2006 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA Ground

2-71BEFORE DRIVING
79K21-03E
Thermometer
The thermometer indicates the outside
temperature.
79K067
If the outside temperature nears freezing,
the message shown in the above illustra-
tion will appear on the display.
NOTE:
The outside temperature indication is not
the actual outside temperature when driv-
ing at low speed, or when stopped.
Setting Mode
79K068
When the ignition switch is in the “ON”
position and the vehicle is stationary, you
can enter the setting mode of the informa-
tion display by pushing and holding the
MODE/ILL knob (2) for more than 3 sec-
onds.
 To select the setting that you want to
change, turn the MODE/ILL knob (2) left
or right.
 To change the setting, push the MODE/
ILL knob (2).
 To exit the setting mode, select “Back”
and push the MODE/ILL knob (2).
79K069
NOTE:
Current settings appear with reversed text
and background colors.
NOTE:
 If you push and hold the MODE/ILL knob
to enter the setting mode when the dis-
play (B) shows average fuel consump-
tion or average speed, the value will be
reset simultaneously. If you do not want
to reset the value, push the MODE/ILL
knob quickly to switch the indication of
the display.
 If you turn the ignition switch or start to
move the vehicle when the display
shows the setting mode, the setting
mode will be canceled automatically.
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE

3-10
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
Engine Block Heater
(if equipped)
79K040
The engine block heater will help you start
the engine more easily in very cold
weather (–18°C (0°F) or below). To use the
engine block heater:
1) Turn off the engine.
2) Open the engine hood.
3) Untie the block heater cord and remove
the block heater plug cap. When the
engine block heater is not in use,
ensure the heater cord is secured to
prevent contact with any moving parts.
4) Using a heavy-duty, three-prong
grounded extension cord, plug the
female end into the block heater socket
and the male end into a normal,
grounded 110-volt AC outlet.NOTE:
Activate the heater at least four hours
before you start the engine. However, as
the heating time varies depending on the
ambient temperature and other factors,
adjust the time by observing the engine
cranking condition.
After using the block heater:
1) Unplug the extension cord and reinstall
the plug cap.
2) Tie the block heater cord back to its
original position.3) Close the engine hood securely before
starting the engine.EXAMPLE
WARNING
To avoid serious personal injury
caused by electrical shock or fire:
 Do not plug the cord into a non-
grounded outlet. Only use a prop-
erly grounded three-prong 110-volt
AC outlet.
 Do not use a 2-wire (non-grounded)
extension cord.
 Only use a heavy-duty, three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15
amps.
CAUTION
Secure the block heater cord back to
its original position or to the routed
position. A loose cord could get
caught in the engine accessory drive
belt(s) or other moving parts.
Using the Transfer Switch: 10

4-1DRIVING TIPS
79K21-03E
52D078S
Important Vehicle Design
Features To KnowMultipurpose vehicles such as your new
SUZUKI have higher ground clearance and
a narrower track than conventional pas-
senger cars, to make them capable of per-
forming in a wide variety of off-road
applications. Specific design characteris-
tics give them a higher center of gravity
than ordinary cars. An advantage of the
higher ground clearance is a better view of
the road allowing you to anticipate prob-
lems. They are not designed for cornering
at the same speed as conventional pas-
senger cars any more than low-slung
sports cars are designed to perform satis-
factorily under off-road conditions. If at all
possible, avoid sharp turns or abrupt
maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this
type, failure to operate this vehicle cor-
rectly may result in loss of control or vehi-
cle rollover.
Multipurpose vehicles have a significantly
higher rollover rate than other types of
vehicles.
65D218
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a per-
son wearing a seat belt.Important Differences Between
Your Multipurpose Vehicle and
Ordinary Passenger CarsHigher Ground Clearance
The higher ground clearance of your vehi-
cle enables it to clear off-road obstacles,
such as rocks and tree stumps, that ordi-
nary passenger cars cannot drive over. An
unavoidable result of this higher ground
clearance is that the vehicle also has a
higher center of gravity. Consequently,
your vehicle will handle differently than a
vehicle with a lower center of gravity.
WARNING
 Wear Your Seat Belts at All Times.
Even though air bags are equipped
at the front seating positions, the
driver and all passengers should
be properly restrained at all times,
using the seat belts provided. Refer
to the “Seat Belts and Child
Restraint Systems” section for
instructions on proper use of the
seat belts.
 Never drive while under the influ-
ence of alcohol or other drugs.
Alcohol and drugs can seriously
impair your ability to drive safely,
greatly increasing the risk of injury
to yourself and others. You should
also avoid driving when you are
tired, sick, irritated or under stress.
WARNING
Your multipurpose vehicle has han-
dling characteristics that differ from
those of a conventional passenger
car. For the safety of you and your
passengers, please read the follow-
ing section very carefully.
EXAMPLE
Important Vehicle Design Features To Know: NO

4-2
DRIVING TIPS
79K21-03E
Shorter Wheelbase
Along with its higher ground clearance,
your vehicle has a shorter wheelbase and
shorter front and rear overhangs than
many passenger cars. These features
combine to allow you to drive your vehicle
over hillcrests without hanging up on them
or damaging the frame and chassis com-
ponents. The shorter wheelbase also
makes the steering of your vehicle more
responsive than that of vehicles with longer
wheelbases.
Narrower Body Width and Track
Your vehicle is narrower than the average
passenger car so that it can pass through
tight spaces.
Without the essential characteristics
described above: higher ground clearance,
shorter wheelbase and narrower body
width and track – your vehicle could not
provide you with excellent off road driving
performance. However, it is also true that
on-pavement driving, handling and steer-
ing will be different from what drivers expe-
rience with a conventional passenger car.
Break-In Catalytic Converter
54G236
The purpose of the catalytic converter is to
minimize the amount of harmful pollutants
in your vehicle’s exhaust. Use of leaded
fuel in vehicles equipped with catalytic
converters is prohibited by federal law,
because lead deactivates the pollutant-
reducing components of the catalyst sys-
tem.
The converter is designed to last the life of
the vehicle under normal usage and when
unleaded fuel is used. No special mainte-
nance is required on the converter. How-
ever, it is very important to keep the engine
properly tuned. Engine misfiring, which
can result from an improperly tuned
engine, may cause overheating of the cat-
alyst. This may result in permanent heat
damage to the catalyst and other vehicle
components.
CAUTION
The future performance and reliabil-
ity of the engine depends on the care
and restraint exercised during its
early life. It is especially important to
observe the following precautions
during the initial 960 km (600 miles)
of vehicle operation.
 After starting, do not race the
engine. Warm it up gradually.
 Avoid prolonged vehicle operation
at a constant speed. Moving parts
will break in better if you vary your
speed.
 Start off from a stop slowly. Avoid
full throttle starts.
 Avoid hard stopping, especially
during the first 320 km (200 miles)
of driving.
 Do not drive slowly with the trans-
mission in a high gear.
 Drive the vehicle at moderate
engine speeds.
 Do not tow a trailer during the first
960 km (600 miles) of vehicle oper-
ation.
EXAMPLE
Important Vehicle Design Features To Know: NO
On-Pavement Driving: NO

4-7DRIVING TIPS
79K21-03E
Tire ChainsTire chains should only be used if they are
needed to increase traction or are required
by law. Make sure that the chains you use
are small-link chains or cable-type chains
and are the correct size for your vehicle’s
tires. Also make sure that there is enough
clearance between the fenders and the
chains as installed on the tires.
Install the chains on the rear 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.Do not drive through deep or rushing
water
Driving in deep or rushing water can be
hazardous. You could lose control of the
vehicle and the occupants could drown.
Also, your vehicle could be seriously dam-
aged. To avoid these risks, observe the fol-
lowing instructions and precautions.
 Do not drive through deep or rushing
water. Deep or rushing water, such as
fast-moving streams or floodwaters,
could carry your vehicle away from your
intended path. The water is too deep if it
covers your wheel hubs, axles or
exhaust tailpipe. Know the depth of the
water before you attempt to drive
through it.
 If water blocks the tailpipe, the engine
may not start or run. If the water is deep
enough to get drawn into the engine
intake system, the engine will be badly
damaged.
 Submerged brakes will have poor brak-
ing performance. Drive slowly and care-
fully. Driving slowly will also help avoid
water splashing onto the ignition system,
which could cause the engine to stall.
 Even when driving through shallow or
still waters, drive carefully since the
water may be hiding ground hazards
such as holes, ditches or bumps.
WARNING
 Do not allow anyone to stand near
the vehicle when you are rocking it,
and do not spin the wheels faster
than an indicated 40 km/h (25 mph)
on the speedometer. Personal
injury and/or vehicle damage may
result from spinning the wheels too
fast.
 Be sure to turn the transfer switch
from “4H” to “4H LOCK” or “4L
LOCK” when the tires slip in “4H”.
The continuing tires slip in “4H”
can cause the limited slip differen-
tial gear damage in the center dif-
ferential.
CAUTION
Release the accelerator pedal when
operating the gearshift lever. Operat-
ing the lever with the engine racing
can damage the gears.
CAUTION
Do not continue rocking the vehicle
for more than a few minutes. Pro-
longed rocking can cause engine
overheating, transmission or trans-
fer case damage or tire damage.
CAUTION
If you hear the chains hitting against
the vehicle body while driving, stop
and tighten them.

4-8
DRIVING TIPS
79K21-03E
WARNING
In addition to following the driving
tips in this section, it is important to
observe the following precautions for
on-road and off-road driving.
 Driver and passengers should wear
seat belts at all times.
 Do not let anyone else drive your
vehicle unless they are also aware
of the vehicle characteristics and
handling differences described in
this section.
 Avoid loaning your vehicle to any-
one unless you accompany them.
 Make sure your tires are in good
condition and always maintain the
specified tire pressure. Refer to
“Tires” in the “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section for
details.
 Do not use tires other than those
specified by SUZUKI. Never use dif-
ferent sizes or types of tires on the
front and rear wheels. For informa-
tion regarding the specified tires,
refer to the Tire Inflation Pressure
Label located on the driver’s side
door pillar or the “SPECIFICA-
TIONS” section.
(Continued)
WARNING
(Continued)
 Never use oversized tires or special
shocks and springs to raise (jack
up) your vehicle. This will raise the
center of gravity of the vehicle and
change its handling characteris-
tics. Oversized tires may also rub
against the fender over bumps,
causing vehicle damage or tire fail-
ure.
 After driving through water, mud or
sandy ground, test the brakes while
driving at a slow speed to see if
they have maintained their normal
effectiveness. If the brakes are less
effective than normal, dry them by
repeatedly applying the brakes
while driving slowly until the
brakes have regained their normal
effectiveness.
 Do not use “4H LOCK” or “4L
LOCK” drive for normal driving.
 After extended operation in mud,
sand or water, have the brakes
inspected by your authorized
SUZUKI dealer as soon as possi-
ble.

5-12
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
79K21-03E
Turning power on/off
Press the power on/off knob (1).
The unit starts in the function mode it was
in when the power was turned off last.
Adjusting the volume
Turn the volume control knob (1).
Turning it clockwise increases the volume;
turning it counterclockwise decreases the
volume.
NOTE:
While driving, adjust the volume to an
extent that sound and/or noise coming
from outside the car can be heard.
Adjusting the clock
1) Press the clock button H (5) to adjust
the hours.
Press the clock button M (6) to adjust
the minutes.
2) Hold the button depressed to automati-
cally increment the number.
3) To reset the clock to an hour signal,
press the clock button H (5) while hold-
ing the clock button M (6) depressed.
NOTE:
When the clock has not been set, the time
“12:00” will flash in the display.
Clock reset is effected as follows:
 When minutes are between 00 and 29,
the clock will reset to the current hour.
(example: 12:23 ➔ 12:00)  When minutes are between 30 and 59,
the clock will reset to the next hour.
(example: 12:38 ➔ 1:00)
Adjusting bass/treble/balance/fader
1) Press the tone/balance/fader control
knob (2).
Each time it is pressed, sound adjust-
ment is changed as follows:
66J224
2) Turn the tone/balance/fader control
knob (2) to adjust the sound.Adjusting the AVC (Auto volume con-
trol)
The Auto Volume Control (AVC) function
automatically adjusts (increases/
decreases) the sound volume in accor-
dance with vehicle speed. The AVC control
is provided with three selectable levels
(LEVEL OFF, 1, 2, 3). The range of volume
adjustment increases together with the
LEVEL number,
1) Press the tone/balance/fader control
knob (2) until the AVC adjustment mode
is selected.
2) Turn the tone/balance/fader control
knob (2) to select the desired AVC
adjustment level. (Initial setting: LEVEL
2)
Adjusting the contrast of the display
1) Press the tone/balance/fader control
knob (2) and preset button 5 (3), preset
button 6 (4) simultaneously.
2) To adjust the contrast of the display,
turn the power on/off knob (1).
Cancel the dimmer condition
Each time you press the power on/off knob
(1) for two seconds with the lighting switch
on, the background brightness of the audio
display will switch between normal and
dimmed.
Bass adjustment (BASS 0)
Treble adjustment (TREBLE 0)
Balance adjustment (BALANCE 0)
Fader adjustment (FADER 0)
AVC adjustment (AVC LEVEL 2)
Original mode
Sunroof: 5, 8

5-26
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
79K21-03E
XM MODE
Selecting a band
Press the XM button (1).
Each time the button is pressed, the band
changes in the following order.
66J129
Selecting a category
Press the seek up button (3) or the seek
down button (4). The category is changed.
Turning the category function on/off
Press and hold the category button (2) for
2 seconds or longer, and “CATEGORY
ON” appears on the display, the CAT indi-
cator (C) lights up and the CATEGORY
function is activated.
Press and hold the category button (2) for
2 seconds or longer again, and “CATE-
GORY OFF” appears on the display and
the CAT indicator (C) turns off, indicating
that the CATEGORY function has been
turned off.
NOTE:
The first time you use the radio, turn the
category function on.Selecting a category
Press the seek up button (3) or seek down
button (4) to select a category.
Displaying the category
Press the category button (2) to have the
currently selected category appear on the
display.
Selecting a channel
Turn the manual tuning knob (5) to select a
channel.
NOTE:
When the category function is on, only
those channels included in the selected
category can be selected.
Selecting the item to be displayed
Press the display button (6).
Each time the button is pressed, the item
on display changes in the following order.
66J130
Preset memory
1) Select the desired station.
2) Select the preset button (7) to which
you want to store the station and pressand hold the button for 2 seconds or
longer.
Scan tuning
1) Press the scan button (8).
Stations are automatically searched for
in a sequential order, starting from the
station being currently received, and
scan tuning stops for 5 seconds at the
frequency where there is a station avail-
able.
2) Press the scan button (8) again to stop
scanning at the frequency currently
being received.
Satellite Radio ReceptionSatellite radio receives signals from two
satellites in orbit over the equator. There-
fore, satellite radio reception can be inter-
rupted when there are objects south of
your vehicle. To help compensate for this,
ground-based repeaters are placed in
major metropolitan areas, but depending
on the geographic situation (for example, if
mountains or buildings are on the south
side of your vehicle), you may experience
reception problems.
XM1 XM2
XM3
CH NUMBER CH NAME
NAME TITLE