Low range SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 2009 Owners Manual

79K21-03E
FOREWORDYour SUZUKI multipurpose vehicle is
designed and built to be capable of per-
forming 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 cor-
rectly may result in loss of control or an
accident. Be sure to read “Important Vehi-
cle Design Features to Know” and the “on-
pavement” and “off-road” driving guidelines
which follow. It is very important to familiar-
ize yourself with the proper operation of
this vehicle before you start driving.All information in this manual is based
on the latest product information avail-
able at the time of publication. Due to
improvements or other changes, there
may be discrepancies between informa-
tion 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 tovehicles 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 dis-
pose 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 Dealer-
ship. 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 satis-
faction.
If you are still in need of additional informa-
tion, 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 Cus-
tomer 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

2-6
BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
“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.Keyless unlocking/locking using the
request switches
78K143
When the remote controller is within the
operating range described in this section,
you can lock or unlock the doors by push-
ing the request switch (1) on the door han-
dle of each door or the tailgate.
To lock all doors when all doors are
unlocked:
 Push the request switch on one of the
door handles once.
The turn signal lights will flash once when
the doors are locked.
To unlock a door or all doors:
 Push the request switch on the door
handle once to unlock only one door.
 Push the request switch on the door
handle twice to unlock all doors.When the doors are unlocked:
 The turn signal lights will flash twice.
 If the interior light switch is in the
“DOOR” 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 immedi-
ately.
Be sure the doors are locked after you
operate the request switch to lock the
doors.
NOTE:
 The door locks cannot be operated by
the request switch under the following
conditions:
– If any door is open or is not completely
closed.
– If the ignition switch is in a position
other than “LOCK”.
– If the ignition key is inserted in the igni-
tion switch.
 If no doors are opened within about 30
seconds after unlocking the doors by
pushing the request switch, the doors
will be locked again automatically.
(1)
(1)
EXAMPLE
Door Locks: 3, 5, 8

2-7BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
78K001
(1) 80 cm (2 1/2 feet)
When the remote controller is within
approximately 80 cm (2 1/2 feet) from a
front door handle or the tailgate switch, you
can lock or unlock the doors by pushing
the request switch.
NOTE:
 If the remote controller is outside the
request switch operating range
described above, you will not be able to
operate the request switch.
 If the battery of the remote controller
runs down or there are strong radio
waves or noise, the request switch oper-
ating range may be reduced or the
remote controller may be inoperative.
 If the remote controller is too close to the
door, the request switches may not oper-
ate. If a spare remote controller is in the vehi-
cle, the request switches may not oper-
ate normally.
 The remote controller will only operate a
request switch if it is within the switch’s
operating range. For example, if the
remote controller is within the operating
range of the driver’s door request switch
but not the front passenger’s door
request switch or the tailgate request
switch, the driver’s door switch can be
operated but the front passenger’s door
switch or tailgate switch cannot be oper-
ated.NOTE:
The keyless start system may not function
correctly in certain environments or under
certain operating conditions such as the
following:
 When there are strong signals coming
from a television, power station or a cel-
lular phone.
 When the remote controller is in contact
with or covered by a metal object.
 When a radio wave type remote keyless
entry is used nearby.
 When the remote controller is placed
near an electronic device such as per-
sonal computer.
Some additional precautions you should
take and information you should be aware
of are:
 Make sure the ignition key is stowed in
the remote controller. If the remote con-
troller becomes unreliable, you will not
be able to lock or unlock the doors or
start the engine.
 Be sure that the driver always carries the
remote controller.
 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.
(1)
(1)(1)
EXAMPLE
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.
Door Locks: 3, 5, 8

2-64
BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
Illumination Indicator Light
64J045
This indicator light comes on while the
position lights, tail lights and/or the head-
lights are on.
Transfer Position Indicator Light
(if equipped)
64J044
These indicators show the 4WD operating
mode as described below. When the igni-
tion switch is turned to the “ON” position,
these lights come on briefly to let you know
that the lights are working.
(1): Neutral
(2): 4-wheel drive high range center differ-
ential lock mode
(2) & (3): 4-wheel drive low range center
differential lock mode
No indicators: 4-wheel drive high range
mode
For details, refer to “Using the Transfer
Switch” in the “OPERATING YOUR VEHI-
CLE” section.If the indicators (all lights) continue to blink,
there is a problem in the transfer system
and you should have your vehicle
inspected by an authorized SUZUKI
dealer.
NOTE:
The information display shows the warning
and indicator message when the transfer
system is operated, or has a problem.
Master Warning Indicator Light
78K049
This light blinks or comes on for several
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the “ON” position so you can check if the
light is working.
When the information display shows warn-
ing and indicator messages, this indicator
light may also come on or blink.
For details, refer to “Information Display” in
this section.
(2) (1) (3)

2-66
BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
NOTE:
The information display shows the warning
and indicator message when this light
comes on.
NOTE:
The activation point of the low fuel warning
light (1) varies depending on road condi-
tions (for example, slope or curve) and
driving conditions because of fuel moving
in the tank.
The mark (2) indicates that the fuel filler
door is located on the right side of the vehi-
cle.
Temperature Gauge
64J053
When the ignition switch is in the “ON”
position, this gauge indicates the engine
coolant temperature. Under normal driving
conditions, the indicator should stay within
the normal, acceptable temperature range
between “H” and “C”. If the indicator
approaches “H”, overheating is indicated.
Follow the instructions in the “If the Engine
Overheats” of “EMERGENCY SERVICE”
section.
Brightness Control
79K120
When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position, the instrument panel lights
come on.
Your vehicle has a system to automatically
dim the brightness of the instrument panel
lights when the position lights or headlights
are on.
You can change the brightness of the
instrument panel lights regardless of
whether the position lights or headlights
are off or on.
To increase the brightness of the instru-
ment panel lights, turn the brightness con-
trol knob (1) clockwise.
To reduce the brightness of the instrument
panel lights, turn the brightness control
knob (1) counterclockwise.
CAUTION
Avoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damag-
ing the catalytic converter.
CAUTION
Continuing to drive the vehicle when
engine overheating is indicated can
result in severe engine damage.
(1)

2-67BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
79K062
NOTE:
 If you do not turn the brightness control
knob within about 5 seconds of activat-
ing the brightness control display, the
brightness control display will be can-
celed automatically.
 When you reconnect the battery, the
brightness of the instrument panel lights
will be reinitialized. Readjust the bright-
ness according to your preference.
NOTE:
If you select the lowest brightness level
when the parking lights or headlights are
on, the instrument panel lights other than
meter lights are turned off.
Information Display
(if equipped)The information display is shown when the
ignition switch is in the “ON” position.
79K048
(1) TRIP knob
(2) MODE/ILL knob
(3) Information displayThe information display shows the follow-
ing information.
Display (A)
A/T selector position indicator (for auto-
matic transmission)
Display (B)
Warning and Indicator Messages/Fuel
Consumption/Driving Range/Average
Speed
Display (C)
Trip meter/Thermometer
Display (D)
Odometer
79K063
NOTE:
 When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position, the message shown in the
above illustration will appear on the dis-
play for several seconds.
 Some warning and indicator messages
may appear on the display when the igni-
tion switch is in the “ACC” or the “LOCK”
position.
EXAMPLE
(2)
(1)
(3)
(A) (B)
(C) (D)

2-68
BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
A/T Selector Position
(for automatic transmission)
79K121
The display (A) shows the automatic trans-
mission selector position. Fuel Consumption/Driving Range/
Average SpeedWhen there are no warning or indicator
messages on the display (B), you can
select one of the following five indications
to appear on the display, instantaneous
fuel consumption, average fuel consump-
tion, driving range, average speed, or no
indication.
79K065
(a) Instantaneous fuel consumption
(b) Average fuel consumption
(c) Driving range
(d) Average speed
(e) No indicationTo switch the display indication, push the
MODE/ILL knob (2) quickly.
NOTE:
The value of fuel consumption, driving
range and average speed shown in the dis-
play are affected by conditions such as the
following;
 road condition
 surrounding traffic condition
 driving condition
 vehicle condition
 a malfunction which causes the malfunc-
tion indicator light to come on or blink
EXAMPLE
(a)
(e) (d)(c) (b)EXAMPLE

2-69BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
Instantaneous fuel consumption
If you selected instantaneous fuel con-
sumption the last time you drove the vehi-
cle, the display does not show the bar
graph when the ignition switch is turned to
the “ON” position. The display shows the
bar graph only when the vehicle is moving.
Average fuel consumption
If you selected average fuel consumption
the last time you drove the vehicle, the dis-
play shows the last value of average fuel
consumption from previous driving when
the ignition switch is turned to the “ON”
position. Unless you reset the value of
average fuel consumption, the display indi-
cates the value of average fuel consump-
tion which includes average fuel
consumption during previous driving.
NOTE:
When you reconnect the negative (–) ter-
minal to the battery, the value of average
fuel consumption will be shown after driv-
ing for a while.You can select when the value of average
fuel consumption is reset from among the
following three methods;
 Reset after refuel: the value of average
fuel consumption will be reset automati-
cally by refueling.
 Reset with trip A: the value of average
fuel consumption will be reset automati-
cally by resetting trip meter A.
 Reset manually: the value of average
fuel consumption will be reset by push-
ing and holding the MODE/ILL knob (2)
when the display indicates the average
fuel consumption.
To change when the value of average fuel
consumption is reset, refer to “Setting
Mode” later in this section.
NOTE:
If you add only a small amount of fuel
when you select “Reset after refuel”, the
average fuel consumption value may not
be reset.Driving range
If you selected driving range the last time
you drove the vehicle, the display indicates
“---” for a few seconds and then indicates
the current driving range when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position.
The driving range shown in the display is
the approximate distance you can drive
until the fuel gauge indicates “E”, based on
current driving conditions.
When the remaining fuel in fuel tank
reaches a low level, the display “---” will
appear.
If the low fuel warning light comes on, fill
the fuel tank immediately regardless of the
value of driving range shown in the display.
As the driving range after refueling is cal-
culated based on the most recent driving
condition, the value is different each time
you refuel.
NOTE:
 If you refuel when the ignition switch is in
the “ON” position, the driving range may
not indicate the correct value.
 When you reconnect the negative (–) ter-
minal to the battery, the value of driving
range will be shown after driving for a
while.

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

3-12
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