gear SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 2013 Owner's Guide

6-8
VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
79K21-03E
Before towing
64J147
Vehicles equipped with a transfer switch
may be towed from the front with all four
wheels on the ground. Be sure to use
proper towing equipment designed for rec-
reational towing and make sure that towing
speed does not exceed 90 km/h (55 mph).To tow a vehicle equipped with a trans-
fer switch with all four wheels on the
ground:
1) Turn the ignition key to the “ON” posi-
tion.
2) Place the transmission in “N” (Neutral)
and depress the brake pedal and the
clutch pedal fully (if equipped).
3) Use the transfer switch to shift into neu-
tral.
64J218
NOTE:
First, push in and turn the switch to the
mark (1) at the left of the “N” position, and
hold the switch in this position for 5 sec-
onds until the “N” indicator blinks, then turn
the switch to the “N” position.
When you turn the transfer switch to the
“N” position, “N” indicator will come on with
the buzzer sound.
4) Make sure the “N” light on the instru-
ment cluster comes on.
5) Shift the manual transmission lever into
2nd gear or the automatic transmission
lever into “P” (Park).
6) Turn the ignition key to the “ACC” posi-
tion to unlock the steering wheel.
WARNING
When you tow your vehicle, follow
the instructions below to avoid acci-
dents and damage to your vehicle. In
addition, be sure to observe govern-
ment and local requirements regard-
ing vehicle lighting and trailer hitches
or tow bars.
WARNING
A safety chain should always be used
when you tow your vehicle.
CAUTION
Do not tow your vehicle with either
front wheels or rear wheels directly
on the ground (and the transmission
in neutral). If you do, the transmis-
sion will be damaged fatally.
(1)
Towing Your Vehicle (recreational towing): 13

6-9VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
79K21-03E
7) Release the parking brake.
Stop towing the vehicle every 300 km (200
miles). Start the engine. With the manual
transmission lever in 2nd gear (or the auto-
matic transmission lever in “D”) and the
transfer switch in neutral, rev the engine for
about one minute with the clutch engaged
(if equipped), to circulate oil in the transfer
case.
64J148
TOWING METHOD AFOUR WHEELS ON THE GROUND
Towing Your Vehicle (recreational towing): 13

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
7
79K21-03E
60G410
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCEMaintenance Schedule ....................................................... 7-2
Periodic Maintenance Schedule ........................................ 7-3
Maintenance Recommended under Severe Driving
Conditions ........................................................................... 7-7
Drive Belt ............................................................................. 7-9
Engine Oil and Filter ........................................................... 7-10
Engine Coolant .................................................................... 7-13
Air Cleaner ........................................................................... 7-16
Spark Plugs ......................................................................... 7-16
Gear Oil ................................................................................ 7-17
Clutch Pedal ........................................................................ 7-20
Automatic Transmission Fluid ........................................... 7-20
Brakes .................................................................................. 7-22
Steering Wheel .................................................................... 7-24
Tires ...................................................................................... 7-25
Battery .................................................................................. 7-36
Fuses .................................................................................... 7-36
Headlight Aiming ................................................................. 7-39
Bulb Replacement ............................................................... 7-40
Wiper Blades ....................................................................... 7-46
Windshield Washer Fluid ................................................... 7-49
Air Conditioning System .................................................... 7-49

7-13INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
83E010
Engine Coolant
64J151
60A208
Selection of CoolantTo maintain optimum performance and
durability of your engine, use SUZUKI
Genuine Coolant or equivalent.
NOTE:
If you replace the engine coolant other
than the SUZUKI LLC: Super (Blue), follow
the schedule of SUZUKI LLC: Standard
(Green). To see the detail of the mainte-
nance schedule, refer to “Periodic Mainte-
nance Schedule” in this section.
This type of coolant is best for your cooling
system as it:
 Helps maintain proper engine tempera-
ture.
 Gives proper protection against freezing
and boiling.
 Gives proper protection against corro-
sion and rust.
Failure to use the proper coolant can dam-
age your cooling system. Your authorized
SUZUKI dealer can help you select the
proper coolant.
CAUTION
Oil leaks from around the oil filter or
drain plug indicate incorrect installa-
tion or gasket damage. If you find any
leaks or are not sure that the filter
has been properly tightened, have
the vehicle inspected by your SUZUKI
dealer.EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
FULL
LOW
CAUTION
SUZUKI LLC: Super (Blue) coolant;
SUZUKI LLC: Super (Blue) coolant is
already diluted to the proper percent-
age. Do not dilute with distilled water
additionally. Doing so may result in
the possibility of freezing coolant
and/or overheating.
Gear Oil: 6, 10

7-14
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
Engine Coolant Level CheckCheck the engine coolant level at the
reserve tank, not at the radiator. With the
engine cool, the engine coolant level
should be between the “FULL” and “LOW”
marks.Adding Engine CoolantIf the engine coolant level is below the
“LOW” mark, more engine coolant should
be added. Remove the reserve tank cap
and add engine coolant until the reserve
tank level reaches the “FULL” mark. Never
fill the reserve tank above the “FULL” mark.
CAUTION
To avoid damaging your cooling sys-
tem:
 Always use a high quality ethylene
glycol base phosphate type coolant
diluted with distilled water at the
correct mixture concentration.
 Make sure that the proper mix is 50/
50 coolant to distilled water and in
no case higher than 70/30. Concen-
trations greater than 70/30 coolant
to distilled water will cause over-
heating conditions.
 Do not use straight coolant nor
plain water (except SUZUKI LLC:
Super (Blue)).
 Do not add extra inhibitors or addi-
tives. They may not be compatible
with your cooling system.
 Do not mix different types of base
coolants. Doing so may result in
accelerated seal wear and/or the
possibility of severe overheating
and extensive engine/automatic
transmission damage.
CAUTION
 The mixture you use should con-
tain 50% concentration of anti-
freeze.
 If the lowest ambient temperature
in your area is expected to be –35
°C (–31°F) or below, use higher
concentrations up to 60% following
the instructions on the antifreeze
container.
 When putting the cap on the
reserve tank, line up the arrow on
the cap and the arrow on the tank.
Failure to follow this can result in
coolant leakage.
WARNING
Engine coolant is harmful or fatal if
swallowed or inhaled. Do not drink
antifreeze or coolant solution. If swal-
lowed, do not induce vomiting. Imme-
diately contact a poison control
center or a physician. Avoid inhaling
mist or hot vapors; if inhaled, remove
to fresh air. If coolant gets in eyes,
flush eyes with water and seek medi-
cal attention. Wash thoroughly after
handling. Solution can be poisonous
to animals. Keep out of the reach of
children and animals.
Gear Oil: 6, 10
Automatic Transmission Fluid: 10

7-17INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
65D434
You should inspect spark plugs periodically
for carbon deposits. When carbon accu-
mulates on a spark plug, a strong spark
may not be produced. Remove carbon
deposits with a wire or pin and adjust the
spark plug gap.
To access the spark plugs:
1) Remove the engine cover.
2) Disconnect the coupler (1) while push-
ing the release lever.
3) Remove the bolt.
4) Pull the ignition coil out.
80G093
Gear OilSpecified Gear OilWhen replacing gear oil, use gear oil with
the appropriate viscosity and grade as
shown in the charts below. We highly rec-
ommend you use SAE 75W-90 gear oil
(SAE 80W-90 for front differential oil, rear
differential oil and transfer gear oil).
Transmission/Extension case
54G095
Differential/Transfer case
65D594
CAUTION
When replacing spark plugs, you
should use the brand and type speci-
fied for your vehicle. For the speci-
fied plugs, refer to the
“SPECIFICATIONS” section at the
end of this book. If you wish to use a
brand of spark plug other than the
specified plugs, consult your SUZUKI
dealer.1.0 – 1.1 mm
(0.039 – 0.043 in.)
Engine Coolant: 1, 2
Windshield Washer Fluid: 3

7-18
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
Manual transmission
52D087
Transfer case
66J005
(1) Oil filler and level plug
(2) Oil drain plugExtension case (2WD)
66J165
(1) Oil filler and level plug
(2) Oil drain plug API GRADE
Transmission/
Extension caseGL-4
Transfer case
GL-5
(Hypoid gear oil)
DifferentialFront
Rear
(1)
(2)
(2)(1)
Windshield Washer Fluid: 3
Air Cleaner: 1, 2

7-19INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
Front differential
79K133
Rear differential
79K134
(1) Oil filler and level plug
(2) Oil drain plug
Gear Oil Level CheckThe manual transmission, transfer gears,
extension case and differentials (front and
rear) are lubricated with gear oil. To check
the gear oil level in any of the above loca-
tions, use the following procedure:
1) Park the vehicle on a level surface. Set
parking brake and stop the engine.
2) Remove the oil filler plug (1).
3) Check the inside of the hole with your
finger. If the oil level comes up to the
bottom of the plug hole, the oil level is
correct. If so, reinstall the plug.
4) If the oil level is low, add gear oil
through the filler plug hole (1) until the
oil level reaches the bottom of the filler
hole, then reinstall the plug.
Gear Oil ReplacementTo change the gear oil in the manual trans-
mission, transfer case, extension case or
differential(s), use the following procedure:
1) Remove the oil filler plug (1).
2) Remove the drain plug (2), drain the oil
and reinstall the drain plug.
3) Pour new gear oil of the specified type
through the filler hole until the oil level
reaches the bottom of the filler hole.
4) Reinstall the filler plug.
(1)
(2)
(1)
(2)
WARNING
After driving the vehicle, gear oil tem-
perature may be high enough to burn
you. Wait until the oil filler plug is
cool enough to touch with your bare
hands before inspecting or replacing
gear oil.
CAUTION
When tightening these plugs, apply
sealing compound “SUZUKI Bond
No. 1217G” or equivalent to the plug
threads to prevent oil leakage and
tighten them to the specified torque
shown below.
Spark Plugs: 1, 2
Brakes: 6

7-21INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
NOTE:
Do not check the fluid level if you have just
driven the vehicle for a long time at high
speed, if you have driven in city traffic in
hot weather, or if the vehicle has been pull-
ing a trailer. Wait until the fluid cools down
(about 30 minutes), or the fluid level indica-
tion will not be correct.
3) Park your vehicle on level ground.
4) Apply the parking brake and then start
the engine in “P” (Park). Let it idle for
two minutes and keep it running during
the fluid level check.
5) With your foot on the brake pedal, move
the gearshift lever through each gear,
pausing for about three seconds in
each range. Then move it back to the
“P” (Park) position.
60A205
The handle of the A/T fluid dipstick is col-
ored red for easy identification.
65D109
6) Remove the dipstick, clean it and push
it back in until the cap seats. Pull out
the dipstick and read the fluid level. The fluid level should be between the
two marks in the “HOT” range on the
dipstick.
7) Add just enough specified fluid through
the dipstick hole to fill the transmission
to the proper level.
Changing OilSince special procedures, materials and
tools are required to change the automatic
transmission oil, it is recommended that
you trust this job to your authorized
SUZUKI dealer.
WARNING
Be sure to depress the brake pedal
when moving the gearshift lever, or
the vehicle can move suddenly.
EXAMPLE
or
FULL HOT
LOW HOT
CAUTION
After checking or adding oil, be sure
to insert the dipstick securely.
Brakes: 6

8-6
EMERGENCY SERVICE
79K21-03E
64J196
Snow TiresYour vehicle is equipped with all-season
tires which are designed for use in summer
and most winter conditions. For improved
traction in severe winter conditions,
SUZUKI recommends mounting radial
snow tires on all four wheels. Snow tires
must be the same size as the standard
tires. Also be sure to use the tires of the
same type and brand on all four wheels of
your vehicle.
CAUTION
To avoid the removal of the spare
wheel full cover while driving, be
sure to fit the claws (3) of the outer
cover of the spare wheel full cover to
each hole (4) of the inner cover of the
spare wheel full cover.
(3)
(4)
WARNING
Vehicle equipped with P225/65R17
tires have a spare wheel and tire that
are a different size than the wheels
and tires on the vehicle. The spare
wheel and tire on these vehicles are
intended for temporary emergency
use only. The wheel is painted yellow
to remind you that the wheel and tire
are for temporary use only. Continu-
ous use of this spare can result in tire
failure and loss of control. Always
observe these precautions when
using this spare:
 Be aware that your vehicle will han-
dle differently with this temporary
spare.
 Do not exceed 80 km/h (50 mph)
speed.
 Replace the temporary spare with a
standard tire and wheel as soon as
possible.
 Do not operate your vehicle in “4H
LOCK” or “4L LOCK” with this tem-
porary spare.
 Do not use tire chains on the spare
tire. If you must use tire chains,
rearrange the wheels so standard
tires and wheels are fitted to the
rear axle.
(Continued)
WARNING
(Continued)
 Replace the spare tire with a new
one as soon as the tread wear indi-
cator appears.
 When replacing the spare tire, use
a replacement tire with the exact
same size and construction.
If the Engine Overheats: 2, 9
If You Cannot Shift Automatic Transmission Gearshift Le-
ver Out of “P” (PARK): 2, 9