Maruti Suzuki Baleno Hatchback: Technical Issues & Solutions

[ameyam]

I have an observation. It is only through fan buttons you can get out of ACC mode. ACC button doesn't work the way other buttons do. Simple on/off types. Is my observation correct?
-SKR

Yes

@Ameyam do you tested your alternator? if so what is the result.

I couldn't check the alternator. I am not much into electricals, that would be my Dad. However, he was saying that, since its 12vDC, measuring with a clamp meter will not be possible because it calculates based on current flux. He suggested to use a multimeter in series. However, I don't want to remove the battery terminals because its a pain to go at it with a spanner and stuff and also, I could accidentally deploy the airbags I am told

May be the more enlightened amongst us can shed some light

Ameyam

 

[Suryaputhra]

Yes



I couldn't check the alternator. I am not much into electricals, that would be my Dad. However, he was saying that, since its 12vDC, measuring with a clamp meter will not be possible because it calculates based on current flux. He suggested to use a multimeter in series. However, I don't want to remove the battery terminals because its a pain to go at it with a spanner and stuff and also, I could accidentally deploy the airbags I am told

May be the more enlightened amongst us can shed some light

Ameyam

Need not connect in series you can try MS 2108 clamp meter. I have used it and usually used by auto techs

-suryaputhra

 

[!Vroom!]

Dont buy it if you are a new driver. Visibility is not so great



Guess MS wanted the Baleno to be more sedan. Hence a flat torque curve. With the Swift, all the torque is in the lower gears where as the Baleno has it in the mid range- 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears. Its not bad, just needs getting used to. And I am sure a performance K&N filter will help. BTW, if you want a punchy Baleno, try the diesel. When I was test driving it for a friend, I suddenly felt I was driving my Swift!


My take- the Baleno is a very quiet car. Its difficult to know sometimes if the engine is ON or OFF. Don't believe the test drive car, its surely mishandled a lot. Saying that, The Swift is not bad either. So the differences-
Lower driving position and higher dash in the Baleno
Ride is comparable. But the Baleno's Delta and Sigma are better because of the higher profile tyres
Smaller rear bench in the Baleno. But that also means acres of space in the back. No issues if the rear passengers are shorter or pensioners
More seating options in the Baleno- from the Delta on, you get 60-40 seats
Better ICE in the Baleno- from the Delta on you get dash integrated HU with Bluetooth and steering controls
Easier to get in and out of the Baleno
Baleno has ABS+Airbags whereas the Swift's braking problems are well documented in all three trims

So you make a choice. I would suggest the Baleno is a more flexible car than the Swift, that's why I made the transition. But if you do not want a flexible car and want comfort instead, go for the Dzire with options (ABS+airbags)

Ameyam

Thanks Ameyam, That's a very nice feedback on the queries. I also wanted to ask a question, about how stable is Baleno as compared to Swift on high speeds? I am not an extreme driver, and I don't intend to push more than 90-100 kmph. I understand some people have questioned the stability and I believe every car is almost stable under 100 kmph.

 

[chsrdeepu8]

Thanks Ameyam for such a detailed reply with solutions. Sincerely appreciate it.


It is ray blue. Guess i will live with the scratch for some time.




I don't think I did. Though every time you switch to AUTO lights, it just flash a mix of yellow and white before it becomes mostly white. I don't know if it just me who feels that or if it really matters.
I will check this dimming thing tonight.


Today I took it to service center. ACC button started working the moment I entered the gate of ASC . I still showed them to which they said bring the car once you encounter the issue again.

I have an observation. It is only through fan buttons you can get out of ACC mode. ACC button doesn't work the way other buttons do. Simple on/off types. Is my observation correct?

-SKR

Yes.. your observation is correct. It is only through fan buttons you can come out of ACC.

This is what happens whenever we go to ASC. We will not be able to reproduce the problem and the ASC feel as if we are dumb.

Sandeep

 

[ameyam]

Thanks Ameyam, That's a very nice feedback on the queries. I also wanted to ask a question, about how stable is Baleno as compared to Swift on high speeds? I am not an extreme driver, and I don't intend to push more than 90-100 kmph. I understand some people have questioned the stability and I believe every car is almost stable under 100 kmph.

Drives nicely at 100

Stuff happens! Driving around the city and outside with a number plate MH01 CD xxx0. Today i saw the rc book & its MH01 CD XXX4! Then checked the registration receipt & the rc book was correct. What the hell? These guys gave me a incorrect plate! Called the manager at the Nexa & he too was shocked. That really crowns it

Ameyam

 

[amitvj24]

Similar thing happened to me for my scooty though.
He messed up with the back plate while front plate was having proper number(he put my scooty's back plate in other scooty)

 

[ameyam]

Well its a revelation for me. And everyone is laughing about it- my parents, the RM, his manager, the MS service manager, my driver, everyone. Since I didn't carry my RC in my car for the preceding two months, I never noticed it.


In Mumbai, there is a number you can send a car registration number to, in order to find whose car it is, such as in an accident or hit&run or such. I sent both numbers and the XXX4 is in my name but the XXX0 belongs to some firm. I forwarded that to the RM also. This morning he came back saying all his records showed XXX0 but confirmed mine is XXX4 as per the records. He said there may been some issue from the RTO Agent side. I am well past being angry with them for any carelessness now, so I told them to send me a replacement number plate and to issue me new invoices where the reg. number is corrected. The said they will drop by and replace the vinyl sticker "0" on the number plate and will change the invoices at their end.


This is really exasperating


Ameyam

 

[Chandra1]

If you guys remember, a while back I had posted about my horrible experience with Bagga Link Service station. I had claimed insurance after a minor accident. Both left doors needed to be repaired but they repaired only one saying the surveyor rejected claim for the other door saying it had dents from another accident. My point was that they should have informed me properly about this before going ahead with repair work but they were blatantly lying that they had informed me.

So I complained to Nexa and I really had zero expectations that they will do anything about it. But surprisingly I got a call from the GM of the ASC after 2 days and he was apologizing and sweet talking like I should have talked to him first before going to Nexa, as if I hadn't. I said I want the door completely repainted and I am not going to pay a single penny for this. They greed.

I visited the ASC and this time their attitude was totally different. Senior officials were attending me asking time to time if everything was ok, if I needed tea or coffee. The GM assigned a very polite and professional SA and he took note of every complaint I made and assured me that he will personally see that the car is serviced properly. I was given the car next day with complete dent-paint work and complete rubbing/polishing. Not a rupee charged.

So it looks like complaining to Nexa works and these ASC crooks listens to you only after they get the danda from top. My compliant regarding tyre replacement (sidewall cut) is still pending with Nexa. Let's see what happens to that.

 

[-SKR]

BTW, do you notice a dimming of headlights in 1st gear?

No I couldn't see any such behavior. I mean it is not there. There is no dimming of headlights in 1st gear.

BTW, how much time does it take to get the actual RC. It has been told 3-4 months and it will be delivered at my home address. Is this correct?
I have only got TC and that too after 1 month of delivery.

-SKR

 

[sdk1234]

I was offered a maruti care plan for petrol baleno which is basically two year maintanence for 6000 and four year for 14000 is it worth opting for?

 

[chsrdeepu8]

I was offered a maruti care plan for petrol baleno which is basically two year maintanence for 6000 and four year for 14000 is it worth opting for?

Sdk,

What is all that includes in that plan. If possible post a pic of that please.

Similarly i was asked for some maintenance pack here in Hyd from Varun motors.
It ia for 3yrs or 60k kms. And cost is some 18k. Didn't opt for it though.

Sandeep

 

[Nithin Maurya]

Guys, after initial scrutiny of service manual, even through it is K12M engine there is a lot of difference between swift k12M engine and baleno k12M. Pity is that baleno body is extremely weak, I will post details regarding its body structure with photographs from service manual where they have used High tensile strength and where not and experience with that HT steel.

I am waiting for your detailed report on body structure

 

[ameyam]

No I couldn't see any such behavior. I mean it is not there. There is no dimming of headlights in 1st gear

-SKR

Today i was at the service centre to get those invoices corrected. While there, i noticed a Delta parked in the corner in the dark & had the dedicated SA try to raise the car in gear with the hand brake up. The headlights didnt dim. Just one way of testing the car for load. came home & tried on my parked car & they didnt dim either but the cabin light did completely go off & then came back on and my car is revving high as its cold & not used for 3 days. Not sure if i can replicate the problem there tomorrow but let them check the alternator.

The gear morion in the service centre car was totally smooth where as mine is notchy in 1st. Thats my 2nd complaint they will need to check

3rd thing is the steering. They informed its a continuous shaft from the steering to the rack & the servo offers assist only. But i still asked them to check why the steering centre doesnt always correspond to straight line driving

Lets see what happens tomorrow

Ameyam

 

[Suryaputhra]

I am waiting for your detailed report on body structure

Definitely tomorrow I am posting detailed report on baleno body.

-suryaputhra

 

[amitvj24]

Eagerly waiting for the report