check engine SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 2011 User Guide

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

7-3INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
Periodic Maintenance ScheduleR: Replace or change
I : Inspect, clean, adjust, lubricate or replace as necessary
#2: Be sure to perform the engine coolant level check under the daily inspection in “OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE” section.
If you replace the engine coolant other than the SUZUKI LLC: Super (Blue), follow the schedule of SUZUKI LLC: Standard (Green).Interval: This interval should be judged by
odometer reading or months, whichever comes
first.miles (x 1000) 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60 67.5 75
km (x 1000) 12.5 25 37.5 50 62.5 75 87.5 100 112.5 125
months 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60 67.5 75ENGINE & EMISSION CONTROL
1. Drive belt
Inspect for damage
–
–
–
I
–
–
–
I
–
–
*2. Valve lash (clearance) (for 2.4 L engine) – – – – – – – I – –
3.Engine oil and oil filter
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
*4. Cooling system hoses and connections – – – I – – – I – –
5.Engine coolant
SUZUKI LLC: Standard (Green)
–
–
–
R
–
–
–
R
–
–
SUZUKI LLC: Super (Blue) (#2) First time only: Replace at 150000 km (90000 miles) or 90 months
Second time and after: Replace every 75000 km (45000 miles) or 45 months
*6. Exhaust pipes and mountings – – – I – – – I&(R) – –
*7.
EVAP canister
Replace every 250000 km (150000 miles) or 180 months
*8. Emission-related hoses & tubes – – – – – – – I – –
9.Spark plugs
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
R
–
–
*10. Ignition coil (Plug cap) – – – I – – – I – –
*11.
Fuel tank & cap
–
–
–
I
–
–
–
I
–
–
12. Air cleaner filter element – – – R – – – R – –
*13.
Fuel filter
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
*14. Fuel lines and connections – – – I – – – I – –
*15.
Canister air suction filter
Replace every 250000 km (150000 miles) or 180 months
Periodic Maintenance Schedule: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10

7-4
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
R: Replace or change
I : Inspect, clean, adjust, lubricate or replace as necessary
#1: Inspect at 250000 km (150000 miles) or 180 months.
#2: Be sure to perform the engine coolant level check under the daily inspection in “OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE” section.
If you replace the engine coolant other than the SUZUKI LLC: Super (Blue), follow the schedule of SUZUKI LLC: Standard (Green).
NOTE:
The maintenance services enclosed with rectangle are recommended maintenance items.
Item 6 (R) is applicable to the exhaust mounting rubber only.Interval: This interval should be judged by
odometer reading or months, whichever comes
first.miles (x 1000) 82.5 90 97.5 105 112.5 120 127.5 135 142.5 150
km (x 1000) 137.5 150 162.5 175 187.5 200 212.5 225 237.5 250
months 82.5 90 97.5 105 112.5 120 127.5 135 142.5 150ENGINE & EMISSION CONTROL
1. Drive beltInspect for damage
–
I
–
–
–
I
–
–
–
I
*2. Valve lash (clearance) (for 2.4 L engine) – – – – – I – – – –3.Engine oil and oil filter
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
*4. Cooling system hoses and connections – I – – – I – – – I5.Engine coolant
SUZUKI LLC: Standard (Green)
–
R
–
–
–
R
–
–
–
R
SUZUKI LLC: Super (Blue) (#2) First time only: Replace at 150000 km (90000 miles) or 90 months
Second time and after: Replace every 75000 km (45000 miles) or 45 months
*6. Exhaust pipes and mountings – I – – – I&(R) – – – I
*7.
EVAP canister
Replace every 250000 km (150000 miles) or 180 months
*8. Emission-related hoses & tubes – – – – – I – – – I9.Spark plugs
–
–
–
–
–
R
–
–
–
–
*10. Ignition coil (Plug cap) – I – – – I – – – I*11.
Fuel tank & cap
–
I
–
–
–
I
–
–
–
I (#1)
12. Air cleaner filter element – R – – – R – – – R*13.
Fuel filter
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
R
*14. Fuel lines and connections – I – – – I – – – I (#1)*15.
Canister air suction filter
Replace every 250000 km (150000 miles) or 180 months
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air Resources Board has determined that the failure to perform recom-
mended maintenance items enclosed with a rectangle will not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion
of the vehicle’s useful life. SUZUKI, however, urges that all recommended maintenance services be performed at the indicated inter-
vals and the maintenance recorded.
Periodic Maintenance Schedule: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10

7-9INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
Drive BeltCheck the accessory drive belt only for
damage. You do not need check it for ten-
sion as it has an automatic tensioner.
If you need to replace or adjust the belt
have it done by your SUZUKI dealer.
WARNING
When the engine is running, keep
hands, hair, clothing, tools, etc. away
from the moving fan and drive belts.
79K041
PS
GE
AC
→: 100 N (22 lbs, 10 kg) press
ADB: Accessory drive belt
GE: Generator
PS: Power steering pump
AC: Air conditioner compressor L4 2.4 L
GE
ADB
V6 3.2 L
ADB PS
AC
Drive Belt: 1, 2
Engine Oil and Filter: 1, 2

7-10
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
Engine Oil and FilterSpecified Oil
79K096
Use engine oil with the American Petro-
leum Institute Certified For Gasoline
Engines “Starburst” symbol.
We highly recommend you use SAE 5W-
30 oil.
Oil Level CheckEngine oil dipstick
52D030
It is important to keep the engine oil at the
correct level for proper lubrication of your
vehicle’s engine. Check the oil level with
the vehicle on a level surface. The oil level
indication may be inaccurate if the vehicle
is on a slope. The oil level should be
checked either before starting the engine
or at least 5 minutes after stopping the
engine.
52D084
The handle of the engine oil dipstick is col-
ored yellow for easy identification.
Pull out the oil dipstick, wipe oil off with a
clean cloth, insert the dipstick all the way
into the engine, then remove it again. The
oil on the stick should be between the
upper and lower limits shown on the stick.
If the oil level indication is near the lower
limit, add enough oil to raise the level to the
upper limit.
CAUTION
Failure to use the recommended oil
can result in engine damage.
“Starburst”
EXAMPLE
FULL
ADD
Engine Oil and Filter: 1, 2

7-11INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
Refilling
81A147
Remove the oil filler cap and pour oil slowly
through the filler hole to bring the oil level
to the upper limit on the dipstick. Be careful
not to overfill. Too much oil is almost as
bad as too little oil. After refilling, start the
engine and allow it to idle for about a
minute. Stop the engine, wait about 5 min-
utes and check the oil level again.
Changing Engine Oil and Filter
60G306
Drain the engine oil while the engine is still
warm.
1) Remove the oil filler cap.
2) Remove the engine under cover.
3) Place a drain pan under the drain plug.
4) Using a wrench, remove the drain plug
and drain out the engine oil.5) Reinstall the drain plug and gasket.
Tighten the plug with a wrench to the
specified torque.
6) Reinstall the engine under cover.
Close Open
EXAMPLE
WARNING
The engine oil temperature may be
high enough to burn your fingers
when the drain plug is loosened. Wait
until the drain plug is cool enough to
touch with your bare hands.EXAMPLE
WARNING
New and used oil and solvent can be
hazardous. Children and pets may be
harmed by swallowing new or used
oil or solvent. Repeated, prolonged
contact with used engine oil may
cause skin cancer. Brief contact with
used oil or solvent may irritate skin.
 Keep new and used oil and solvent
away from children and pets.
 Wear a long-sleeve shirt and water-
proof gloves.
 Wash with soap if oil or solvent
contacts your skin.
Tightening torque specification
35 Nm (25.3 lb-ft, 3.5 kg-m)
Engine Oil and Filter: 1, 2

7-12
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
Replace the Oil Filter2.4 L engine
78K055
1) Using an oil filter wrench, turn the oil fil-
ter counterclockwise and remove it.
2) Using a clean rag, wipe off the mount-
ing surface on the engine where the
new filter will be seated.
3) Smear a little engine oil around the rub-
ber gasket of the new oil filter.
4) Screw on the new filter by hand until the
filter gasket contacts the mounting sur-
face.
54G093
(1) Oil filter
(2) 3/4 turn
5) Tighten the filter 3/4 turn from the point
of contact with the mounting surface (or
to the specified torque) using an oil filter
wrench.
6) Reinstall the engine under cover.NOTE:
 When it is difficult to remove the oil filter,
we recommend you take your vehicle to
your SUZUKI dealer for oil filter replace-
ment.
 For 3.2 L engine, since special proce-
dures are required, we recommend you
take your vehicle to your SUZUKI dealer
for oil filter replacement.
Refill with Oil and Check for Leaks1) Pour oil through the filler hole and
install the filler cap.
For the approximate capacity of the oil,
refer to the “Capacities” item in the
“SPECIFICATIONS” section.
2) Start the engine and look carefully for
leaks at the oil filter and drain plug. Run
the engine at various speeds for at least
5 minutes.
3) Stop the engine and wait about 5 min-
utes. Check the oil level again and add
oil if necessary. Check for leaks again.
CAUTION
To tighten the oil filter properly, it is
important to accurately identify the
position at which the filter gasket
first contacts the mounting surface.
EXAMPLE
Tightening torque specification
14 Nm (10.1 lb-ft, 1.4 kg-m)
CAUTION
To prevent oil leakage, make sure
that the oil filter is tight, but do not
overtighten it.
CAUTION
When replacing the oil filter, it is rec-
ommended that you use a genuine
SUZUKI replacement filter. If you use
an after-market filter, make sure it is
of equivalent quality and carefully fol-
low the manufacturer’s instructions
and precautions.
Engine Oil and Filter: 1, 2

7-14
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
Engine Coolant Level CheckCheck the engine coolant level at the
reserve tank, not at the radiator. With the
engine cool, the engine coolant level
should be between the “FULL” and “LOW”
marks.Adding Engine CoolantIf the engine coolant level is below the
“LOW” mark, more engine coolant should
be added. Remove the reserve tank cap
and add engine coolant until the reserve
tank level reaches the “FULL” mark. Never
fill the reserve tank above the “FULL” mark.
CAUTION
To avoid damaging your cooling sys-
tem:
 Always use a high quality ethylene
glycol base phosphate type coolant
diluted with distilled water at the
correct mixture concentration.
 Make sure that the proper mix is 50/
50 coolant to distilled water and in
no case higher than 70/30. Concen-
trations greater than 70/30 coolant
to distilled water will cause over-
heating conditions.
 Do not use straight coolant nor
plain water (except SUZUKI LLC:
Super (Blue)).
 Do not add extra inhibitors or addi-
tives. They may not be compatible
with your cooling system.
 Do not mix different types of base
coolants. Doing so may result in
accelerated seal wear and/or the
possibility of severe overheating
and extensive engine/automatic
transmission damage.
CAUTION
 The mixture you use should con-
tain 50% concentration of anti-
freeze.
 If the lowest ambient temperature
in your area is expected to be –35
°C (–31°F) or below, use higher
concentrations up to 60% following
the instructions on the antifreeze
container.
 When putting the cap on the
reserve tank, line up the arrow on
the cap and the arrow on the tank.
Failure to follow this can result in
coolant leakage.
WARNING
Engine coolant is harmful or fatal if
swallowed or inhaled. Do not drink
antifreeze or coolant solution. If swal-
lowed, do not induce vomiting. Imme-
diately contact a poison control
center or a physician. Avoid inhaling
mist or hot vapors; if inhaled, remove
to fresh air. If coolant gets in eyes,
flush eyes with water and seek medi-
cal attention. Wash thoroughly after
handling. Solution can be poisonous
to animals. Keep out of the reach of
children and animals.
Gear Oil: 6, 10
Automatic Transmission Fluid: 10

7-15INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
Engine Coolant Replacement
66J151
1) When the engine is cool, remove the
radiator cap by turning it slowly to the
left until a “stop” is felt. Do not press
down while turning the cap. Wait until
any pressure is released, then press
down on the cap and continue turning it
to the left.
66J191
2) Remove the reservoir by lifting it up,
and drain the reservoir completely.
64J191
3) Loosen the drain plug attached to the
lower part of the radiator and drain the
engine coolant into a suitable container.
4) Reinstall the reservoir and fill it with
engine coolant to the “FULL” line.
5) Tighten the drain plug on the radiator,
fill the radiator with engine coolant and
install the radiator cap.
6) After filling, let the engine idle for about
2 – 3 minutes to get rid of air in the
cooling system. Then, stop the engine.
7) Check the engine coolant level in the
radiator again. If the level has gone
down, add more engine coolant.
OpenClose
WARNING
It is hazardous to remove the radiator
cap when the engine coolant temper-
ature is high, because scalding fluid
and steam may be blown out under
pressure. Wait until the engine cool-
ant temperature has lowered before
removing the cap.
CAUTION
The engine coolant must be replaced
with the vehicle on level ground.EXAMPLE
Automatic Transmission Fluid: 10
Engine Coolant: 1, 2

7-16
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
Air Cleaner
66J167
If the air cleaner is clogged with dust, there
will be greater intake resistance, resulting
in decreased power output and increased
fuel consumption.
Check and clean periodically according to
the following procedure:
1) Take off the air cleaner case cover.
Remove the element from the air
cleaner case cover.
2) This air cleaner element is of dry type.
Remember that it needs cleaning
according to the following method.
3) Blow off dust on cleaner element by
compressed air from inside the ele-
ment, or replace the element as neces-
sary.
Spark Plugs
78K056
NOTE:
For 3.2 L engine, to approach the spark
plugs, you need to remove the bolts shown
in the illustration.
EXAMPLE
CAUTION
The air cleaner element should be
replaced every 50000 km (30000
miles). More frequent replacement is
necessary when you drive under
dusty conditions.
Engine Coolant: 1, 2