SELECT SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 2012 User Guide

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

3-12
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
Gearshift lever
66J004
The gearshift lever is designed that it can-
not be shifted out of the “P” position unless
the ignition switch is in the “ON” position
and the brake pedal is depressed.Use the gearshift lever positions as
described below:
P (Park)
Use this position to lock the transmission
when the vehicle is parked or when start-
ing the engine. Shift into Park only when
the vehicle is completely stopped.
R (Reverse)
Use this position to back the vehicle from
stop. Make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped before shifting into
Reverse.
N (Neutral)
Use this position for starting the engine if
the engine stalls and you need to restart it
while the vehicle is moving. You may also
shift into Neutral and depress the brake
pedal to hold the vehicle stationary during
idling.
D (Drive)
Use this position for all normal driving.
With the selector in “D” range, you can get
an automatic downshift by pressing the
accelerator pedal. The higher the vehiclespeed is, the more you will need to press
the accelerator pedal to get a downshift.
4 (Low 3)
Use this position for driving on moderate
uphill and downhill gradients. The engine
braking effect on moderate downhills can
be used in this position. The transmission
shifts up only to 4th gear.
3 (Low 2)
Use this position to provide extra power
when climbing hills, or to provide engine
braking when going down hills.
L (Low 1)
Use this position to provide maximum
power when climbing steep hills or driving
through deep snow or mud, or to provide
maximum engine braking when going
down steep hills.
NOTE:
If you move the gearshift lever to a lower
gear while driving faster than the maximum
allowable speed for the lower gear, the
transmission will not actually downshift
until your speed drops below the maximum
speed for the lower gear.
WARNING
Always depress the brake pedal
before shifting from “P” (Park) (or
“N” (Neutral) if the vehicle is station-
ary) to a forward or reverse gear, to
help prevent the vehicle from moving
unexpectedly when you shift.
WARNING
If you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle,
never leave the transfer switch in “N”
(Neutral) position when parked.
Otherwise the vehicle may roll even if
the transmission is in Park.
Using the Transfer Switch: 10

3-15OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
If You Cannot Shift Automatic
Transmission Gearshift Lever Out
of “P” (PARK)
78K043
Vehicles with an automatic transmission
have an electrically operated park-lock fea-
ture. If the vehicle’s battery is discharged,
or there is some other electrical failure, the
automatic transmission cannot be shifted
out of Park in the normal way. Jump start-
ing may correct the condition. If not, follow
the procedure described below. This pro-
cedure will permit shifting the transmission
out of Park.
1) Be sure the parking brake is firmly
applied.
2) If the engine is running, stop the
engine.
3) Make sure the key is in the “ON” or
“ACC” position.
4) Remove the cover (1) on the hole.5) With inserting the key or the flat end rod
into the slot in the hole, shift the gear-
shift lever to the desired position.
This procedure is for emergency use only.
If repeated use of this procedure is neces-
sary, or the procedure does not work as
described, take the vehicle to your dealer
for repair.
Using the Transfer Switch
(if equipped)
66J168
Your vehicle is equipped with a four-mode
full-time 4x4 system. You can use the
transfer switch to select any of the four
modes: N, 4H, 4H LOCK, 4L LOCK.
(1)
Using the Transfer Switch: 10

3-22
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
NOTE:
The information display shows the warning
and indicator message when the transfer
system is operated, or has a problem.
CAUTION
 Be sure to stop the vehicle com-
pletely before operating the trans-
fer switch to shift between “N” and
“4H”, or between “4H LOCK” and
“4L LOCK”.
 Do not shift between “4H” and “4H
LOCK” unless the front wheels are
in the straight-ahead position and
we recommend that the vehicle
speed be less than 100 km/h (60
mph).
Do not operate the transfer switch
while tires are racing.
 Do not operate your vehicle in “4H
LOCK” or “4L LOCK” on dry, hard
surfaces.
(Continued)
CAUTION
(Continued)
 Do not operate the vehicle while a
4WD mode indicator is blinking
except when shifting between “4H”
and “4L LOCK”.
If you operate the vehicle while a
4WD mode indicator is blinking, a
buzzer will sound and the transfer
will shift to “N” (Neutral) to prevent
transfer case damage.
In this case, use the following pro-
cedure.
1) Release your foot from the accel-
erator pedal and depress the
brake pedal to stop the vehicle
completely.
2) Depress the clutch pedal fully (if
equipped) or shift the automatic
transmission gearshift lever to the
“N” position.
3) If the transfer does not shift from
“N” although you perform 1) and
2), turn the transfer switch to the
position previously selected and
operate the switch again.
Catalytic Converter: NO

3-25OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
Transfer Switch
OperationWarning and Indicator messagesMaster Warning
IndicatorSound Cause and Remedy
Switching between
“4H LOCK” and
“4L LOCK”
Switching between
“4H” and “N”
79K080
Off Series of
Beeps(For automatic transmission)
The desired transfer gear has not been
engaged.
Release your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
Depress the brake pedal.
Shift the automatic transmission gear-
shift lever to the “N” position.
79K081
Off Series of
Beeps(For manual transmission)
The desired transfer gear has not been
engaged.
Release your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
Depress the brake pedal and clutch
pedal.
79K082
Off Beep or
OffThe desired transfer gear has not been
engaged.
Turn the transfer switch back to the pre-
viously selected position, and operate
the transfer switch again.
79K083
Off Off This message informs you the 4WD
mode is switching.
Do not move your vehicle.

3-31OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
How the ABS WorksA computer continuously monitors wheel
speed. The computer compares the
changes in wheel speed when braking. If
the wheels slow suddenly, indicating a
skidding situation, the computer will
change braking pressure several times
each second to prevent the wheels from
locking. When you start your vehicle or
when you accelerate after a hard stop, you
may hear a momentary motor or clicking
sound as the system resets or checks
itself.
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP
®)
ESP
® is a registered trademark of Daimler
AG.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®)
helps to control the vehicle during corner-
ing if front wheels or rear wheels skid. It
also assists you in maintaining traction
while accelerating on loose or slippery
road surfaces. It does this by regulating the
engine’s output, and by selectively apply-
ing the brakes. In addition, ESP
® helps to
avoid skidding by controlling braking pres-
sure.The ESP
® has the following three systems:
Stability Control SystemThe vehicle stability control system helps
provide integrated control of systems such
as anti-lock brakes, traction control, engine
control, etc. This system automatically
controls the brakes and engine to help pre-
vent the vehicle from skidding when cor-
nering on a slippery road surface or when
turning the steering wheel abruptly.Traction Control SystemThe traction control system automatically
helps prevent the spinning of wheels when
the vehicle is started or accelerated on
slippery road surfaces. The system oper-
ates only if it senses that some of the
wheels are spinning or beginning to lose
traction. When this happens, the system
operates the front or rear brakes and
reduces engine power to limit wheel spin.
NOTE:
You may hear a clicking sound in the
engine compartment for a few seconds
when you start the engine or just after the
vehicle begins to move. This means that
the above systems are in the self-check
mode. This sound does not indicate a mal-
function.
WARNING
The ABS may not work properly if
tires or wheels other than those
specified in the owner’s manual are
used. This is because the ABS works
by comparing changes in wheel
speed. When replacing tires or
wheels, use only the size and type
specified in this owner’s manual.
WARNING
The ESP
® cannot enhance the vehi-
cle’s driving stability in all situations
and does not control your vehicle’s
entire braking system. The ESP
® can-
not prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed
in turns, or hydroplaning. Only a safe
and attentive driver can prevent acci-
dents. The capabilities of an ESP
®-
equipped vehicle must never be used
as a substitute for careful driving.

5-2
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
79K21-03E
Side outlet
63J045
When “Open”, air comes out from the side
outlets regardless of the air flow selector
position.
Description of Controls
79K020
(1) Temperature selector
(2) Blower speed selector
(3) Air intake selector
(4) Air flow selector
(5) Defrost switch
(6) “OFF” switch
(7) “AUTO” switch
(8) Air conditioning switch
(9) LCD display
(1)(6)
(7)
(3)
(9)
(8)
(2)
(5)
(4)
Pedals: 6
Gearshift Lever: 10

5-3OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
79K21-03E
Temperature selector (1)
78K047
Turn the temperature selector (1) to adjust
the temperature.Air conditioning switch (8)
79K021
The air conditioning switch (8) is used to
turn on and off the air conditioning system.
To turn on the air conditioning system,
push in the switch and “A/C” will appear on
the LCD display. To turn off the air condi-
tioning system, push in the switch again
and “A/C” will go off. Blower speed selector (2)
78K048
The blower speed selector (2) is used to
turn on the blower and to select blower
speed.
If the “AUTO” switch (7) is pushed, the
blower speed will vary automatically as the
climate control system maintains the
selected temperature.
(1)
(8)
A/C: OFF A/C: ON
(2)
Gearshift Lever: 10
Fuel Filler Cap: 5

5-4
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
79K21-03E
Air intake selector (3)
79K022
Push the air intake selector (3) to change
between the following modes.
If the “AUTO” switch (7) is pushed, the air
intake will vary automatically as the climate
control system maintains the selected tem-
perature.RECIRCULATED AIR (a)
When this mode is selected, outside air is
shut off and inside air is recirculated. This
mode is suitable when driving through an
area with polluted air such as a tunnel, or
when attempting to quickly cool down the
vehicle.
FRESH AIR (b)
When this mode is selected, outside air is
introduced.
“FRESH AIR” and “RECIRCULATED AIR”
are selected alternately each time the air
intake selector is pushed.
NOTE:
If you select “RECIRCULATED AIR” for an
extended period of time, the air in the vehi-
cle can become contaminated. Therefore,
you should occasionally select “FRESH
AIR”.Air flow selector (4)
79K023
Push the air flow selector (4) to change
among the following functions. The indica-
tion of the selected mode appears on the
LCD display.
If the “AUTO” switch (7) is pushed, the air
flow will vary automatically as the climate
control system maintains the selected tem-
perature.
(a) (b)
(3)
(4)
(c)
(d) (e) (f)
Fuel Filler Cap: 5
Folding Seats: 14

5-5OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
79K21-03E
Ventilation (c)
64J069
Temperature-controlled air comes out of
the center and side air outlets.
Bi-level (d)
64J070
Temperature-controlled air comes out of
the floor outlets and cooler air comes out
of the center and side outlets. When the
temperature selector (1) is in the fully
COLD position or fully HOT position, how-
ever, the air from the floor outlets and the
air from the center and side outlets will be
the same temperature.Heat (e)
64J071
Temperature-controlled air comes out of
the floor outlets and the side outlets, a
small amount of air comes out of the wind-
shield defroster outlets and the side
defroster outlets.
Heat & defrost (f)
64J072
Temperature-controlled air comes out of
the floor outlets, the windshield defroster
outlets, the side defroster outlets and the
side outlets.Defrost switch (5)
78K050
Push the defrost switch (5) to turn on the
defroster.
(5)
Folding Seats: 14