s mode SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 2009 Owners Manual

79K21-03E
This owner’s manual applies to the GRAND VITARA series:
79K035
NOTE: The illustrated model is one of the GRAND VITARA series.
© 2009 All rights reserved.No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written permission of Suzuki Motor Corporation.

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.

2-6
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

2-12
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

2-28
BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
Lap-Shoulder BeltEmergency Locking Retractor (ELR)
The lap-shoulder seat belt has an emer-
gency locking retractor (ELR), which is
designed to lock the seat belt only during a
sudden stop or impact. It also may lock if
you pull the belt across your body very
quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back
to unlock it, then pull the belt across your
body more slowly.
Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)
The front passenger’s seat belt and the
rear seat belts have emergency locking
retractors (ELRs) that can be temporarily
converted to function as automatic locking
retractors (ALRs). The ALR mode should
be used if you need to secure a child
restraint system in the seat. Refer to the
“Child Restraint Systems” section for
details.
WARNING
(Continued)
 Do not wear your seat belt over
hard or breakable objects in your
pockets or on your clothing. If an
accident occurs, objects such as
glasses, pens, etc. under the seat
belt can cause injury.
 Never use the same seat belt on
more than one occupant and never
attach a seat belt over an infant or
child being held on an occupant’s
lap. Such seat belt use could cause
serious injury in the event of an
accident.
 Periodically inspect seat belt
assemblies for excessive wear and
damage. Seat belts should be
replaced if webbing becomes
frayed, contaminated, or damaged
in any way. It is essential to replace
the entire seat belt assembly after it
has been worn in a severe impact,
even if damage to the assembly is
not obvious.
 Children age 12 and under should
ride properly restrained in the rear
seat, if equipped.
(Continued)
WARNING
(Continued)
 Infants and small children should
never be transported unless they
are properly restrained. Restraint
systems for infants and small chil-
dren can be purchased commer-
cially and should be used. Make
sure that the system you purchase
meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards. Read and follow all the
directions provided by the manu-
facturer.
 Avoid contamination of seat belt
webbing by polishes, oils, chemi-
cals and particularly battery acid.
Cleaning may safely be carried out
using mild soap and water.
 For children, if the shoulder belt
irritates the neck or face, move the
child closer to the center of the
vehicle.
 All seatbacks should always be in
an upright position when driving,
or seat belt effectiveness may be
reduced. Seat belts are designed to
offer maximum protection when
seatbacks are in the upright posi-
tion.
Seat Belts and Child Restraint Systems: 14

2-37BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
A-ELR type
83E032
2) Allow the extra webbing to retract, and
pull the webbing toward the retractor to
take up any slack. Make sure that the
lap portion of the belt is tight around the
child restraint system and the shoulder
portion of the belt is positioned so that it
cannot interfere with the child’s head or
neck.A-ELR type
83E036
3) Make sure that the retractor has con-
ver ted to the ALR mode by trying to pull
webbing out of the retractor. If the
retractor is in the ALR mode, the belt
will be locked.A-ELR type
65D234
A-ELR type
65D235
4) Try moving the child restraint system in
all directions, to make sure it is securely
installed. If you need to tighten the belt,
pull more webbing toward the retractor.
EXAMPLE
WARNING
If the retractor is not in the ALR
mode, the child restraint system can
move or tip over when your vehicle
turns or stops abruptly.EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
Move to check
EXAMPLE
Pull to tighten
Supplemental Restraint System (air bags): 3, 9, 12

2-38
BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
To revert from ALR to ELR
65D267
When you unbuckle the seat belt and allow
it to retract to a certain length, the retractor
will automatically revert back to the normal
ELR mode.
Installation with the LATCH System
66J162
Rear seat
64J027
Your vehicle is equipped with lower
anchors for securing up to two standard
LATCH-type child restraints in the rear
seats. (LATCH stands for Lower Anchorsand Tethers for Children.) The anchors are
located where the rear of the seat cushion
meets the bottom of the seatback.
Install a LATCH-type child restraint system
according to the instructions provided by
the child restraint system manufacturer.
After installing the child restraint system,
try moving it in all directions, especially for-
ward to make sure the flexible straps or
rigid connecting bars are securely latched
to the anchors.
NOTE:
Although there are three second row seat-
ing positions, you cannot install three
LATCH type child restraints in the rear
seat. You can install one or two LATCH
restraint(s). Be sure to install the LATCH
type child restraint(s) in the outboard seat-
ing positions.
If your LATCH restraint has flexible lower
connecting straps, these general instruc-
tions apply:
1) If possible, fold the seatback rearward
for easier installation.
2) Place the child restraint in the rear seat.
EXAMPLE
Rigid lower connecting
bar typeFlexible lower connecting
strap type
Supplemental Restraint System (air bags): 3, 9, 12

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.

2-54
BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
Instrument Cluster1. Speedometer
2. Tachometer
3. Fuel gauge
4. Temperature gauge
5. Information display
6. MODE/ILL knob
7. TRIP knob
8. Warning and indicator lights
79K118
EXAMPLE
1
3
2
5
88
6
7
4

2-56
BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
inflation pressure as specified in the vehi-
cle placard and owner’s manual.
The low tire pressure warning light is also
used to inform you of a TPMS malfunction.
When the system detects a malfunction,
this light will flash for approximately one
minute and then remain continuously illu-
minated. This sequence will be repeated
approximately ten minutes after subse-
quent vehicle start-ups as long as the mal-
function exists.
NOTE:
The low tire pressure warning light may not
come on immediately if you have a sudden
loss of air pressure.
Refer to “Tire Pressure Monitoring System”
in the “OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE” sec-
tion for additional details on the tire pres-
sure monitoring system. Refer to “Tires” in
the “INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE”
WARNING
If the low tire pressure warning light
does not come on when the ignition
is turned to the “ON” position, or
comes on and blinks while driving
there may be a problem with the tire
pressure monitoring system. Have
your vehicle inspected by an autho-
rized SUZUKI dealer. Even if the light
turns off after blinking, indicating
that the monitoring system has
recovered, make sure to have an
authorized SUZUKI dealer check the
system.
WARNING
The load rating of your tires is
reduced at lower inflation pressures.
If your tires become even moderately
under-inflated, the vehicle load may
exceed the load rating of the tires,
which can lead to tire failure. The low
tire pressure warning light will not
alert you of this condition. The warn-
ing light will only come on when one
or more of your tires become signifi-
cantly under-inflated. Check and
adjust your tire inflation pressure at
least once a month. Refer to “Tires”
in the “INSPECTION AND MAINTE-
NANCE” section.
WARNING
If the low tire pressure warning light
comes on and stays on, reduce your
speed and avoid abrupt steering and
braking. Stop in a safe place as soon
as possible and check your tires.
 If you have a flat tire, replace it with
the spare tire. Refer to “Jacking
Instructions” in the “EMERGENCY
SERVICE” section. Refer to
“Replacing Tires and/or Wheels”
for instructions on how to restore
normal operation of the tire pres-
sure monitoring system after you
have had a flat tire.
 If one or more of your tires is
under-inflated, adjust the inflation
pressure in all of your tires to the
recommended inflation pressure as
soon as possible.
Be aware that driving on a signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire can cause
the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure, and may affect steering
control and brake effectiveness. This
could lead to an accident, resulting in
severe injury or death.