Suzuki Swift Quiz
Operating the vehicle

Using the transmission

In this manual: Operating the vehicle
Inspection and Maintenance — 35Before driving — 21Operating the vehicle — 10Body Care — 5Other Equipment and Accessories — 16General information — 1Driving tips — 4Emergency situations — 5Instrument panel — 29Steering column controls — 11Specifications — 1Supplement — 1
~4min read
While moving the selector lever in the direction shown by the arrow,
press the selector button.

The selector lever can
be moved freely within the range shown by the arrow without pressing the button.

NOTE When selecting a gear, take care not to overrev the engine. If the engine speed enters the red zone on the tachometer, serious engine damage may occur.

Automatic transmission

The selector lever has a locking mechanism that prevents accidental selection or shifting from "P" (Park) to "R" (Reverse), from "D" (Drive) to "2", and from "2" to "L". To release the lock, press the lock button on the selector lever, on the driver's side, before shifting.

Używanie skrzyni biegów

WARNING To avoid unexpected vehicle movement, always depress the brake pedal before shifting from "P" (Park) or "N" (Neutral) into any forward or reverse gear.

For normal driving, place the selector lever in "D" (Drive). Use the other selector positions as follows:

P (Park)

This position locks the transmission when the vehicle is parked and during engine starting. Select "P" only when the vehicle is completely stopped.

R (Reverse)

This position is used to reverse the vehicle. Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped before selecting "R".

N (Neutral)

Use this position when restarting the engine after it has stalled while the vehicle is moving.

With the selector in "N" and the brake pedal pressed, the vehicle can also be held stationary while the engine runs at idle.

D (Drive)

This position is used for normal forward driving. With the selector in "D", an automatic downshift (kick-down) can be obtained by pressing the accelerator pedal fully down.

The higher the vehicle speed, the further the accelerator pedal must be pressed for the downshift to occur. At speeds above 50 km/h, the pedal must be pressed to the floor for the downshift.

This provides greater acceleration when overtaking.

2 (Second)

This position provides more power when driving uphill and engine braking when driving downhill. Do not shift to "2" at speeds above 105 km/h in the GTi, 97 km/h in other 1.01 and 1.31 models (GA, GL, GLX, GS), and 116 km/h for the 1.61.

L (First)

This position provides maximum pulling power when climbing hills, driving through deep snow or mud, and maximum engine braking when descending steep slopes. Do not shift to "1" at speeds above 50 km/h in 1.01 models, 55 km/h in 1.31 models, and 61 km/h in 1.61 models.

NOTE Observe the following precautions to prevent damage to the automatic transmission:
  • Before selecting "P" or "R", make sure the vehicle is completely stopped.
  • Do not shift from "P" or "N" to "R", "D", "2" or "L" when the engine speed is higher than at idle.
  • Do not raise the engine speed significantly when the transmission is in a drive position ("R", "D", "2" or "L") and the front wheels are stationary.
  • Do not use the accelerator to hold the vehicle stationary on a slope. Use the brakes for this.

Manual transmission: Starting off

To start off, depress the clutch pedal and engage 1st gear. Release the parking brake, then gradually release the clutch pedal. When you hear a change in the engine sound, slowly press the accelerator while continuing to gradually release the clutch.

Changing gears

All forward gears are synchronized, allowing easy and quiet shifting.

Always fully depress the clutch pedal before changing gears. For the best fuel economy and driving performance, shift gears as shown in the table:

Zmiana biegów

* 1.01
** 1.31/1.61

WARNING
  • Before descending a long hill, reduce speed and shift to a lower gear. A lower gear allows engine braking. Avoid driving with the brake pedal depressed, as the brakes may overheat and lose effectiveness.
  • When driving on slippery surfaces, remember to reduce speed before downshifting. A sudden change in wheel rotation speed may cause wheel slip and loss of vehicle control.
  • Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped before engaging reverse gear.
NOTE
  • To avoid clutch damage, do not use the clutch pedal as a footrest while driving, and do not use the clutch to hold the vehicle on a slope. Fully depress the clutch when changing gears.
  • Do not raise the engine speed excessively when changing gears or starting off. Excessive engine speed prevents smooth driving and shortens engine life.

Test yourself

A quick Suzuki Swift quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.