2008 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA brake

4-10
INSTRUMENT PANEL
66J22-03E
High Beam Indicator Light
50G056
This indicator comes on when headlight
high beams are turned on.Daytime Running Light (D.R.L.)
Indicator Light (if equipped)
60B245
With the D.R.L. system, the headlights
light, but are dimmer than the low beam,
when the following three conditions are all
met. Whenever the D.R.L. system is oper-
ating, the D.R.L. indicator light remains on.
Conditions for D.R.L. system operation
1) The engine is running.
2) The parking brake is released.
3) The lighting switch is at either the “OFF”
or the “middle” position: or
The lighting switch is in the “AUTO”position and it is light around the light
sensor.
Illumination Indicator Light
64J045
This indicator light comes on when the
lighting switch is in the second or third
position.Transfer Position Indicator Light
(if equipped)
64J044
These indicators show the 4WD operating
mode as described below. When the igni-tion switch is turned to the “ON” position,
these lights come on briefly to let you know
that the lights are working.
(1): Neutral
(2): 4-wheel drive high range center differ-
ential lock mode
(2) & (3): 4-wheel drive low range center
differential lock mode
No indicators: 4-wheel drive high range
mode
For details, refer to “Using the Transfer
Switch” in the “OPERATING YOUR VEHI-
CLE” section.
If the indicators (all lights) continue to blink,
there is a problem in the transfer system
and you should have your vehicle
inspected by an authorized SUZUKI
dealer.
(2) (1) (3)
Warning and Indicator Lights: 8

4-16
INSTRUMENT PANEL
66J22-03E
Front Fog Light Switch
(if equipped)
64J058
The front fog light comes on when the fog
light switch is pushed in with:
 the lighting switch turned to the third
position and the beams set to the low
beam position, or
 the auto-on headlight system on and the
beams set to the low beam position.
“ESP OFF” Switch
66J039
ESP
® is a registered trademark of
DaimlerChrysler AG.
The “ESP OFF” switch is located on the
center of the instrument panel. You can
turn the ESP
® systems (other than ABS)
on or off using this switch.
To turn off the ESP
® systems (other than
ABS), push and hold the “ESP OFF” switch
until the “ESP OFF” indicator light comes
on.
To turn on all of the ESP
® systems, push
the “ESP OFF” switch again. The “ESP
OFF” indicator light will go out.
NOTE:
 If the vehicle speed is greater than
approximately 30 km/h (19 mph), theESP
® systems (other than ABS) will turn
on automatically.
 If the transfer switch (if equipped) is
turned to the “4L LOCK” position, the
ESP® systems (other than ABS) will be
canceled automatically.
 If the ESP
® systems operates 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. After a short period of time,
the ESP® systems (other than ABS) will
turn on automatically and the “ESP OFF”
indicator light will go out.
For details of the ESP
® systems, refer to
“Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®)” in
the “OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE” sec-
tion.
Rear Window Defroster and Outside Rearview Mirrors Defroster Switch: 8Front Fog Light Switch: 8
“ESP OFF” Switch:

OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
5
66J22-03E
60G407
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTParking Brake Lever ........................................................... 5-1
Pedals ................................................................................... 5-1
Gearshift Lever .................................................................... 5-2
Fuel Filler Cap ..................................................................... 5-3
Folding Seats ....................................................................... 5-4
Armrest ................................................................................ 5-7
Sun Visor ............................................................................. 5-7
Interior Light Switch ........................................................... 5-7
Spot Light ............................................................................ 5-8
Luggage Compartment Light ............................................. 5-9
Front Seat Heater (if equipped) .......................................... 5-9
Assist Grips (if equipped) .................................................. 5-10
Coat Hooks (if equipped) .................................................... 5-11
Sunroof (if equipped) .......................................................... 5-11
Engine Hood ........................................................................ 5-13
Cup Holder and Storage Bin (if equipped) ........................ 5-14
Overhead Console Box (if equipped) ................................ 5-15
Accessory Socket (if equipped) ......................................... 5-16
Cigarette Lighter and Ashtray ............................................ 5-17
Frame Hooks ....................................................................... 5-17
Tire Changing Tool ............................................................. 5-18
Shopping Hook (if equipped) ............................................. 5-19
Front Seat Back Pocket (if equipped) ............................... 5-19
Luggage Restraint Loops (if equipped) ............................ 5-19
Luggage Compartment Cover ............................................ 5-20
Underfloor Bins (if equipped) ............................................ 5-23
Roof Rails or Roof Rack Anchors (if equipped) ............... 5-23
HomeLink® (if equipped) .................................................... 5-25

5-1OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
66J22-03E
Parking Brake Lever
64J081
(1) To set
(2) To release
(3) To release
The parking brake lever is located between
the seats. To set the parking brake, hold
the brake pedal down and pull the parking
brake lever all the way up. To release the
parking brake, hold the brake pedal down,
pull up slightly on the parking brake lever,
push the button on the end of the lever
with your thumb and lower the lever to its
original position.
For automatic transmission vehicles,
always set the parking brake before mov-
ing the gearshift lever to the “P” (Park)
position. If you park on an incline and shift
into “P” before you set the parking brake,
the weight of the vehicle may make it diffi-cult to shift out of “P” when you are ready
to drive the vehicle. When preparing to
drive the vehicle, move the gearshift lever
out of the “P” position before releasing the
parking brake.
PedalsManual transmission
64J082
Automatic transmission
64J083
EXAMPLE
(2)
(3)(1)
WARNING
 Never drive your vehicle with the
parking brake set: rear brake effec-
tiveness can be reduced from over-
heating, brake life may be
shortened or permanent brake
damage may result.
 If the parking brake does not hold
the vehicle securely or does not
fully release, have your vehicle
inspected immediately by an autho-
rized SUZUKI dealer.
WARNING
Always set the parking brake fully
before leaving your vehicle or it may
roll, causing injury or damage. When
parking, make sure the gearshift
lever for manual transmission vehi-
cles is in 1st gear or “R” (Reverse)
and the gearshift lever for automatic
transmission vehicles is in “P”
(Park). Never leave the transfer lever
in “N” (Neutral) when you are parked.
Remember, even though the trans-
mission is in gear or in Park, you
must set the parking brake fully.
(1)(2)(3)
EXAMPLE
(2)(3)
EXAMPLE
Parking Brake Lever: 6
Pedals: 6

5-2
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
66J22-03E
Clutch Pedal (1)(For manual transmission)
The clutch pedal is used to disengage the
drive to the wheels when starting the
engine, stopping or shifting the gearshift
lever or transfer lever. Depressing the
pedal disengages the clutch.Brake Pedal (2)Your SUZUKI vehicle is equipped with
front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Depressing the brake pedal applies both
sets of brakes.
You may hear occasional brake squeal
when you apply the brakes. This is a nor-
mal condition caused by environmental
factors such as cold, wet, snow, etc.
Accelerator Pedal (3)This pedal controls the speed of the
engine. Depressing the accelerator pedal
increases power output and speed.
Gearshift LeverManual transmission
65D449
5-speed automatic transmission
66J046
CAUTION
Do not drive with your foot resting on
the clutch pedal. It could result in
excessive clutch wear or clutch dam-
age.
WARNING
If brake squeal is excessive and
occurs each time the brakes are
applied, you should have the brakes
checked by your SUZUKI dealer.
WARNING
Do not “ride” the brakes by applying
them continuously or resting your
foot on the pedal. This will result in
overheating of the brakes which
could cause unpredictable braking
action, longer stopping distances or
permanent brake damage.
Pedals: 6
Gearshift Lever: 10

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

6-5OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
66J22-03E
3) Close the engine hood securely before
starting the engine.
Using the Transmission5-Speed Automatic Transmission
66J003
D:
5-speed automatic transmission mode
4:
4-speed automatic transmission mode
The 4-speed mode is suitable for the fol-
lowing driving conditions:
 Driving on hilly, winding roads
– You can drive more smoothly with less
frequent gearshifting
 Going down a steep hill
– Some engine braking is provided
NOTE:
With the transfer switch in the “4L LOCK”
position, the 5-speed automatic transmis-
sion will remain in the 4-speed mode.Gearshift lever
66J004
The gearshift lever is designed so that it
can not be shifted out of the “P” position
unless the ignition switch is in the “ON”
position and the brake pedal is depressed.
WARNING
Always depress the brake pedal
before shifting from “P” (Park) (or
“N” (Neutral) if the vehicle is station-
ary) to a forward or reverse gear, to
help prevent the vehicle from moving
unexpectedly when you shift.
Engine Block Heater: 1
Using the Transmission: 10

6-6
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
66J22-03E
Use the gearshift lever positions as
described below:
P (Park)
Use this position to lock the transmission
when the vehicle is parked or when start-
ing the engine. Shift into Park only when
the vehicle is completely stopped.
R (Reverse)
Use this position to back the vehicle from
stop. Make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped before shifting into
Reverse.
N (Neutral)
Use this position for starting the engine if
the engine stalls and you need to restart it
while the vehicle is moving. You may also
shift into Neutral and depress the brake
pedal to hold the vehicle stationary during
idling.
D (Drive)
Use this position for all normal driving.
With the selector in “D” range, you can get
an automatic downshift by pressing the
accelerator pedal. The higher the vehiclespeed is, the more you will need to press
the accelerator pedal to get a downshift.
4 (Low 3)
Use this position for driving on moderate
uphill and downhill gradients. The engine
braking effect on moderate downhills can
be used in this position. The transmission
shifts up only to 4th gear.
3 (Low 2)
Use this position to provide extra power
when climbing hills, or to provide engine
braking when going down hills.
L (Low 1)
Use this position to provide maximum
power when climbing steep hills or driving
through deep snow or mud, or to provide
maximum engine braking when going
down steep hills.
NOTE:
If you move the gearshift lever to a lower
gear while driving faster than the maximum
allowable speed for the lower gear, the
transmission will not actually downshift
until your speed drops below the maximum
speed for the lower gear.Emergency shifting out of “P” (Park)
If you are unable to shift the transmission
out of Park in the normal manner, see “If
You Can Not Shift Automatic Transmission
Gearshift Lever Out Of “P” (PARK)” in the
INDEX for what to do.
WARNING
If you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle,
never leave the transfer switch in “N”
(Neutral) position when parked.
Otherwise the vehicle may roll even if
the transmission is in Park.
CAUTION
Be sure to take the following precau-
tions to help avoid damage to the
automatic transmission:
 Make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped before shifting into
“P” or “R”.
 Do not shift from “P” or “N” to “R”,
“D”, “4”, “3” or “L” when the
engine is running above idle speed.
 Do not rev the engine with the
transmission in a drive position
(“R”, “D”, “4”, “3” or “L”) and the
rear wheels not moving.
 Do not use the accelerator to hold
the vehicle on a hill. Use the vehi-
cle’s brakes.
Using the Transmission: 10