🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Suzuki

Model:

Baleno

Year:

1996

Platform Code:

First Generation (GC, GD, GE)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Subcompact/Compact Hatchback and Sedan

Key Competitors 1996:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Nissan Sentra, Mazda Protege

Vehicle Appeal:

Known for affordability, fuel efficiency, and a practical, often spacious interior for its class.

Target Audience:

Do-it-yourself car owners, independent mechanics, and anyone seeking detailed repair and maintenance information for the 1996 Suzuki Baleno.

📋 Manual Details

Geographic Coverage:

Global (specific to 1996 model year)

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds (specific count not provided, but described as extensive)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions), Transmission (manual and automatic), Drivetrain (front-wheel drive, potentially all-wheel drive variations)

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), Steering, Brakes (hydraulic, ABS if equipped), Wheels and Tires

Electrical:

Body Electrical (lighting, wipers, windows, locks), Instrumentation, Audio System, Engine Control Module (ECM) and related circuits, Power Distribution, Wiring Diagrams

Body:

Body panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior trim, Glass, Bumpers

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, etc.), Fluid level checks and top-offs, Belt inspections and replacements

Repair:

Engine component repair and replacement, Transmission overhaul, Brake caliper and rotor replacement, Suspension arm and shock absorber replacement, Electrical component diagnosis and repair, Body panel repair

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for engine performance issues, electrical faults, starting problems, drivability concerns, and more, often with symptom-based flowcharts

Disassembly Assembly:

Step-by-step instructions for complete disassembly and reassembly of major vehicle components and sub-systems

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete component overhauls, suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Printability:

Printable without restriction, allowing users to print specific pages or the entire manual.

Binding Options:

N/A (Downloadable digital format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital format, printable on user's choice of paper)

Searchability:

Likely searchable due to PDF format, enhancing ease of information retrieval.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family:

G-series (likely G13B or G15A variants for 1996 models)

Engine Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC or DOHC

Displacement Options:

Typically 1.3L (G13B) and 1.5L (G15A) for this generation.

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 70-90 hp for 1.3L, 90-105 hp for 1.5L, depending on specific engine code and market.

Torque Range:

Approximately 100-120 Nm (74-89 lb-ft) for 1.3L, 120-135 Nm (89-100 lb-ft) for 1.5L.

Induction Type:

Fuel Injection (MPI - Multi-Point Injection)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Spark Plug Type:

NGK BPR5ES or equivalent (specific to engine variant, consult manual for exact fitment)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 3.5-4.0 liters (3.7-4.2 US quarts) with filter change (verify with manual for exact engine and oil type).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Drivetrain Options:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) is standard; some markets may have offered Full-Time 4WD (All-Wheel Drive).

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 gear oil (verify with manual for specific application).

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III or equivalent ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) (verify with manual for specific application).

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

3-door Hatchback, 5-door Hatchback, 4-door Sedan

Length:

Approx. 3985-4135 mm (157-163 inches) depending on body style.

Width:

Approx. 1690-1695 mm (66.5-66.7 inches).

Height:

Approx. 1400-1435 mm (55.1-56.5 inches) depending on body style.

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 960-1150 kg (2116-2535 lbs) depending on body style, engine, and transmission.

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2480 mm (97.6 inches).

Track Width Front:

Approx. 1460 mm (57.5 inches).

Track Width Rear:

Approx. 1440 mm (56.7 inches).

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

4x100

Wheel Offset Et:

Typically ET35-ET45 (verify for specific models).

Tire Size Standard:

Commonly 175/70R14 or 185/65R14 (verify with manual for specific trims).

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Performance:

Data for 1996 models is limited. Generally, vehicles of this era offered basic passive safety features. Consult specific regional safety agency reports if available.

Braking System:

Front ventilated disc brakes, Rear drum brakes. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature on some models.

Traction Control:

Generally not available on this model year.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag was standard on many models, with passenger airbag potentially optional or unavailable depending on market and trim level.

Seat Belts:

Front and rear seat belts. Pretensioners may be present on front belts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, potentially with CD player as an option or aftermarket upgrade.

Display Technology:

Simple analog gauges and basic dashboard indicators.

Cruise Control:

Optional on higher trim levels.

Connectivity Options:

Limited to basic car audio connectivity. No integrated Bluetooth or USB ports for this model year.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific conditions).

Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 15,000-25,000 miles (24,000-40,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.

Coolant Replacement:

Initial change at 5 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 2-5 years or 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) depending on coolant type.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based, meeting specific anti-corrosion standards (e.g., Japanese standards for Japanese vehicles). Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. (Consult manual for exact specification).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (verify with manual).

Common Problems:

Rattling from the catalytic converter heat shields, minor electrical gremlins (e.g., door lock actuators, window motors), potential for clutch wear on manual transmissions, aging suspension bushings and mounts due to age and mileage.

Corrosion:

Like many vehicles of this era, rust can be an issue in areas prone to salt exposure, particularly in wheel wells, rocker panels, and subframes.

📚 Vehicle History

Suzuki Automotive Focus:

Suzuki is historically known for its expertise in compact and lightweight vehicles, motorcycles, and all-terrain vehicles, emphasizing practicality and value.

Baleno Introduction:

The Suzuki Baleno was introduced in 1995 as a replacement for the Suzuki Cultus (Swift) in some markets and was positioned as a larger, more refined compact car. It shared its platform with the Mazda 323F (BG) and was also sold under other marques such as Mazda and Isuzu.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary production was in Japan. Assembly may have also occurred in other international plants depending on market demand.

Production Years:

First generation produced from 1995 to 2002.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Vehicle Awards:

No widely publicized major awards for the 1996 Suzuki Baleno are readily available. Its market appeal was primarily based on practicality and value rather than critical acclaim.