Model:
Maruti MB308 (also known as Suzuki Alto in many markets)
Production Years Covered:
2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Platform Code:
GF-HA12S/HA22S (JDM), corresponding chassis codes may vary by market (e.g., F6A, K6A engines)
Segment:
Subcompact/City Car segment.
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious car buyers, first-time drivers, urban commuters, and markets prioritizing fuel efficiency and low running costs.
Key Competitors:
Hyundai Eon, Kia Picanto, Tata Nano, Chevrolet Spark, Fiat Palio, Daewoo Matiz (depending on market).
Strengths:
Exceptional fuel economy, compact dimensions for easy city driving and parking, low purchase price, simple mechanicals for ease of maintenance.
Weaknesses:
Basic interior appointments, limited power, minimal safety features in base models, ride comfort can be compromised on rough roads.
Purpose:
To provide comprehensive technical information for diagnosing, servicing, and repairing the 2003-2010 Suzuki Maruti MB308, empowering owners and technicians.
Regional Variants Covered:
Global markets where the MB308/Alto was sold, including India (Maruti Suzuki), Japan, Europe, and others.
Estimated Page Count:
Comprehensive (exact page count not specified, but expected to be extensive for a workshop manual)
Manual Type:
Workshop Manual / Service Manual / Repair Manual
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux
Downloadability:
Instant High Speed Download
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader
Navigation:
Easy to understand/navigate
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (F6A, K6A variants), fuel system (injection/carburetion), exhaust system, engine management (ECU diagnostics, sensors, actuators), cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (gearbox, clutch, linkages), automatic transmission (if applicable, torque converter, planetary gears, valve body), drivetrain components (axles, CV joints).
Chassis:
Suspension (front MacPherson struts, rear torsion beam/leaf spring), steering system (rack and pinion, power steering components), brakes (front discs, rear drums, ABS if equipped), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
12V battery system, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), ignition system, infotainment system wiring, body control modules, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.
Body:
Body construction, exterior panels (doors, hood, trunk, fenders), interior trim, seats, glass, weatherstripping, collision repair information, paint codes.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance items (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, belts), fluid level checks and top-ups, brake inspections, tire rotations.
Repair:
Engine component replacement (pistons, rings, valves, gaskets), transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension strut/bushings replacement, starter/alternator replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common issues, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, testing procedures for sensors and actuators, fuel system pressure testing, compression testing.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of special tools required for specific repair or diagnostic procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes and inspections to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork repair.
Engine Code Common:
F6A (657cc/0.7L) or K6A (658cc/0.7L) - 3-cylinder, naturally aspirated or turbocharged (variants).
Engine Type:
Inline 3-cylinder, DOHC, 12-valve (or 6-valve depending on variant).
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 50-65 hp for naturally aspirated, up to 60-70 hp for turbocharged variants (market dependent).
Torque Range:
Approximately 50-65 lb-ft (market dependent).
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) or Carburetor (earlier/base models).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Petrol).
Cooling Method:
Liquid-cooled.
Oil Capacity Approx:
Approx. 3.0 - 3.5 liters (3.2 - 3.7 US quarts) depending on filter.
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission.
Transmission Type Optional:
3-speed or 4-speed Automatic Transmission (market dependent).
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD), with some markets offering All-wheel drive (4WD/AWD) variants.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 Gear Oil (confirm specific requirements).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent (confirm specific requirements).
Length:
Approx. 3395-3495 mm (133.7-137.6 inches).
Width:
Approx. 1475-1495 mm (58.1-58.9 inches).
Height:
Approx. 1430-1530 mm (56.3-60.2 inches).
Curb Weight:
Approx. 700-850 kg (1543-1874 lbs) depending on specification.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 1200-1300 kg.
Cargo Volume:
Limited, typically a small boot/trunk space, expandable with rear seats folded.
Crash Test Results:
Varied by market and testing organization; generally performed poorly in modern stringent crash tests due to its size and design era. (e.g., NCAP ratings may be 1-3 stars).
ABS:
Optional on higher trims/markets, standard on some later models.
Ebd:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (often paired with ABS).
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard on most models, passenger airbag optional/market dependent. Side airbags were rare.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, 2-point or 3-point rear seatbelts.
Chassis Design:
Monocoque body construction with crumple zones (limited compared to larger vehicles).
Audio System:
Basic 1-DIN or 2-DIN radio/CD player with 2-4 speakers. Aux input and USB connectivity were not common on early models.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog speedometer, tachometer (optional), fuel gauge, odometer, trip meter, warning lights.
Parking Sensors:
Optional on some later/higher trims.
Keyless Entry:
Optional on higher trim levels.
Bluetooth:
Rarely factory-fitted on this generation, generally an aftermarket addition.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Oil Filter Replacement:
At every engine oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-20,000 km (9,000-12,000 miles) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-40,000 km (18,000-25,000 miles), depending on spark plug type (e.g., Iridium).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Check level and condition, replace if contaminated or typically every 80,000-100,000 km (50,000-60,000 miles). Automatic: Every 40,000-50,000 km (25,000-30,000 miles).
Coolant Replacement:
Every 2-3 years or 40,000-50,000 km.
Engine Oil Spec:
API SJ/SL/SM, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on ambient temperature, consult manual for specifics).
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, mixture of 50% coolant and 50% distilled water.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Problems:
Engine mounts wear, suspension bushings deteriorate leading to clunks, minor oil leaks from gaskets, clutch wear (especially in heavy city use), starter motor issues, alternator bearing noise, fuel pump failure, door lock actuators failing, occasional electrical gremlins (e.g., power window motors).
Corrosion:
Can be susceptible to rust in areas with harsh winters or high humidity if not properly maintained or treated.
Suzuki Mini Vehicle Focus:
Suzuki has a long history and expertise in producing small, fuel-efficient Kei cars and microcars for the Japanese market and for export.
Suzuki Alto Legacy:
The MB308 is part of the long-running Suzuki Alto lineage, which began in 1979. This specific generation (the 7th or 8th generation Alto, depending on classification) was a global model developed from the Japanese Kei car.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan (for global export) and India (as Maruti Alto) for the Indian and some export markets. Other plants in different regions may have assembled CKD kits.
Sales Performance:
Highly successful in markets like India due to its affordability and low running costs. Globally, it competed in the ultra-compact segment.
Fuel Economy Awards:
Frequently cited for its excellent fuel efficiency, earning it accolades in its segment in various markets, especially India where it was a segment leader.
Value For Money:
Consistently recognized for its affordability and low cost of ownership, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Emissions Standards:
Compliant with prevailing emissions standards of its production era (e.g., Euro III/IV depending on market and year).
