2008 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA battery

2-22
BEFORE DRIVING
66J22-03E
Lap-Shoulder BeltEmergency Locking Retractor (ELR)
The lap-shoulder seat belt has an emer-
gency locking retractor (ELR), which is
designed to lock the seat belt only during a
sudden stop or impact. It also may lock if
you pull the belt across your body very
quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back
to unlock it, then pull the belt across your
body more slowly.
Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)
The front passenger’s seat belt and the
rear seat belts have emergency locking
retractors (ELRs) that can be temporarily
converted to function as automatic locking
retractors (ALRs). The ALR mode should
be used if you need to secure a child
restraint system in the seat. Refer to the
“Child Restraint Systems” section for
details.
WARNING
(Continued)
 Do not wear your seat belt over
hard or breakable objects in your
pockets or on your clothing. If an
accident occurs, objects such as
glasses, pens, etc. under the seat
belt can cause injury.
 Never use the same seat belt on
more than one occupant and never
attach a seat belt over an infant or
child being held on an occupant’s
lap. Such seat belt use could cause
serious injury in the event of an
accident.
 Periodically inspect seat belt
assemblies for excessive wear and
damage. Seat belts should be
replaced if webbing becomes
frayed, contaminated, or damaged
in any way. It is essential to replace
the entire seat belt assembly after it
has been worn in a severe impact,
even if damage to the assembly is
not obvious.
 Children age 12 and under should
ride properly restrained in the rear
seat, if equipped.
(Continued)
WARNING
(Continued)
 Infants and small children should
never be transported unless they
are properly restrained. Restraint
systems for infants and small chil-
dren can be purchased commer-
cially and should be used. Make
sure that the system you purchase
meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards. Read and follow all the
directions provided by the manu-
facturer.
 Avoid contamination of seat belt
webbing by polishes, oils, chemi-
cals and particularly battery acid.
Cleaning may safely be carried out
using mild soap and water.
 For children, if the shoulder belt
irritates the neck or face, move the
child closer to the center of the
vehicle.
 All seatbacks should always be in
an upright position when driving,
or seat belt effectiveness may be
reduced. Seat belts are designed to
offer maximum protection when
seatbacks are in the upright posi-
tion.
Seat Belts and Child Restraint Systems: 14

2-46
BEFORE DRIVING
66J22-03E
Note that even though your vehicle may be
moderately damaged in a collision, the col-
lision may not have been severe enough to
trigger the front, side, or side curtain air
bags to inflate. If your car sustains ANY
front-end or side damage, have the air bag
system inspected by an authorized
SUZUKI dealer to ensure it is in proper
working order.
Your vehicle is equipped with a diagnostic
module which records information about
the air bag system if the air bags deploy in
a crash. The module records information
about overall system status, which sensors
activated the deployment, and whether the
front seat belts were in use.
Servicing the Air Bag SystemIf the air bags inflate, have the air bags and
related components replaced by an autho-
rized SUZUKI dealer as soon as possible.
If your vehicle ever gets in deep water and
the driver’s floor is submerged, the air bag
controller could be damaged. If this hap-
pens, have the air bag system inspected
by the SUZUKI dealer as soon as possible.
Special procedures are required for servic-
ing or replacing an air bag. For that reason,
only an authorized SUZUKI dealer should
be allowed to service or replace your air
bags. Please remind anyone who services
your SUZUKI that it has air bags.
Service on or around air bag components
or wiring must be performed only by an
authorized SUZUKI dealer. Improper ser-
vice could result in unintended air bag
deployment or could render the air bags
inoperative. Either of these two conditions
may result in severe injury.
To prevent damage or unintended inflation
of the air bag system, be sure the battery
is disconnected and the ignition switch has
been in the “LOCK” position for at least 90
seconds before performing any electrical
service work on your SUZUKI. Do not
touch air bag system components or wires.
The wires are wrapped with yellow tape or
yellow tubing, and the couplers are yellow
for easy identification.Scrapping a car that has an undeployed air
bag can be hazardous. Ask your dealer,
body repair shop or scrap yard for help
with disposal.
If it is necessary to modify the advanced
front air bag system to accommodate a
person with disabilities, owners in the con-
tinental United States can call American
Suzuki toll-free at 1-800-934-0934, or write
to:
American Suzuki Motor Corporation
Automotive Customer Relations
3251 East Imperial Highway
Brea, CA 92821-6795
If you purchased your SUZUKI in Canada
please contact the Suzuki Canada Cus-
tomer Relations Department by telephone
at 1-905-889-2677 extension 2254 or in
writing at:
Suzuki Canada Inc.
Customer Relations
100 East Beaver Creek Road
Richmond Hill, On
L4B 1J6
WARNING
(Continued)
 For vehicles with side air bags, do
not place seat covers on the front
seats, because seat covers could
restrict the air bag’s inflation. Also,
do not place any cup holders or
other objects on the door, as these
objects could be propelled by the
air bag in the event of a crash.
Either of these conditions may
cause severe injury.

3-2
STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS
66J22-03E
ACC
Accessories such as the radio can oper-
ate, but the engine is off.
ON
This is the normal operating position. All
electrical systems are on.
START
This is the position for starting the engine
using the starter motor. The key should be
released from this position as soon as the
engine starts.
Ignition key reminder (if equipped)
A buzzer sounds intermittently to remind
you to remove the ignition key if it is in the
ignition switch when the driver’s door is
opened.
Vehicle With Keyless Start System
63J270
The ignition switch can be operated with-
out using an ignition key when the remote
controller is in an area of the vehicle other
than the rear luggage area. To turn the
ignition switch, first push in the switch.
NOTE:
You must push in the ignition switch to turn
it from the “LOCK” position to the “ACC”
position. To return to the “LOCK” position
from the “ACC” position, turn the ignition
switch counterclockwise while pushing in
the switch.
66J022
If the keyless start system blue indicator
light illuminates on the instrument cluster,
you can turn the ignition switch. If the red
indicator light illuminates, you can not turn
the ignition switch.
NOTE:
 The ignition switch can be turned to the
“ACC” position when the keyless start
system blue indicator light illuminates.
The blue indicator light will illuminate for
several seconds when you push in the
ignition switch and then will turn off to
protect the system. In this case, you
must release the ignition switch and
push it in again to illuminate the blue
indicator light.
 If the keyless start system red indicator
light illuminates, the remote controller
may not be in the vehicle or the battery
(1)(2)(3)
(4)
EXAMPLE
Ignition Switch: 8, 10

3-3STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS
66J22-03E
of the remote controller may be unreli-
able.
NOTE:
 If the battery of the remote controller
runs down or there are strong radio
waves or noise, the operating range may
be narrower or the remote controller may
be inoperative.
 If the remote controller is too close to the
door glass, it may not operate.
 The ignition switch may not turn when
the remote controller is on the instru-
ment panel, in the glove box, in the door
pocket, in the sun visor or on the floor.
You can also turn the ignition switch by
inserting the ignition key into the slot.The ignition switch has the following four
positions:
LOCK (1)
This is the normal parking position. It is the
only position in which the key can be
removed. It locks the ignition, and prevents
normal use of the steering wheel.
For vehicles with an automatic transmis-
sion, the gearshift lever must be in the “P”
(Park) position to turn the key to the
“LOCK” position.
To release the steering lock, turn the igni-
tion switch clockwise to one of the other
positions. If you have trouble turning the
ignition switch to unlock the steering, try
turning the steering wheel slightly to the
right or left while turning the switch.
NOTE:
You must push the ignition switch in to turn
it to the “ACC” position. Also you must
push the ignition switch in to return it to the
“LOCK” position.
ACC (2)
Accessories such as the radio can oper-
ate, but the engine is off.
ON (3)
This is the normal operating position. All
electrical systems are on.START (4)
This is the position for starting the engine
using the starter motor. The switch should
be released from this position as soon as
the engine starts.
Ignition switch reminder
(When using the keyless start system)
A buzzer sounds intermittently to remind
you to return the ignition switch to the
“LOCK” position if it is in the “ACC” position
when the driver’s door is opened.
Ignition key reminder
(When using the ignition key)
A buzzer sounds intermittently to remind
you to remove the ignition key if it is in the
ignition switch when the driver’s door is
opened.
CAUTION
The remote controller is a sensitive
electronic instrument. To avoid dam-
aging the remote controller:
 Do not expose it to impacts, mois-
ture or high temperature such as by
leaving it on the dashboard under
direct sunlight.
 Keep the remote controller away
from magnetic objects such as a
television.
Ignition Switch: 8, 10

3-4
STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS
66J22-03E
64J216
If the gearshift lever can not be shifted out
of “P” (Park) in the normal way, removing
the cover (1) and pushing the release but-
ton using a key or some other flat end
object with the key in the “ON” or “ACC”
position will permit movement of the gear-
shift lever out of “P” (see “If You Can Not
Shift Automatic Transmission Gearshift
Lever Out of “P” (PARK)” in the INDEX).
The gearshift lever can be moved back to
“P” without pushing the release button.
To release the steering lock, insert the key
or use the keyless start system and turn
the ignition switch clockwise to one of the
other positions. If you have trouble turning
the key to unlock the steering, try turning
the steering wheel slightly to the right or
left while turning the key.
(1)
WARNING
 For manual transmission vehicles,
never return the ignition switch to
the “LOCK” position and remove
the ignition key while the vehicle is
moving. The steering wheel will
lock and you will not be able to
steer the vehicle.
 Always carry the ignition key and
the remote controller (if equipped)
when leaving the vehicle even if for
a short time. Also do not leave chil-
dren or pets alone in a parked vehi-
cle. Unattended children could
cause accidental movement of the
vehicle or could tamper with power
windows or a power sunroof. Chil-
dren or pets could also suffer from
heatstroke in warm or hot weather,
which could result in severe injury
or even death.
CAUTION
 Do not turn the starter motor for
more than 15 seconds at a time. If
the engine does not start, wait 15
seconds before trying again. If the
engine does not start after several
attempts, check the fuel and igni-
tion systems or consult your
SUZUKI dealer.
 Do not leave the ignition switch in
the “ON” position if the engine is
not running or the battery will dis-
charge.
Ignition Switch: 8, 10

4-6
INSTRUMENT PANEL
66J22-03E
SLIP Indicator Light
66J033
ESP
® is a registered trademark of
DaimlerChrysler AG.
This light blinks 5 times per second when
one of the ESP
® systems other than ABS
is activated. If this light blinks, drive care-
fully.
When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position, the light comes on briefly so
you can check that the light is working. If
the light stays on, or comes on when driv-
ing and remains on, there may be some-
thing wrong with the ESP
® systems (other
than ABS). You should have the system
inspected by an authorized SUZUKI
dealer.
NOTE:
When you disconnect and re-connect the
battery, ESP
® system functions other than
ABS will be deactivated and the slip indica-
tor light will blink 1 time per second. For
details on how to reactive the ESP
® sys-
tems, refer to “SLIP Indicator Light” in the
“OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE” section.For details of the ESP
® systems, refer to
“Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®)” in
the “OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE” sec-
tion.
“ESP” (Electronic Stability
Program) Warning Ligh
66J031
When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position, the light comes on briefly so
you can check that the light is working. If
the light stays on, or comes on when driv-
ing, there may be something wrong with
the ESP
® systems (other than ABS). You
should have the system inspected by an
authorized SUZUKI dealer.
For details of the ESP
® systems, refer to
“Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®)” in
the “OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE” sec-
tion.
“ESP OFF” Indicator Light
66J032
When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position, this light comes on briefly so
you can check that the light is working.
When the “ESP OFF” switch is pushed to
turn off the ESP
® systems (other than
ABS), the “ESP OFF” light comes on and
stays on.
NOTE:
 If the vehicle speed is greater than
approximately 30 km/h (19 mph), the
ESP
® systems (other than ABS) will turn
on automatically and the light will go out.
 When the transfer switch (if equipped) is
turned to the “4L LOCK” position, the
ESP® systems (other than ABS) will be
canceled automatically. The light will
come on and stay on.
 If the ESP
® systems operate continu-
ously such as when driving on slippery
roads, the traction control functions of
the ESP
® systems may be canceled
temporarily to avoid overheating the
brake pads, and the light will come on.
After a short period of time, the ESP
®
WARNING
The ESP
® systems cannot prevent
accidents. Always drive carefully.
Warning and Indicator Lights: 8

4-7INSTRUMENT PANEL
66J22-03E
systems (other than ABS) will turn on
automatically and the light will go out.
For details of the ESP
® systems, refer to
“Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®)” in
the “OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE” sec-
tion.
Oil Pressure Light
50G051
This light comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position, and
goes out when the engine is started. The
light will come on and remain on if there is
insufficient oil pressure. If the light comes
on when driving, pull off the road as soon
as you can and stop the engine. Check the
oil level and add oil if necessary. If there is
enough oil, the lubrication system should
be inspected by your SUZUKI dealer
before you drive the vehicle again.
Charging Light
50G052
This light comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position, and
goes out when the engine is started. The
light will come on and remain on if there is
something wrong with the battery charging
system. If the light comes on when the
engine is running, the charging system
should be inspected immediately by your
SUZUKI dealer.
Driver’s Seat Belt Reminder Light
60G049
If the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled when
the ignition switch is turned to the “ON”
position, this light will come on and then
blink. When the light comes on, a buzzer
will also sound intermittently for about 6
seconds. The reminder will repeat several
times under certain conditions until the
driver’s seat belt is buckled. After repeating
several times, the reminder will be can-
celed even if the driver’s seat belt remains
unbuckled.
For details about the seat belt reminder,
refer to “Seat Belts and Child Restraint
Systems” in the “BEFORE DRIVING” sec-
tion.
CAUTION
 If you operate the engine with this
light on, severe engine damage can
result.
 Do not rely on the Oil Pressure
Light to indicate the need to add
oil. Be sure to periodically check
the engine oil level.
WARNING
It is absolutely essential that the
driver and passengers wear their seat
belts at all times. Persons who are
not wearing seat belts have a much
greater risk of injury if an accident
occurs. Make a regular habit of buck-
ling your seat belt before putting the
key in the ignition.
Warning and Indicator Lights: 8

4-19INSTRUMENT PANEL
66J22-03E
66J200
Every time you push the “DISP” button (6),
the display will be changed among the fol-
lowing four displays.
(a) Instantaneous fuel consumption
(b) Average fuel consumption
(c) Driving range
(d) No displayInstantaneous fuel consumption (a)
If you selected instantaneous fuel con-
sumption the last time you drove the vehi-
cle, the display indicates “--.-” when the
ignition switch is turned to the “ACC” or
“ON” position. Unless the vehicle is mov-
ing, the display will indicate “--.-”.
Average fuel consumption (b)
If you selected average fuel consumption
the last time you drove the vehicle, the dis-
play shows the last value of average fuel
consumption when the ignition switch is
turned to the “ACC” or “ON” position.
Unless you reset the value of average fuel
consumption, the display will show the
value of average fuel consumption which
includes average fuel consumption during
previous driving.
To reset the value of average fuel con-
sumption, hold in the “DISP” button (6) for
more than 2 seconds when the display
shows an average fuel consumption value.
The display will indicate “--.-” and then will
show a new average fuel consumption
value after driving for a short time.
Driving range (c)
If you selected driving range the last time
you drove the vehicle, the display shows “--
.-” for a few seconds and then shows the
current driving range when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position.
The driving range shown in the display is
the approximate distance you can driveuntil the fuel gauge indicates “E” based a
current driving conditions.
When the remaining fuel in fuel tank
reaches a low level, the display “--.-” will
appear.
If the low fuel warning light comes on, fill
the fuel tank immediately regardless of the
value of driving range shown in the display.
As the driving range after refueling is cal-
culated based on the last driving condition,
the value is different each time you refuel.
NOTE:
 When you reconnect the negative (–) ter-
minal to the battery, the value of driving
range will be shown after driving for a
while.
 For new vehicle with low mileage, the
driving range may not be shown
promptly in the display when beginning
to drive. The driving range will be shown
after a while.
NOTE:
The values of fuel consumption and driving
range shown in the display are affected by
conditions such as the following;
 road condition
 surrounding traffic condition
 driving condition
 vehicle condition
 when the malfunction indicator light
comes on or blinks
(a)
(b)
(c)(d)
Information Display: