Operating your vehicle SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 2012 User Guide

2-59BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
“ESP” (Electronic Stability
Program) Warning Light
66J031
When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position, the light comes on briefly so
you can check that the light is working. If
the light stays on, or comes on when driv-
ing, there may be something wrong with
the ESP
® systems (other than ABS). You
should have the system inspected by an
authorized SUZUKI dealer.
For details of the ESP
® systems, refer to
“Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®)” in
the “OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE” sec-
tion.
NOTE:
The information display shows the warning
and indicator message when this light
comes on.
“ESP OFF” Indicator Light
66J032
When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position, this light comes on briefly so
you can check that the light is working.
When the “ESP OFF” switch is pushed to
turn off the ESP
® systems (other than
ABS), the “ESP OFF” light comes on and
stays on.
NOTE:
 If the vehicle speed is greater than
approximately 30 km/h (19 mph), the
ESP
® systems (other than ABS) will turn
on automatically and the light will go out.
 When the transfer switch (if equipped) is
turned to the “4L LOCK” position, the
ESP® systems (other than ABS) will be
canceled automatically. The light will
come on and stay on.
 If the ESP
® systems operate continu-
ously such as when driving on slippery
roads, the traction control functions of
the ESP
® systems may be canceled
temporarily to avoid overheating the
brake pads, and the light will come on.
After a short period of time, the ESP
®
systems (other than ABS) will turn on
automatically and the light will go out.
 If your vehicle is equipped with a hill
descent control system and a hill hold
control system, these systems will not be
turned off when the “ESP OFF” switch is
pushed to turn off the ESP
® systems.
For details of the ESP
® systems, refer to
“Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®)” in
the “OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE” sec-
tion.

2-60
BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
Hill descent control Indicator Light
79K050
When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position, this light comes on briefly so
you can check that the light is working.
When you push the hill descent control
switch and the hill descent control operat-
ing conditions are fulfilled, the hill descent
control indicator comes on. If the hill
descent control indicator blinks, the hill
descent control will not be activated.
For details of the hill descent control sys-
tem, refer to “Hill descent control System”
in the “OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE” sec-
tion.
Oil Pressure Light
50G051
This light comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position, and
goes out when the engine is started. The
light will come on and remain on if there is
insufficient oil pressure. If the light comes
on when driving, pull off the road as soon
as you can and stop the engine. Check the
oil level and add oil if necessary. If there is
enough oil, the lubrication system should
be inspected by your SUZUKI dealer
before you drive the vehicle again.
Charging Light
50G052
This light comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position, and
goes out when the engine is started. The
light will come on and remain on if there is
something wrong with the battery charging
system. If the light comes on when the
engine is running, the charging system
should be inspected immediately by your
SUZUKI dealer.
CAUTION
 If you operate the engine with this
light on, severe engine damage can
result.
 Do not rely on the Oil Pressure
Light to indicate the need to add
oil. Be sure to periodically check
the engine oil level.

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.

2-64
BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
Illumination Indicator Light
64J045
This indicator light comes on while the
position lights, tail lights and/or the head-
lights are on.
Transfer Position Indicator Light
(if equipped)
64J044
These indicators show the 4WD operating
mode as described below. When the igni-
tion switch is turned to the “ON” position,
these lights come on briefly to let you know
that the lights are working.
(1): Neutral
(2): 4-wheel drive high range center differ-
ential lock mode
(2) & (3): 4-wheel drive low range center
differential lock mode
No indicators: 4-wheel drive high range
mode
For details, refer to “Using the Transfer
Switch” in the “OPERATING YOUR VEHI-
CLE” section.If the indicators (all lights) continue to blink,
there is a problem in the transfer system
and you should have your vehicle
inspected by an authorized SUZUKI
dealer.
NOTE:
The information display shows the warning
and indicator message when the transfer
system is operated, or has a problem.
Master Warning Indicator Light
78K049
This light blinks or comes on for several
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the “ON” position so you can check if the
light is working.
When the information display shows warn-
ing and indicator messages, this indicator
light may also come on or blink.
For details, refer to “Information Display” in
this section.
(2) (1) (3)

2-74
BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
(#1) This message will disappear for a while even if the problem that caused the message to appear is not corrected.
NOTE:
 When you operate the transfer switch (if equipped), the information display may show messages other than those in the above chart.
Refer to “Using the Transfer Switch” in the “OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE” section for details.
 When you operate the ESP OFF switch (if equipped), the information display may show messages other than those in the above chart.
Refer to “Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®)” in the “OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE” section for details. Warning and Indicator messageMaster Warning
IndicatorSound Cause and Remedy
79K074
Blinks Off There may be a problem with the 4WD system.
Have your vehicle inspected by an authorized SUZUKI
dealer.
79K075
Off Ding Fuel is low. (#1)
Fill the fuel tank immediately.
79K067
Off Off The outside temperature is near freezing. The road may
be icy. (#1)
You should drive carefully.

2-81BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
Rear Window Wiper/Washer Switch
63J304
To turn the rear wiper on, twist the rear
wiper switch on the end of the lever for-
ward to the “ON” position. If your vehicle is
equipped with the “INT” position, the rear
wiper operates intermittently when you
twist the switch forward to the “INT” posi-
tion. To turn the rear wiper off, twist the
switch rearward to the “OFF” position.
To spray window washer fluid, twist the
switch rearward from the “OFF” position, or
twist the switch forward from the “ON” posi-
tion. The rear wiper will turn on automati-
cally while spraying the window washer
fluid.
CAUTION
To help prevent damage to wind-
shield wiper and washer system
components, you should take the fol-
lowing precautions:
 Do not continue to hold in the lever
when there is no windshield
washer fluid being sprayed or the
washer motor can be damaged.
 Do not attempt to remove dirt from
a dry windshield with the wipers or
you can damage the windshield
and the wiper blades. Always wet
the windshield with washer fluid
before operating the wipers.
 Clear ice or packed snow from the
wiper blades before using the wip-
ers.
 Check the washer fluid level regu-
larly. Check it often when the
weather is bad.
 Only fill the washer fluid reservoir
3/4 full during cold weather to allow
room for expansion if the tempera-
ture falls low enough to freeze the
solution.
EXAMPLE
Wiper
Intermittent wiper
Washer
CAUTION
Clear ice or snow from the rear win-
dow and rear wiper blade before
using the rear wiper. Accumulated ice
or snow could prevent the wiper
blade from moving, causing damage
to the wiper motor.

OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
3
79K21-03E
60G408
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLEExhaust Gas Warning ......................................................... 3-1
Daily Inspection Checklist .................................................. 3-2
Ignition Switch ..................................................................... 3-3
Parking Brake Lever ........................................................... 3-7
Pedals ................................................................................... 3-8
Starting the Engine ............................................................. 3-9
Engine Block Heater (if equipped) ..................................... 3-10
Using the Transmission ..................................................... 3-11
Using the Transfer Switch (if equipped) ........................... 3-15
Cruise Control ..................................................................... 3-26
Braking ................................................................................. 3-28
Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) ................................. 3-31
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
(if equipped) ......................................................................... 3-37

3-1OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
Exhaust Gas Warning
52D334
WARNING
Avoid breathing exhaust gases.
Exhaust gases contain carbon mon-
oxide, a potentially lethal gas that is
colorless and odorless. Since carbon
monoxide is difficult to detect by
itself, be sure to take the following
precautions to help prevent carbon
monoxide from entering your vehicle.
 Do not leave the engine running in
garages or other confined areas.
(Continued)
WARNING
(Continued)
 Do not park with the engine run-
ning for a long period of time, even
in an open area. If it is necessary to
sit for a short time in a parked vehi-
cle with the engine running, make
sure the air intake lever is set to
“FRESH AIR” and the fan is at high
speed.
 Avoid operating the vehicle with
the rear door, tailgate or rear win-
dow open. If it is necessary to oper-
ate the vehicle with the rear door,
tailgate or rear window open, make
sure the folding sunroof (if
equipped) and all the windows are
closed, and the fan is at high speed
with the air intake selector set to
“FRESH AIR”.
 To allow proper operation of your
vehicle’s ventilation system, keep
the air inlet grille in front of the
windshield clear of snow, leaves or
other obstructions at all times.
 Keep the exhaust tailpipe area clear
of snow and other material to help
reduce the buildup of exhaust
gases under the vehicle. This is
particularly important when parked
in blizzard conditions.
(Continued)
WARNING
(Continued)
 Have the exhaust system inspected
periodically for damage and leaks.
Any damage or leaks should be
repaired immediately.
Exhaust Gas Warning: NO

3-2
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
Daily Inspection ChecklistBefore Driving
60A187S
1) Make sure that windows, mirrors, lights
and reflectors are clean and unob-
structed.
2) Visually check the tires for the following
points:
– the depth of the tread groove
– abnormal wear, cracks and damage
– loose wheel nuts
– existence of foreign material such as
nails, stones, etc.
Refer to “Tires” in “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section for details.
3) Look for fluid, oil leaks.
NOTE:
It is normal for water to drip from the air
conditioning system after use.4) Make sure the hood is fully closed and
latched.
5) Check the headlights, turn signal lights,
brake lights and horn for proper opera-
tion.
6) Lock all doors.
7) Adjust the seat and adjustable head
restraints (if equipped).
8) Check the brake pedal and the parking
brake lever.
9) Adjust the mirrors.
10)Make sure that you and all passengers
have properly fastened your seat belts.
11)Make sure that all warning lights come
on as the key is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion.
12)Check all gauges.
13)Make sure that the BRAKE SYSTEM
WARNING light turns off when the
parking brake is released.
Once a week, or each time you fill your fuel
tank, perform the following under-hood
checks:
1) Engine oil level
2) Coolant level
3) Brake fluid level
4) Power steering (if equipped) fluid level
5) Windshield washer fluid level
6) Battery solution level
7) Hood latch operation
Pull the hood release handle inside the
vehicle. Make sure that you cannot
open the hood all the way without
releasing the secondary latch. Be sure
to close the hood securely after check-ing for proper latch operation. See the
item “All Latches, Hinges and Locks” of
“CHASSIS AND BODY” in the “Periodic
Maintenance Schedule” in the
“INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE”
section for lubrication schedule.
Once a month, or each time you fill your
fuel tank, check the tire pressure using a
tire pressure gauge. Also check the tire
pressure of the spare tire.
WARNING
Make sure the hood is fully closed
and latched before driving. If it is not,
it can fly up unexpectedly during
driving, obstructing your view and
resulting in an accident.
Daily Inspection Checklist: NO
Starting the Engine: 1

3-3OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
Ignition Switch
65D611
Vehicle Without Keyless Start Sys-
tem
60B041
The ignition switch has the following four
positions:
LOCK
This is the normal parking position. It is the
only position in which the key can be
removed.
It locks the ignition, and prevents normal
use of the steering wheel after the key is
removed.Manual transmission
60A055
Manual transmission vehicles
You must push in the key to turn it to the
“LOCK” position. It locks the ignition, and
prevents normal use of the steering
wheel after the key is removed.
Automatic transmission vehicles
The gearshift lever must be in the “P”
(Park) position to turn the key to the
“LOCK” position. It locks the ignition and
prevents normal use of the steering
wheel and gearshift lever.
To release the steering lock, insert the key
and turn it clockwise to one of the other
positions. If you have trouble turning the
key to unlock the steering, try turning the
steering wheel slightly to the right or left
while turning the key.
WARNING
To avoid possible injury, do not oper-
ate controls by reaching through the
steering wheel.
EXAMPLE
Push
Turn to “LOCK”
Starting the Engine: 1