2008 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA coolant level

4-14
INSTRUMENT PANEL
66J22-03E
NOTE:
The activation point of the low fuel warning
light (1) varies depending on road condi-
tions (for example, slope or curve) and
driving conditions because of fuel moving
in the tank.
The mark (2) indicates that the fuel filler
door is located on the right side of the vehi-
cle.
Temperature Gauge
64J053
When the ignition switch is in the “ON”
position, this gauge indicates the engine
coolant temperature. Under normal driving
conditions, the indicator should stay within
the normal, acceptable temperature range
between “H” and “C”. If the indicator goes
outside this range and approaches “H”,
overheating is indicated. Follow the
instructions in the “If the Engine Over-
heats” of “Emergency Remedies” section.
“PASS AIR BAG OFF”
Indicator
66J247
The “PASS AIR BAG OFF” indicator is
located on the center of the instrument
panel. When the ignition switch is turned to
the “ON” position, this indicator comes on
for several seconds to let you know the
indicator is working.
While this indicator is turning on, the front
passenger’s front air bag and seat belt pre-
tensioner will be disabled.
For details about the front passenger sens-
ing system, refer to “Supplemental
Restraint System (air bags)” in the
“BEFORE DRIVIING” section.
CAUTION
Avoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damag-
ing the catalytic converter.
CAUTION
Continuing to drive the vehicle when
engine overheating is indicated can
result in severe engine damage.
Fuel Gauge: 8
Temperature Gauge: 8
“PASS AIR BAG OFF” Indicator:

6-2
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
66J22-03E
Daily Inspection ChecklistBefore Driving1) Make sure that windows, mirrors, lights
and reflectors are clean and unob-
structed.
2) Visually check the tires for the following
points:
– the depth of the tread groove
– abnormal wear, cracks and damage
– loose wheel nuts
– existence of foreign material such as
nails, stones, etc.
Refer to “Tires” in “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section for details.
3) Look for fluid, oil leaks.
NOTE:
It is normal for water to drip from the air
conditioning system after use.
4) Make sure the hood is fully closed and
latched.
5) Check the headlights, turn signal lights,
brake lights and horn for proper opera-
tion.
6) Lock all doors.
7) Adjust the seat and adjustable head
restraints (if equipped).
8) Check the brake pedal and the parking
brake lever.
9) Adjust the mirrors.
10)Make sure that you and all passengers
have properly fastened your seat belts.11)Make sure that all warning lights come
on as the key is turned to the “ON” or
“START” position.
12)Check all gauges.
13)Make sure that the BRAKE SYSTEM
WARNING light turns off when the
parking brake is released.
Once a week, or each time you fill your fuel
tank, perform the following under-hood
checks:
1) Engine oil level
2) Coolant level
3) Brake fluid level
4) Power steering (if equipped) fluid level
5) Windshield washer fluid level
6) Hood latch operation
Pull the hood release handle inside the
vehicle. Make sure that you cannot
open the hood all the way without
releasing the secondary latch. Be sure
to close the hood securely after check-
ing for proper latch operation. See the
item “All Latches, Hinges and Locks” of
“CHASSIS AND BODY” in the “Periodic
Maintenance Schedule” in the
“INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE”
section for lubrication schedule.
Starting the EngineBefore Starting the Engine1) Make sure the parking brake is set fully.
2) Manual Transmission – Shift into “N”
(Neutral) and depress the clutch pedal
all the way to the floor.
Hold it while starting the engine.
Automatic Transmission – If the gear-
shift lever is not in “P” (Park) position,
shift into “P”. (If you need to re-start the
engine while the vehicle is moving, shift
into “N”.)
NOTE:
The engine of manual transmission vehicle
will not start unless the clutch pedal is
depressed.
NOTE:
Automatic transmission vehicles have a
starter interlock device which is designed
to keep the starter from operating if the
transmission is in any of the drive posi-
tions.
WARNING
Make sure the hood is fully closed
and latched before driving. If it is not,
it can fly up unexpectedly during
driving, obstructing your view and
resulting in an accident.
WARNING
Make sure that the parking brake is
set fully and the transmission is in
Neutral (or Park for vehicles with an
automatic transmission) before
attempting to start the engine.
Daily Inspection Checklist: NO
Starting the Engine: 1

9-15INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
66J22-03E
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.Tightening torque
Automatic Transmission
FluidSpecified FluidUse an automatic transmission fluid
SUZUKI ATF 3317 or Mobil ATF 3309.Fluid Level CheckYou must check the fluid level with the
automatic transmission fluid at normal
operating temperature.
To check the fluid level:
1) To warm up the transmission fluid, drive
the vehicle or idle the engine until the
temperature gauge indicates normal
operating temperature.
2) Then drive for ten more minutes.
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. 1215” or equivalent to the plug
threads to prevent oil leakage and
tighten them to the specified torque
shown below.
Oil Filler
PlugOil Drain
Plug
Manual
transmission23 Nm
(17.0 lb-ft)
(2.3 kg-m) 23 Nm
(17.0 lb-ft)
(2.3 kg-m)
Tr a n s f e r23 Nm
(17.0 lb-ft)
(2.3 kg-m) 23 Nm
(17.0 lb-ft)
(2.3 kg-m)
Extension
case23 Nm
(17.0 lb-ft)
(2.3 kg-m) 23 Nm
(17.0 lb-ft)
(2.3 kg-m)
Front
differential23 Nm
(17.0 lb-ft)
(2.3 kg-m) 23 Nm
(17.0 lb-ft)
(2.3 kg-m)
Rear
differential23 Nm
(17.0 lb-ft)
(2.3 kg-m) 23 Nm
(17.0 lb-ft)
(2.3 kg-m)
CAUTION
Driving with too much or too little
fluid can damage the transmission.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the specified auto-
matic transmission fluid. Using auto-
matic transmission fluid other than
SUZUKI ATF 3317 or Mobil ATF 3309
may damage the automatic transmis-
sion of your vehicle.
Automatic Transmission Fluid: 10
Engine Coolant: 1, 2

9-16
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
66J22-03E
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.
52D032
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.
FULL HOT
LOW HOT
CAUTION
After checking or adding oil, be sure
to insert the dipstick securely.
Engine Coolant: 1, 2

9-17INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
66J22-03E
Engine Coolant
64J151
60A208
Selection of CoolantTo maintain optimum performance and
durability of your engine, use SUZUKI
Genuine Coolant or equivalent.
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.
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.
EXAMPLE
FULL
LOW
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.
(Continued)
CAUTION
(Continued)
 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.
Engine Coolant: 1, 2
Windshield Washer Fluid: 3

9-19INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
66J22-03E
64J191
3) Loosen the drain plug attached to the
lower part of the radiator and drain the
engine coolant into a suitable container.
4) Reinstall the reservoir and fill it with
engine coolant to the “FULL” line.
5) Tighten the drain plug on the radiator,
fill the radiator with engine coolant and
install the radiator cap.
6) After filling, let the engine idle for about
2 – 3 minutes to get rid of air in the
cooling system. Then, stop the engine.
7) Check the engine coolant level in the
radiator again. If the level has gone
down, add more engine coolant.
Windshield Washer FluidFront and rear (if equipped)
66J008
66J116
Check that there is washer fluid in the tank
by looking at the washer fluid level gauge
which is attached to the cap of the washerfluid tank. If the fluid level is near empty,
refill it.
Use a good quality windshield washer
fluid, diluted with water as necessary.
CAUTION
The engine coolant must be replaced
with the vehicle on level ground.EXAMPLE
(or opposite side)
EXAMPLE
WARNING
Do not use “anti-freeze” solution in
the windshield washer reservoir. This
can severely impair visibility when
sprayed on the windshield, and also
damage your vehicle’s paint.
CAUTION
Damage may result if the washer
motor is operated with no fluid in the
washer tank.
Spark Plugs: 1, 2
Brakes: 6

9-32
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
66J22-03E
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.
GLOSSARY OF TIRE TERMINOL-
OGYAccessory Weight – the combined weight
(in excess of those standard items which
may be replaced) of automatic transmis-
sion, power steering, power brakes, power
windows, power seats, radio, and heater,
to the extent that these items are available
as factory-installed equipment (whether
installed or not).
Cold Tire Inflation Pressure – the pressure
in a tire that has been driven less than 1
mile or has been standing for three hours
or more.
Curb Weight – the weight of a motor vehi-
cle with standard equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant,
and, if so equipped, air conditioning and
additional weight optional engine.
Intended Outboard Sidewall – (1) the side-
wall that contains a whitewall, bears white
lettering or bears manufacturer, brand,
and/or model name molding that is higher
or deeper than the same molding on the
other sidewall of the tire, or (2) the outward
facing sidewall of an asymmetrical tire that
has a particular side that must always face
outward when mounted on a vehicle.
Maximum Inflation Pressure – the maxi-
mum cold inflation pressure a tire is
designed to support in normal service.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight – the
sum of curb weight, accessory weight,vehicle capacity weight (total load capac-
ity), and production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight – 68 kilograms
times the number of occupants specified in
the second column of Table 1 (shown
below).
Occupant distribution – distribution of
occupants in a vehicle as specified in the
third column of Table 1 (shown below).
Production Options Weight – the combined
weight of those installed regular production
options weighing over 2.3 kilograms in
excess of those standard items which they
replace, not previously considered in curb
weight or accessory weight, including
heavy duty brakes, ride levelers, roof rack,
heavy duty battery, and special trim.
Recommended Inflation Pressure – the
cold tire inflation pressure recommended
by a manufacturer.
Rim – metal support for a tire or tire and
tube assembly upon which the tire beads
are seated.
Vehicle Capacity Weight – the rated cargo
and luggage load plus 68 kilograms (150
lbs) times the vehicle’s designated seating
capacity.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire – the
load on an individual tire that is determined
by distributing to each axle its share of the
maximum loaded vehicle weight and divid-
ing by two.
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.
Battery: 9
Fuses: 7

10-5EMERGENCY SERVICE
66J22-03E
If the Engine is FloodedIf the engine is flooded with gasoline, it
may be hard to start. If this happens, press
the accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and hold it there while cranking the
engine. (Do not operate the starter motor
for more than 15 seconds).
If the Engine OverheatsThe engine could overheat temporarily
under severe driving conditions. If the
engine coolant temperature gauge indi-
cates overheating during driving:
1) Turn off the air conditioner, if equipped.
2) Take the vehicle to a safe place and
park.
3) Let the engine run at normal idle speed
for a few minutes until the indicator is
within the normal, acceptable tempera-
ture range shown by the white band
between “H” and “C”.If the temperature indication does not
come down to within the normal, accept-
able range:
1) Turn off the engine and check that the
water pump belt and pulleys are not
damaged or slipping. If any abnormality
is found, correct it.
2) Check the coolant level in the reservoir.
If it is found to be lower than the “LOW”
line, look for leaks at the radiator, water
pump and radiator and heater hoses. If
you locate any leaks that may have
caused the overheating, do not run the
engine until these problems have been
corrected.
3) If you do not find a leak, carefully add
coolant to the reservoir and then the
radiator, if necessary. (Refer to “Engine
Coolant” in the “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section.)
WARNING
If you see or hear escaping steam,
stop the vehicle in a safe place and
immediately turn off the engine to let
it cool. Do not open the hood when
steam is present. When the steam
can no longer be seen or heard, open
the hood to see if the coolant is still
boiling. If it is, you must wait until it
stops boiling before you proceed.
Also, be careful not to touch hot
engine parts (radiator, water hoses,
engine etc.).
If the Engine is Flooded: 2, 9
If the Engine Overheats: 2, 9