Suzuki Grand Vitara: Ignition Switch

WARNING: To avoid possible injury, do not operate controls by reaching through the steering wheel.

Vehicle Without Keyless Start System

The ignition switch has the following four positions:

LOCK

This is the normal parking position. It is the only position in which the key can be removed. It locks the ignition, and prevents normal use of the steering wheel after the key is removed.

Manual transmission

• Manual transmission vehicles

You must push in the key to turn it to the “LOCK” position. It locks the ignition, and prevents normal use of the steering wheel after the key is removed.

• Automatic transmission vehicles

The gearshift lever must be in the “P” (Park) position to turn the key to the “LOCK” position. It locks the ignition and prevents normal use of the steering wheel and gearshift lever.

ACC

Accessories such as the radio can operate, but the engine is off.

ON

This is the normal operating position. All electrical systems are on.

START

This is the position for starting the engine using the starter motor. The key should be released from this position as soon as the engine starts.

Ignition key reminder (if equipped)

A buzzer sounds intermittently to remind you to remove the ignition key if it is in the ignition switch when the driver’s door is opened.

Vehicle With Keyless Start System

The ignition switch can be operated without using an ignition key when the remote controller is in an area of the vehicle other than the rear luggage area. To turn the ignition switch, first push in the switch.

NOTE: You must push in the ignition switch to turn it from the “LOCK” position to the “ACC” position. To return to the “LOCK” position from the “ACC” position, turn the ignition switch counterclockwise while pushing in the switch.

If the keyless start system blue indicator light illuminates on the instrument cluster, you can turn the ignition switch. If the red indicator light illuminates, you can not turn the ignition switch.

NOTE:
• The ignition switch can be turned to the “ACC” position when the keyless start system blue indicator light illuminates. The blue indicator light will illuminate for several seconds when you push in the ignition switch and then will turn off to protect the system. In this case, you must release the ignition switch and push it in again to illuminate the blue indicator light.
• If the keyless start system red indicator light illuminates, the remote controller may not be in the vehicle or the battery of the remote controller may be unreliable.

NOTE:
• If the battery of the remote controller runs down or there are strong radio waves or noise, the operating range may be narrower or the remote controller may be inoperative.
• If the remote controller is too close to the door glass, it may not operate.
• The ignition switch may not turn when the remote controller is on the instrument panel, in the glove box, in the door pocket, in the sun visor or on the floor.

CAUTION: The remote controller is a sensitive electronic instrument. To avoid damaging the remote controller:
• Do not expose it to impacts, moisture or high temperature such as by leaving it on the dashboard under direct sunlight.
• Keep the remote controller away from magnetic objects such as a television.

You can also turn the ignition switch by inserting the ignition key into the slot.

The ignition switch has the following four positions:

LOCK (1)

This is the normal parking position. It is the only position in which the key can be removed. It locks the ignition, and prevents normal use of the steering wheel. For vehicles with an automatic transmission, the gearshift lever must be in the “P” (Park) position to turn the key to the “LOCK” position. To release the steering lock, turn the ignition switch clockwise to one of the other positions. If you have trouble turning the ignition switch to unlock the steering, try turning the steering wheel slightly to the right or left while turning the switch.

NOTE: You must push the ignition switch in to turn it to the “ACC” position. Also you must push the ignition switch in to return it to the “LOCK” position.

ACC (2)

Accessories such as the radio can operate, but the engine is off.

ON (3)

This is the normal operating position. All electrical systems are on.

START (4)

This is the position for starting the engine using the starter motor. The switch should be released from this position as soon as the engine starts.

Ignition switch reminder

(When using the keyless start system). A buzzer sounds intermittently to remind you to return the ignition switch to the “LOCK” position if it is in the “ACC” position when the driver’s door is opened.

Ignition key reminder

(When using the ignition key). A buzzer sounds intermittently to remind you to remove the ignition key if it is in the ignition switch when the driver’s door is opened.

If the gearshift lever can not be shifted out of “P” (Park) in the normal way, removing the cover (1) and pushing the release button using a key or some other flat end object with the key in the “ON” or “ACC” position will permit movement of the gearshift lever out of “P” (see “If You Can Not Shift Automatic Transmission Gearshift Lever Out of “P” (PARK)” in the INDEX). The gearshift lever can be moved back to “P” without pushing the release button. To release the steering lock, insert the key or use the keyless start system and turn the ignition switch clockwise to one of the other positions. If you have trouble turning the key to unlock the steering, try turning the steering wheel slightly to the right or left while turning the key.

WARNING:
• For manual transmission vehicles, never return the ignition switch to the “LOCK” position and remove the ignition key while the vehicle is moving. The steering wheel will lock and you will not be able to steer the vehicle.
• Always carry the ignition key and the remote controller (if equipped) when leaving the vehicle even if for a short time. Also do not leave children or pets alone in a parked vehicle. Unattended children could cause accidental movement of the vehicle or could tamper with power windows or a power sunroof. Children or pets could also suffer from heatstroke in warm or hot weather, which could result in severe injury or even death.

CAUTION:
• Do not turn the starter motor for more than 15 seconds at a time. If the engine does not start, wait 15 seconds before trying again. If the engine does not start after several attempts, check the fuel and ignition systems or consult your SUZUKI dealer.
• Do not leave the ignition switch in the “ON” position if the engine is not running or the battery will discharge.

Supplemental Restraint System (air bags)

Lighting/Turn Signal Control Lever