2007 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA towing

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 8-7 VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
66J21-03E
Towing Your Vehicle
(recreational towing)Your vehicle may be towed behind another
vehicle (such as a motorhome), provided
you use the proper towing method speci-
fied for your vehicle. The towing method
you must use depends on the specifica-
tions of your vehicle: whether it is a 2-
wheel drive (2WD), 4-wheel drive (4WD)
with a transfer switch or 4-wheel drive
(4WD) without a transfer switch vehicle.
Use the towing instruction table to select
the proper towing method for your vehicle,
and carefully follow the corresponding
instructions. Be sure to use proper towing
equipment designed for recreational tow-
ing and make sure that towing speed does
not exceed 90 km/h (55 mph).TOWING INSTRUCTION TABLE
4WD Vehicle With a Transfer Switch
54G585
64J234
DRIVE TRAINTRANS-
MISSIONTOWING
METHOD
4WD
with a transfer
switchA/TA
M/TA
4WD
without a
transfer switchA/Tnone
M/Tnone
2WDA/TB
M/TB
CAUTION
Never tow your 4WD vehicle without
a transfer switch using recreational
towing methods. If you do, the trans-
mission will be permanently dam-
aged.
Towing Your Vehicle (recreational towing): 13

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 8-8 VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
66J21-03E
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

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 8-9 VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
66J21-03E
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

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 8-10 VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
66J21-03E
4WD Vehicle Without a Transfer
Switch
54G586
54G58564J234
You can not tow your vehicle behind
another vehicle using recreational towing
methods.
2WD Vehicle1) Secure the rear wheels on a towing
dolly according to the instructions pro-
vided by the dolly manufacturer.
2) Turn the ignition key to the “ACC” posi-
tion to unlock the steering wheel.
3) Make sure the front wheels are facing
straight forward and secure the steering
wheel with a steering wheel clamping
device designed for towing.
CAUTION
Never tow your vehicle using recre-
ational towing methods. If you do, the
transmission will be permanently
damaged.
CAUTION
The steering column is not strong
enough to withstand shocks trans-
mitted from the front wheels during
towing. Always unlock the steering
wheel before towing.
Towing Your Vehicle (recreational towing): 13

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 8-11 VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
66J21-03E
52D082
TOWING METHOD BFRONT WHEELS ON THE GROUND
AND REAR WHEELS ON A DOLLY.
Towing Your Vehicle (recreational towing): 13

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 9-7 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
66J21-03E
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

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 9-33 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
66J21-03E
Vehicle LoadingYour vehicle was designed for specific load
capacities. The load capacities of your
vehicle are indicated by the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR), the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR, front and rear), and
the total load capacity, the seating capac-
ity, and the cargo load capacity. The
GVWR and GAWR (front and rear) are
listed on the Safety Certification Label
which is located below the driver’s side
door latch striker. The total load capacity
and seating capacity are listed on the Tire
and Loading Information Label which is
located below the Safety Certification
Label. The cargo load capacity can be
determined as described below.
Cargo Load Capacity – Maximum weight
of cargo and luggage that the vehicle can
safely carry. Cargo load capacity is the dif-
ference between the total load capacity of
the vehicle and the total combined weight
of all vehicle occupants. Refer to “Steps for
Determining Correct Load Limit” for details
on how to determine cargo load capacity.
GVWR – Maximum permissible overall
weight of the fully loaded vehicle (including
all the occupants, accessories and cargo
plus the trailer tongue weight if towing a
trailer).
GAWR – (Front and Rear) Maximum per-
missible weight on an individual axle.
Seating Capacity – Maximum number of
occupants the vehicle is designed to carry.NOTE:
Even though the number of occupants is
within the seating capacity, you still must
make sure that you do not exceed the total
load capacity of the vehicle.
Total Load Capacity – Maximum permissi-
ble weight a vehicle can carry including the
weight of all the occupants, accessories,
cargo, plus trailer tongue weight (if towing
a trailer).
The weight of any accessories already
installed on your vehicle at the time of pur-
chase, or that you or the dealer install after
purchase, must be subtracted from the
total load capacity to determine how much
capacity remains available for occupants,
cargo, and trailer tongue weight (if towing a
trailer). Contact your dealer for further
information.
Actual weight of the loaded vehicle and
actual loads at the front and rear axles can
only be determined by weighing the vehicle
using a vehicle scale. To measure the
weight and load, try making your vehicle to
a highway weighing station, shipping com-
pany or inspection station for trucks, etc.
Compare these weights to the GVWR and
GAWR (front and rear) listed on the Safety
Certification Label. If the gross vehicle
weight or the load on either axle exceeds
these ratings, you must remove enough
weight to bring the load down to the rated
capacity.Steps for Determining Correct Load
Limit
1) Locate the statement “The combined
weight of occupants and cargo should
WARNING
Never overload your vehicle. Over-
loading your vehicle can cause dam-
age to your tires and lead to poor
steering and braking which can result
in an accident. The gross vehicle
weight (sum of the weights of the
loaded vehicle, driver and passen-
gers) must never exceed the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) listed
on the Safety Certification Label. In
addition, never distribute a load so
that the weight on either the front or
rear axle exceeds the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the
Safety Certification Label.
WARNING
 Always distribute cargo evenly.
 To avoid personal injury or damage
to your vehicle, always secure
cargo to prevent it from shifting if
the vehicle moves suddenly.
 Place heavier objects on the floor
and as far forward in the cargo area
as possible. Never pile cargo
higher than the top of the seat-
backs.
Fuses: 7

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 9-34 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
66J21-03E
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on
your vehicle’s placard.
2) Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding
in your vehicle.
3) Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passengers from XXX kg or
XXX lbs.
4) The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if the “XXX”
amount equals 1400 lbs and there will
be five 150 lb passengers in your vehi-
cle, the amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 650 lbs (1400
– 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).
5) Determine the combined weight of lug-
gage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in Step 4.
6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity of
your vehicle.
Vehicle Loading Example
As an example, suppose that the Tire and
Loading Information label on your vehicle
indicates that your vehicle’s total load
capacity is 950 lbs. If you were to drive
your vehicle with one passenger, and the
total combined weight of you and your pas-
senger was 350 lbs, then the cargo andluggage capacity of your vehicle would be
600 lbs (950 – 350 = 600 lbs).
If you later added 2 more passengers, hav-
ing a combined weight of 325 lbs, the
cargo and luggage capacity of your vehicle
would be reduced from 600 lbs to 275 lbs
(600 – 325 = 275 lbs). As you can see, as
the number and combined weight of vehi-
cle occupants increase, the vehicle’s cargo
and luggage capacity decreases.
Suppose again, that you were to take a trip
in your vehicle with the same three pas-
sengers described above, and you decided
to tow a trailer having a trailer tongue
weight of 75 lbs. The cargo and luggage
capacity would be reduced again, to 200
lbs (275 – 75 = 200 lbs).
Determining Compatibility of Tire and
Vehicle Load Limits
The tires on your vehicle, when they are
inflated to the recommended tire inflation
pressure, have a load-carrying capacity
that is greater than the load that will be on
the tires when the vehicle is at its GVWR
or GAWR limit. Never use replacement
tires that have a load-carrying capacity
less than the original tires on your vehicle.
Tire load-carrying capacity information is
molded into the tire sidewall typically
shown as “Max. Load”. Use of replacement
tires with a lower load-carrying capacity
than the original tires, or failure to keep the
tires inflated to recommended tire pres-
sure, may reduce the GVWR or GAWR
limit of your vehicle.NOTE:
Use of replacement tires with a higher
load-carrying capacity than the original
tires, or using a tire inflation pressure
higher than the recommended tire inflation
pressure, will not increase the GVWR or
GAWR limit of your vehicle.
Fuses: 7