Suzuki Grand Vitara

Suzuki Grand Vitara Owner's Manual

Introduction

This owner’s manual applies to the GRAND VITARA series:

NOTE: The illustrated model is one of the GRAND VITARA series.

NOTE: The illustrated model is one of the GRAND VITARA series.

Thank you for choosing SUZUKI and welcome to our growing family. Your choice was a wise one; SUZUKI products are a great value that will give you years of driving pleasure. This Owner’s Manual was prepared to help you have a safe, enjoyable, and trouble-free experience with your SUZUKI. In it you will learn about the vehicle’s operation, its safety features and maintenance requirements. Please read it carefully before operating your vehicle. Afterwards, keep this Manual in the glove box for future reference. Should you resell the vehicle, please leave this Manual with it for the next owner. In addition to the Owner’s Manual, the other booklets provided with your SUZUKI explain the vehicle’s warranties. We recommend you read them as well to familiarize yourself with this important information. When planning the regular scheduled maintenance of your SUZUKI, we recommend you visit your local SUZUKI dealership. Their factory- trained technicians will provide the best possible service and use only genuine SUZUKI parts and accessories.

Service Station Guide

1. Fuel.
2. Engine hood.
3. Tire changing tools.
4. Engine oil dipstick <Yellow>.
5. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick <Red>.
6. Engine coolant.
7. Windshield washer fluid.
8. Battery.
9. Tire pressure (see tire information label on driver’s door lock pillar).
10. Spare tire.

Location of Warning Messages

Read and follow all of the warnings (labels etc.) on your vehicle. Make sure you understand all of them. Keep them on the vehicle. Do not remove the messages for any reason. If a label comes off or the messages become difficult to be read, have it corrected by your SUZUKI dealer.

Location of Warning Messages
1. Air bag warning labels (on both sun visors)
2. Rollover warning label
3. Passenger seat belt warning label
4. Jacking warning label
5. Jacking warning label
6. Fuel filler cap message
7. Transfer switch warning label
8. Brake fluid cap message
9. Engine cooling fan warning label
10. Radiator cap warning label
11. Air conditioner warning label
12. Battery label
13. Side air bag warning label
14. Rear outboard seat belt warning label
15. Rear center seat belt warning label
16. Luggage compartment cover warning label

Foreword

Your SUZUKI multipurpose vehicle is designed and built to be capable of performing both on pavement and off road. You should therefore remember that your vehicle is distinctly different from ordinary passenger cars in handling as well as in structure. As with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or an accident. Be sure to read “Important Vehicle Design Features to Know” and the “onpavement” and “off-road” driving guidelines which follow. It is very important to familiarize yourself with the proper operation of this vehicle before you start driving.

All information in this manual is based on the latest product information available at the time of publication. Due to improvements or other changes, there may be discrepancies between information in this manual and your vehicle. SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION reserves the right to make production changes at any time, without notice and without incurring any obligation to make the same or similar changes to vehicles previously built or sold.

SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION believes in conservation and protection of Earth’s natural resources. To that end, we encourage every vehicle owner to recycle, trade in, or properly dispose of, as appropriate, used motor oil, coolant, and other fluids, batteries and tires.

IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH YOUR SUZUKI: Please review the New Vehicle Warranty Information booklet supplied with your SUZUKI. Should you have a question or problem regarding the warranty or service of your vehicle, please take the following action: Consult the Service Manager and the Owner of the Suzuki Automotive Dealership. Explain your problem and ask for their assistance in resolving your problem. The Owner of the dealership is in the very best position to assist you as he or she is vitally concerned with your continued satisfaction. If you are still in need of additional information, or if you are dissatisfied, request that your dealer arrange a meeting with your District Service Manager. If, after doing so, you still require further assistance, and you purchased your SUZUKI in the continental United States, please contact the American Suzuki Customer Relations Department by telephone at 1-800-934-0934 or in writing at:

American Suzuki Motor Corporation Automotive Customer Relations 3251 East Imperial Highway Brea, CA 92821-6795

If you purchased your SUZUKI in Canada please contact the Suzuki Canada Customer Relations Department by telephone at 1-905-889-2677 extension 2254 or in writing at:

Suzuki Canada Inc. Customer Relations 100 East Beaver Creek Road Richmond Hill, On L4B 1J6

In the event you require assistance related to your SUZUKI, while temporarily travelling in either the United States or Canada, you may wish to contact the Suzuki Customer Relations Department directly of the country in which you are temporarily operating your vehicle. Please be certain to provide us with the following information: the model, Vehicle Identification Number, mileage, accessories involved, event dates, your concern, and any other comments which you may have. When we receive your correspondence, we will be pleased to contact the Owner of your dealership and assist in resolving your concern. For owners outside the continental United States, please refer to the distributor’s address listed in your Warranty Information booklet.

Important

WARNING/CAUTION/NOTE Please read this manual and follow its instructions carefully. To emphasize special information, the symbol and the words WARNING, CAUTION and NOTE have special meanings. Pay special attention to the messages highlighted by these signal words:

WARNING: Indicates a potential hazard that could result in death or injury.

CAUTION: Indicates a potential hazard that could result in vehicle damage.

NOTE: Indicates special information to make maintenance easier or instructions clearer.

The circle with a slash in this manual means “Don’t do this” or “Don’t let this

The circle with a slash in this manual means “Don’t do this” or “Don’t let this happen”.

Modification Warning

WARNING: Do not modify this vehicle. Modification could adversely affect safety, handling, performance or durability and may violate governmental regulations. In addition, damage or performance problems resulting from modification may not be covered under warranty.

CAUTION: Improper installation of mobile communication equipment such as cellular telephones or CB (Citizen’s Band) radios may cause electronic interference with your vehicle’s ignition system, resulting in vehicle performance problems. Consult your SUZUKI dealer or qualified service technician for advice on installing such mobile communication equipment.

Leak Detection Pump

NOTE: Your vehicle has a pump to regularly check the vehicle’s evaporative emission control system for leaks. This check is performed approximately five hours after the engine is turned off. During this leak check, you may hear a sound coming from the vehicle for several minutes. This sound is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.

Fuel Recommendation

Your vehicle requires regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum rating of 87 pump

Your vehicle requires regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum rating of 87 pump octane ((R + M)/2 method). In some areas, the only fuels that are available are oxygenated fuels. Oxygenated fuels which meet the minimum octane requirement and the requirements described below may be used in your vehicle without jeopardizing the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

NOTE: Oxygenated fuels are fuels which contain oxygen-carrying additives such as MTBE or alcohol.

Gasoline Containing MTBE

Unleaded gasoline containing MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) may be used in your vehicle if the MTBE content is not greater than 15%. This oxygenated fuel does not contain alcohol.

Gasoline/Ethanol blends

Blends of unleaded gasoline and ethanol (grain alcohol), also known as gasohol, may be used in your vehicle if the ethanol content is not greater than 10%.

Gasoline/Methanol blends

Fuels containing 5% or less methanol (wood alcohol) may be suitable for use in your vehicle if they contain cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors. Do NOT USE fuels containing more than 5% methanol under any circumstances. Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems resulting from the use of such fuels are not the responsibility of SUZUKI and may not be covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Fuel Pump Labeling

In some states, pumps that dispense oxygenated fuels are required to be labeled for the type and percentage of oxygenate and whether important additives are present. Such labels may provide enough information for you to determine if a particular blend of fuel meets the requirements listed above. In other areas, pumps may not be clearly labeled as to the content or type of oxygenate and additives. If you are not sure that the fuel you intend to use meets these requirements, check with the service station operator or the fuel supplier.

NOTE: To help clean the air, SUZUKI recommends you use the oxygenated fuels. However, if you are not satisfied with the driveability or fuel economy of your vehicle when you are using an oxygenated fuel, switch back to the regular unleaded gasoline.

CAUTION: Be careful not to spill fuel containing alcohol while refueling. If fuel is spilled on the vehicle body, wipe it up immediately. Fuels containing alcohol can cause paint damage, which is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Before Driving

Keys

Spare Tire Nut Lock (if equipped)

Door Locks

Windows

Mirrors

Seat Adjustment

Head Restraints

Seat Belts and Child Restraint Systems

Supplemental Restraint System (air bags)

Steering Column Controls

WARNING: To avoid possible injury,

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

Ignition Switch

Lighting/Turn Signal Control Lever

Windshield Wiper and Washer Lever

Rear Window Wiper/Washer Switch

Tilt Steering Lock Lever

Cruise Control (if equipped)

Remote Audio Controls (if equipped)

Horn

Instrument Panel

Instrument Cluster

Warning and Indicator Lights

A/T Selector Position Indicator (if equipped)

Speedometer/Odometer/Tripmeter/Brightness Control

Tachometer

Fuel Gauge

Temperature Gauge

“PASS AIR BAG OFF” Indicator

Hazard Warning Switch

Rear Window Defroster and Outside Rearview Mirrors Defroster (if equipped) Switch

Front Fog Light Switch (if equipped)

“ESP OFF” Switch

Transfer Switch (if equipped)

Glove Box

Information Display

Theft Deterrent Light

Automatic Heating and Air Conditioning System (Climate Control)

Audio Systems

Remote Audio Controls (if equipped)

Anti-Theft Feature

Troubleshooting

Other Controls and Equipment

Parking Brake Lever

Pedals

Gearshift Lever

Fuel Filler Cap

Folding Seats

Armrest

Sun Visor

Interior Light Switch

Spot Light

Luggage Compartment Light

Front Seat Heater (if equipped)

Assist Grips (if equipped)

Coat Hooks (if equipped)

Sunroof (if equipped)

Engine Hood

Cup Holder and Storage Bin (if equipped)

Overhead Console Box (if equipped)

Accessory Socket (if equipped)

Cigarette Lighter and Ashtray

Frame Hooks

Tire Changing Tool

Shopping Hook (if equipped)

Front Seat Back Pocket (if equipped)

Luggage Restraint Loops (if equipped)

Luggage Compartment Cover

Underfloor Bins (if equipped)

Roof Rails or Roof Rack Anchors (if equipped)

HomeLink® (if equipped)

Operating Your Vehicle

Exhaust Gas Warning

Daily Inspection Checklist

Starting the Engine

Engine Block Heater (if equipped)

Using the Transmission

Using the Transfer Switch (if equipped)

Braking

Electronic Stability Program (ESP®)

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) (if equipped)

Break-In

Catalytic Converter

Improving Fuel Economy

Driving Tips

WARNING:

WARNING:
• Wear Your Seat Belts at All Times. Even though air bags are equipped at the front seating positions, the driver and all passengers should be properly restrained at all times, using the seat belts provided. Refer to the “Seat Belts and Child Restraint Systems” section for instructions on proper use of the seat belts.
• Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Alcohol and drugs can seriously impair your ability to drive safely, greatly increasing the risk of injury to yourself and others. You should also avoid driving when you are tired, sick, irritated or under stress.