by the SUZUKI new vehicle limited warranty When filling the transmission with A/T fluid, do not spill the A/T fluid on any heat generating parts such as the exhaust manifold. Do not reuse the drain plug gasket.
5. Install the A/T fluid level gauge and tighten the A/T fluid level gauge bolt to specification. A/T fluid level gauge bolt: Refer to [ «TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY: COMPONENT»(ref-375705-S19453451932010102800000) ].
6. Drive the vehicle to warm up the A/T fluid to approximately 80°C (176°F).
7. Check the fluid level and condition. If the A/T fluid is still dirty, repeat steps 2 through 6.
8. Install the A/T fluid level gauge in the A/T fluid charging pipe and install the A/T fluid level gauge bolt.
9. Tighten the A/T fluid level gauge bolt to specification. A/T fluid level gauge bolt: Refer to [ «TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY: COMPONENT»(ref-375705-S19453451932010102800000) ].

DRAINING

1. Start the engine and let it run to warm up the transmission.
2. Stop the engine. Remove the transmission drain plug and drain the oil.
3. Set a gasket on the drain plug and install it to the transmission. Tighten the drain plug to the specified torque. Refer to [ «TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY: DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY»(ref-375725-S38536390522010102800000) ]. CAUTION: Do not reuse gasket.

Scheme 27

1. Remove the filler plug. Fill with new oil until oil level reaches the specified limit near the filler plug hole as shown. Oil grade and viscosity: Refer to [ «RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS»(ref-375712-S04876022172010102800000) ]. Oil capacity: Refer to [ «RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS»(ref-375712-S04876022172010102800000) ].
2. After refilling the oil, check oil level. Set a gasket to the filler plug, then install it to the transmission. Tighten the filler plug to the specified torque. Refer to [ «TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY: DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY»(ref-375725-S38536390522010102800000) ] CAUTION: Do not reuse gasket.

1. Start the engine and let it run to warm up the transmission.
2. Stop the engine. Remove the transmission drain plug and drain the oil.
3. Set a gasket on the drain plug and install it to the transmission. Tighten the drain plug to the specified torque. Refer to [ «TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY: DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY»(ref-375726-S32694269002010102800000) ] CAUTION: Do no reuse gasket.

Scheme 28

1. Remove the filler plug. Fill with new oil until oil level reaches the specified limit near the filler plug hole. Oil grade and Viscosity: Refer to [ «RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS»(ref-375712-S04876022172010102800000) ]. Oil capacity: Refer to [ «RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS»(ref-375712-S04876022172010102800000) ].
2. After refilling the oil, check oil level. Set a gasket to the filler plug, then install it to the transmission. Tighten the filler plug to the specified torque. Refer to [ «TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY: DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY»(ref-375726-S32694269002010102800000) ] CAUTION: Do not reuse gasket.

Scheme 29

1. Make sure that oil is not leaking from the transmission or around it.
2. Check oil level from the filler plug hole as shown. CAUTION: Do not start engine while checking oil level.
3. Set a gasket on the filler plug and install it to the transmission. Tighten the filler plug to the specified torque. Refer to [ «TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY: DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY»(ref-375725-S38536390522010102800000) ] CAUTION: Do not reuse gasket.

Scheme 30

1. Make sure that oil is not leaking from the transmission or around it.
2. Check oil level from the filler plug hole as shown. CAUTION: Do not start engine while checking oil level.
3. Set a gasket on the filler plug and install it to the transmission. Tighten the filler plug to the specified torque. Refer to [ «TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY: DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY»(ref-375726-S32694269002010102800000) ] CAUTION: Do not reuse gasket.

Chassis and Body Maintenance: Checking Propeller Shaft

Check the front and rear propeller shafts for damage, dents, and cracks. Check the joints for looseness and any damage. Repair or replace as necessary. Refer to [ NVH TROUBLESHOOTING CHART ]

Scheme 31

1. Stop the engine.
2. Remove the drain plug and gasket from the front final drive assembly to drain the differential gear oil.
3. Install the drain plug with a new gasket to the front final drive assembly. Tighten to the specified torque. Refer to [ «FRONT FINAL DRIVE: DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY»(ref-375708-S21000174652010102800000) ] CAUTION: Do not reuse gasket.

Scheme 32

1. Remove the filler plug and gasket from the front final drive assembly.
2. Fill the front final drive assembly with new differential gear oil until the level reaches the specified level near the filler plug hole. Differential gear oil grade and capacity: Refer to [ «RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS»(ref-375712-S04876022172010102800000) ].
3. Install the filler plug with a new gasket on it to the front final drive assembly. Tighten to the specified torque. Refer to [ «FRONT FINAL DRIVE: DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY»(ref-375708-S21000174652010102800000) ] CAUTION: Do not reuse gasket.

Scheme 33

1. Stop engine.
2. Remove the drain plug from the rear final drive assembly to drain the differential gear oil.
3. Install the drain plug with a new gasket to the rear final drive assembly. Tighten to the specified torque. Refer to [ «REAR FINAL DRIVE: DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY»(ref-375708-S34550189692010102800000) ] CAUTION: Do not reuse gasket.

Scheme 34

1. Remove the filler plug from the rear final drive assembly.
2. Fill the rear final drive assembly with new differential gear oil until the level reaches the specified level near the filler plug hole. Differential gear oil grade and capacity: Refer to [ «RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS»(ref-375712-S04876022172010102800000) ].
3. Install the filler plug with sealant applied on the threads to the rear final drive assembly. Tighten to the specified torque. Refer to [ «REAR FINAL DRIVE: DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY»(ref-375708-S34550189692010102800000) ] Use High Performance Thread Sealant or equivalent. Refer to [ «RECOMMENDED CHEMICAL PRODUCTS AND SEALANTS»(ref-375700-S13998640382010102800000) ]

Scheme 35

1. Stop engine.
2. Remove the drain plug from the rear final drive assembly to drain the differential gear oil.
3. Install the drain plug with sealant applied on the threads to the rear final drive assembly. Tighten to the specified torque. Refer to [ «REAR FINAL DRIVE ASSEMBLY: DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY»(ref-375708-S02261239832010102800000) ] Use High Performance Thread Sealant or equivalent. Refer to [ «RECOMMENDED CHEMICAL PRODUCTS AND SEALANTS»(ref-375700-S13998640382010102800000) ]

Scheme 36

1. Remove the filler plug from the rear final drive assembly.
2. Fill the rear final drive assembly with new differential gear oil until the level reaches the specified level near the filler plug hole. Differential gear oil grade and capacity: Refer to [ «RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS»(ref-375712-S04876022172010102800000) ].
3. Install the filler plug with sealant applied on the threads to the rear final drive assembly. Tighten to the specified torque. Refer to [ «REAR FINAL DRIVE ASSEMBLY: DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY»(ref-375708-S02261239832010102800000) ] Use High Performance Thread Sealant or equivalent. Refer to [ «RECOMMENDED CHEMICAL PRODUCTS AND SEALANTS»(ref-375700-S13998640382010102800000) ]

Scheme 37

1. Stop engine.
2. Remove the drain plug from the rear final drive assembly to drain the differential gear oil.
3. Install the drain plug with sealant applied on the threads to the rear final drive assembly. Tighten to the specified torque. Refer to [ «REAR FINAL DRIVE: DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY»(ref-375708-S34550189692010102800000) ] Use High Performance Thread Sealant or equivalent. Refer to [ «RECOMMENDED CHEMICAL PRODUCTS AND SEALANTS»(ref-375700-S13998640382010102800000) ]

Scheme 38

1. Remove the filler plug from the rear final drive assembly.
2. Fill the rear final drive assembly with new differential gear oil until the level reaches the specified level near the filler plug hole. Differential gear oil grade and capacity: Refer to [ «RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS»(ref-375712-S04876022172010102800000) ].
3. Install the filler plug with sealant applied on the threads to the rear final drive assembly. Tighten to the specified torque. Refer to [ «REAR FINAL DRIVE: DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY»(ref-375708-S34550189692010102800000) ] Use High Performance Thread Sealant or equivalent. Refer to [ «RECOMMENDED CHEMICAL PRODUCTS AND SEALANTS»(ref-375700-S13998640382010102800000) ]

Scheme 39

1. Make sure that differential gear oil is not leaking from the front final drive assembly or around it.
2. Check the differential gear oil level from the filler plug hole as shown. CAUTION: Do not start engine while checking differential gear oil level.
3. Install the filler plug with a new gasket on it to the front final drive assembly. Tighten to the specified torque. Refer to [ «FRONT FINAL DRIVE: DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY»(ref-375708-S21000174652010102800000) ] CAUTION: Do not reuse gasket.

Scheme 40

1. Make sure that differential gear oil is not leaking from the rear final drive assembly or around it.
2. Check the differential gear oil level from the filler plug hole as shown. CAUTION: Do not start engine while checking differential gear oil level.
3. Install the filler plug with sealant applied on the threads to the rear final drive assembly. Tighten to the specified torque. Refer to [ «REAR FINAL DRIVE: DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY»(ref-375708-S34550189692010102800000) ] Use High Performance Thread Sealant or equivalent. Refer to [ «RECOMMENDED CHEMICAL PRODUCTS AND SEALANTS»(ref-375700-S13998640382010102800000) ]

Scheme 41

1. Make sure that differential gear oil is not leaking from the rear final drive assembly or around it.
2. Check the differential gear oil level from the filler plug hole as shown. CAUTION: Do not start engine while checking differential gear oil level.
3. Install the filler plug with sealant applied on the threads to the rear final drive assembly. Tighten to the specified torque. Refer to [ «REAR FINAL DRIVE ASSEMBLY: DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY»(ref-375708-S02261239832010102800000) ] Use High Performance Thread Sealant or equivalent. Refer to [ «RECOMMENDED CHEMICAL PRODUCTS AND SEALANTS»(ref-375700-S13998640382010102800000) ]

Scheme 42

1. Make sure that differential gear oil is not leaking from the rear final drive assembly or around it.
2. Check the differential gear oil level from the filler plug hole as shown. CAUTION: Do not start engine while checking differential gear oil level.
3. Install the filler plug with sealant applied on the threads to the rear final drive assembly. Tighten to the specified torque. Refer to [ «REAR FINAL DRIVE: DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY»(ref-375708-S34550189692010102800000) ] Use High Performance Thread Sealant or equivalent. Refer to [ «RECOMMENDED CHEMICAL PRODUCTS AND SEALANTS»(ref-375700-S13998640382010102800000) ]

For Mexico: Fluids and Lubricants

FOR MEXICO: FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS

Scheme 43

1. 5W-30 is preferable. If 5W-30 is not available, select the viscosity, from the chart, that is suitable for the outside temperature range.

Scheme 44

1. 80W-90 for the front final drive is preferable.