spec SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 2012 Owners Manual

7-45INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
64J182
2) Release the claws of the light housing
by the flat head etc. through the service
holes as shown in the illustration.
64J183
3) Close the tailgate. Remove a high-
mounted stop light housing (2) from the
tailgate.
64J184
4) Remove the each bulb.
5) Replace the bulbs.
To install a high-mounted stop light
housing in the reverse order of removal.
(2)

7-46
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
Wiper Blades
54G129
If the wiper blades become brittle or dam-
aged, or make streaks when wiping,
replace the wiper blades.
To install new wiper blades, follow the pro-
cedures below.
NOTE:
Some wiper blades may be different from
the ones described here depending on
vehicle specifications. If so, consult your
SUZUKI dealer for proper replacement
method.For windshield wipers:
70G119
1) Hold the wiper arm away from the win-
dow.
52D102
2) Squeeze lock lever (1) towards wiper
arm (2) and remove the wiper frame
from the arm as shown.
CAUTION
To avoid scratching or breaking the
window, do not let the wiper arm
strike the window while replacing the
wiper blade.

7-47INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
60A260
3) Pull the locked end of the wiper blade
firmly to unlock the blade and slide the
blade out as shown.
52D124
(3) Retainer
4) If the new blade is provided without the
two metal retainers, move them from
the old blade to the new one.Installation
52D125
(4) Locked end
5) Install the new blade in the reverse
order of removal, with the locked end
positioned toward the wiper arm. Make
sure the blade is properly retained by
all the hooks. Grasp the blade near the
locked end and pull in the direction of
the arrows to lock the end into place.
6) Reinstall wiper frame to arm, making
sure that the lock lever is snapped
securely into the arm.

7-48
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
For rear wipers:
80G146
1) Hold the wiper arm away from the win-
dow.
2) Remove the wiper frame from the arm
as shown.
3) Slide the blade out as shown.
65D151
NOTE:
Do not flex the wiper blade frame end more
than necessary. If you do, it can break off.
54G135
(1) Retainer
4) If the new blade is provided without the
two metal retainers, move them from
the old blade to the new one.
5) Install the new blade in the reverse
order of removal.
Make sure the blade is properly
retained by all the hooks.
6) Reinstall wiper frame to arm in the
reverse order of removal.

7-49INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
Windshield Washer FluidFront and rear (if equipped)
66J008
66J116
Check that there is washer fluid in the tank
by looking at the washer fluid level gauge
which is attached to the cap of the washerfluid tank. If the fluid level is near empty,
refill it.
Use a good quality windshield washer
fluid, diluted with water as necessary.
Air Conditioning SystemIf you do not use the air conditioner for a
long period, such as during winter, it may
not give the best performance when you
start using it again. To help maintain opti-
mum performance and durability of your air
conditioner, it needs to be run periodically.
Operate the air conditioner at least once a
month for one minute with the engine
idling. This circulates the refrigerant and oil
and helps protect the internal components.
(or opposite side)
EXAMPLE
WARNING
Do not use “anti-freeze” solution in
the windshield washer reservoir. This
can severely impair visibility when
sprayed on the windshield, and also
damage your vehicle’s paint.
CAUTION
Damage may result if the washer
motor is operated with no fluid in the
washer tank.

8-5EMERGENCY SERVICE
79K21-03E
To install the wheel:
78K154
1) Install the wheel with both hands to the
spare tire carrier (1) as shown in the
illustration.
Then tighten the wheel nuts (2) and
spare tire nut (3).
78K155
2) Put the spare tire nut lock (4) on the
spare tire nut and push the lock in.
3) Install the wheel cover in the reverse
order to removal.
78K063
NOTE:
When you install the spare tire full cover,
make sure the position of the upper claws
marked on outside (5) and holes, then
hook them first.
WARNING
Use genuine wheel nuts and tighten
them to the specified torque as soon
as possible after changing wheels.
Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly
tightened wheel nuts may come
loose or fall off, which can result in
an accident. If you do not have a
torque wrench, have the wheel nut
torque checked by an authorized
SUZUKI dealer.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
If the Engine is Flooded: 2, 9
If the Engine Overheats: 2, 9

8-7EMERGENCY SERVICE
79K21-03E
Jump Starting Instructions
When jump starting your vehicle, use
the following procedure:
60A269
1) Use only a 12-volt battery to jump start
your vehicle. Position the good 12-volt
battery close to your vehicle so that the
jumper cables will reach both batteries.
When using a battery installed on
another vehicle, DO NOT LET THE
VEHICLES TOUCH. Set the parking
brakes fully on both vehicles.2) Turn off all vehicle accessories, except
those necessary for safety reasons (for
example, headlights or hazard lights).
60A270
52D129
WARNING
 Never attempt to jump start your
vehicle if the battery appears to be
frozen. Batteries in this condition
may explode or rupture if jump
starting is attempted.
 When making jumper cable con-
nections, be certain that your
hands and the jumper cables
remain clear from pulleys, belts or
fans.
 Batteries produce flammable
hydrogen gas. Keep flames and
sparks away from the battery or an
explosion may occur. Never smoke
when working near the battery.
 If the booster battery you use for
jump starting is installed in another
vehicle, make sure the two vehicles
are not touching each other.
 If your battery discharges repeat-
edly, for no apparent reason, have
your vehicle inspected by an autho-
rized SUZUKI dealer.
 To avoid harm to yourself or dam-
age to your vehicle or battery, fol-
low the jump starting instructions
below precisely and in order. If you
are in doubt, call for qualified road
service.
CAUTION
Your vehicle should not be started by
pushing or towing. This starting
method could result in permanent
damage to the catalytic converter.
Use jumper cables to start a vehicle
with a weak or run-down battery.12V BATTERY
EXAMPLE
Engine Hook
Charged Battery
Discharged
Battery
EXAMPLE

8-8
EMERGENCY SERVICE
79K21-03E
3) Make jumper cable connections as fol-
lows:
1. Connect one end of the first jumper
cable to the positive (+) terminal of
the discharged battery (1).
2. Connect the other end to the positive
(+) terminal of the booster battery
(2).
3. Connect one end of the second
jumper cable to the negative (–) ter-
minal of the booster battery (2).
4. Make the final connection to an
unpainted, heavy metal part (i.e.
engine hook (3)) of the engine of the
vehicle with the discharged battery
(1).
4) If the booster battery you are using is
installed on another vehicle, start the
engine of the vehicle with the booster
battery. Run the engine at moderate
speed.
5) Start the engine of the vehicle with the
discharged battery.
6) Remove the jumper cables in the exact
reverse order in which you connected
them.
Towing a Disabled VehicleEmergency TowingIf your vehicle is disabled, it may be towed
by a tow truck using one of the following
methods:
1) Tow the vehicle with two wheels lifted
by the tow truck and the other two
wheels on a towing dolly.
2) Use the appropriate towing method
specified for your vehicle in the “Towing
Your Vehicle (recreational towing)” sec-
tion, but with the wheels lifted by the
tow truck instead of on a towing dolly.
Be sure to carefully follow the specific
instructions provided in the “Towing
Your Vehicle (recreational towing)” sec-
tion.
If the Starter Does Not
Operate1) Try turning the ignition switch to the
“START” position with the headlights
turned on to determine the battery con-
dition. If the headlights go excessively
dim or go off, it usually means that
either the battery has run down or bat-
tery terminal contact is poor. Recharge
the battery or correct battery terminal
contact if necessary.
2) If the headlights remain bright, check
the fuses. If the reason for failure of the
starter is not obvious, there may be a
major electrical problem. Have the vehi-
cle inspected by your authorized
SUZUKI dealer.
WARNING
Never connect the jumper cable
directly to the negative (–) terminal of
the discharged battery, or an explo-
sion may occur.
CAUTION
If vehicle damage (such as steering
or drivetrain damage, inability to
operate free axle mechanism, etc.)
prevent normal use of the towing pro-
cedures for your vehicle described in
the “Towing Your Vehicle (recre-
ational towing)” section, have your
vehicle towed with two wheels lifted
by the tow truck and the other two
wheels on a towing dolly.

8-9EMERGENCY SERVICE
79K21-03E
If the Engine is FloodedIf the engine is flooded with gasoline, it
may be hard to start. If this happens, press
the accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and hold it there while cranking the
engine. (Do not operate the starter motor
for more than 15 seconds).
If the Engine OverheatsThe engine could overheat temporarily
under severe driving conditions. If the
engine coolant temperature gauge indi-
cates overheating during driving:
1) Turn off the air conditioner, if equipped.
2) Take the vehicle to a safe place and
park.
3) Let the engine run at normal idle speed
for a few minutes until the indicator is
within the normal, acceptable tempera-
ture range shown by the white band
between “H” and “C”.If the temperature indication does not
come down to within the normal, accept-
able range:
1) Turn off the engine and check that the
water pump belt and pulleys are not
damaged or slipping. If any abnormality
is found, correct it.
2) Check the coolant level in the reservoir.
If it is found to be lower than the “LOW”
line, look for leaks at the radiator, water
pump and radiator and heater hoses. If
you locate any leaks that may have
caused the overheating, do not run the
engine until these problems have been
corrected.
3) If you do not find a leak, carefully add
coolant to the reservoir and then the
radiator, if necessary. (Refer to “Engine
Coolant” in the “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section.)
WARNING
If you see or hear escaping steam,
stop the vehicle in a safe place and
immediately turn off the engine to let
it cool. Do not open the hood when
steam is present. When the steam
can no longer be seen or heard, open
the hood to see if the coolant is still
boiling. If it is, you must wait until it
stops boiling before you proceed.
Also, be careful not to touch hot
engine parts (radiator, water hoses,
engine etc.).

9-1APPEARANCE CARE
79K21-03E
Corrosion PreventionIt is important to take good care of your
vehicle to protect it from corrosion.
Listed below are instructions for how to
maintain your vehicle to prevent corrosion.
Please read and follow these instructions
carefully.Important Information About Corro-
sionCommon causes of corrosion
1) Accumulation of road salt, dirt, moisture
or chemicals in hard-to-reach areas of
the vehicle underbody or frame.
2) Chipping, scratches and any damage to
treated or painted metal surfaces
resulting from minor accidents or
impact from stones and gravel.
Environmental conditions which accel-
erate corrosion
1) Road salt, dust control chemicals, sea
air or industrial pollution will all acceler-
ate the corrosion of metal.
2) High humidity will increase the rate of
corrosion particularly when the temper-
ature range is just above the freezing
point.
3) Moisture in certain areas of a vehicle
for an extended period of time may pro-
mote corrosion even though other body
sections may be completely dry.
4) High temperatures will cause an accel-
erated rate of corrosion to parts of thevehicle which are not well ventilated to
permit quick drying.
52D151
This information illustrates the necessity of
keeping your vehicle (particularly the
underbody) as clean and dry as possible. It
is equally important to repair any damage
to the paint or protective coatings as soon
as possible.How to Help Prevent CorrosionWash your vehicle frequently
The best way to preserve the finish on your
vehicle and to help avoid corrosion is to
keep it clean with frequent washing.
Wash your vehicle at least once during the
winter and once immediately after the win-
ter. Keep your vehicle, particularly the
underside, as clean and dry as possible.If you frequently drive on salted roads, your
vehicle should be washed at least once a
month during the winter. If you live near the
ocean, your vehicle should be washed at
least once a month throughout the year.
Wash your vehicle immediately after using
it off-road. For washing instructions, refer
to the “Vehicle Cleaning” section.
Remove foreign material deposits
Foreign material such as salts, chemicals,
road oil or tar, tree sap, bird droppings and
industrial fall-out may damage the finish of
your vehicle if it is left on painted surfaces.
Remove these types of deposits as quickly
as possible. If these deposits are difficult to
wash off, an additional cleaner may be
required. Be sure that any cleaner you use
is not harmful to painted surfaces and is
specifically intended for your purposes.
Follow the manufacturer’s directions when
using these special cleaners.
WARNING
Foreign material can lodge between
the fuel tank of your vehicle and the
skid plate which covers it. You should
periodically clean out any foreign
material which has accumulated in
this area, since it could create a fire
hazard.
Corrosion Prevention: 5