child seat SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 2011 Owner's Guide

3-7OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
Parking Brake Lever
64J081
(1) To set
(2) To release
(3) To release
The parking brake lever is located between
the seats. To set the parking brake, hold
the brake pedal down and pull the parking
brake lever all the way up. To release the
parking brake, hold the brake pedal down,
pull up slightly on the parking brake lever,
push the button on the end of the lever with
your thumb and lower the lever to its origi-
nal position.
For automatic transmission vehicles,
always set the parking brake before mov-
ing the gearshift lever to the “P” (Park)
position. If you park on an incline and shift
into “P” before you set the parking brake,
the weight of the vehicle may make it diffi-cult to shift out of “P” when you are ready
to drive the vehicle. When preparing to
drive the vehicle, move the gearshift lever
out of the “P” position before releasing the
parking brake.
WARNING
(Continued)
 Always return the ignition switch to
the “LOCK” position and remove
the ignition key and the remote
controller (if equipped) when leav-
ing the vehicle even if only for a
short time. Also do not leave chil-
dren or pets alone in a parked vehi-
cle. Unattended children could
cause accidental movement of the
vehicle or could tamper with power
windows or a power sunroof. Chil-
dren or pets could also suffer from
heatstroke in warm or hot weather,
which could result in severe injury
or even death.
CAUTION
 Do not turn the starter motor for
more than 15 seconds at a time. If
the engine does not start, wait 15
seconds before trying again. If the
engine does not start after several
attempts, check the fuel and igni-
tion systems or consult your
SUZUKI dealer.
 Do not leave the ignition switch in
the “ON” position if the engine is
not running or the battery will dis-
charge.
EXAMPLE
(2)
(3)(1)
WARNING
 Never drive your vehicle with the
parking brake set: rear brake effec-
tiveness can be reduced from over-
heating, brake life may be
shortened or permanent brake
damage may result.
 If the parking brake does not hold
the vehicle securely or does not
fully release, have your vehicle
inspected immediately by an autho-
rized SUZUKI dealer.
WARNING
Always set the parking brake fully
before leaving your vehicle or it may
move, causing injury or damage.
When parking, make sure the gear-
shift lever for manual transmission
vehicles is in 1st gear or “R”
(Reverse) and the gearshift lever for
automatic transmission vehicles is in
“P” (Park). Never leave the transfer
lever (if equipped) in “N” (Neutral)
when you are parked. Remember,
even though the transmission is in
gear or in Park, you must set the
parking brake fully.
Using the Transmission: 10

4-1DRIVING TIPS
79K21-03E
52D078S
Important Vehicle Design
Features To KnowMultipurpose vehicles such as your new
SUZUKI have higher ground clearance and
a narrower track than conventional pas-
senger cars, to make them capable of per-
forming in a wide variety of off-road
applications. Specific design characteris-
tics give them a higher center of gravity
than ordinary cars. An advantage of the
higher ground clearance is a better view of
the road allowing you to anticipate prob-
lems. They are not designed for cornering
at the same speed as conventional pas-
senger cars any more than low-slung
sports cars are designed to perform satis-
factorily under off-road conditions. If at all
possible, avoid sharp turns or abrupt
maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this
type, failure to operate this vehicle cor-
rectly may result in loss of control or vehi-
cle rollover.
Multipurpose vehicles have a significantly
higher rollover rate than other types of
vehicles.
65D218
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a per-
son wearing a seat belt.Important Differences Between
Your Multipurpose Vehicle and
Ordinary Passenger CarsHigher Ground Clearance
The higher ground clearance of your vehi-
cle enables it to clear off-road obstacles,
such as rocks and tree stumps, that ordi-
nary passenger cars cannot drive over. An
unavoidable result of this higher ground
clearance is that the vehicle also has a
higher center of gravity. Consequently,
your vehicle will handle differently than a
vehicle with a lower center of gravity.
WARNING
 Wear Your Seat Belts at All Times.
Even though air bags are equipped
at the front seating positions, the
driver and all passengers should
be properly restrained at all times,
using the seat belts provided. Refer
to the “Seat Belts and Child
Restraint Systems” section for
instructions on proper use of the
seat belts.
 Never drive while under the influ-
ence of alcohol or other drugs.
Alcohol and drugs can seriously
impair your ability to drive safely,
greatly increasing the risk of injury
to yourself and others. You should
also avoid driving when you are
tired, sick, irritated or under stress.
WARNING
Your multipurpose vehicle has han-
dling characteristics that differ from
those of a conventional passenger
car. For the safety of you and your
passengers, please read the follow-
ing section very carefully.
EXAMPLE
Important Vehicle Design Features To Know: NO

4-4
DRIVING TIPS
79K21-03E
Keep the air cleaner clean
60A183S
If the air cleaner is clogged with dust, there
will be greater intake resistance, resulting
in decreased power output and increased
fuel consumption.
Keep weight to a minimum
The heavier the load, the more fuel the
vehicle consumes. Take out any luggage
or cargo when it is not necessary.
Keep tire pressure correct
Underinflation of the tires can waste fuel
due to increased running resistance of the
tires. Keep your tires inflated to the correct
pressure shown on the label located below
the driver’s side door latch striker.
On-Pavement DrivingGovernment data show that most rollover
accidents for multi-purpose vehicles are
caused when a driver loses control of the
vehicle and leaves the paved portion of the
roadway striking a ditch, curb or other off-
road object that causes the vehicle to over-
turn. The following driving practices may
reduce the risk of rollover.
Vehicle Slides Off-Road
You can reduce the risk of this kind of roll-
over accident by always keeping the vehi-
cle under control. Typically, drivers lose
control of vehicles, often resulting in roll-
over accidents, when the driver is impaired
because of alcohol or other drugs, falls
asleep at the wheel or is otherwise inatten-
tive, or is driving too fast for the road condi-
tions.
Rollovers On the Roadway
If, for any reason, your vehicle slides side-
ways or spins out of control at highway
speeds, while on the paved portion of the
roadway, the risk of rollover is greatly
increased. This condition can be created
when two or more wheels drop off onto the
shoulder and you steer sharply in an
attempt to reenter the roadway. To reduce
the risk of rollover in these circumstances,
if conditions permit, you should hold the
steering wheel firmly and slow down
before pulling back into the travel lanes
with controlled steering movements.All Types of Rollover Accidents
As with many kinds of automobile acci-
dents, rollovers can be greatly reduced by
doing what all prudent drivers should do,
i.e., don’t drink and drive, don’t drive when
tired and don’t do anything behind the
wheel that could cause a loss of attention
to the driving task.
Additional guidelines are set out below for
your on-road driving.
Know Your Vehicle
Take time to familiarize yourself with the
unique handling characteristics of your
vehicle by first driving around in an area
away from traffic. Practice turning the vehi-
cle at a variety of speeds and in different
directions. Get a feel for the greater steer-
ing response that your vehicle has over a
conventional car.
Wear Your Seat Belts at All Times
The driver and all passengers should be
properly restrained at all times, using the
seat belts provided. Refer to the “Seat
Belts and Child Restraint Systems” section
for instructions on proper use of the seat
belts.
EXAMPLE
Off-Road Driving: NO

4-6
DRIVING TIPS
79K21-03E
Off-Road DrivingYour vehicle has specific design character-
istics for off-road driving. When you leave
the pavement, you will encounter driving
surfaces of all kinds which may change
continually as you drive. In most cases, off-
road driving requires the use of 4-wheel
drive. If your vehicle is a 2-wheel drive
vehicle, you should limit your off-road driv-
ing only to hard, flat, nonslippery surfaces.
2-wheel drive vehicles have far less trac-
tion on off-road surfaces than 4-wheel
drive vehicles. It is important when driving
off-road to follow the guidelines below.
Use Caution on Steep Inclines
Always inspect hills before you attempt to
drive up them. Know what is on the other
side and how you will get back down. If you
have any doubt that it is safe, do not
attempt to drive over a hill. Never drive
your vehicle up an extremely steep incline.
Coming down a steep hill can be trickier
than getting up one. Keep the vehicle
heading straight down the hill and use low
gear. Do not lock the brakes. If the vehicle
begins to slide, accelerate slightly to regain
steering control.Do Not Turn on or Drive Across the Side
of Hills
Turning on or driving across the side of a
hill can be extremely hazardous. Most of
the vehicle’s weight will be transferred to
the downhill tires, which could result in the
vehicle rolling sideways. Whenever possi-
ble, avoid this potential hazard. Also, if you
have to exit your vehicle on a side-hill,
always get out on the uphill side.
Wear Your Seat Belts at All Times
You and your passengers should use the
seat belts at all times when driving off-
road. For proper seat belt use, refer to the
“Seat Belts and Child Restraint Systems”
section in this manual.
Avoid Sudden Reactions in Mud, Ice or
Snow
Be careful when off-road conditions are
slick. Reduce your speed and avoid sud-
den movements of the vehicle. If your vehi-
cle is a 2-wheel drive vehicle, do not drive
in deep snow or mud. If your vehicle is a 4-
wheel drive vehicle, be aware that driving
in deep snow or mud can cause a loss of
traction and an increase in the resistance
to the vehicle’s forward motion. Use 4WD
low gear (4L) and maintain a steady but
moderate speed with a light touch on the
steering wheel and brakes.Do not drive in the field covered with
grown grass
If you drive in the field covered with grass,
it may cause unexpected accident or vehi-
cle damage by getting caught in grown
grass.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
If your vehicle gets stuck in snow, mud or
sand, follow the directions below:
1) (For vehicles equipped with transfer
switch) Turn the transfer switch to “4H
LOCK” or “4L LOCK”.
2) Shift the transmission back and forth
between a forward range (or first gear
for manual transmission) and reverse.
This will create a rocking motion which
may give you enough momentum to
free the vehicle. Press gently on the
accelerator to keep wheel spin to a min-
imum. Remove your foot from the
accelerator while shifting.
Do not race the engine. Excessive
wheel spin will cause the tires to dig
deeper, making it more difficult to free
the vehicle.
3) If your vehicle remains stuck after a few
minutes of rocking, get another vehicle
to pull you out.

5-73OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
79K21-03E
Front Seat Back Pocket
(if equipped)
64J127
This pocket is provided for holding light
and soft things such as gloves, newspa-
pers or magazines.
Shopping Hook (if equipped)
66J049
The shopping hooks are located on both
sides of the luggage compartment.
You can hang the shopping bag or other
suitable objects on the hook. This hook is
not designed for large or heavy items.
ArmrestCenter Console Armrest
64J263
WARNING
Do not put hard or breakable objects
in the pocket. If an accident occurs,
objects such as bottles, cans, etc.
can injure the occupants in the rear
seat.EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
CAUTION
To avoid damage to the armrest, do
not lean on it or allow a child to sit on
it.

5-78
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
79K21-03E
Luggage Restraint Loops
(if equipped)
64J129
Four luggage restraint loops are provided
on the luggage compartment floor. An
optional rubber net can be hooked to these
loops to help keep cargo from moving
around in the luggage compartment during
normal driving.
Roof Rails or Roof Rack
Anchors (if equipped)Roof rails
64J133
Roof rack anchors
64J224
WARNING
The luggage restraint loops and
optional rubber net can be used to
help keep lightweight cargo from
moving around in the luggage com-
partment during normal driving. They
are neither capable of nor intended
for preventing cargo from being
thrown around in a crash.
Place heavier objects on the floor
and as far forward in the cargo area
as possible. Never pile cargo higher
than the top of the seat backs.
WARNING
Do not attach the child restraint top
strap to the luggage restraint loops.
Incorrectly attached top strap will
reduce the intended effectiveness of
the child restraint system.
(1)

13-1
INDEX
13
79K21-03E
INDEXSymbols“AIR BAG” Light
..................................................................2-61
“CRUISE” Indicator Light
...................................................2-62
“ESP OFF” Indicator Light ........................................ 2-59
, 3-33
“ESP” (Electronic Stability Program) Warning Light
.......2-59
“ESP” Warning Light
...........................................................3-33
“SET” Indicator Light ..........................................................2-62
Numerics4-Speed Automatic Transmission
......................................3-13
5-Speed Automatic Transmission ......................................3-11
AA/T Selector Position
..........................................................2-68
Accelerator Pedal
................................................................3-8
Accessory Socket ................................................................5-66
Adding Engine Coolant
.......................................................7-14
Adjusting Seat Position ......................................................2-19
Adjusting Seatbacks
................................................. 2-19
, 2-22
Air Cleaner
...........................................................................7-16
Air Conditioning System
.....................................................7-49
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
..........................................3-29
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
.................2-58
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
.......................................3-32
Armrest
.................................................................................5-73
Assist Grips
.........................................................................5-70
Audio Systems (type A)
......................................................5-8
Audio Systems (type B) ......................................................5-36
Automatic Heating and Air Conditioning System
(Climate Control)
.................................................................5-1Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)
.................................. 2-28
Automatic Transmission Fluid
.......................................... 7-20
Auto-On Headlight System
................................................ 2-77
Average Speed
.................................................................... 2-68
BBasic Operations
.......................................................5-11
, 5-38
Battery
.................................................................................. 7-36
Brake Assist System
.......................................................... 3-29
Brake Fluid
.......................................................................... 7-22
Brake Pedal ..................................................................3-8
, 7-23
Brake System Warning Light
............................................. 2-57
Brakes
.................................................................................. 7-22
Braking ................................................................................. 3-28
Break-In ................................................................................ 4-2
Brightness Control
............................................................. 2-66
Bulb Replacement ............................................................... 7-40
CCatalytic Converter
............................................................. 4-2
Changing Engine Oil and Filter
......................................... 7-11
Changing Wheels
................................................................ 8-3
Charging Light
.................................................................... 2-60
Child Lock System (rear doors)
......................................... 2-3
Child Restraint Systems
..................................................... 2-33
Cigarette Lighter and Ashtray
........................................... 5-67
Clutch Pedal
.................................................................3-8
, 7-20
Coat Hooks
.......................................................................... 5-70
Corrosion Prevention
......................................................... 9-1
Cruise Control
..................................................................... 3-26

13-3
INDEX79K21-03E
If the Engine Overheats
......................................................8-9
If the Starter Does Not Operate
..........................................8-8
If You Cannot Shift Automatic Transmission Gearshift
Lever Out of “P” (PARK)
.....................................................3-15
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck ..................................................4-6
Ignition Key Reminder
........................................................2-1
Ignition Switch
.....................................................................3-3
Illumination Indicator Light
................................................2-64
Important Vehicle Design Features To Know
...................4-1
Improving Fuel Economy
....................................................4-3
Information Display
.............................................................2-67
Inside Rearview Mirror ........................................................2-17
Installation with Lap-Shoulder Seat Belts
(Child Restraint with No Top Strap)
...................................2-35
Installation with the LATCH System ..................................2-38
Installation-Child Restraint with Top Strap
.......................2-40
Instrument Cluster
...............................................................2-54
Interior Light Switch ............................................................5-64
JJacking Instructions
............................................................8-2
Jump Starting Instructions
.................................................8-7
KKeyless Entry System Transmitter (Type B)
.....................2-11
Keyless Start System Indicator Light
................................2-63
Keyless Start System Remote Controller (Type A)
..........2-5
Keyless Start System Remote Controller/
Keyless Entry System Transmitter
....................................2-4
Keys
......................................................................................2-1
LLap-Shoulder Belt
................................................................2-28
Lighting Control Lever
........................................................2-75Lighting Operation
.............................................................. 2-76
Lights “On” reminder ......................................................... 2-78
Listening to a CD
.......................................................5-15
, 5-42
Listening to a CD from an External CD Changer
(Option)
.......................................................................5-28
, 5-54
Listening to a XM Satellite Radio (Option)
..............5-25
, 5-51
Listening to Audio for AUX (Option)
.............. 5-27
, 5-49
, 5-53
Listening to the Radio
...............................................5-13
, 5-40
Low Fuel Warning Light
..................................................... 2-62
Low Tire Pressure Warning Light
.............................2-55
, 3-38
Luggage Compartment Cover
........................................... 5-74
Luggage Compartment Light ............................................. 5-65
Luggage Restraint Loops
................................................... 5-78
MMaintenance Recommended under Severe Driving
Conditions
........................................................................... 7-7
Maintenance Schedule
....................................................... 7-2
Malfunction Indicator Light
................................................ 2-61
Manual Transmission
......................................................... 3-11
Master Warning Indicator Light
......................................... 2-64
Mirrors
.................................................................................. 2-17
NNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA)
............................................................................... 10-4
OOdometer
............................................................................. 2-70
Off-Road Driving
................................................................. 4-6
Oil Level Check ................................................................... 7-10
Oil Pressure Light ............................................................... 2-60
On-Board Vehicle Computers and Event Data
Recorders
............................................................................ 10-3

13-4INDEX
79K21-03E
On-Pavement Driving
..........................................................4-4
Open Door Warning Light
...................................................2-62
Outside Rearview Mirrors ...................................................2-17
Overhead Console Box
.......................................................5-71
PParking Brake Lever
.................................................... 3-7
, 7-24
Pedals
...................................................................................3-8
Periodic Maintenance Schedule
.........................................7-3
Power Assisted Brakes
.......................................................3-29
Power Door Locking System
..............................................2-2
Power Mirror Control
...........................................................2-18
Power Steering
....................................................................7-24
Power Steering Fluid
...........................................................7-24
Power Window Controls
.....................................................2-15
RRadio Antenna
.....................................................................5-8
Rear Seats
............................................................................2-22
Rear Window Defroster and Outside Rearview Mirrors
Defroster Switch
..................................................................2-82
Rear Window Wiper/Washer Switch
..................................2-81
Refill with Oil and Check for Leaks ....................................7-12
Remote Audio Controls
............................................ 5-30
, 5-56
Replace the Oil Filter
...........................................................7-12
Replacing Tires and/or Wheels
..........................................3-41
Reporting Safety Defects
....................................................10-4
Roof Rails or Roof Rack Anchors
......................................5-78
SSafety Certification Label
...................................................10-2
Seat Adjustment
........................................................ 2-18
, 2-22
Seat Belt Extender
...............................................................2-41
Seat Belt Inspection ............................................................2-33Seat Belt Pretensioner System
.......................................... 2-42
Seat Belt Reminder
............................................................. 2-30
Seat Belts and Child Restraint Systems
........................... 2-26
Selection of Coolant
........................................................... 7-13
Shopping Hook
................................................................... 5-73
Shoulder anchor height adjuster
....................................... 2-32
Side Air Bags and Side Curtain Air Bags
......................... 2-46
Side Door Locks
.................................................................. 2-1
SLIP Indicator Light
...................................................2-58
, 3-32
Snow Tires
..................................................................7-32
, 8-6
Spare Tire Nut Lock
............................................................ 8-1
Spark Plugs
......................................................................... 7-16
SPECIFICATIONS
................................................................ 12-1
Specified Fluid
.................................................................... 7-20
Specified Gear Oil ............................................................... 7-17
Specified Oil
........................................................................ 7-10
Speedometer ....................................................................... 2-65
Spot Light
............................................................................ 5-66
Stability Control System
.................................................... 3-31
Starting the Engine
............................................................. 3-9
Steering Wheel
.................................................................... 7-24
Sun Visor
............................................................................. 5-64
Sunroof
................................................................................ 5-68
Supplemental Restraint System (air bags)
....................... 2-43
TTachometer
.......................................................................... 2-65
Tailgate
................................................................................ 2-3
Temperature Gauge
............................................................ 2-66
Theft Deterrent Light .......................................................... 2-15
Thermometer
....................................................................... 2-70
Tilt Steering Lock Lever
..................................................... 2-82