hill SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 2018 User Guide

3-78
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
54P00-01E
The ESP® indicator lights are described
below:
ESP® warning light
52KM133
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 “ON”
position, or the engine switch is pressed to
change the ignition mode to “ON”, this light
comes on briefly so you can check that the
light is working.NOTE:
When the ESP
® warning light comes on
and stays on while driving, indicating a
malfunction of the ESP
® systems (other
than ABS), the brake system will function
as an ordinary ABS with no additional
ESP
® functions.
ESP® OFF indicator light
57L30045
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, where wheel
spin is necessary.
ESP® OFF switch
Models without parking sensors
61MM0A197
(1) ESP® OFF switch
NOTICE
If the ESP® warning light comes on
and 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.
(1)

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OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
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Models with parking sensors
61MM0A105
(1) ESP® OFF switch
When the ESP
® OFF switch located at the
instrument panel is pushed and held to
turn off the ESP
® systems (other than
ABS), the ESP® OFF indicator light in the
instrument cluster comes on.
When you have turned the ESP
® systems
(other than ABS) off, turn them back on
before resuming ordinary driving.
When you push the ESP
® OFF switch
again, the ESP® OFF indicator light will go
out and all of the ESP® systems will be
activated.
61MM0A178
If the message shown in the above illustra-
tion appears on the information display,
there may be a problem with the ESP
®
system. Have your vehicle inspected by an
authorized SUZUKI dealer.
NOTE:
The ESP
® system will not activate while
this message is displayed.
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with the radar
brake support system, when the ESP
®
system is turned off, the radar brake sup-
port system will be turned off.
ABS warning light / brake system
warning light
See “Braking” in this section.
Hill descent control system (if equipped)
The hill descent control system is designed
to reduce the driver’s workload when going
down steep, rough and/or slippery hills
where the vehicle cannot decelerate
enough by engine braking alone. The hill
descent control system helps to control
vehicle speed by automatically engaging
the vehicle’s brakes, as needed, so you
can concentrate on steering the vehicle.(1)
WA R N I N G
Do not rely excessively on the hill
descent control system. The hill
descent control system may not con-
trol the vehicle speed on a hill under
all load or road conditions. Always be
prepared to control vehicle speed by
applying the brakes. Failure to pay
attention and control vehicle speed
using the brakes when necessary
may result in loss of control or an
accident.

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OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
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Hill descent control switch
Models without ENG A-STOP system
54P000317
(1) Hill descent control switchModels with ENG A-STOP system
54P000318
(1) Hill descent control switch
To activate the hill descent control system:
1) Turn the driving mode switch (if
equipped) to “LOCK” position.
2) Shift the gearshift lever into a forward
gear or reverse gear.
3) Push the hill descent control switch (1)
when the vehicle speed is under 25 km/h
(15 mph). The hill descent control indica-
tor on the instrument cluster will come on
and the hill descent control system will be
activated.
If the driving mode switch (if equipped) is
in “LOCK” position, vehicle speed is main-
tained at approximately 10 km/h (6 mph)
when going down a hill.The brake/tail lights come on and the
ESP
® warning light blinks while the hill
descent control system applies the brakes
to maintain the vehicle speed.
If the accelerator or brake pedal is
depressed while the hill descent control
system is activated, the system will stop
working temporarily. As soon as the accel-
erator or brake pedal is released, the hill
descent control system begins to function
again if the hill descent control operating
conditions are fulfilled. However, when the
vehicle speed exceeds 25 km/h (15 mph),
the hill descent control system will be
deactivated automatically.
To deactivate the hill descent control sys-
tem, push the hill descent control switch
again.
(1)(1)

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OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
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NOTE:
You may hear a sound coming from the
engine when the hill descent control sys-
tem is activated. This sound is normal and
does not indicate a malfunction.Hill descent control indicator light
79K050
When the ignition switch is in “ON” posi-
tion, or the ignition mode is “ON”, this light
comes on briefly so you can check that the
light is working.
When you push the hill descent control
switch and the hill descent control operat-
ing conditions are fulfilled, the hill descent
control indicator comes on. If the hill
descent control indicator blinks, the hill
descent control will not be activated.
If hill descent control indicator light comes
on or blinks, while not operating the hill
descent control switch, there is a problem
in this system. Have your vehicle
inspected by an authorized SUZUKI
dealer.NOTE:
If the hill descent control indicator blinks
when you push the hill descent control
switch, the following conditions may not be
fulfilled.
• The driving mode switch (if equipped) is
in “LOCK” position
• The gearshift lever is in a forward gear
or reverse gear
• The vehicle speed is under 25 km/h (15
mph)
• The brake system is under normal oper-
ating temperature
WA R N I N G
• When the hill descent control sys-
tem is used continuously for a long
time, the temperature of the brake
system may increase and the hill
descent control system may be
deactivated temporarily to protect
the device of the brake system. The
hill descent control indicator blinks
to let you know the system is deac-
tivated. Depress the brake pedal
and stop the vehicle in a safe place.
When the temperature of the brake
system goes down, the hill descent
control indicator will come on and
the system is activated again.
• The hill descent control system
may be activated when the gear-
shift lever is in “N” (Neutral) posi-
tion, but engine braking will not
work. Always use the hill descent
control system with the gearshift
lever in a forward gear or reverse
gear.

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OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
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NOTE:
If any of the following conditions occur,
there may be a problem with the hill
descent control system or the ESP
® sys-
tem. Have your vehicle inspected by an
authorized SUZUKI dealer.
• The hill descent control indicator does
not come on or blink when you push the
hill descent control switch.
• The hill descent control indicator stays
on when driving without pushing the hill
descent control switch.
61MM0A179
If the message shown in the above illustra-
tion appears on the information display,
there may be a problem with the hill
descent control system and the hill hold
control system. Have your vehicle
inspected by an authorized SUZUKI
dealer.
NOTE:
You cannot activate the hill descent control
system while this message is displayed.
Hill hold control system (if equipped)
The hill hold control system is designed to
assist you in starting to move up steep or
slippery hills. When you start to move up a
hill, the system helps to prevent the vehicle
from rolling downward (for approximately 2
seconds) while you move your foot from
the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal.
The hill hold control system activates for a
maximum of about 2 seconds if your foot is
moved from the brake pedal when the fol-
lowing conditions are all met.
1) The gearshift lever is in a forward gear
or reverse gear.
2) The parking brake is released.
3) The clutch pedal is depressed.
4) The vehicle is on an upward incline.
NOTE:
You may hear a sound coming from the
engine when the hill hold control system is
activated. This sound is normal and does
not indicate a malfunction.
WA R N I N G
• Do not rely excessively on the hill
hold control system. The hill hold
control system may not prevent the
vehicle from rolling downward on a
hill under all load or road condi-
tions. Always be prepared to
depress the brake pedal to prevent
the vehicle from rolling downward.
Failure to pay attention and
depress the brake pedal to hold the
vehicle on a hill when necessary,
may result in loss of control or an
accident.
• The hill hold control system is not
designed to stop the vehicle on a
hill.
(Continued)
WA R N I N G
(Continued)
• After you release your foot from the
brake pedal, accelerate the vehicle
to move up immediately. If you
release your foot from the brake
pedal over 2 seconds, the hill hold
control system will be canceled. If
so, the vehicle may roll downward,
which can result in an accident
depending on the degree of slope.
And, the engine may stall and the
power assist for the steering and
brakes will not work so steering
and braking will be much harder
than usual which can result in an
accident or vehicle damage.

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OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
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61MM0A179
If the message shown in the above illustra-
tion appears on the information display,
there may be a problem with the hill
descent control system (if equipped) and
the hill hold control system. Have your
vehicle inspected by an authorized
SUZUKI dealer.
NOTE:
The hill hold control system will not acti-
vate while this message is displayed.
Tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) (if equipped)
The tire pressure monitoring system is
designed to alert you when one or more of
the tires on your vehicle is significantly
under-inflated. The tire pressure monitor-
ing system (TPMS) sensor containing a
unique identification code is mounted on
each wheel. The TPMS sensors transmit
tire pressure signals to the receiver of the
tire pressure monitoring system controller.
When the inflation pressure of one or more
tires indicates significant under-inflation,
the low tire pressure warning light shown
below comes on.
NOTE:
The word “telltale” in this section, means
an indicator.
Low tire pressure warning light
52D305
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufacturer on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different
size than the size indicated on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires.)
As an added fuel efficiency feature, your
vehicle has been equipped with a tire pres-
sure monitoring system (TPMS) that illumi-
nates a low tire pressure telltale when one
or more of your tires is significantly under-
inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure
telltale illuminates, you should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible, and
inflate them to the proper pressure.
Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces
fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may

DRIVING TIPS
4
54P00-01E
60G409
DRIVING TIPS
Running-in ........................................................................... 4-1
Catalytic converter .............................................................. 4-1
Improving fuel economy ..................................................... 4-2
Highway driving .................................................................. 4-3
Driving on hills .................................................................... 4-3
Driving on slippery roads ................................................... 4-4

4-2
DRIVING TIPS
54P00-01E
heat damage to the catalytic converter and
other vehicle components.
54G584S
Improving fuel economy
The following instructions will help you
improve fuel economy.
Avoid excessive idling
If you park your vehicle for more than one
minute, stop the engine and start it again
later. When warming up a cold engine,
allow the engine to idle until the tempera-
ture gauge pointer comes up to “C” posi-
tion (if the idling is not prohibited). In this
position, the engine is sufficiently warm for
starting off.
Avoid fast starts
Fast starts away from lights or stop signs
will consume fuel unnecessarily and
shorten engine life. Start off slowly.
Avoid unnecessary stops
Avoid unnecessary deceleration and stop-
ping. Try to maintain a slow, steady speed
whenever possible. Slowing down and
then accelerating again uses more fuel.
Keep a steady cruising speed
Drive at a constant speed that road and
traffic conditions will permit.NOTICE
To minimize the possibility of cata-
lytic converter or other vehicle dam-
age:
• Maintain the engine in the proper
operating condition.
• In the event of an engine malfunc-
tion, particularly one involving
engine misfire or other apparent
loss of performance, have the vehi-
cle serviced promptly.
• Do not turn off the engine or inter-
rupt the ignition when the transaxle
is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
• Do not try to start the engine by
pushing or towing the vehicle, or
coasting down a hill.
• Do not idle the engine with any
spark plug wires disconnected or
removed, such as during diagnos-
tic testing.
• Do not idle the vehicle for pro-
longed periods if idling seems
rough or there are other malfunc-
tions.
• Do not allow the fuel tank to get
near the empty level.
WA R N I N G
Be careful where you park and drive;
the catalytic converter and other
exhaust components can get very
hot. As with any vehicle, do not park
or operate this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials such as dry
grass or leaves can come in contact
with a hot exhaust system.

4-3
DRIVING TIPS
54P00-01E
Keep the air cleaner clean
60A183S
If the air cleaner is clogged with dust, there
will be greater intake resistance, resulting
in decreased power output and increased
fuel consumption.
Keep weight to a minimum
The heavier the load is, the more fuel the
vehicle consumes. Unload any unneces-
sary luggage or cargo.
Keep tire pressures correct
Under-inflation of the tires can waste fuel
due to increased running resistance of the
tires. Keep your tires inflated to the correct
pressure shown on the label on the driver’s
side door or the driver’s door lock pillar.
Highway driving
When driving at highway speeds, pay
attention to the following:
• Stopping distance progressively
increases with vehicle speed. Apply the
brakes far enough ahead of the stopping
point to allow for the extra stopping dis-
tance.
• On rainy days, hydroplaning can occur.
Hydroplaning is the loss of direct contact
between the road surface and the vehi-
cle’s tires due to a water film forming
between them. Steering or braking the
vehicle during hydroplaning can be very
difficult, and loss of control can occur.
Keep speed down when the road sur-
face is wet.
• At high speeds, the vehicle may be
affected by side winds. Therefore,
reduce speed and be prepared for unex-
pected buffeting, which can occur at the
exits of tunnels, when passing by a cut
of a hill, or when being overtaken by
large vehicles, etc.
Driving on hills
54P000401
• When climbing steep hills, the vehicle
may begin to slow down and show a lack
of power. If this happens, you should
shift to a lower gear so that the engine
will again be operating in its normal
power range. Shift rapidly to prevent the
vehicle from losing momentum.
• When driving down a hill, the engine
should be used for braking by shifting to
the next lower gear.
EXAMPLE

4-4
DRIVING TIPS
54P00-01E
Driving on slippery roads
60G089S
On wet roads, you should drive at a lower
speed than you do on dry roads due to
possible slippage of tires during braking.
When driving on icy, snow-covered or
muddy roads, reduce your speed and
avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt braking,
or sharp steering movements.
Four-mode 4WD models
Your four-mode 4WD is designed to get
better traction on slippery roads than 2-
wheel drive models. However, your four-
mode 4WD will not have as much traction
in deep snow, mud or sand as multipur-
pose 4WD vehicles. You should not
attempt to drive your four-mode 4WD in
deep snow, mud or sand. Four-mode 4WDmodels are not sport/utility vehicles, and
are not designed for off-road use.
Tire chains
Tire chains should only be used if they are
needed to increase traction or are required
by law. Check that the chains you use are
the correct size for your vehicle’s tires.
Also check that there is enough clearance
between the fenders and the chains as
installed on the tires.
Install the chains on the front tires tightly,
according to the chain manufacturer’s
instructions. Retighten the chains after
driving about 1.0 km (1/2 mile) if neces-
sary. With the chains installed, drive slowly.
WA R N I N G
Do not hold the brake pedal down too
long or too often while going down a
steep or long hill. This could cause
the brakes to overheat, resulting in
reduced braking efficiency. Failure to
take this precaution could result in
loss of vehicle control.
NOTICE
When descending a downhill, Never
turn the ignition key to “LOCK” posi-
tion or press the engine switch to
change the ignition mode to “LOCK”
(OFF). Emission control system dam-
age may result.
NOTICE
• If you hear the chains hitting
against the vehicle body while driv-
ing, stop and tighten them.
• If your vehicle is equipped with full
wheel caps, remove the wheel caps
before installing the chains or the
wheel caps can be damaged by the
chain bands.