steering SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 2008 3.G Owners Manual

66J22-03E
TABLE OF CONTENTSCalifornia Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING
Engine exhaust, some of its constitu-
ents, and certain product compo-
nents contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm.
FUEL RECOMMENDATION
1
BEFORE DRIVING
2
STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS
3
INSTRUMENT PANEL
4
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
5
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
6
DRIVING TIPS
7
VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
8
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
9
EMERGENCY SERVICE
10
APPEARANCE CARE
11
GENERAL INFORMATION
12
FUSES AND PROTECTED CIRCUITS
13
SPECIFICATIONS
14
INDEX
15

2-4
BEFORE DRIVING
66J22-03E
 You can lock or unlock the doors by
pushing the request switch on the door
handle. For details, refer to the explana-
tion in this section.
 You can start the engine without using
an ignition key. For details, refer to “Igni-
tion Switch” in the “STEERING COL-
UMN CONTROLS” section and “Starting
the Engine” in the “OPERATING YOUR
VEHICLE” section.
66J114
(1) “LOCK” button
(2) “UNLOCK” button
(3) “PANIC” button
“LOCK” button (1) / “UNLOCK” button
(2) function
You can lock or unlock all doors (including
the tailgate) simultaneously by operating
the remote controller near the vehicle. To lock the doors, push the “LOCK” but-
ton (1).
 To unlock the driver’s door, push the
“UNLOCK” button (2) once.
 To unlock other doors, wait a second or
two, then push the “UNLOCK” button (2)
a second time. If you “double-click” too
fast, the doors will not unlock.
When the doors are locked, the turn signal
lights will flash once.
When the doors are unlocked:
 The turn signal lights will flash twice.
 If the interior light switch is in the middle
position, the interior light will turn on for
about 15 seconds and then fade out. If
you push in the ignition switch or insert
the key during this time, the light will
start to fade out immediately.
Be sure the doors are locked after you
operate the “LOCK” button. If no door is
opened within about 30 seconds after the
“UNLOCK” button is operated, the doors
will automatically lock again.
NOTE:
 The maximum operating distance of the
remote controller is about 5 m (16 ft.),
but this can vary depending on the sur-
roundings, especially near other trans-
mitting devices such as radio towers or
CB (Citizen’s Band) radios.
 The door locks can not be operated with
the remote controller if the ignition switch
is in a position other than “LOCK”, or theignition key is inserted in the ignition
switch.
If any door is open, you cannnot lock the
door by operating the remote controller,
however unlock the door.
 You cannot lock the door unless all of
the doors are closed completely.
 If you lose one of the remote controllers,
ask your SUZUKI dealer as soon as pos-
sible for a replacement. Be sure to have
your dealer program the new remote
controller code in your vehicle’s memory
so that the old code is erased, or per-
form the programming procedure your-
self according to the instructions in this
section.
“PANIC” button (3) function
This function is to get the attention of oth-
ers.
Press the “PANIC” button (3) for more than
1 second. The headlights and taillights will
blink for about 30 seconds. Also, the horn
will sound intermittently for about 30 sec-
onds at the same time.
To cancel the “PANIC” mode, press any
button (PANIC, LOCK or UNLOCK) on the
remote controller. You can also insert the
key in the ignition switch and turn to the
“ON” position to cancel the “PANIC” mode.
NOTE:
The “PANIC” button function will not acti-
vate when the key is in the ignition switch.
(1)(2)(3)
Door Locks: 3, 5, 8

2-39BEFORE DRIVING
66J22-03E
63J030
If the “AIR BAG” light on the instrument
cluster does not blink when the ignition
switch is first turned to the “ON” position,
or the “AIR BAG” light stays on, or comes
on while driving, the air bag system (or the
seat belt pretensioner system) may not
work properly. Have the air bag system
inspected by an authorized SUZUKI dealer
as soon as possible.
Front Air Bags
63J259
64J032
The driver’s front air bag is located behind
the center pad of the steering wheel. The
words “SRS AIRBAG” are molded into the
air bag cover to identify the location of theair bag. The front passenger’s front air bag
is located behind the passenger’s side of
the dashboard. The words “SRS AIRBAG”
are molded into the air bag cover to identify
the location of the air bag.
Frontal collision range
60G032
Front air bags are designed to inflate only
in severe frontal collisions.
EXAMPLEEXAMPLE
Supplemental Restraint System (air bags): 3, 9, 12

2-45BEFORE DRIVING
66J22-03E
the facial area against a front air bag. Also,
upon inflation, a loud noise will occur and
some powder and smoke will be released.
These conditions are not harmful and do
not indicate a fire in the car. Be aware,
however, that some air bag components
may be hot for a while after inflation.
A seat belt helps keep you in the proper
position for maximum protection when an
air bag inflates. Adjust your seat as far
back as possible while still maintaining
control of the vehicle. Sit fully back in your
seat; sit up straight; do not lean over the
steering wheel or dashboard. Front occu-
pants should not lean on or sleep against
the door. Please refer to the “Seat Adjust-
ment” section and the “Seat Belts and
Child Restraint Systems” section in the
“BEFORE DRIVING” section for details on
proper seat and seat belt adjustments.
65D610
54G582
WARNING
 The driver should not lean over the
steering wheel. The front passen-
ger should not rest his or her body
against the dashboard, or other-
wise get too close to the dash-
board. For vehicles with side air
bags and side curtain air bags,
occupants should not lean on or
sleep against the door. In these sit-
uations, the out-of-position occu-
pant would be too close to an
inflating air bag, and may suffer
severe injury.
 Do not attach any objects to, or
place any objects over, the steering
wheel or dashboard. Do not place
any objects between the air bag
and the driver or front passenger.
These objects may interfere with air
bag operation or may be propelled
by the air bag in the event of a
crash. Either of these conditions
may cause severe injury.
(Continued)
Supplemental Restraint System (air bags): 3, 9, 12

STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS
3
66J22-03E
60G405
STEERING COLUMN CONTROLSIgnition Switch ..................................................................... 3-1
Lighting/Turn Signal Control Lever ................................... 3-5
Windshield Wiper and Washer Lever ................................ 3-8
Rear Window Wiper/Washer Switch .................................. 3-9
Tilt Steering Lock Lever ..................................................... 3-10
Cruise Control (if equipped) ............................................... 3-10
Remote Audio Controls (if equipped) ............................... 3-12
Horn ...................................................................................... 3-12

3-1STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS
66J22-03E
65D611
Ignition SwitchVehicle Without Keyless Start Sys-
tem
60B041
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
60A055
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.
WARNING
To avoid possible injury, do not oper-
ate controls by reaching through the
steering wheel.
EXAMPLE
Push
Turn to “LOCK”
Ignition Switch: 8, 10

3-2
STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS
66J22-03E
ACC
Accessories such as the radio can oper-
ate, 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
63J270
The ignition switch can be operated with-
out 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.
66J022
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
(1)(2)(3)
(4)
EXAMPLE
Ignition Switch: 8, 10

3-3STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS
66J22-03E
of the remote controller may be unreli-
able.
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 instru-
ment panel, in the glove box, in the door
pocket, in the sun visor or on the floor.
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 transmis-
sion, 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 igni-
tion 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 oper-
ate, 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.
CAUTION
The remote controller is a sensitive
electronic instrument. To avoid dam-
aging the remote controller:
 Do not expose it to impacts, mois-
ture 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.
Ignition Switch: 8, 10

3-4
STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS
66J22-03E
64J216
If the gearshift lever can not be shifted out
of “P” (Park) in the normal way, removing
the cover (1) and pushing the release but-
ton using a key or some other flat end
object with the key in the “ON” or “ACC”
position will permit movement of the gear-
shift 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.
(1)
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 chil-
dren or pets alone in a parked vehi-
cle. Unattended children could
cause accidental movement of the
vehicle or could tamper with power
windows or a power sunroof. Chil-
dren 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 igni-
tion 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 dis-
charge.
Ignition Switch: 8, 10

3-5STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS
66J22-03E
Lighting/Turn Signal Control
Lever
66J023
52D166
Your vehicle’s lighting system is controlled
by three main systems: the Lighting switch,
the Auto-On Headlight System (when the
lighting switch is in the “AUTO” position)
and the Daytime Running Light (D.R.L.)
system.
The three systems work together to oper-
ate your lights as shown in the following
chart:
(1)
(2) (3)(4)
E/G: Engine
IG: Ignition switch
ON: Lights ON
LIGHT: When it is light around the light sensor (5).
DARK: When it is dark around the light sensor (5).
Lighting
switch
positionMain lights to
be operatedIG OFF IG ON
E/G OFF E/G OFF E/G RUNNING
LIGHT DARK LIGHT DARK LIGHT DARK
(1) OFFD.R.L. ––––ONON
Parking lights,
Tail lights––––––
Head lights ––––––
(2) MiddleD.R.L. ––––ONON
Parking lights,
Tail lightsON ON ON ON ON ON
Head lights ––––––
(3) ThirdD.R.L. ––––––
Parking lights,
Tail lightsON ON ON ON ON ON
Head lights ONONONONONON
(4) AUTOD.R.L. ––––ON–
Parking lights,
Tail lights–––ON–ON
Head lights – – – ON – ON
Lighting/Turn Signal Control Lever: 7, 8