2008 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA brake light

6-23OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
66J22-03E
The low tire pressure warning light can
come on due to normal causes such as
natural air leaks and pressure changes
caused by changes in temperature or
atmospheric pressure. Adjusting the air
pressure in the tires to the pressure shownon the tire information placard should
cause the low tire pressure warning light to
turn off.
If the light turns on again shortly after
adjusting the pressure in your tires, you
may have a flat tire. If you have a flat tire,
replace it with the spare tire. Refer to
“Jacking Instructions” in the “EMER-
GENCY SERVICE” section. Refer to
“Replacing Tires and/or Wheels” for
instructions on how to restore normal oper-
ation of the tire pressure monitoring sys-
tem after you have had a flat tire.
NOTE:
 When the tire inflation pressure is
adjusted in high altitude areas, the low
tire pressure light may not turn off even
after tire inflation pressure adjustment.
In this case, adjust the inflation pressure
to a slightly higher pressure than is
shown on the tire information placard.
 The low tire pressure warning light may
turn off temporarily after coming on. This
could be due to surface temperature
increases after long distance driving or
traveling to a high temperature area.
Even if the tire pressure warning light
turns off after coming on, make sure to
check the inflation pressure of all tires.
 To reduce the chance that the low tire
pressure warning light will come on due
to normal changes in temperature and
atmospheric pressure, it is important to
check and adjust the tire pressureswhen the tires are cold. Tires that
appear to be at the specified pressure
when checked after driving, when the
tires are warm, could have pressure
below the specification when the tires
cool down. Also, tires that are inflated to
the specified pressure in a warm garage
may have pressure below the specifica-
tion when the vehicle is driven outside in
very cold temperature. If you adjust the
tire pressure in a garage that is warmer
than the outside temperature, you
should add 1 psi to the recommended
cold tire inflation pressure for every 10°F
difference between garage temperature
and outside temperature.
For tire inflation pressure information, refer
to “Tire Inflation Pressure” in the “INSPEC-
TION AND MAINTENANCE” section.
TPMS Malfunction Indicator
WARNING
If the low tire pressure warning light
comes on and stays on, reduce your
speed and avoid abrupt steering and
braking. Stop in a safe place as soon
as possible and check your tires.
 If you have a flat tire, replace it with
the spare tire. Refer to “Jacking
Instructions” in the “EMERGENCY
SERVICE” section. Refer to
“Replacing Tires and/or Wheels”
for instructions on how to restore
normal operation of the tire pres-
sure monitoring system after you
have had a flat tire.
 If one or more of your tires is
under-inflated adjust the inflation
pressure in all of your tires to the
recommended inflation pressure as
soon as possible.
Be aware that driving on a signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire can cause
the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure, and may affect steering
control and brake effectiveness. This
could lead to an accident, resulting in
severe injury or death.
WARNING
Your vehicle also has been equipped
with a TPMS malfunction indicator to
indicate when the system is not oper-
ating properly.
Catalytic Converter: NO
Improving Fuel Economy: NO

7-4
DRIVING TIPS
66J22-03E
Off-Road DrivingYour vehicle has specific design character-
istics for off-road driving. When you leave
the pavement, you will encounter driving
surfaces of all kinds which may change
continually as you drive. In most cases, off-
road driving requires the use of 4-wheel
drive. If your vehicle is a 2-wheel drive
vehicle, you should limit your off-road driv-
ing only to hard, flat, nonslippery surfaces.
2-wheel drive vehicles have far less trac-
tion on off-road surfaces than 4-wheel
drive vehicles. It is important when driving
off-road to follow the guidelines below.
Use Caution on Steep Inclines
Always inspect hills before you attempt to
drive up them. Know what is on the other
side and how you will get back down. If you
have any doubt that it is safe, do not
attempt to drive over a hill. Never drive
your vehicle up an extremely steep incline.
Coming down a steep hill can be trickier
than getting up one. Keep the vehicle
heading straight down the hill and use low
gear. Do not lock the brakes. If the vehicle
begins to slide, accelerate slightly to regain
steering control.Do Not Turn on or Drive Across the Side
of Hills
Turning on or driving across the side of a
hill can be extremely hazardous. Most of
the vehicle’s weight will be transferred to
the downhill tires, which could result in the
vehicle rolling sideways. Whenever possi-
ble, avoid this potential hazard. Also, if you
have to exit your vehicle on a side-hill,
always get out on the uphill side.
Wear Your Seat Belts at All Times
You and your passengers should use the
seat belts at all times when driving off-
road. For proper seat belt use, refer to the
“Seat Belts and Child Restraint Systems”
section in this manual.
Avoid Sudden Reactions in Mud, Ice or
Snow
Be careful when off-road conditions are
slick. Reduce your speed and avoid sud-
den movements of the vehicle. If your vehi-
cle is a 2-wheel drive vehicle, do not drive
in deep snow or mud. If your vehicle is a 4-
wheel drive vehicle, be aware that driving
in deep snow or mud can cause a loss of
traction and an increase in the resistance
to the vehicle’s forward motion. Use 4WD
low gear (4L) and maintain a steady but
moderate speed with a light touch on the
steering wheel and brakes.Do not drive in the field covered with
grown grass
If you drive in the field covered with grass,
it may cause unexpected accident or vehi-
cle damage by getting caught in grown
grass.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
If your vehicle gets stuck in snow, mud or
sand, follow the directions below:
1) (For vehicles equipped with transfer
switch) Turn the transfer switch to “4H
LOCK” or “4L LOCK”.
2) Shift the transmission back and forth
between a forward range (or first gear
for manual transmission) and reverse.
This will create a rocking motion which
may give you enough momentum to
free the vehicle. Press gently on the
accelerator to keep wheel spin to a min-
imum. Remove your foot from the
accelerator while shifting.
Do not race the engine. Excessive
wheel spin will cause the tires to dig
deeper, making it more difficult to free
the vehicle.
3) If your vehicle remains stuck after a few
minutes of rocking, get another vehicle
to pull you out.
Off-Road Driving: NO

8-2
VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
66J22-03E
Trailer TowingYou can use your SUZUKI to tow a trailer,
but you should always observe the require-
ments and recommendations in this sec-
tion. If you intend to tow a trailer, it is
essential to select a trailer and trailer tow-
ing equipment which are compatible. A
reputable trailer dealer can help you.
For Automatic transmission vehicles, shift
into “3” (Low 2) or “L” (Low 1) (if necessary)
and frequently monitor the coolant temper-
ature gauge when towing up a steep hill. If
the gauge indicates overheating, park the
vehicle in a safe place and let the enginecool down. Refer to “If the Engine Over-
heats” section for details on how to deal
with overheating.
HitchesUse only a trailer hitch bracket that is
designed to bolt to the frame of your vehi-
cle, and a hitch that is designed to bolt to
this bracket. We recommend that you use
a genuine SUZUKI trailer hitch bracket and
trailer hitch (available as options), or equiv-
alent.Safety ChainsAlways attach safety chains between your
vehicle and trailer. Cross safety chains
under the tongue of the trailer so that the
tongue will not drop to the road if the trailer
becomes separated from the hitch. Follow
the manufacturer’s recommendation for
attaching safety chains. Always leave just
enough slack to permit full turning. Never
allow safety chains to drag on the road.
Trailer LightsMake sure your trailer is equipped with
lights which meet federal, state and local
requirements. Always check for the proper
operation of all trailer lights before you
start to tow.Brakes CAUTION
Trailer towing puts additional stress
on the engine, drive train and brakes
of your vehicle. Never tow a trailer
during the first 960 km (600 miles) of
vehicle operation.
CAUTION
Because towing a trailer puts addi-
tional stress on your vehicle, more
frequent maintenance will be
required than under normal driving
conditions. Follow the schedule for
Maintenance Recommended Under
Severe Driving Conditions or perform
more frequent maintenance as nec-
essary.
CAUTION
Towing in “D” range up a steep hill
can cause coolant overheating which
may result in engine/automatic trans-
mission damage.
WARNING
Never use a bumper hitch or a hitch
which attaches to the axle of your
vehicle.
WARNING
Never attach safety chains to the
bumper of your vehicle. Secure con-
nections so that they can’t come
loose.
WARNING
Never splice trailer lights directly into
your vehicle’s electrical system, or
electrical system damage may occur.
WARNING
If trailer brakes are used, you should
follow all instructions provided by the
manufacturer. Never tap into the
brake system of your vehicle.
Trailer Towing: 5, 11, 13

8-5VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
66J22-03E
Additional Trailer Towing Warnings
WARNING
Never overload your trailer or your
vehicle. Gross Trailer Weight must
never exceed 1350 kg (3000 pounds).
Gross Combined Weight must never
exceed 3400 kg (7500 pounds) for
2WD or 3450 kg (7600 pounds) for
4WD.
Gross vehicle weight must never
exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rat-
ing (GVWR) listed on the Safety Certi-
fication Label. Gross axle weight for
the front and rear axles must not
exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) listed on the Safety Certifica-
tion Label.
WARNING
Do not tow a trailer having a gross
trailer weight greater than 450 kg
(1000 pounds) unless the trailer is
equipped with trailer brakes.
WARNING
Connect trailer lights and hook up
safety chains every time you tow.
WARNING
Your vehicle will handle differently
when towing a trailer. For your safety
and the safety of others, you should
observe the following precautions:
 Practice turning, stopping and
backing up before you begin tow-
ing in traffic. Do not tow in traffic
until you are confident that you can
handle the vehicle and trailer
safely.
 Never exceed posted towing speed
limits or 72 km/h (45 mph), which-
ever is lower.
 Never drive at a speed that causes
shaking or swaying of the trailer. If
you notice even the slightest sign
of shaking or swaying, slow down.
 Always have someone guide you
when backing.
(Continued)
WARNING
(Continued)
 Allow adequate stopping distance.
Stopping distance is increased
when you tow a trailer. For each 16
km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow at
least one vehicle and trailer length
between you and the vehicle ahead.
Follow at a greater distance if roads
are wet or slippery.
 Slow down when making turns.
Remember that a larger than nor-
mal turning radius is needed
because the trailer wheels will be
closer than the vehicle wheels to
the inside of the turn.
 Avoid sudden acceleration and
stopping of the vehicle. Do not
make quick maneuvers unless they
are necessary.
 Slow down in cross winds and be
prepared for wind blasts from large
passing vehicles.
 Be careful when passing other
vehicles. Be sure to allow enough
room for your trailer before you
change lanes, and signal well in
advance.
 Slow down and shift into a lower
gear before you reach long or steep
downhill grades. It is hazardous to
attempt downshifting while you are
descending a hill.
(Continued)
Trailer Towing: 5, 11, 13

8-8
VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
66J22-03E
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

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
9
66J22-03E
60G410
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCEMaintenance Schedule ....................................................... 9-2
Periodic Maintenance Schedule ........................................ 9-3
Maintenance Recommended under Severe Driving
Conditions ........................................................................... 9-7
Drive Belt ............................................................................. 9-9
Engine Oil and Filter ........................................................... 9-9
Gear Oil ................................................................................ 9-13
Automatic Transmission Fluid ........................................... 9-15
Engine Coolant .................................................................... 9-17
Windshield Washer Fluid ................................................... 9-19
Air Cleaner ........................................................................... 9-20
Spark Plugs ......................................................................... 9-20
Brakes .................................................................................. 9-21
Steering Wheel .................................................................... 9-23
Clutch Pedal ........................................................................ 9-24
Tires ...................................................................................... 9-24
Battery .................................................................................. 9-35
Fuses .................................................................................... 9-35
Headlight Aiming ................................................................. 9-38
Bulb Replacement ............................................................... 9-39
Wiper Blades ....................................................................... 9-44
Air Conditioning System .................................................... 9-47

9-21INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
66J22-03E
deposits with a wire or pin and adjust the
spark plug gap.
To access the spark plugs:
1) Remove the engine cover.
2) Disconnect the coupler (1) while push-
ing the release lever.
3) Remove the bolt.
4) Pull the ignition coil out.
80G093
BrakesBrake Fluid
64J154
Check the brake fluid level by looking at
the reservoir in the engine compartment.
Check that the fluid level is between the
“MAX” and “MIN” lines. If the brake fluid
level is near the “MIN” line, fill it up to the
“MAX” line with DOT3 brake fluid.
65D477
CAUTION
When replacing spark plugs, you
should use the brand and type speci-
fied for your vehicle. For the speci-
fied plugs, refer to the
“SPECIFICATIONS” section at the
end of this book. If you wish to use a
brand of spark plug other than the
specified plugs, consult your SUZUKI
dealer.1.0 – 1.1 mm
(0.039 – 0.043 in.)
WARNING
Failure to follow the guidelines below
can result in personal injury or seri-
ous damage to the brake system.
 If the brake fluid in the reservoir
drops below a certain level, the
brake warning light on the instru-
ment panel will come on (the
engine must be running with the
parking brake fully disengaged.)
Should the light come on, immedi-
ately ask your SUZUKI dealer to
inspect the brake system.
 A rapid fluid loss indicates a leak in
the brake system which should be
inspected by your SUZUKI dealer
immediately.
 Brake fluid can harm your eyes and
damage painted surfaces. Use cau-
tion when refilling the reservoir.
(Continued)
Brakes: 6

9-23INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
66J22-03E
60G104
Parking Brake Lever
60A226
Check the parking brake for proper adjust-
ment by counting the number of clicks
made by the ratchet teeth as you slowly
pull up on the parking brake lever to the
point of full engagement. The parking
brake lever should stop between the speci-
fied ratchet teeth and the rear wheels
should be securely locked. If the parking
brake is not properly adjusted or the
brakes drag after the lever has been fully
released, have the parking brake inspected
and/or adjusted by your SUZUKI dealer.
Steering Wheel
66J233
Check the play of the steering wheel by
gently turning it from left to right and mea-
suring the distance that it moves before
you feel slight resistance. The play should
be between the specified values. Check
that the steering wheel turns easily and
smoothly without rattling by turning it all the
way to the right and to the left while driving
very slowly in an open area. If the amount
of free play is outside the specification or
you find anything else to be wrong, an
inspection must be performed by your
SUZUKI dealer.
WARNING
If you experience any of the following
problems with your vehicle’s brake
system, have the vehicle inspected
immediately by your SUZUKI dealer.
 Poor braking performance
 Uneven braking (Brakes not work-
ing uniformly on all wheels.)
 Excessive pedal travel
 Brake dragging
 Excessive noise
 (Except ABS equipped vehicle)
Pedal pulsation (Pedal pulsates
when pressed for braking.)
Ratchet tooth specification “b”
5th – 7th
200 N (44 lbs, 20 kg)
“b”
EXAMPLE
Steering wheel play “c”
0 – 30 mm (0.0 – 1.2 in.)
“c”
EXAMPLE
Tires: 6