SPEED SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 2012 Owner's Manual

3-14
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
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 stationary.
R (Reverse)
Use this position to reverse the vehicle
from stop. Make sure that vehicle is com-
pletely stationary 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 gearshift lever in “D” range you
can get an automatic downshift by press-
ing the accelerator pedal. The higher the
vehicle speed is, the more you need to
press the accelerator pedal to get a down-
shift.
3 (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 3rd gear.
2 (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
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.
CAUTION
Be sure to take the following precau-
tions to help avoid damage to the
automatic transmission:
 Make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stationary before shifting
into “P” or “R”.
 Do not shift from “P” or “N” to “R”,
“D”, “3”, “2”, or “L” when the
engine is running above idle speed.
 Do not rev the engine with the
transmission in a drive position
(“R”, “D”, “3”, “2”, or “L”) and the
rear wheels not moving.
 Do not use the accelerator to hold
the vehicle on a hill. Use the vehi-
cle’s brakes.
Using the Transfer Switch: 10

3-20
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
4L LOCK (4-wheel drive low range center differential lock)
64J222
In this position, engine power is supplied to
the front and rear axles and you get better
traction and more low-speed torque than
when driving in “4H”. Use this position
when you need better traction than “4H”
provides and more low-speed torque than
“4H LOCK” provides, such as when climb-
ing or descending steep, slippery hills etc.
NOTE:
When the transfer switch (if equipped) is
turned to the “4L LOCK” position, the
ESP
® systems (other than ABS) will be
canceled to provide improved vehicle trac-
tion, and the “ESP OFF” indicator light will
come on.
When the transfer switch (if equipped) is
turned to the “4L LOCK” position, brake-
traction control can be activated. Brake-
traction control brakes the spinning wheel
to distribute drive power to the other
wheels for increased climbing ability or for
better performance on a rolling hill or a
slippery surface.
ESP® is a registered trademark of Daimler
AG.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS):

3-21OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
Transfer Switch OperationOperate the transfer switch according to
the appropriate procedure described
below:
From N to 4H
Stop the vehicle completely, place the
transmission in “N” (Neutral) and depress
the brake pedal and the clutch pedal fully
(if equipped), then push in and turn the
switch to shift into “4H”.
From 4H to 4H LOCK
You can operate the transfer switch either
when the vehicle is stopped or while the
vehicle is moving.
Position the front wheels straight ahead
and turn the switch to shift into “4H LOCK”.
If the vehicle is moving, we recommend
that the speed be less than 100 km/h (60
mph) during this operation.
NOTE:
If it is difficult to shift between “4H” and “4H
LOCK” while the vehicle is moving, try
accelerating and decelerating your vehicle
several times after turning the transfer
switch. Be sure to wait until traffic condi-
tions allow you to accelerate and deceler-
ate safety before using this procedure.From 4H LOCK to 4L LOCK
Stop the vehicle completely, place the
transmission in “N” (Neutral) and depress
the brake pedal and the clutch pedal fully
(if equipped), then push in and turn the
switch to shift into “4L LOCK”.
From 4L LOCK to 4H LOCK
Stop the vehicle completely, place the
transmission in “N” (Neutral) and depress
the brake pedal and the clutch pedal fully
(if equipped), then push in and turn the
switch to shift into “4H LOCK”.
From 4H LOCK to 4H
You can operate the transfer switch either
when the vehicle is stopped or while the
vehicle is moving.
Position the front wheels straight ahead
and turn the switch to shift into “4H”. If the
vehicle is moving, we recommend that the
speed be less than 100 km/h (60 mph) dur-
ing this operation.
NOTE:
If it is difficult to shift between “4H” and “4H
LOCK” while the vehicle is moving, try
accelerating and decelerating your vehicle
several times after turning the transfer
switch. Be sure to wait until traffic condi-
tions allow you to accelerate and deceler-
ate safety before using this procedure.From 4H to N
64J209
Stop the vehicle completely, place the
transmission in “N” (Neutral) and depress
the brake pedal and the clutch pedal fully
(if equipped), then push in and turn the
switch to the mark (1) at the left of the “N”
position, and hold the switch in this posi-
tion for 5 seconds until the “N” indicator
blinks, then turn the switch to the “N” posi-
tion.
When you turn the transfer switch to the
“N” position, “N” indicator will come on with
the buzzer sound.
CAUTION
Do not operate the transfer switch
while tires are racing.
CAUTION
Do not operate the transfer switch
while tires are racing.
(1)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS):
Break-In: 6

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

3-26
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
Cruise Control (if equipped)
79K032
The cruise control system allows you to
maintain a steady speed without keeping
your foot on the accelerator pedal. The
controls for operating the cruise control
system are on the steering wheel.
You can use the cruise control system with
the following conditions:
 For manual transmission vehicle, the
gear position is in 4th or 5th.
 For 4-Speed automatic transmission
vehicle, the gearshift lever is in “D” or “3”
position.
 For 5-Speed automatic transmission
vehicle, the gearshift lever is in “D” or “4”
position.
 The vehicle speed is between approxi-
mately 45 km/h (28 mph) or higher.
79K049
(1) “ON/OFF” switch
(2) “CANCEL” switch
(3) “SET/COAST” switch
(4) “RES/ACC” switch
To Set Cruising Speed1) Turn on the cruise control system by
pushing the “ON/OFF” switch (1). When
the “CRUISE” indicator light comes on,
you can set cruising speed.
2) Accelerate or decelerate to the desired
speed.
3) Push the “SET/COAST” switch (3) and
turn on the “SET” indicator light. Take
your foot off the accelerator pedal and
the set speed will be maintained.
NOTE:
If the transfer switch (if equipped) is in the
“4L LOCK” position, you cannot use the
cruise control system. Refer to “Using the
Transfer Switch (if equipped)” in this sec-
tion.
WARNING
To help avoid loss of vehicle control,
do not use the cruise control system
when driving in heavy traffic, on slip-
pery or winding roads, or on steep
downgrades.
(1)(4)(2)
(3)
WARNING
If the cruising speed is set by acci-
dent, you cannot decelerate or could
loose control of the vehicle. This
could lead to an accident, resulting in
severe injury or death.
Turn off the cruise control system
and make sure the “CRUISE” indica-
tor light is off when the system is not
in use.

3-27OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
“CRUISE” indicator light
52D113
When you push the “ON/OFF” switch, the
system is on and a “CRUISE” indicator
light on the instrument cluster will be on.
“SET” indicator light
65D474
When the vehicle’s speed is controlled by
the cruise control system, a “SET” indica-
tor light on the instrument cluster will be
on.
To Change Speed TemporarilyWhen the cruising speed is maintained,
you can temporarily accelerate or deceler-
ate.
To accelerate, depress the accelerator
pedal. When you take your foot off the
pedal, your vehicle will return to the set
speed.
To decelerate, depress the brake pedal.
The set speed will be canceled and “SET”
indicator light will go off. To resume the
previously set speed, push the “RES/ACC”
switch (4) and turn on the “SET” indicator
light again when vehicle speed is above 45
km/h (28 mph). The vehicle will accelerate
to and maintain the previously set speed.
NOTE:
For 4-Speed/5-Speed automatic transmis-
sion vehicle, when the cruising speed is
maintained, you cannot decelerate by
using the engine brake if you shift the gear-
shift lever from “D” to “3” position for 4-
Speed automatic transmission vehicle, and
from “D” to “4” position for 5-Speed auto-
matic transmission vehicle.
To decelerate while the cruise control is on,
depress the brake pedal or push the “SET/
COAST” switch (3).
To Change Cruising SpeedUsing the accelerator pedal
To reset at a faster cruising speed, acceler-
ate to the desired speed using the acceler-
ator pedal and push the “SET/COAST”
switch (3). The new speed will be main-
tained.
Using the brake pedal
To reset at a slower cruising speed, decel-
erate to the desired speed using the brake
pedal and push the “SET/COAST” switch
(3). The new speed will be maintained.
NOTE:
When the brake pedal is depressed, the
“SET” indicator light goes off until reset the
cruising speed.
Using the cruise control switch
To reset at a faster cruising speed, press
repeatedly or hold in the “RES/ACC”
switch (4). Vehicle speed will steadily
increase. When you release the switch, the
new speed will be maintained.
To reset at a slower cruising speed, press
repeatedly or hold in the “SET/COAST”
switch (3) until the vehicle has slowed to
the desired speed, then release the switch.
The new speed will be maintained.
NOTE:
You can adjust the set speed by approxi-
mately 1.5 km/h (1.0 mph) by pushing a
cruise control switch quickly.

3-28
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
Cancellation of the Cruise ControlThe “SET” indicator light will go off and the
cruise control will be canceled temporarily
with following procedures:
 Push the “CANCEL” switch (2).
 Depress the brake pedal.
 For manual transmission, depress the
clutch pedal.
 For 4-Speed automatic transmission
vehicle, shift the gearshift lever into “2”
or “L” position.
 For 5-Speed automatic transmission
vehicle, shift the gearshift lever into “3”,
“2”, or “L” position.
 The vehicle speed falls more than 20
km/h (12.5 mph) below the set speed.
 Any time the vehicle speed falls below
40 km/h (25 mph).
 When the vehicle skids and ESP
® (if
equipped) is activated.
To resume the previously set speed, push
the “RES/ACC” switch (4) and turn on the
“SET” indicator light. Besides, the vehicle
speed has to be above 45 km/h (28 mph)
when the vehicle is not in the above condi-
tions.
To turn off the cruise control system, push
the “ON/OFF” switch (1) and make sure
the “CRUISE” indicator light is off.
Also, if the malfunction indicator light in the
instrument cluster comes on or blinks, the
cruise control system will be turned off.NOTE:
If you turn off the cruise control system, the
previously set speed in the memory is
cleared. Reset your cruising speed again.
Braking
60G165
The distance needed to bring any vehicle
to a halt increases with the speed of the
vehicle. The braking distance needed, for
example, at 60 km/h (37 mph) will be
approximately 4 times greater than the
braking distance needed at 30 km/h (19
mph). Start to brake the vehicle when there
is plenty of distance between your vehicle
and the stopping point, and slow down
gradually.

3-29OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
Power-Assisted BrakesYour vehicle has power-assisted brakes. If
power assistance is lost due to a stalled
engine or other failures, the system is still
fully operational on reserve power and you
can bring the vehicle to a complete stop by
pressing the brake pedal once and holding
it down. The reserve power is partly used
up when you depress the brake pedal and
reduces each time the pedal is pressed.
Apply smooth and even pressure to the
pedal. Do not pump the pedal.
Brake Assist SystemWhen you slam the brakes on, the brake
assist system judges as an emergency
stop and provides more powerful braking
for a driver who cannot hold down the
brake pedal firmly.
NOTE:
If you quickly and forcefully depress the
brakes, you may hear a clicking sound in
the brake pedal. This is normal and indi-
cates that the brake assist system is acti-
vated properly.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)ABS will help you avoid skidding by elec-
tronically controlling braking pressure. It
will also help you maintain steering control
when braking on slippery surfaces or when
braking hard.
The ABS works automatically, so you do
not need any special braking technique.
Just push the brake pedal down without
pumping. The ABS will operate whenever it
senses that the wheels are locking up.
You may feel the brake pedal pulsate while
the ABS is operating.
NOTE:
The ABS will not work if vehicle speed is
under about 6 km/h (4 mph).
WARNING
If water gets into the brake drums,
brake performance may become poor
and unpredictable. After driving
through water or washing the under-
side of the vehicle, test the brakes
while driving at a slow speed to see if
they have maintained their normal
effectiveness. If the brakes are less
effective than normal, dry them by
repeatedly applying the brakes while
driving slowly until the brakes have
regained their normal effectiveness.
WARNING
Even without reserve power in the
brake system, you can still stop the
vehicle by pressing the brake pedal
harder than normally required. How-
ever, the stopping distance may be
longer.

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.

3-33OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
NOTE:
When you disconnect and re-connect the
battery, ESP
® system functions other than
ABS will be deactivated and the slip indica-
tor light will blink 1 time per second. In this
case, use the following procedure to re-
activate the ESP
® systems:
1) Drive your vehicle straight ahead with-
out tire slippage at a speed greater than
approximately 15 km/h (9 mph) for a
few seconds
2) The slip indicator light will go out and
the ESP
® systems (other than ABS) will
be re-activated
It may take more than few seconds before
the slip indicator light goes out depending
on the road surface condition.
“ESP” Warning Light
66J031
When the ESP
® systems (other than ABS)
have a system malfunction, the “ESP”
warning light in the instrument cluster
comes on.
NOTE:
When the “ESP” warning light comes on,
or stays on while driving, indicating a mal-
function of the ESP
® systems (other than
ABS), the brake system will function as an
ordinary ABS that has no additional ESP
®
functions.
NOTE:
The information display shows the warning
and indicator message when this light
comes on.
“ESP OFF” Indicator Light
66J032
You should turn the ESP
® on during your
ordinary driving, so that you have the ben-
efits of all of the ESP
® systems.
It may be required to turn the ESP
® sys-
tems (other than ABS) off if your vehicle is
stuck in sand, mud, or snow, or when driv-
ing in extreme off-road conditions where
wheel spin is necessary.
CAUTION
If the “ESP” warning light comes on,
or stays on while driving, there may
be a malfunction of the ESP
® sys-
tems (other than ABS). You should
have the systems inspected by an
authorized SUZUKI dealer.