headlights SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 2012 Owners Manual

2-6
BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
“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
remote controller. 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.Keyless unlocking/locking using the
request switches
78K143
When the remote controller is within the
operating range described in this section,
you can lock or unlock the doors by push-
ing the request switch (1) on the door han-
dle of each door or the tailgate.
To lock all doors when all doors are
unlocked:
 Push the request switch on one of the
door handles once.
The turn signal lights will flash once when
the doors are locked.
To unlock a door or all doors:
 Push the request switch on the door
handle once to unlock only one door.
 Push the request switch on the door
handle twice to unlock all doors.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 request switch to lock the
doors.
NOTE:
 The door locks cannot be operated by
the request switch under the following
conditions:
– If any door is open or is not completely
closed.
– If the ignition switch is in a position
other than “LOCK”.
– If the ignition key is inserted in the igni-
tion switch.
 If no doors are opened within about 30
seconds after unlocking the doors by
pushing the request switch, the doors
will be locked again automatically.
(1)
(1)
EXAMPLE
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

2-17BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
MirrorsInside Rearview Mirror
78K033
You can adjust the inside rearview mirror
by hand so as to see the rear of your vehi-
cle in the mirror. To adjust the mirror, set
the selector tab (1) to the day position,
then move the mirror up, down or sideways
by hand to obtain the best view.
When driving at night, you can move the
selector tab to the night position to reduce
glare from the headlights of vehicles
behind you.
Outside Rearview Mirrors
64J014
Adjust the outside rearview mirrors so you
can just see the side of your vehicle in the
mirrors.
The passenger’s side mirror is a convex
(curved surface) mirror. Objects seen in
this mirror will look smaller and appear far-
ther away than when seen in a flat mirror.
(1)
Day driving Night driving
WARNING
 Always adjust the mirror with the
selector set to the day position.
 Only use the night position if it is
necessary to reduce glare from the
headlights of vehicles behind you.
Be aware that in this position you
may not be able to see some
objects that could be seen in the
day position.
WARNING
Be careful when judging the size or
distance of a vehicle or other object
seen in the side convex mirror. Be
aware that objects look smaller and
appear farther away than when seen
in a flat mirror.
Seat Adjustment: 14

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.

2-66
BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
NOTE:
The information display shows the warning
and indicator message when this light
comes on.
NOTE:
The activation point of the low fuel warning
light (1) varies depending on road condi-
tions (for example, slope or curve) and
driving conditions because of fuel moving
in the tank.
The mark (2) indicates that the fuel filler
door is located on the right side of the vehi-
cle.
Temperature Gauge
64J053
When the ignition switch is in the “ON”
position, this gauge indicates the engine
coolant temperature. Under normal driving
conditions, the indicator should stay within
the normal, acceptable temperature range
between “H” and “C”. If the indicator
approaches “H”, overheating is indicated.
Follow the instructions in the “If the Engine
Overheats” of “EMERGENCY SERVICE”
section.
Brightness Control
79K120
When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position, the instrument panel lights
come on.
Your vehicle has a system to automatically
dim the brightness of the instrument panel
lights when the position lights or headlights
are on.
You can change the brightness of the
instrument panel lights regardless of
whether the position lights or headlights
are off or on.
To increase the brightness of the instru-
ment panel lights, turn the brightness con-
trol knob (1) clockwise.
To reduce the brightness of the instrument
panel lights, turn the brightness control
knob (1) counterclockwise.
CAUTION
Avoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damag-
ing the catalytic converter.
CAUTION
Continuing to drive the vehicle when
engine overheating is indicated can
result in severe engine damage.
(1)

2-67BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
79K062
NOTE:
 If you do not turn the brightness control
knob within about 5 seconds of activat-
ing the brightness control display, the
brightness control display will be can-
celed automatically.
 When you reconnect the battery, the
brightness of the instrument panel lights
will be reinitialized. Readjust the bright-
ness according to your preference.
NOTE:
If you select the lowest brightness level
when the parking lights or headlights are
on, the instrument panel lights other than
meter lights are turned off.
Information Display
(if equipped)The information display is shown when the
ignition switch is in the “ON” position.
79K048
(1) TRIP knob
(2) MODE/ILL knob
(3) Information displayThe information display shows the follow-
ing information.
Display (A)
A/T selector position indicator (for auto-
matic transmission)
Display (B)
Warning and Indicator Messages/Fuel
Consumption/Driving Range/Average
Speed
Display (C)
Trip meter/Thermometer
Display (D)
Odometer
79K063
NOTE:
 When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position, the message shown in the
above illustration will appear on the dis-
play for several seconds.
 Some warning and indicator messages
may appear on the display when the igni-
tion switch is in the “ACC” or the “LOCK”
position.
EXAMPLE
(2)
(1)
(3)
(A) (B)
(C) (D)

2-76
BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
The three systems work together to operate your lights as shown in the following chart:
E/G: Engine
IG: Ignition switch
ON: Lights ON
LIGHT: When it is light around the light sensor (5).
DARK: When it is dark around the light sensor (5).
Lighting
switch
positionMain lights to
be operatedIG OFF IG ON
E/G OFF E/G OFF E/G RUNNING
LIGHT DARK LIGHT DARK LIGHT DARK
(1) OFFD.R.L. ––––ONON
Position lights,
Tail lights––––––
Head lights ––––––
(2) AUTOD.R.L. ––––ON–
Position lights,
Tail lights–––ON–ON
Head lights – – – ON – ON
(3) D.R.L. ––––ONON
Position lights,
Tail lightsON ON ON ON ON ON
Head lights ––––––
(4) D.R.L. ––––––
Position lights,
Tail lightsON ON ON ON ON ON
Head lights ONONONONONON
Lighting Operation
79K015
To turn the lights on or off, twist the knob
on the end of the lever. There are four posi-
tions:
OFF (1)
All lights are off.
AUTO (2)
Refer to “Auto-On Headlight system” for
details.
(3)
Front position lights, tail-lights, license
plate light and instrument lights are on, but
headlights are off.
(4)
Front position lights, tail-lights, license
plate light, instrument lights and head
lights are on.
(1)(2) (3) (4)

2-77BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
79K016
With the headlights on, push the lever for-
ward to switch to the high beams or pull
the lever toward you to switch to the low
beams. When the high beams are on, a
light on the instrument panel will come on.
To momentarily activate the high beams as
a passing signal, pull the lever slightly
toward you and release it when you have
completed the signal.
Auto-On Headlight System
66J026
The Auto-on headlight system automati-
cally turns on all lights that are operated by
the lighting control lever on the steering
column, when the following four conditions
are all met.
Conditions for Auto-on headlight system
operation:
1) It is dark around the light sensor (5).
2) The lighting control lever in the “AUTO”
position.
3) The ignition switch is in the “ON” posi-
tion.
4) The parking brake is released.
This system is operated by the signal from
the light sensor (5) on the right end of the
instrument panel. Do not cover the sensor
(5). If you do, the system will not work cor-
rectly.NOTE:
This system does not react to all types of
ambient light. As the sensor is infrared
type, it will not work correctly with ambient
lights that do not contain infrared rays.
HIGH
LOW
PASS
(5)
WARNING
It takes about 5 seconds for the light
sensor to react to a change in light-
ing conditions. To help avoid an acci-
dent due to reduced visibility, turn on
your headlights before driving into a
tunnel, parking structure or the like.

2-78
BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
Daytime Running Light (D.R.L.)
SystemThe headlights light, but are dimmer than
the low beam, when the following three
conditions are all met. Also, the D.R.L. indi-
cator light on the instrument panel comes
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 in the “AUTO” position and it is
light around the light sensor.
NOTE:
Be sure to turn the headlights on at night
or at any time of the day when driving or
weather conditions require the headlights
to operate at full brightness and the tail-
lights to be on.
Lights “On” reminder
A buzzer sounds to remind you to turn off
the lights if they are left on when the igni-
tion key is removed and the driver’s door is
opened.
NOTE:
The warning and indicator message and
the illumination indicator light will be shown
on the information display when this
reminder is activated.
Front Fog Light Switch
(if equipped)
64J058
The front fog light comes on when the fog
light switch is pushed in with:
 the headlights are on and the beams set
to the low beam position, or
 the auto-on headlight system on and the
beams set to the low beam position.
Turn Signal Control Lever
65D611
WARNING
To avoid possible injury, do not oper-
ate controls by reaching through the
steering wheel.

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