ratio SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 2013 Repair Manual

6-2
VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
79K21-03E
Trailer TowingYou can use your SUZUKI to tow a trailer,
but you should always observe the require-
ments and recommendations in this sec-
tion. If you intend to tow a trailer, it is
essential to select a trailer and trailer tow-
ing equipment which are compatible. A
reputable trailer dealer can help you.
For Automatic transmission vehicles, shift
into “3” (Low 2) or “L” (Low 1) (if necessary)
and frequently monitor the coolant temper-
ature gauge when towing up a steep hill. If
the gauge indicates overheating, park the
vehicle in a safe place and let the enginecool down. Refer to “If the Engine Over-
heats” section for details on how to deal
with overheating.
HitchesUse only a trailer hitch bracket that is
designed to bolt to the frame of your vehi-
cle, and a hitch that is designed to bolt to
this bracket. We recommend that you use
a genuine SUZUKI trailer hitch bracket and
trailer hitch (available as options), or equiv-
alent.Safety ChainsAlways attach safety chains between your
vehicle and trailer. Cross safety chains
under the tongue of the trailer so that the
tongue will not drop to the road if the trailer
becomes separated from the hitch. Follow
the manufacturer’s recommendation for
attaching safety chains. Always leave just
enough slack to permit full turning. Never
allow safety chains to drag on the road.
Trailer LightsMake sure your trailer is equipped with
lights which meet federal, state and local
requirements. Always check for the proper
operation of all trailer lights before you
start to tow.Brakes CAUTION
Trailer towing puts additional stress
on the engine, drive train and brakes
of your vehicle. Never tow a trailer
during the first 960 km (600 miles) of
vehicle operation.
CAUTION
Because towing a trailer puts addi-
tional stress on your vehicle, more
frequent maintenance will be
required than under normal driving
conditions. Follow the schedule for
Maintenance Recommended Under
Severe Driving Conditions or perform
more frequent maintenance as nec-
essary.
CAUTION
Towing in “D” range up a steep hill
can cause coolant overheating which
may result in engine/automatic trans-
mission damage.
WARNING
Never use a bumper hitch or a hitch
which attaches to the axle of your
vehicle.
WARNING
Never attach safety chains to the
bumper of your vehicle. Secure con-
nections so that they can’t come
loose.
WARNING
Never splice trailer lights directly into
your vehicle’s electrical system, or
electrical system damage may occur.
WARNING
If trailer brakes are used, you should
follow all instructions provided by the
manufacturer. Never tap into the
brake system of your vehicle.
Trailer Towing: 5, 11, 13

6-5VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
79K21-03E
Additional Trailer Towing Warnings
WARNING
Never overload your trailer or your
vehicle. Gross Trailer Weight must
never exceed 1350 kg (3000 pounds).
Gross Combined Weight must never
exceed 3400 kg (7500 pounds) for
2WD or 3450 kg (7600 pounds) for
4WD.
Gross vehicle weight must never
exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rat-
ing (GVWR) listed on the Safety Certi-
fication Label. Gross axle weight for
the front and rear axles must not
exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) listed on the Safety Certifica-
tion Label.
WARNING
Do not tow a trailer having a gross
trailer weight greater than 450 kg
(1000 pounds) unless the trailer is
equipped with trailer brakes.
WARNING
Connect trailer lights and hook up
safety chains every time you tow.
WARNING
Your vehicle will handle differently
when towing a trailer. For your safety
and the safety of others, you should
observe the following precautions:
 Practice turning, stopping and
backing up before you begin tow-
ing in traffic. Do not tow in traffic
until you are confident that you can
handle the vehicle and trailer
safely.
 Never exceed posted towing speed
limits or 72 km/h (45 mph), which-
ever is lower.
 Never drive at a speed that causes
shaking or swaying of the trailer. If
you notice even the slightest sign
of shaking or swaying, slow down.
 Always have someone guide you
when backing.
(Continued)
WARNING
(Continued)
 Allow adequate stopping distance.
Stopping distance is increased
when you tow a trailer. For each 16
km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow at
least one vehicle and trailer length
between you and the vehicle ahead.
Follow at a greater distance if roads
are wet or slippery.
 Slow down when making turns.
Remember that a larger than nor-
mal turning radius is needed
because the trailer wheels will be
closer than the vehicle wheels to
the inside of the turn.
 Avoid sudden acceleration and
stopping of the vehicle. Do not
make quick maneuvers unless they
are necessary.
 Slow down in cross winds and be
prepared for wind blasts from large
passing vehicles.
 Be careful when passing other
vehicles. Be sure to allow enough
room for your trailer before you
change lanes, and signal well in
advance.
 Slow down and shift into a lower
gear before you reach long or steep
downhill grades. It is hazardous to
attempt downshifting while you are
descending a hill.
(Continued)
Trailer Towing: 5, 11, 13

7-7INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
Maintenance Recommended under Severe Driving ConditionsIf the vehicle is usually used under the conditions corresponding to any severe condition code given below, it is recommended that appli-
cable maintenance operation be performed at the particular interval shown in the chart below.
Severe condition code
A – Repeated short trips
B – Driving on rough and/or muddy roads
C – Driving on dusty roads
D – Driving in extremely cold weather and/or on salted roads
E – Repeated short trips in extremely cold weather
H – Towing a trailer
Severe
Condition CodeMaintenanceMaintenance
OperationMaintenance Interval
A – C D E H Engine oil and oil filter REvery 5000 km (3000 miles)
or 3 months
A B – D – H Exhaust pipes and mountings IEvery 10000 km (6000 miles)
or 6 months
– – C – – – Air cleaner filter element *1IEvery 5000 km (3000 miles)
or 3 months
REvery 25000 km (15000 miles)
or 15 months
– – C – – – Canister air suction filter REvery 100000 km (60000 miles)
or 60 months
ABC– – HBrake discs and pads (front)
Brake drums and shoes (rear)IEvery 10000 km (6000 miles)
or 6 months
– B – D E H Propeller shafts/Drive shafts IEvery 10000 km (6000 miles)
or 6 months
– B – – E H Manual transmission oil REvery 25000 km (15000 miles)
or 15 months
Maintenance Recommended under Severe Driving Condi-
tions: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10

7-8
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
NOTE:
I – Inspect, clean, adjust, lubricate or replace as necessary
T – Tighten to the specified torque
R – Replace or change
L – Lubricate
*1 Inspect more frequently if the vehicle is used under dusty conditions.
*2 Clean more frequently if the air flow from the air conditioner decreases. Severe
Condition CodeMaintenanceMaintenance
OperationMaintenance Interval
– B – – E H Automatic transmission (A/T) fluid REvery 25000 km (15000 miles)
or 15 months
– B – – E H Transfer, Differential and Extension oil REvery 25000 km (15000 miles)
or 15 months
– B – – – – Bolts and nuts on suspension TEvery 10000 km (6000 miles)
or 6 months
– B C D – – Drive belt (Engine accessory) IEvery 25000 km (15000 miles)
or 15 months
– – C D – – Air conditioner filter element *2IEvery 10000 km (6000 miles)
or 6 months
REvery 50000 km (30000 miles)
or 30 months
Maintenance Recommended under Severe Driving Condi-
tions: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 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

7-16
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
Air Cleaner
66J167
If the air cleaner is clogged with dust, there
will be greater intake resistance, resulting
in decreased power output and increased
fuel consumption.
Check and clean periodically according to
the following procedure:
1) Take off the air cleaner case cover.
Remove the element from the air
cleaner case cover.
2) This air cleaner element is of dry type.
Remember that it needs cleaning
according to the following method.
3) Blow off dust on cleaner element by
compressed air from inside the ele-
ment, or replace the element as neces-
sary.
Spark Plugs
78K056
NOTE:
For 3.2 L engine, to approach the spark
plugs, you need to remove the bolts shown
in the illustration.
EXAMPLE
CAUTION
The air cleaner element should be
replaced every 50000 km (30000
miles). More frequent replacement is
necessary when you drive under
dusty conditions.
Engine Coolant: 1, 2

7-25INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
TiresFor safe operation of your vehicle, it is
important that the tires be the correct
type and size, in good condition, and
properly inflated. Be sure to follow the
requirements and recommendations in
this section.Tire Sidewall LabelingUseful information about a tire is
molded into its sidewall. The example
below shows a typical passenger car
tire.
Typical Passenger Car Tire Sidewall
67D027
A. Tire Manufacturer
The name of the tire manufacturer
is shown here.B. Tire Name/Model
The tire name or model is shown
here.
C. Tire Size
The tire size code is a combina-
tion of letters and numbers used
to define a particular tire’s width,
height, aspect ratio, construction
type, and service description. See
the “Tire Size” explanation later in
this section for more details.
D. U.S. DOT Tire Identification Num-
ber
The Department of Transportation
(DOT) marking indicates that the
tire is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
The letters and numbers following
the DOT marking is the Tire Iden-
tification Number (TIN). The TIN
identifies the tire manufacturer
and plant, tire size, and date the
tire was manufactured.
E. Uniform Tire Quality Grading
(UTQG)
Tire manufacturers are required to
grade tires based on three perfor-
mance factors: treadwear, traction
and temperature resistance.
Refer to the “Uniform Tire Quality
Grading” section for more details.F. Load Rating
Load rating is the maximum
weight a tire is designed to sup-
port in normal service.
G. Max Inflation Pressure
Max inflation pressure is the max-
imum inflation pressure a tire is
designed for.
H. Tire Ply Material
These tire markings describe the
type of cord and number of plies
in the sidewall and under the
tread.
I. Load Index and Speed Rating
The two- or three-digit number is
the tire’s load index, the maximum
load a tire can carry at the speed
indicated by its speed symbol at
the maximum inflation pressure.
The higher the number is, the
greater the load carrying capacity.
The letter symbol denotes the
speed at which a tire is designed
to be driven for extended periods
of time. (Ratings are listed below.)
AH B
G
E
FD
J I
C
EXAMPLE
Tires: 6

7-26
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
*The letters ZR may be used on tires
with a maximum speed capability over
149 mph and will always be used on
tires with a maximum speed capability
over 186 mph.
J. M+S Marking
This marking indicates the tire
has some mud and snow capabili-
ties and is designed for all-season
use.
Tire SizeThe following illustration shows an
example of a typical passenger car tire
size.
67D028
A. Tire Type
This letter code indicates the pri-
mary intended use of the tire. The
letter “P” identifies a tire primarily
intended for use on a passenger
vehicle.
B. Tire Width
This three-digit number indicates
the tire section width in millime-
ters from sidewall to sidewall.
C. Aspect Ratio
This two-digit number represents
the tire section height divided by
the tire section width.D. Construction Code
This letter code is used to indicate
the type of ply construction in the
tire. The letter “R” means radial
ply tire construction, the letter “D”
means diagonal or bias ply con-
struction, and the letter “B” means
belted-bias ply construction.
E. Rim Diameter
This two-digit number is the wheel
or rim diameter in inches. Letter Rating Speed Rating
Q99 mph
R 106 mph
S 112 mph
T 118 mph
U 124 mph
H 130 mph
V 149 mph
W 168 mph*
Y 186 mph*
A
B
C
D
E
EXAMPLE
WARNING
Your SUZUKI is equipped with
tires which are all the same type
and size. This is important to
ensure proper steering and han-
dling of the vehicle. Never mix
tires of different size or type on
the four wheels of your vehicle.
Mixing tires could cause you to
lose control while driving which
may lead to an accident. The size
and type of tires used should be
only those approved by SUZUKI
Motor Corporation as standard or
optional equipment for your vehi-
cle.
Tires: 6

7-29INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
1.6 mm (0.06 in.) or less and the
tire should be replaced.
3) Check for abnormal wear, cracks
and damage. Any tires with cracks
or other damage should be
replaced. If any tires show abnor-
mal wear, have them inspected by
your SUZUKI dealer.
4) Check for loose wheel nuts.
5) Check that there are no nails,
stones or other objects sticking into
the tires.
WARNING
Hitting curbs and running over
rocks can damage tires and affect
wheel alignment. Be sure to have
tires and wheel alignment
checked periodically by your
SUZUKI dealer.
WARNING
Your SUZUKI is equipped with
tires which are all the same type
and size. This is important to
ensure proper steering and han-
dling of the vehicle. Never mix
tires of different size or type on
the four wheels of your vehicle.
The size and type of tires used
should be only those approved by
SUZUKI Motor Corporation as
standard or optional equipment
for your vehicle.
WARNING
Replacing the wheels and tires
equipped on your vehicle with
certain combinations of aftermar-
ket wheels and tires can signifi-
cantly change the steering and
handling characteristics of your
vehicle. Oversized tires may also
rub against the fender over
bumps, causing vehicle damage
or tire failure. Therefore, use only
those wheel and tire combina-
tions approved by SUZUKI Motor
Corporation as standard or
optional equipment for your vehi-
cle. For information regarding the
specified tires, refer to the Tire
Information Label located on the
driver’s side door pillar or the
“SPECIFICATIONS” section.
CAUTION
Replacing the original tires with
tires of a different size may result
in false speedometer or odometer
readings. Check with your
SUZUKI dealer before purchas-
ing replacement tires that differ in
size from the original tires.
Tires: 6

7-30
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E Uniform Tire Quality Grading
The U.S. National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration has developed a
grading system for evaluating the per-
formance of passenger car tires. The
following information will help you
understand the grading system, which
applies to vehicles sold in the U.S.
Consult your SUZUKI dealer or tire
retailer for help in choosing the correct
replacement tires for your vehicle.
Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Tempera-
ture ADOT Quality Grades
Treadwear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B CAll Passenger Car Tires Must Conform
To Federal Safety Requirements in
Addition To These Grades
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate of the
tire when tested under controlled con-
ditions on a specified government testcourse. For example, a tire graded 150
would wear one and one-half (1 1/2)
times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100. The rela-
tive performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use,
however and may depart significantly
from the norm due to variations in driv-
ing habits, service practices and differ-
ences in road characteristics and
climate.
Traction – AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B and C. Those
grades represent the tire’s ability to
stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on speci-
fied government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.Temperature – A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the
highest), B and C, representing the
tire’s resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high tempera-
ture can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corre-
sponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B
and A represent higher levels of per-
formance on the laboratory test wheel
than the minimum required by law.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to
this tire is based on straight-
ahead braking traction tests, and
does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning or peak
traction characteristics.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this
tire is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not over-
loaded. Excessive speed, under-
inflation or excessive loading,
either separately or in combina-
tion, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.
Tires: 6