Hill SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 2009 Owner's Manual

5-6
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
79K21-03E
Defrost
66J241
Temperature-controlled air comes out of
the windshield defroster outlets, the side
defroster outlets and the side outlets.
NOTE:
When the defrost switch (5) is pushed to
turn on the defroster, the air conditioning
system will come on and the “FRESH AIR”
mode will be selected automatically. In
very cold weather, however, the air condi-
tioning system will not turn on.
System Operating InstructionsAutomatic operation
78K051
You can let the climate control system work
automatically. To set the system for fully-
automatic operation, follow the procedure
below.
1) Start the engine.
2) Push the “AUTO” switch (7).
3) Set the desired temperature by turning
the temperature selector (1).
The blower speed, air intake and air flow
are controlled automatically to maintain the
set temperature.
You can use the air conditioning switch (8)
to manually turn the air conditioner on or
off according to your preference. When
you turn the air conditioning switch off, the
climate control system cannot lower theinside temperature below outside tempera-
ture.
To turn the climate control system off, push
the “OFF” switch (6).
NOTE:
If the “AUTO” on the LCD display blinks,
there is a problem in the heating system
and/or air conditioning system. You should
have the system inspected by an autho-
rized SUZUKI dealer.
NOTE:
 To find the temperature at which you are
most comfortable, start with the 22°C
(72°F) setting.
 If you turn the temperature selector (1)
until “HI” or “LO” appears on the LCD
display, the climate control system will
operate at the maximum cooling or heat-
ing and the blower will run at full speed.
 To avoid blowing cold air in cold weather
or hot air in hot weather, the system will
delay turning on the blower until warmed
or chilled air is available.
 If your vehicle has been left in the sun
with the windows closed, it will cool
faster if you open the windows briefly.
 Even under the automatic operation, you
can set individual selectors to the man-
ual mode. The manually selected func-
tions are maintained, and the other
functions remain under automatic opera-
tion.
(7)
(6)
Folding Seats: 14

6-2
VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
79K21-03E
Trailer TowingYou can use your SUZUKI to tow a trailer,
but you should always observe the require-
ments and recommendations in this sec-
tion. If you intend to tow a trailer, it is
essential to select a trailer and trailer tow-
ing equipment which are compatible. A
reputable trailer dealer can help you.
For Automatic transmission vehicles, shift
into “3” (Low 2) or “L” (Low 1) (if necessary)
and frequently monitor the coolant temper-
ature gauge when towing up a steep hill. If
the gauge indicates overheating, park the
vehicle in a safe place and let the enginecool down. Refer to “If the Engine Over-
heats” section for details on how to deal
with overheating.
HitchesUse only a trailer hitch bracket that is
designed to bolt to the frame of your vehi-
cle, and a hitch that is designed to bolt to
this bracket. We recommend that you use
a genuine SUZUKI trailer hitch bracket and
trailer hitch (available as options), or equiv-
alent.Safety ChainsAlways attach safety chains between your
vehicle and trailer. Cross safety chains
under the tongue of the trailer so that the
tongue will not drop to the road if the trailer
becomes separated from the hitch. Follow
the manufacturer’s recommendation for
attaching safety chains. Always leave just
enough slack to permit full turning. Never
allow safety chains to drag on the road.
Trailer LightsMake sure your trailer is equipped with
lights which meet federal, state and local
requirements. Always check for the proper
operation of all trailer lights before you
start to tow.Brakes CAUTION
Trailer towing puts additional stress
on the engine, drive train and brakes
of your vehicle. Never tow a trailer
during the first 960 km (600 miles) of
vehicle operation.
CAUTION
Because towing a trailer puts addi-
tional stress on your vehicle, more
frequent maintenance will be
required than under normal driving
conditions. Follow the schedule for
Maintenance Recommended Under
Severe Driving Conditions or perform
more frequent maintenance as nec-
essary.
CAUTION
Towing in “D” range up a steep hill
can cause coolant overheating which
may result in engine/automatic trans-
mission damage.
WARNING
Never use a bumper hitch or a hitch
which attaches to the axle of your
vehicle.
WARNING
Never attach safety chains to the
bumper of your vehicle. Secure con-
nections so that they can’t come
loose.
WARNING
Never splice trailer lights directly into
your vehicle’s electrical system, or
electrical system damage may occur.
WARNING
If trailer brakes are used, you should
follow all instructions provided by the
manufacturer. Never tap into the
brake system of your vehicle.
Trailer Towing: 5, 11, 13

6-5VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
79K21-03E
Additional Trailer Towing Warnings
WARNING
Never overload your trailer or your
vehicle. Gross Trailer Weight must
never exceed 1350 kg (3000 pounds).
Gross Combined Weight must never
exceed 3400 kg (7500 pounds) for
2WD or 3450 kg (7600 pounds) for
4WD.
Gross vehicle weight must never
exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rat-
ing (GVWR) listed on the Safety Certi-
fication Label. Gross axle weight for
the front and rear axles must not
exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) listed on the Safety Certifica-
tion Label.
WARNING
Do not tow a trailer having a gross
trailer weight greater than 450 kg
(1000 pounds) unless the trailer is
equipped with trailer brakes.
WARNING
Connect trailer lights and hook up
safety chains every time you tow.
WARNING
Your vehicle will handle differently
when towing a trailer. For your safety
and the safety of others, you should
observe the following precautions:
 Practice turning, stopping and
backing up before you begin tow-
ing in traffic. Do not tow in traffic
until you are confident that you can
handle the vehicle and trailer
safely.
 Never exceed posted towing speed
limits or 72 km/h (45 mph), which-
ever is lower.
 Never drive at a speed that causes
shaking or swaying of the trailer. If
you notice even the slightest sign
of shaking or swaying, slow down.
 Always have someone guide you
when backing.
(Continued)
WARNING
(Continued)
 Allow adequate stopping distance.
Stopping distance is increased
when you tow a trailer. For each 16
km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow at
least one vehicle and trailer length
between you and the vehicle ahead.
Follow at a greater distance if roads
are wet or slippery.
 Slow down when making turns.
Remember that a larger than nor-
mal turning radius is needed
because the trailer wheels will be
closer than the vehicle wheels to
the inside of the turn.
 Avoid sudden acceleration and
stopping of the vehicle. Do not
make quick maneuvers unless they
are necessary.
 Slow down in cross winds and be
prepared for wind blasts from large
passing vehicles.
 Be careful when passing other
vehicles. Be sure to allow enough
room for your trailer before you
change lanes, and signal well in
advance.
 Slow down and shift into a lower
gear before you reach long or steep
downhill grades. It is hazardous to
attempt downshifting while you are
descending a hill.
(Continued)
Trailer Towing: 5, 11, 13

6-6
VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
79K21-03E
60A186
WARNING
(Continued)
 Avoid “riding” the brakes. “Riding”
the brakes could cause the brakes
to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency. Use engine
braking as much as possible.
 Because of the added trailer
weight, your engine may overheat
on hot days when going up long or
steep hills. Pay attention to your
engine temperature gauge. If it indi-
cates overheating, pull off the road
and stop in a safe place. Refer to
the “If the Engine Overheats” in
“EMERGENCY SERVICE” section
for details on how to proceed.
WARNING
When parking your vehicle and con-
nected trailer, always use the follow-
ing procedure:
1) Apply the vehicle’s brakes firmly.
2) Have another person place wheel
chocks under the wheels of the
vehicle and the trailer while you
are holding the brakes.
3) Slowly release the brakes until the
wheel chocks absorb the load.
4) Fully engage the parking brake.
5) Manual transmission – turn off the
engine, then shift into reverse or
first gear.
Automatic transmission – shift
into “P” (Park) and turn off the
engine.
(Continued)
WARNING
(Continued)
6) If you have a 4-wheel drive vehi-
cle, make sure the transfer switch
is not in “N” (Neutral).
When starting out after parking:
1) Push in the clutch (if equipped)
and start the engine.
2) Depress the brake pedal, shift into
gear, release the parking brake
and slowly pull away from the
chocks.
3) Stop, apply the brakes firmly and
hold the brakes while you have
another person remove the
chocks.
Trailer Towing: 5, 11, 13

7-42
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
Front Fog Light
79K090
1) Insert a flat blade screwdriver into the
hole (2) and remove the clips (1) by
twist the driver as shown in the illustra-
tion.
2) Remove the bolt (3) by a Phillips-head
screwdriver.
65J357
3) Remove the clip (4) with the same way
as No.1).
78F072
4) Open the fender cover. Disconnect the
coupler with pushing the lock release.
Turn the bulb holder counterclockwise
and remove it.
(2)
(1)
(3)
(4)
Wiper Blades: 3

10-4
GENERAL INFORMATION
79K21-03E
Reporting Safety DefectsIf you believe that your vehicle has a
defect which could cause a crash or
could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform the
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition to
notifying American Suzuki Motor Corp.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints,
it may open an investigation, and if it
finds that a safety defect exists in a
group of vehicles, it may order a recall
and remedy campaign. However,
NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your
dealer, or American Suzuki Motor
Corp.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the
Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-
888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153);
go to http://www.safercar.gov; or write
to: Administrator, NHTSA, 1200 New
Jersey Ave., SE., Washington, D.C.
20590. You can also obtain other infor-
mation about motor vehicle safety
from http://www.safercar.gov.To contact American Suzuki, owners
in the continental United States can
call toll-free 1-800-934-0934, or write
to:
American Suzuki Motor Corporation
Automotive Customer Relations
3251 East Imperial Highway
Brea, CA 92821-6795
For owners outside the continental
United States, please refer to the dis-
tributor’s address listed in your War-
ranty Information booklet.
For vehicles registered for use and
principally operated in Canada please
contact Suzuki Canada Inc. at 1-905-
889-2677 extension 2254 or write to:
Suzuki Canada Inc.
Customer Relations
100 East Beaver Creek Road
Richmond Hill, On
L4B 1J6

13-2INDEX
79K21-03E
Cup Holder and Storage Bin
...............................................5-72
DDaily Inspection Checklist
..................................................3-2
Daytime Running Light (D.R.L.) Indicator Light
...............2-63
Daytime Running Light (D.R.L.) System
............................2-78
Door Locks
...........................................................................2-1
Drive Belt
..............................................................................7-9
Driver’s Seat Belt Reminder Light
.....................................2-61
Driving Range
......................................................................2-68
EElectronic Stability Program (ESP®)
.................................3-31
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) .................................2-28
Emission Compliance Label (for U.S.A.)
...........................10-2
Engine Block Heater
............................................................3-10
Engine Coolant
....................................................................7-13
Engine Coolant Level Check
..............................................7-14
Engine Coolant Replacement .............................................7-15
Engine Hood
........................................................................5-63
Engine Oil and Filter
............................................................7-10
Engine Serial Number .........................................................10-1
Exhaust Gas Warning .........................................................3-1
FFloor Mats
............................................................................5-74
Fluid Level Check
................................................................7-20
Folding Rear Seats ..............................................................2-24
Frame Hooks
........................................................................5-83
Front Air Bags ......................................................................2-45
Front Fog Light Switch
.......................................................2-78
Front Passenger’s Seat Belt Reminder Light
...................2-55
Front Seat Back Pocket
......................................................5-73
Front Seat Heater
.................................................................2-21Front Seats
.......................................................................... 2-18
Fuel Consumption
.............................................................. 2-68
Fuel Filler Cap
..................................................................... 5-62
Fuel Gauge
.......................................................................... 2-65
Fuel Pump Labeling
............................................................ 1-1
Fuel Recommendation ....................................................... 1-1
Fuse under the Dash Board
............................................... 7-38
Fuses
.................................................................................... 7-36
FUSES AND PROTECTED CIRCUITS
................................ 11-1
GGasoline Containing MTBE
................................................ 1-1
Gasoline/Ethanol blends
.................................................... 1-1
Gasoline/Methanol blends ................................................. 1-1
Gear Oil
................................................................................ 7-17
Gear Oil Level Check
.......................................................... 7-19
Gear Oil Replacement ......................................................... 7-19
GLOSSARY OF TIRE TERMINOLOGY
............................... 7-32
Glove Box
............................................................................ 5-71
HHazard Warning Switch
...................................................... 2-79
Head Restraints
..........................................................2-20
, 2-23
Headlight Aiming
................................................................ 7-39
High Beam Indicator Light
................................................. 2-63
Hill descent control Indicator Light
................................... 2-60
Hill descent control System
............................................... 3-35
Hill hold control System
..................................................... 3-37
HomeLink®
.......................................................................... 5-80
Horn
...................................................................................... 2-82
IIdentification Numbers
....................................................... 10-1
If the Engine is Flooded ..................................................... 8-9