power steering SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 2006 Owners Manual

3-2
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
Daily Inspection ChecklistBefore Driving
60A187S
1) Make sure that windows, mirrors, lights
and reflectors are clean and unob-
structed.
2) Visually check the tires for the following
points:
– the depth of the tread groove
– abnormal wear, cracks and damage
– loose wheel nuts
– existence of foreign material such as
nails, stones, etc.
Refer to “Tires” in “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section for details.
3) Look for fluid, oil leaks.
NOTE:
It is normal for water to drip from the air
conditioning system after use.4) Make sure the hood is fully closed and
latched.
5) Check the headlights, turn signal lights,
brake lights and horn for proper opera-
tion.
6) Lock all doors.
7) Adjust the seat and adjustable head
restraints (if equipped).
8) Check the brake pedal and the parking
brake lever.
9) Adjust the mirrors.
10)Make sure that you and all passengers
have properly fastened your seat belts.
11)Make sure that all warning lights come
on as the key is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion.
12)Check all gauges.
13)Make sure that the BRAKE SYSTEM
WARNING light turns off when the
parking brake is released.
Once a week, or each time you fill your fuel
tank, perform the following under-hood
checks:
1) Engine oil level
2) Coolant level
3) Brake fluid level
4) Power steering (if equipped) fluid level
5) Windshield washer fluid level
6) Battery solution level
7) Hood latch operation
Pull the hood release handle inside the
vehicle. Make sure that you cannot
open the hood all the way without
releasing the secondary latch. Be sure
to close the hood securely after check-ing for proper latch operation. See the
item “All Latches, Hinges and Locks” of
“CHASSIS AND BODY” in the “Periodic
Maintenance Schedule” in the
“INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE”
section for lubrication schedule.
Once a month, or each time you fill your
fuel tank, check the tire pressure using a
tire pressure gauge. Also check the tire
pressure of the spare tire.
WARNING
Make sure the hood is fully closed
and latched before driving. If it is not,
it can fly up unexpectedly during
driving, obstructing your view and
resulting in an accident.
Daily Inspection Checklist: NO
Starting the Engine: 1

3-29OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
Power-Assisted BrakesYour vehicle has power-assisted brakes. If
power assistance is lost due to a stalled
engine or other failures, the system is still
fully operational on reserve power and you
can bring the vehicle to a complete stop by
pressing the brake pedal once and holding
it down. The reserve power is partly used
up when you depress the brake pedal and
reduces each time the pedal is pressed.
Apply smooth and even pressure to the
pedal. Do not pump the pedal.
Brake Assist SystemWhen you slam the brakes on, the brake
assist system judges as an emergency
stop and provides more powerful braking
for a driver who cannot hold down the
brake pedal firmly.
NOTE:
If you quickly and forcefully depress the
brakes, you may hear a clicking sound in
the brake pedal. This is normal and indi-
cates that the brake assist system is acti-
vated properly.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)ABS will help you avoid skidding by elec-
tronically controlling braking pressure. It
will also help you maintain steering control
when braking on slippery surfaces or when
braking hard.
The ABS works automatically, so you do
not need any special braking technique.
Just push the brake pedal down without
pumping. The ABS will operate whenever it
senses that the wheels are locking up.
You may feel the brake pedal pulsate while
the ABS is operating.
NOTE:
The ABS will not work if vehicle speed is
under about 6 km/h (4 mph).
WARNING
If water gets into the brake drums,
brake performance may become poor
and unpredictable. After driving
through water or washing the under-
side of the vehicle, test the brakes
while driving at a slow speed to see if
they have maintained their normal
effectiveness. If the brakes are less
effective than normal, dry them by
repeatedly applying the brakes while
driving slowly until the brakes have
regained their normal effectiveness.
WARNING
Even without reserve power in the
brake system, you can still stop the
vehicle by pressing the brake pedal
harder than normally required. How-
ever, the stopping distance may be
longer.

3-31OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
How the ABS WorksA computer continuously monitors wheel
speed. The computer compares the
changes in wheel speed when braking. If
the wheels slow suddenly, indicating a
skidding situation, the computer will
change braking pressure several times
each second to prevent the wheels from
locking. When you start your vehicle or
when you accelerate after a hard stop, you
may hear a momentary motor or clicking
sound as the system resets or checks
itself.
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP
®)
ESP
® is a registered trademark of Daimler
AG.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®)
helps to control the vehicle during corner-
ing if front wheels or rear wheels skid. It
also assists you in maintaining traction
while accelerating on loose or slippery
road surfaces. It does this by regulating the
engine’s output, and by selectively apply-
ing the brakes. In addition, ESP
® helps to
avoid skidding by controlling braking pres-
sure.The ESP
® has the following three systems:
Stability Control SystemThe vehicle stability control system helps
provide integrated control of systems such
as anti-lock brakes, traction control, engine
control, etc. This system automatically
controls the brakes and engine to help pre-
vent the vehicle from skidding when cor-
nering on a slippery road surface or when
turning the steering wheel abruptly.Traction Control SystemThe traction control system automatically
helps prevent the spinning of wheels when
the vehicle is started or accelerated on
slippery road surfaces. The system oper-
ates only if it senses that some of the
wheels are spinning or beginning to lose
traction. When this happens, the system
operates the front or rear brakes and
reduces engine power to limit wheel spin.
NOTE:
You may hear a clicking sound in the
engine compartment for a few seconds
when you start the engine or just after the
vehicle begins to move. This means that
the above systems are in the self-check
mode. This sound does not indicate a mal-
function.
WARNING
The ABS may not work properly if
tires or wheels other than those
specified in the owner’s manual are
used. This is because the ABS works
by comparing changes in wheel
speed. When replacing tires or
wheels, use only the size and type
specified in this owner’s manual.
WARNING
The ESP
® cannot enhance the vehi-
cle’s driving stability in all situations
and does not control your vehicle’s
entire braking system. The ESP
® can-
not prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed
in turns, or hydroplaning. Only a safe
and attentive driver can prevent acci-
dents. The capabilities of an ESP
®-
equipped vehicle must never be used
as a substitute for careful driving.

3-37OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
Hill hold control System
(if equipped)The hill hold control system is designed to
assist you in starting to move up steep or
slippery hills. When you start to move up a
hill, the system helps to prevent the vehicle
from rolling downward temporarily (for
approximately 2 seconds) while you move
your foot from the brake pedal to the accel-
erator pedal.
The hill hold control system activates for
approximately 2 seconds if your foot is
moved from the brake pedal when the fol-
lowing condition are all fulfilled.
1) The transfer switch is in a position other
than “N”.
2) The gearshift lever is in a forward gear
or reverse gear.
3) The parking brake is released.
NOTE:
You may hear a sound coming from the
engine when the hill hold control system is
activated. This sound is normal and does
not indicate a malfunction.
79K072
If the message shown in the above illustra-
tion appears on the information display,
there may be a problem with the hill
descent control system and the hill hold
control system. Have your vehicle
inspected by an authorized SUZUKI
dealer.
NOTE:
The hill hold control system will not acti-
vate while this message is displayed.
WARNING
 Do not rely excessively on the hill
hold control system. The hill hold
control system may not prevent the
vehicle from rolling downward on a
hill under all load or road condi-
tions. Always be prepared to
depress the brake pedal to prevent
the vehicle from rolling downward.
Failure to pay attention and
depress the brake pedal to hold the
vehicle on a hill when necessary,
may result in loss of control or an
accident.
 The hill hold control system is not
designed to stop the vehicle on a
hill.
(Continued)
WARNING
(Continued)
 After you release your foot from the
brake pedal, start the vehicle to
move up immediately. If you release
your foot from the brake pedal over
2 seconds, the hill hold control sys-
tem will be canceled. If so, the vehi-
cle may roll downward depends on
the degree of the slope which can
result in an accident. And, the
engine may stall and the power
assist for the steering and brakes
will not work so steering and brak-
ing will be much harder than usual
which can result in an accident or
vehicle damage.

4-4
DRIVING TIPS
79K21-03E
Keep the air cleaner clean
60A183S
If the air cleaner is clogged with dust, there
will be greater intake resistance, resulting
in decreased power output and increased
fuel consumption.
Keep weight to a minimum
The heavier the load, the more fuel the
vehicle consumes. Take out any luggage
or cargo when it is not necessary.
Keep tire pressure correct
Underinflation of the tires can waste fuel
due to increased running resistance of the
tires. Keep your tires inflated to the correct
pressure shown on the label located below
the driver’s side door latch striker.
On-Pavement DrivingGovernment data show that most rollover
accidents for multi-purpose vehicles are
caused when a driver loses control of the
vehicle and leaves the paved portion of the
roadway striking a ditch, curb or other off-
road object that causes the vehicle to over-
turn. The following driving practices may
reduce the risk of rollover.
Vehicle Slides Off-Road
You can reduce the risk of this kind of roll-
over accident by always keeping the vehi-
cle under control. Typically, drivers lose
control of vehicles, often resulting in roll-
over accidents, when the driver is impaired
because of alcohol or other drugs, falls
asleep at the wheel or is otherwise inatten-
tive, or is driving too fast for the road condi-
tions.
Rollovers On the Roadway
If, for any reason, your vehicle slides side-
ways or spins out of control at highway
speeds, while on the paved portion of the
roadway, the risk of rollover is greatly
increased. This condition can be created
when two or more wheels drop off onto the
shoulder and you steer sharply in an
attempt to reenter the roadway. To reduce
the risk of rollover in these circumstances,
if conditions permit, you should hold the
steering wheel firmly and slow down
before pulling back into the travel lanes
with controlled steering movements.All Types of Rollover Accidents
As with many kinds of automobile acci-
dents, rollovers can be greatly reduced by
doing what all prudent drivers should do,
i.e., don’t drink and drive, don’t drive when
tired and don’t do anything behind the
wheel that could cause a loss of attention
to the driving task.
Additional guidelines are set out below for
your on-road driving.
Know Your Vehicle
Take time to familiarize yourself with the
unique handling characteristics of your
vehicle by first driving around in an area
away from traffic. Practice turning the vehi-
cle at a variety of speeds and in different
directions. Get a feel for the greater steer-
ing response that your vehicle has over a
conventional car.
Wear Your Seat Belts at All Times
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.
EXAMPLE
Off-Road Driving: NO

7-5INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
R: Replace or change
I : Inspect, clean, adjust, lubricate or replace as necessaryInterval: This interval should be judged by
odometer reading or months, whichever comes
first.miles (x 1000) 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60 67.5 75
km (x 1000) 12.5 25 37.5 50 62.5 75 87.5 100 112.5 125
months 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60 67.5 75CHASSIS AND BODY
1. Clutch (for manual transmission)
Pedal and fluid level
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*2. Brake discs and pads (front, rear) – I – I – I – I – I
Brake drums and shoes (if equipped)
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*3. Brake hoses and pipes – I – I – I – I – I
4.Brake fluid level check, *replacement
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
R
–
I
5. Brake pedal stroke check, *adjustment – I – I – I – I – I
6.Parking brake lever and *cableLever movement check, *adjustment – I – I – I – I – I7.Tires (including tire rotation)
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
*8. Wheel discs I I I I I I I I I I
*9.
Wheel bearings
–
I
–
*I
–
I
–
*I
–
I
*10. Suspension system – I – I – I – I – I
*11.
Propeller shafts/Drive shafts
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*12. Manual transmission oil I – – R – I – R – I
13.
Automatic transmission (A/T)
Fluid level
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*Fluid change Replace every 175000 km (105000 miles)-----4-speed A/T or 5-speed A/T
*Fluid hose
–
–
–
–
–
I
–
–
–
–
*14. Transfer oil I – – I – I – R – I
*15.
Differential & Extension (for 2WD) oil
R
–
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
16. Steering system
Steering wheel movement,
*linkage
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
*17. Power steering (if equipped) I I I I I I I I I I
18.
All Latches, Hinges and Locks
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
19. Air conditioner filter (if equipped) – I – R – I – R – I
Periodic Maintenance Schedule: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10

7-6
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
R: Replace or change
I : Inspect, clean, adjust, lubricate or replace as necessary
NOTE:
This table shows the service schedule up to 250000 km (150000 miles).
Beyond 250000 km (150000 miles), perform the same services at the same intervals shown in the chart.
Beyond 250000 km (150000 miles), the maintenance services enclosed with a rectangle are required.
Item 9 *I - inspect for wear.Interval: This interval should be judged by
odometer reading or months, whichever comes
first.miles (x 1000) 82.5 90 97.5 105 112.5 120 127.5 135 142.5 150
km (x 1000) 137.5 150 162.5 175 187.5 200 212.5 225 237.5 250
months 82.5 90 97.5 105 112.5 120 127.5 135 142.5 150CHASSIS AND BODY
1. Clutch (for manual transmission)
Pedal and fluid level
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*2. Brake discs and pads (front, rear) – I – I – I – I – I
Brake drums and shoes (if equipped)
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*3. Brake hoses and pipes – I – I – I – I – I
4.Brake fluid level check, *replacement
–
I
–
I
–
R
–
I
–
I
5. Brake pedal stroke check, *adjustment – I – I – I – I – I
6.Parking brake lever and *cableLever movement check, *adjustment – I – I – I – I – I7.Tires (including tire rotation)
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
*8. Wheel discs I I I I I I I I I I
*9.
Wheel bearings
–
*I
–
I
–
*I
–
I
–
I
*10. Suspension system – I – I – I – I – I
*11.
Propeller shafts/Drive shafts
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*12. Manual transmission oil – R – I – R – I – R
13.
Automatic transmission (A/T)
Fluid level
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*Fluid change Replace every 175000 km (105000 miles)-----4-speed A/T or 5-speed A/T
*Fluid hose
–
I
–
–
–
–
–
I
–
–
*14. Transfer oil – I – I – R – I – I
*15.
Differential & Extension (for 2WD) oil
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
16. Steering system
Steering wheel movement,
*linkage
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
*17. Power steering (if equipped) I I I I I I I I I I
18.
All Latches, Hinges and Locks
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
19. Air conditioner filter (if equipped) – R – I – R – I – R
Periodic Maintenance Schedule: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10

7-9INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
Drive BeltCheck the accessory drive belt only for
damage. You do not need check it for ten-
sion as it has an automatic tensioner.
If you need to replace or adjust the belt
have it done by your SUZUKI dealer.
WARNING
When the engine is running, keep
hands, hair, clothing, tools, etc. away
from the moving fan and drive belts.
79K041
PS
GE
AC
→: 100 N (22 lbs, 10 kg) press
ADB: Accessory drive belt
GE: Generator
PS: Power steering pump
AC: Air conditioner compressor L4 2.4 L
GE
ADB
V6 3.2 L
ADB PS
AC
Drive Belt: 1, 2
Engine Oil and Filter: 1, 2

7-24
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
Parking Brake Lever
60A226
Check the parking brake for proper adjust-
ment by counting the number of clicks
made by the ratchet teeth as you slowly
pull up on the parking brake lever to the
point of full engagement. The parking
brake lever should stop between the speci-
fied ratchet teeth and the rear wheels
should be securely locked. If the parking
brake is not properly adjusted or the
brakes drag after the lever has been fully
released, have the parking brake inspected
and/or adjusted by your SUZUKI dealer.
Steering Wheel
78K080
Check the play of the steering wheel by
gently turning it from left to right and mea-
suring the distance that it moves before
you feel slight resistance. The play should
be between the specified values. Check
that the steering wheel turns easily and
smoothly without rattling by turning it all the
way to the right and to the left while driving
very slowly in an open area. If the amount
of free play is outside the specification or
you find anything else to be wrong, an
inspection must be performed by your
SUZUKI dealer.
Power Steering (if equipped)
64J155
(1) UPPER
(2) LOWER
Check the steering box case, vane pump
and hose connections for leaks or damage.Power Steering FluidCheck the fluid level by looking at the res-
ervoir in the engine compartment when the
fluid is cold (about room temperature).
Check that the fluid level is between the (1)
and (2) lines. If the fluid level is near the (2)
line, fill it up to the (1) line with an auto-
matic transmission fluid equivalent to ATF
DEXRON
®-II (Esso JWS 2326) or
DEXRON®-III. Do not overfill. Ratchet tooth specification “b”
5th – 7th
200 N (44 lbs, 20 kg)
“b”
EXAMPLE
Steering wheel play “c”
0 – 30 mm (0.0 – 1.2 in.)
“c”
EXAMPLE
(1)
(2)
Tires: 6

7-32
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E Snow Tires
Your vehicle is equipped with all-sea-
son tires which are designed for use in
summer and most winter conditions.
For improved traction in severe winter
conditions, SUZUKI recommends
mounting radial snow tires on all four
wheels. Snow tires must be the same
size as the standard tires. Also be sure
to use the tires of the same type and
brand on all four wheels of your vehi-
cle.
GLOSSARY OF TIRE TERMI-
NOLOGYAccessory Weight – the combined
weight (in excess of those standard
items which may be replaced) of auto-
matic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power
seats, radio, and heater, to the extent
that these items are available as fac-
tory-installed equipment (whether
installed or not).
Cold Tire Inflation Pressure – the pres-
sure in a tire that has been driven less
than 1 mile or has been standing for
three hours or more.
Curb Weight – the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard equipment
including the maximum capacity of
fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so
equipped, air conditioning and addi-
tional weight optional engine.
Intended Outboard Sidewall – (1) the
sidewall that contains a whitewall,
bears white lettering or bears manu-
facturer, brand, and/or model name
molding that is higher or deeper than
the same molding on the other side-
wall of the tire, or (2) the outward fac-
ing sidewall of an asymmetrical tire
that has a particular side that mustalways face outward when mounted
on a vehicle.
Maximum Inflation Pressure – the
maximum cold inflation pressure a tire
is designed to support in normal ser-
vice.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight –
the sum of curb weight, accessory
weight, vehicle capacity weight (total
load capacity), and production options
weight.
Normal Occupant Weight – 68 kilo-
grams times the number of occupants
specified in the second column of
Table 1 (shown below).
Occupant distribution – distribution of
occupants in a vehicle as specified in
the third column of Table 1 (shown
below).
Production Options Weight – the com-
bined weight of those installed regular
production options weighing over 2.3
kilograms in excess of those standard
items which they replace, not previ-
ously considered in curb weight or
accessory weight, including heavy
duty brakes, ride levelers, roof rack,
heavy duty battery, and special trim.
WARNING
(Continued) Do not use tire chains on the
spare tire. If you must use tire
chains, rearrange the wheels so
standard tires and wheels are
fitted to the rear axle.
 Replace the spare tire with a
new one as soon as the tread
wear indicator appears.
 When replacing the spare tire,
use a replacement tire with the
exact same size and construc-
tion.
Battery: 9
Fuses: 7