wheel SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 2009 User Guide

3-3OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
Ignition Switch
65D611
Vehicle 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.
To release the steering lock, insert the key
and turn it 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
To avoid possible injury, do not oper-
ate controls by reaching through the
steering wheel.
EXAMPLE
Push
Turn to “LOCK”
Starting the Engine: 1

3-5OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
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, 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 a stor-
age compartment, in the sun visor or on
the floor.You can also turn the ignition switch by
inserting the ignition key into the slot.
If you leave any of the doors open with the
ignition switch in the “ACC” position for a
while (and no key inserted), the engine
may not start when you turn the ignition
switch to “START”. If the engine does not
start, close all doors completely or turn the
ignition switch back to the “LOCK” position,
then start the engine.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.
Manual transmission vehicle
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.
Automatic transmission vehicle
To turn the ignition switch, push the
switch.
ACC (2)
Accessories such as the radio can oper-
ate, but the engine is off.
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.
Engine Block Heater: 1
Using the Transmission: 10

3-6
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
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.You can also turn the ignition switch by
inserting the ignition key into the slot.
80JM139
The ignition switch cap (1) is installed to
make the ignition switch turn easily.
If you use the ignition key to turn the igni-
tion switch, remove the cap (1) by pinching
both side of the cap and pull it out.
NOTE:
If you remove the cap, be careful not to
lose it.
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.
81A297S
(1)
WARNING
 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.
(Continued)
Using the Transmission: 10

3-8
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
PedalsManual transmission
64J082
Automatic transmission
64J083
Clutch Pedal (1)(For manual transmission)
The clutch pedal is used to disengage the
drive to the wheels when starting the
engine, stopping or shifting the gearshift
lever or transfer lever (if equipped).
Depressing the pedal disengages the
clutch.Brake Pedal (2)Your SUZUKI vehicle is equipped with front
and rear disc brakes. Depressing the brake
pedal applies both sets of brakes.
You may hear occasional brake squeal
when you apply the brakes. This is a nor-
mal condition caused by environmental
factors such as cold, wet, snow, etc.
Accelerator Pedal (3)This pedal controls the speed of the
engine. Depressing the accelerator pedal
increases power output and speed.
(1)(2)(3)
EXAMPLE
(2)(3)
EXAMPLE
CAUTION
Do not drive with your foot resting on
the clutch pedal. It could result in
excessive clutch wear, clutch dam-
age, or unexpected loss of engine
braking.
WARNING
If brake squeal is excessive and
occurs each time the brakes are
applied, you should have the brakes
checked by your SUZUKI dealer.
WARNING
Do not “ride” the brakes by applying
them continuously or resting your
foot on the pedal. This will result in
overheating of the brakes which
could cause unpredictable braking
action, longer stopping distances or
permanent brake damage.
Using the Transmission: 10
Using the Transfer Switch: 10

3-12
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
Gearshift lever
66J004
The gearshift lever is designed that it can-
not be shifted out of the “P” position unless
the ignition switch is in the “ON” position
and the brake pedal is depressed.Use the gearshift lever positions as
described below:
P (Park)
Use this position to lock the transmission
when the vehicle is parked or when start-
ing the engine. Shift into Park only when
the vehicle is completely stopped.
R (Reverse)
Use this position to back the vehicle from
stop. Make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped before shifting into
Reverse.
N (Neutral)
Use this position for starting the engine if
the engine stalls and you need to restart it
while the vehicle is moving. You may also
shift into Neutral and depress the brake
pedal to hold the vehicle stationary during
idling.
D (Drive)
Use this position for all normal driving.
With the selector in “D” range, you can get
an automatic downshift by pressing the
accelerator pedal. The higher the vehiclespeed is, the more you will need to press
the accelerator pedal to get a downshift.
4 (Low 3)
Use this position for driving on moderate
uphill and downhill gradients. The engine
braking effect on moderate downhills can
be used in this position. The transmission
shifts up only to 4th gear.
3 (Low 2)
Use this position to provide extra power
when climbing hills, or to provide engine
braking when going down hills.
L (Low 1)
Use this position to provide maximum
power when climbing steep hills or driving
through deep snow or mud, or to provide
maximum engine braking when going
down steep hills.
NOTE:
If you move the gearshift lever to a lower
gear while driving faster than the maximum
allowable speed for the lower gear, the
transmission will not actually downshift
until your speed drops below the maximum
speed for the lower gear.
WARNING
Always depress the brake pedal
before shifting from “P” (Park) (or
“N” (Neutral) if the vehicle is station-
ary) to a forward or reverse gear, to
help prevent the vehicle from moving
unexpectedly when you shift.
WARNING
If you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle,
never leave the transfer switch in “N”
(Neutral) position when parked.
Otherwise the vehicle may roll even if
the transmission is in Park.
Using the Transfer Switch: 10

3-13OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
79K027
D:
4-speed automatic transmission mode
3:
3-speed automatic transmission mode
The 3-speed mode is suitable for the fol-
lowing driving conditions:
 Driving on hilly, winding roads
– You can drive more smoothly with less
frequent gearshifting
 Going down a steep hill
– Some engine braking is provided
NOTE:
With the transfer switch in the “4L LOCK”
position, the 4-speed automatic transmis-
sion will remain in the 3-speed mode.Gearshift lever
64J142
The gearshift lever is designed that it can-
not be shifted out of the “P” position unless
the ignition switch is in the “ON” position
and the brake pedal is depressed.
CAUTION
Be sure to take the following precau-
tions to help avoid damage to the
automatic transmission:
 Make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped before shifting into
“P” or “R”.
 Do not shift from “P” or “N” to “R”,
“D”, “4”, “3” or “L” when the
engine is running above idle speed.
 Do not rev the engine with the
transmission in a drive position
(“R”, “D”, “4”, “3” or “L”) and the
rear wheels not moving.
 Do not use the accelerator to hold
the vehicle on a hill. Use the vehi-
cle’s brakes.
EXAMPLE
WARNING
Always depress the brake pedal
before shifting from “P” (Park) (or
“N” (Neutral) if the vehicle is station-
ary) to a forward or reverse gear, to
help prevent the vehicle from moving
unexpectedly when you shift.
Using the Transfer Switch: 10

3-14
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
Use the gearshift lever positions as
described below:
P (Park)
Use this position to lock the transmission
when the vehicle is parked or when start-
ing the engine. Shift into Park only when
the vehicle is completely stationary.
R (Reverse)
Use this position to reverse the vehicle
from stop. Make sure that vehicle is com-
pletely stationary before shifting into
Reverse.
N (Neutral)
Use this position for starting the engine if
the engine stalls and you need to restart it
while the vehicle is moving. You may also
shift into Neutral and depress the brake
pedal to hold the vehicle stationary during
idling.D (Drive)
Use this position for all normal driving.
With the gearshift lever in “D” range you
can get an automatic downshift by press-
ing the accelerator pedal. The higher the
vehicle speed is, the more you need to
press the accelerator pedal to get a down-
shift.
3 (Low 3)
Use this position for driving on moderate
uphill and downhill gradients. The engine
braking effect on moderate downhills can
be used in this position. The transmission
shifts up only to 3rd gear.
2 (Low 2)
Use this position to provide extra power
when climbing hills, or to provide engine
braking when going down hills.
L (Low 1)
Use this position to provide maximum
power when climbing steep hills or driving
through deep snow or mud, or to provide
maximum engine braking when going
down steep hills.
NOTE:
If you move the gearshift lever to a lower
gear while driving faster than the maximum
allowable speed for the lower gear, the
transmission will not actually downshift
until your speed drops below the maximum
speed for the lower gear.
WARNING
If you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle,
never leave the transfer switch in “N”
(Neutral) position when parked.
Otherwise the vehicle may roll even if
the transmission is in Park.
CAUTION
Be sure to take the following precau-
tions to help avoid damage to the
automatic transmission:
 Make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stationary before shifting
into “P” or “R”.
 Do not shift from “P” or “N” to “R”,
“D”, “3”, “2”, or “L” when the
engine is running above idle speed.
 Do not rev the engine with the
transmission in a drive position
(“R”, “D”, “3”, “2”, or “L”) and the
rear wheels not moving.
 Do not use the accelerator to hold
the vehicle on a hill. Use the vehi-
cle’s brakes.
Using the Transfer Switch: 10

3-18
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
4H (4-wheel drive high range)
64J220
In this position, engine power is supplied to
the front and rear axles. Use this position
for normal driving.
Braking: 6

3-19OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
4H LOCK (4-wheel drive high range center differential lock)
64J221
In this position, engine power is supplied to
the front and rear axles and you get better
traction than when driving in “4H”. Use this
position when you need better traction
than “4H” provides, such as when driving
on slippery roads etc.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS):

3-20
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
4L LOCK (4-wheel drive low range center differential lock)
64J222
In this position, engine power is supplied to
the front and rear axles and you get better
traction and more low-speed torque than
when driving in “4H”. Use this position
when you need better traction than “4H”
provides and more low-speed torque than
“4H LOCK” provides, such as when climb-
ing or descending steep, slippery hills etc.
NOTE:
When the transfer switch (if equipped) is
turned to the “4L LOCK” position, the
ESP
® systems (other than ABS) will be
canceled to provide improved vehicle trac-
tion, and the “ESP OFF” indicator light will
come on.
When the transfer switch (if equipped) is
turned to the “4L LOCK” position, brake-
traction control can be activated. Brake-
traction control brakes the spinning wheel
to distribute drive power to the other
wheels for increased climbing ability or for
better performance on a rolling hill or a
slippery surface.
ESP® is a registered trademark of Daimler
AG.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS):