Operating your vehicle SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 2012 Owners Manual

79K21-03E
INTRODUCTIONThank you for choosing SUZUKI and welcome to our growing family. Your choice was a wise one; SUZUKI products are a great value
that will give you years of driving pleasure.
This Owner’s Manual was prepared to help you have a safe, enjoyable, and trouble-free experience with your SUZUKI. In it you will learn
about the vehicle’s operation, its safety features and maintenance requirements. Please read it carefully before operating your vehicle.
Afterwards, keep this Manual in the glove box for future reference.
Should you resell the vehicle, please leave this Manual with it for the next owner.
In addition to the Owner’s Manual, the other booklets provided with your SUZUKI explain the vehicle’s warranties. We recommend you
read them as well to familiarize yourself with this important information.
When planning the regular scheduled maintenance of your SUZUKI, we recommend you visit your local SUZUKI dealership. Their fac-
tory-trained technicians will provide the best possible service and use only genuine SUZUKI parts and accessories.

79K21-03E
TABLE OF CONTENTSCalifornia Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING
Engine exhaust, some of its constitu-
ents, and certain product compo-
nents contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm.
FUEL RECOMMENDATION
1
BEFORE DRIVING
2
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
3
DRIVING TIPS
4
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
5
VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
6
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
7
EMERGENCY SERVICE
8
APPEARANCE CARE
9
GENERAL INFORMATION
10
FUSES AND PROTECTED CIRCUITS
11
SPECIFICATIONS
12
INDEX
13

2-3BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
(when using the power door locking
switch)
To lock or unlock all the doors simulta-
neously, depress the front or rear of the
switch respectively.
NOTE:
 If your vehicle is equipped with the key-
less entry system, you can also lock or
unlock all doors by operating the remote
controller/transmitter. Refer to “Keyless
Start System Remote Controller/Key-
less Entry System Transmitter” in this
section.
 If your vehicle is equipped with the key-
less start system, you can also lock or
unlock all doors by pushing the request
switch on the door handle. Refer to “Key-
less Start System Remote Controller/
Keyless Entry System Transmitter” in
this section.
Child Lock System (rear doors)
79K009
(1) LOCK
(2) UNLOCK
Each of the rear doors is equipped with a
child lock which can be used to help pre-
vent unwanted opening of the door from
inside the vehicle. When the lock lever is in
the “LOCK” position (1), the rear door can
only be opened from outside. When the
lock lever is in the “UNLOCK” position (2),
the rear door can be opened from inside or
outside.
Ta i l g a t eYou can lock or unlock the tailgate by using
the key in the driver’s door lock.
NOTE:
When, in parked condition on a road, the
tailgate is open and hides the lights, it is
necessary to indicate the presence of the
vehicle, for example by means of a warn-
ing triangle or other devices according to
national requirements for use on the road.
If you cannot unlock the tailgate due to a
discharged battery or malfunction, follow
the procedures below to unlock the tailgate
from inside the vehicle.
1) Remove the luggage compartment
cover.
2) Fold the rear seat forward for easier
access. Refer to the “Folding Rear
Seats” section for details on how to fold
the rear seat forward.
WARNING
Be sure to place the child lock sys-
tem in the “LOCK” position whenever
children are seated in the rear.
(1) (2)
Door Locks: 3, 5, 8

2-5BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
Keyless Start System Remote
Controller (Type A)The remote controller enables the following
operations:
 You can lock or unlock the doors by
operating the LOCK/UNLOCK buttons
on the remote controller. Refer to the
explanation in this section.
 You can lock or unlock the doors (includ-
ing the tailgate) by pushing the request
switch on the door handle of each door
or the tailgate. For details, refer to the
explanation in this section.
 You can start the engine without using
an ignition key. For details, refer to “Igni-
tion Switch” in the “OPERATING YOUR
VEHICLE” section.
66J114
(1) “LOCK” button
(2) “UNLOCK” button
(3) “PANIC” button“LOCK” button (1) / “UNLOCK” button
(2) function
You can lock or unlock all doors (including
the tailgate) simultaneously by operating
the remote controller near the vehicle.
 To lock the doors, push the “LOCK” but-
ton (1).
 To unlock the driver’s door, push the
“UNLOCK” button (2) once.
 To unlock other doors, wait a second or
two, then push the “UNLOCK” button (2)
a second time. If you “double-click” too
fast, the doors will not unlock.
The turn signal lights will flash once when
the doors are locked.
When the doors are unlocked:
 The turn signal lights will flash twice.
 If the interior light switch is in the
“DOOR” position, the interior light will
turn on for about 15 seconds and then
fade out. If you push in the ignition
switch or insert the key during this time,
the light will start to fade out immedi-
ately.
Be sure the doors are locked after you
operate the “LOCK” button (1).
If no door is opened within about 30 sec-
onds after the “UNLOCK” button (2) is
operated, the doors will automatically lock
again.NOTE:
 The maximum operating distance of the
remote controller is about 5 m (16 ft.),
but this can vary depending on the sur-
roundings, especially near other trans-
mitting devices such as radio towers or
CB (Citizen’s Band) radios.
 The door locks cannot be operated with
the remote controller if the ignition switch
is in a position other than “LOCK”, or the
ignition key is inserted in the ignition
switch.
If any door is open, you cannot lock the
door by operating the remote controller,
however unlock the door.
 You cannot lock the door unless all of the
doors are closed completely.
 If you lose one of the remote controllers,
ask your SUZUKI dealer as soon as pos-
sible for a replacement. Be sure to have
your dealer program the new remote
controller code in your vehicle’s memory
so that the old code is erased, or per-
form the programming procedure your-
self according to the instructions in this
section.
(1)(2)(3)
Door Locks: 3, 5, 8

2-7BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
78K001
(1) 80 cm (2 1/2 feet)
When the remote controller is within
approximately 80 cm (2 1/2 feet) from a
front door handle or the tailgate switch, you
can lock or unlock the doors by pushing
the request switch.
NOTE:
 If the remote controller is outside the
request switch operating range
described above, you will not be able to
operate the request switch.
 If the battery of the remote controller
runs down or there are strong radio
waves or noise, the request switch oper-
ating range may be reduced or the
remote controller may be inoperative.
 If the remote controller is too close to the
door, the request switches may not oper-
ate. If a spare remote controller is in the vehi-
cle, the request switches may not oper-
ate normally.
 The remote controller will only operate a
request switch if it is within the switch’s
operating range. For example, if the
remote controller is within the operating
range of the driver’s door request switch
but not the front passenger’s door
request switch or the tailgate request
switch, the driver’s door switch can be
operated but the front passenger’s door
switch or tailgate switch cannot be oper-
ated.NOTE:
The keyless start system may not function
correctly in certain environments or under
certain operating conditions such as the
following:
 When there are strong signals coming
from a television, power station or a cel-
lular phone.
 When the remote controller is in contact
with or covered by a metal object.
 When a radio wave type remote keyless
entry is used nearby.
 When the remote controller is placed
near an electronic device such as per-
sonal computer.
Some additional precautions you should
take and information you should be aware
of are:
 Make sure the ignition key is stowed in
the remote controller. If the remote con-
troller becomes unreliable, you will not
be able to lock or unlock the doors or
start the engine.
 Be sure that the driver always carries the
remote controller.
 If you lose one of the remote controllers,
ask your SUZUKI dealer as soon as pos-
sible for a replacement. Be sure to have
your dealer program the new remote
controller code in your vehicle’s memory
so that the old code is erased, or per-
form the programming procedure your-
self according to the instructions in this
section.
(1)
(1)(1)
EXAMPLE
CAUTION
The remote controller is a sensitive
electronic instrument. To avoid dam-
aging the remote controller:
 Do not expose it to impacts, mois-
ture or high temperature such as by
leaving it on the dashboard under
direct sunlight.
 Keep the remote controller away
from magnetic objects such as a
television.
Door Locks: 3, 5, 8

2-11BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
7) To complete programming, remove the
key from the ignition switch or turn the
ignition switch to the “ON” position.
8) Make sure that the keyless start system
and keyless entry system operate prop-
erly by operating each remote control-
ler.
If you cannot operate the keyless start sys-
tem and/or keyless entry system, repeat
this programming procedure again.
If you still cannot operate the systems, see
your SUZUKI dealer.
To change the old remote controller
codes in your vehicle’s memory
If you have lost one of the remote control-
lers, you should change the remote con-
troller codes in your vehicle’s memory as
soon as possible for security.
To erase the remote controller code(s) in
your vehicle’s memory, you should pro-
gram the new remote controller code. The
old codes in your vehicle’s memory will be
erased automatically. If you have more
remote controller(s), you must program all
of the remote controller codes at the same
time. You cannot operate the keyless start
system and keyless entry system using
any remote controller that is not pro-
grammed at the same time.
For details on how to program, refer to the
programming procedure in this section.
When you complete programming, make
sure that the keyless start system and key-less entry system operate properly by
operating each remote controller.
1. For USA
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing two conditions:
1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
2) This device must accept any interfer-
ence received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
NOTE:
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for com-
pliance could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
2. For Canada
This device complies with Industry Canada
Standard RSS-210. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1) This device may not cause interference,
and
2) This device must accept any interfer-
ence, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the
device.
The term “IC:” before the certification/reg-
istration number only signifies that the
Industry Canada technical specifications
were met.
Keyless Entry System Transmitter
(Type B)
52D209
(1) “LOCK” button
(2) “UNLOCK” button
(3) “PANIC” button
“LOCK” button (1) / “UNLOCK” button
(2) function
You can lock or unlock all doors (including
the tailgate) simultaneously by operating
the transmitter near the vehicle.
 To lock the doors, push the “LOCK” but-
ton (1).
 To unlock the driver’s door, push the
“UNLOCK” button (2) once.
 To unlock other doors, wait a second or
two, then push the “UNLOCK” button (2)
a second time. If you “double-click” too
fast, the doors will not unlock.
(1)
(2)
(3)
Door Locks: 3, 5, 8

2-12
BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
The turn signal lights will flash once when
the doors are locked.
When the doors are unlocked:
 The turn signal lights will flash twice.
 If the interior light switch is in the
“DOOR” position, the interior light will
turn on for about 15 seconds and then
fade out. If you insert the key into the
ignition switch during this time, the light
will start to fade out immediately.
Be sure the doors are locked after you
operate the “LOCK” button (1).
If no door is opened within about 30 sec-
onds after the “UNLOCK” button (2) is
operated, the doors will automatically lock
again.
NOTE:
 The maximum operating distance of the
keyless entry system transmitter is about
5 m (16 ft.), but this can vary depending
on the surroundings, especially near
other transmitting devices such as radio
towers or CB (Citizen’s Band) radios.
 The door locks cannot be operated with
the transmitter, if the ignition key is
inserted in the ignition switch.
 If you lose one of the transmitters, ask
your SUZUKI dealer as soon as possible
for a replacement. Be sure to have your
dealer program the new transmitter code
in your vehicle’s memory so that the old
code is erased, or perform the program-ming procedure yourself according to the
instructions in this section.
“PANIC” button (3) function
This function is to get the attention of oth-
ers.
Press the “PANIC” button (3) for more than
1 second. The headlights and taillights will
blink for about 30 seconds. Also, the horn
will sound intermittently for about 30 sec-
onds at the same time.
To cancel the “PANIC” mode, press any
button (PANIC, LOCK or UNLOCK) on the
transmitter. You can also insert the key in
the ignition switch and turn to the “ON”
position to cancel the “PANIC” mode.
NOTE:
The “PANIC” button function will not acti-
vate when the key is in the ignition switch.Replacement of the battery
If the transmitter becomes unreliable,
replace the battery.
To replace the battery of the transmitter:
52D210
1) Put the edge of a coin or a flat blade
screwdriver in the slot of the transmitter
and pry it open.
CAUTION
The transmitter is a sensitive elec-
tronic instrument. To avoid damaging
the transmitter:
 Do not expose it to impacts, mois-
ture or high temperature such as by
leaving it on the dashboard under
direct sunlight.
 Keep the transmitter away from
magnetic objects such as a televi-
sion.
Door Locks: 3, 5, 8

2-14
BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
52D212
6) Press the “UNLOCK” button (2) on the
transmitter one time within 20 seconds
(after step 5). All the doors will lock/
unlock to confirm that the procedure
has been completed and the transmitter
has been programmed.
7) If you want to program an additional
transmitter, repeat the procedure from
step 1) through step 6).
8) Make sure that the keyless entry sys-
tem operates properly by operating
each transmitter.To change the old transmitter codes in
your vehicle’s memory
If you have lost one of the transmitters, you
should change the transmitter codes in
your vehicle’s memory as soon as possible
for security.
To remove one of the transmitter codes
from your vehicle’s memory, first replace all
three of the transmitter codes in your vehi-
cle’s memory, then program additional
transmitters as follows:
1) Program one of your transmitters three
times, by repeating the programming
procedure shown in this section. This
will replace all the old transmitter codes
in the vehicle’s memory with the code
for the transmitter you are using.
2) If you want to program up to two addi-
tional transmitters, repeat the program-
ming procedure shown in this section.
3) Make sure that the keyless entry sys-
tem operates properly by operating
each transmitter.1. For USA
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing two conditions:
1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
2) This device must accept any interfer-
ence received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
NOTE:
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for com-
pliance could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
2. For Canada
This device complies with Industry Canada
Standard RSS-210. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1) This device may not cause interference,
and
2) This device must accept any interfer-
ence, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the
device.
The term “IC:” before the certification/reg-
istration number only signifies that the
Industry Canada technical specifications
were met.
(2)
Windows: 3, 8

2-56
BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
inflation pressure as specified in the vehi-
cle placard and owner’s manual.
The low tire pressure warning light is also
used to inform you of a TPMS malfunction.
When the system detects a malfunction,
this light will flash for approximately one
minute and then remain continuously illu-
minated. This sequence will be repeated
approximately ten minutes after subse-
quent vehicle start-ups as long as the mal-
function exists.
NOTE:
The low tire pressure warning light may not
come on immediately if you have a sudden
loss of air pressure.
Refer to “Tire Pressure Monitoring System”
in the “OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE” sec-
tion for additional details on the tire pres-
sure monitoring system. Refer to “Tires” in
the “INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE”
WARNING
If the low tire pressure warning light
does not come on when the ignition
is turned to the “ON” position, or
comes on and blinks while driving
there may be a problem with the tire
pressure monitoring system. Have
your vehicle inspected by an autho-
rized SUZUKI dealer. Even if the light
turns off after blinking, indicating
that the monitoring system has
recovered, make sure to have an
authorized SUZUKI dealer check the
system.
WARNING
The load rating of your tires is
reduced at lower inflation pressures.
If your tires become even moderately
under-inflated, the vehicle load may
exceed the load rating of the tires,
which can lead to tire failure. The low
tire pressure warning light will not
alert you of this condition. The warn-
ing light will only come on when one
or more of your tires become signifi-
cantly under-inflated. Check and
adjust your tire inflation pressure at
least once a month. Refer to “Tires”
in the “INSPECTION AND MAINTE-
NANCE” section.
WARNING
If the low tire pressure warning light
comes on and stays on, reduce your
speed and avoid abrupt steering and
braking. Stop in a safe place as soon
as possible and check your tires.
 If you have a flat tire, replace it with
the spare tire. Refer to “Jacking
Instructions” in the “EMERGENCY
SERVICE” section. Refer to
“Replacing Tires and/or Wheels”
for instructions on how to restore
normal operation of the tire pres-
sure monitoring system after you
have had a flat tire.
 If one or more of your tires is
under-inflated, adjust the inflation
pressure in all of your tires to the
recommended inflation pressure as
soon as possible.
Be aware that driving on a signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire can cause
the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure, and may affect steering
control and brake effectiveness. This
could lead to an accident, resulting in
severe injury or death.

2-58
BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
65D529
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 ABS.
If the ABS light and the brake system
warning light stay on, or come on simulta-
neously when driving, then there may be
something wrong with both the rear brake
proportioning valve function and anti-lock
function of the ABS system.
If one of these happens, have the system
inspected by your SUZUKI dealer. If the
ABS becomes inoperative, the brake sys-
tem will function as an ordinary brake sys-
tem that has no ABS.
For details of the ABS, refer to “Anti-Lock
Brake system (ABS)” in the “OPERATING
YOUR VEHICLE” section.
SLIP Indicator Light
79K019
ESP
® is a registered trademark of Daimler
AG.
This light blinks 5 times per second when
one of the following systems is activated.
 Stability control system
 Traction control system
 Hill descent control system (if equipped)
If this light blinks, drive carefully.
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 and remains on, there may be some-
thing wrong with the ESP
® systems (other
than ABS). You should have the system
inspected by an authorized SUZUKI
dealer.
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. Fordetails on how to reactivate the ESP
® sys-
tems, refer to “SLIP Indicator Light” in the
“OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE” section.
For details of the ESP
® systems, refer to
“Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®)” in
the “OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE” sec-
tion.
WARNING
The ESP
® systems cannot prevent
accidents. Always drive carefully.