high 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

79K21-03E
If you purchased your SUZUKI in Canada
please contact the Suzuki Canada Cus-
tomer Relations Department by telephone
at 1-905-889-2677 extension 2254 or in
writing at:
Suzuki Canada Inc.
Customer Relations
100 East Beaver Creek Road
Richmond Hill, On
L4B 1J6
In the event you require assistance related
to your SUZUKI, while temporarily travel-
ling in either the United States or Canada,
you may wish to contact the Suzuki Cus-
tomer Relations Department directly of the
country in which you are temporarily oper-
ating your vehicle.
Please be certain to provide us with the fol-
lowing information: the model, Vehicle
Identification Number, mileage, accesso-
ries involved, event dates, your concern,
and any other comments which you may
have. When we receive your correspon-
dence, we will be pleased to contact the
Owner of your dealership and assist in
resolving your concern.
For owners outside the continental United
States, please refer to the distributor’s
address listed in your Warranty Information
booklet.
IMPORTANT
WARNING/CAUTION/NOTE
Please read this manual and follow its
instructions carefully. To emphasize spe-
cial information, the symbol and the
words WARNING, CAUTION and NOTE
have special meanings. Pay special atten-
tion to the messages highlighted by these
signal words:
NOTE:
Indicates special infor mation to make
maintenance easier or instructions clearer.
75F135
The circle with a slash in this manual
means “Don’t do this” or “Don’t let this hap-
pen”.
WARNING
Indicates a potential hazard that
could result in death or injury.
CAUTION
Indicates a potential hazard that
could result in vehicle damage.

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

2-12
BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
The turn signal lights will flash once when
the doors are locked.
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 insert the key into the
ignition switch during this time, the light
will start to fade out immediately.
Be sure the doors are locked after you
operate the “LOCK” button (1).
If no door is opened within about 30 sec-
onds after the “UNLOCK” button (2) is
operated, the doors will automatically lock
again.
NOTE:
 The maximum operating distance of the
keyless entry system transmitter is about
5 m (16 ft.), but this can vary depending
on the surroundings, especially near
other transmitting devices such as radio
towers or CB (Citizen’s Band) radios.
 The door locks cannot be operated with
the transmitter, if the ignition key is
inserted in the ignition switch.
 If you lose one of the transmitters, ask
your SUZUKI dealer as soon as possible
for a replacement. Be sure to have your
dealer program the new transmitter code
in your vehicle’s memory so that the old
code is erased, or perform the program-ming procedure yourself 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
transmitter. 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.Replacement of the battery
If the transmitter becomes unreliable,
replace the battery.
To replace the battery of the transmitter:
52D210
1) Put the edge of a coin or a flat blade
screwdriver in the slot of the transmitter
and pry it open.
CAUTION
The transmitter is a sensitive elec-
tronic instrument. To avoid damaging
the transmitter:
 Do not expose it to impacts, mois-
ture or high temperature such as by
leaving it on the dashboard under
direct sunlight.
 Keep the transmitter away from
magnetic objects such as a televi-
sion.
Door Locks: 3, 5, 8

2-20
BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
Head Restraints
63J256
Head restraints are designed to help
reduce the risk of neck injuries in case of
an accident. Adjust the head restraint to
the position which places the center of the
head restraint closest to the top of your
ears. If this is not possible for very tall pas-
sengers, adjust the head restraint as high
as possible.
79K087
Each front seats is equipped with a head
restraint.
78K035
(1) Head restraint
(2) Bars
(3) Release knob
To raise the head restraint, pull upward on
the restraint until it clicks. To lower the
restraint, push down on the restraint while
holding in the release knob (3). If a head
restraint must be removed (for cleaning,
replacement, etc.), push in the release
knob and pull the head restraint all the way
out.
NOTE:
It may be necessary to recline the seat-
back to provide enough overhead clear-
ance to remove the head restraint.
WARNING
All occupants, including the driver,
should not operate a vehicle or sit in
a vehicle’s seat until the head
restraints are placed in their proper
positions in order to minimize the
risk of severe injury in the event of a
crash.
WARNING
All head restraints must be rein-
stalled to properly protect vehicle
occupants.
WARNING
 Never drive the vehicle with the
head restraints removed.
 Do not attempt to adjust the head
restraint while driving.
(3)
(1)
(2)
EXAMPLE
Seat Belts and Child Restraint Systems: 14

2-23BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
Head RestraintsHead restraints are designed to help
reduce the risk of neck injuries in case of
an accident. Adjust the head restraint to
the position which places the center of the
head restraint closest to the top of your
ears. If this is not possible for very tall pas-
sengers, adjust the head restraint as high
as possible.
79K088
Your vehicle is equipped with three head
restraints on the rear seat.
79K095
(1) Head restraint
(2) Bars
(3) Release knob
To raise the rear head restraint, pull
upward on the restraint until it clicks. To
lower the restraint, push down on the
restraint while holding in the release knob
(3). If a head restraint must be removed
(for cleaning, replacement, etc.), push in
the release knob and pull the head
restraint all the way out.
When installing a child restraint system,
raise the head restraint to the most upper
position.
WARNING
All occupants, including the driver,
should not operate a vehicle or sit in
a vehicle’s seat until the head
restraints are placed in their proper
positions in order to minimize the
risk of severe injury in the event of a
crash.
WARNING
All head restraints must be rein-
stalled to properly protect vehicle
occupants.
WARNING
 Never drive the vehicle with the
head restraints removed.
 Do not attempt to adjust the head
restraint while driving.
EXAMPLE
(3)
(1)
(2)EXAMPLE
Seat Belts and Child Restraint Systems: 14

2-25BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
64J089
6) Fold the entire seat forward.
66J195
7) Push down the adjuster (2) to make the
strap slack, and then unhook the strap
by pushing down the hook (3).
66J196
8) Hook the strap (4) to the front seat head
restraint and re-tighten the adjuster to
apply a tension on the strap as shown
in the illustration.To return the seat to the normal position,
follow the procedure below.
64J175
1) Unhook the strap from the head
restraint and stow the strap to the back
of the seat cushion as shown in the
illustration. Make sure to adjust the
strap length to avoid any slack or twist.
(2)
(3)
CAUTION
When securing the folded rear seat
with a strap, adjust the strap length
so that the rear seat will not move.
(4)
WARNING
Luggage or other cargo should be
stowed in the luggage compartment
with the rear seat in an upright posi-
tion, whenever possible. If you need
to carry cargo in the passenger com-
partment with the rear seat back
folded forward, be sure to secure the
cargo or it may be thrown about,
causing injury. Never pile cargo
higher than the seatbacks.
Seat Belts and Child Restraint Systems: 14

2-34
BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
Infant restraint - rear seat only
65D584
Booster seat
65D203
SUZUKI highly recommends that you use
a child restraint system to restrain infants
and small children. Many different types of
child restraint systems are available; make
sure that the restraint system you select
meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stan-
dards.
All child restraint systems are designed to
be secured in vehicle seats by either seat
belts (lap belts or the lap portion of lap-
shoulder belts) or by special rigid lower
anchor bars built into the seats. Whenever
possible, SUZUKI recommends that child
restraint systems be installed on the rear
seat. According to accident statistics, chil-
dren are safer when properly restrained in
rear seating positions than in front seating
positions.
If you must use a front-facing child restraint
in the front passenger’s seat, be sure to
move the front passenger’s seat as far
back as possible.
EXAMPLE
WARNING
Children could be endangered in a
crash if their child restraints are not
properly secured in the vehicle.
When installing a child restraint sys-
tem, be sure to follow the instruc-
tions below. Be sure to secure the
child in the restraint system accord-
ing to the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions.
WARNING
In an accident or sudden stop, the
rear seat armrest (if equipped) could
fall forward. If there is a child in a
rear-facing child restraint in the cen-
ter seating position, the falling arm-
rest could injure the child. Make sure
the armrest is back in the seat and
locked when not in use.
Seat Belts and Child Restraint Systems: 14

2-53BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
Note that even though your vehicle may be
moderately damaged in a collision, the col-
lision may not have been severe enough to
trigger the front, side, or side curtain air
bags to inflate. If your car sustains ANY
front-end or side damage, have the air bag
system inspected by an authorized
SUZUKI dealer to ensure it is in proper
working order.
Your vehicle is equipped with a diagnostic
module which records information about
the air bag system if the air bags deploy in
a crash. The module records information
about overall system status, which sensors
activated the deployment, and whether the
front seat belts were in use.
Servicing the Air Bag SystemIf the air bags inflate, have the air bags and
related components replaced by an autho-
rized SUZUKI dealer as soon as possible.
If your vehicle ever gets in deep water and
the driver’s floor is submerged, the air bag
controller could be damaged. If this hap-
pens, have the air bag system inspected
by the SUZUKI dealer as soon as possible.
Special procedures are required for servic-
ing or replacing an air bag. For that reason,
only an authorized SUZUKI dealer should
be allowed to service or replace your air
bags. Please remind anyone who services
your SUZUKI that it has air bags.
Service on or around air bag components
or wiring must be performed only by an
authorized SUZUKI dealer. Improper ser-
vice could result in unintended air bag
deployment or could render the air bags
inoperative. Either of these two conditions
may result in severe injury.
To prevent damage or unintended inflation
of the air bag system, be sure the battery
is disconnected and the ignition switch has
been in the “LOCK” position for at least 90
seconds before performing any electrical
service work on your SUZUKI. Do not
touch air bag system components or wires.
The wires are wrapped with yellow tape or
yellow tubing, and the couplers are yellow
for easy identification.Scrapping a car that has an undeployed air
bag can be hazardous. Ask your dealer,
body repair shop or scrap yard for help
with disposal.
If it is necessary to modify the advanced
front air bag system to accommodate a
person with disabilities, owners in the con-
tinental United States can call American
Suzuki toll-free at 1-800-934-0934, or write
to:
American Suzuki Motor Corporation
Automotive Customer Relations
3251 East Imperial Highway
Brea, CA 92821-6795
If you purchased your SUZUKI in Canada
please contact the Suzuki Canada Cus-
tomer Relations Department by telephone
at 1-905-889-2677 extension 2254 or in
writing at:
Suzuki Canada Inc.
Customer Relations
100 East Beaver Creek Road
Richmond Hill, On
L4B 1J6
WARNING
(Continued)
 For vehicles with side air bags, do
not place seat covers on the front
seats, because seat covers could
restrict the air bag’s inflation. Also,
do not place any cup holders or
other objects on the door, as these
objects could be propelled by the
air bag in the event of a crash.
Either of these conditions may
cause severe injury.

2-63BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
Keyless Start System Indicator
Light (if equipped)
62J041
When you push the ignition switch for vehi-
cle with the keyless start system, this light
will come on in blue or red. If this light
comes on in blue, you can turn the ignition
switch without using an ignition key. If this
light comes on in red, you cannot turn the
ignition switch without using an ignition
key. For details, refer to “Ignition Switch” in
the “OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE” sec-
tion.
If this light blinks in red, it reminds you that
the remote controller is not in the vehicle.
For details, refer to “Keyless Start System
Remote Controller/Keyless Entry System
Transmitter” in this section.
Turn Signal Indicators
50G055
When you turn on the left or right turn sig-
nals, the corresponding green arrow on the
instrument panel will flash along with the
respective turn signal lights.
When you turn on the hazard warning
switch, both arrows will flash along with all
of the turn signal lights.High Beam Indicator Light
50G056
This indicator comes on when headlight
high beams are turned on.
Daytime Running Light (D.R.L.)
Indicator Light (if equipped)
60B245
With the D.R.L. system, the headlights
light, but are dimmer than the low beam,
when the following three conditions are all
met. Whenever the D.R.L. system is oper-
ating, the D.R.L. indicator light remains on.
Conditions for D.R.L. system operation
1) The engine is running.
2) The parking brake is released.
3) The headlights are off, or the lighting
switch is in the “AUTO” position and it is
light around the light sensor.