2008 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA brakes

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

9-20
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
66J22-03E
Air Cleaner
66J167
If the air cleaner is clogged with dust, there
will be greater intake resistance, resulting
in decreased power output and increased
fuel consumption.
Check and clean periodically according to
the following procedure:
1) Take off the air cleaner case cover.
Remove the element from the air
cleaner case cover.
2) This air cleaner element is of dry type.
Remember that it needs cleaning
according to the following method.
3) Blow off dust on cleaner element by
compressed air from inside the ele-
ment, or replace the element as neces-
sary.
Spark Plugs
66J009
65D434
You should inspect spark plugs periodically
for carbon deposits. When carbon accu-
mulates on a spark plug, a strong spark
may not be produced. Remove carbon
CAUTION
The air cleaner element should be
replaced every 50000 km (30000
miles). More frequent replacement is
necessary when you drive under
dusty conditions.
Brakes: 6

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

9-22
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
66J22-03E
NOTE:
With disc brakes, the fluid level can be
expected to gradually fall as the brake
pads wear.Brake Pedal
65D345
With the engine running and the parking
brake set, measure the distance between
the brake pedal and floor carpet when the
pedal is depressed with approximately 300
N (66 lbs, 30 kg) of force. The minimum
distance required is as specified. Since
your vehicle’s brake system is self-adjust-
ing, there is no need for pedal adjustment.
If the pedal to floor carpet distance asmeasured above is less than the minimum
distance required, have your vehicle
inspected by your SUZUKI dealer.
NOTE:
When measuring the distance between the
brake pedal and floor wall, push in the floor
carpet as far as it goes and measure the
distance between the carpet surface and
the brake pedal.
WARNING
(Continued)
 Do not use any fluid other than
DOT3 brake fluid. Do not use
reclaimed fluid or fluid that has
been stored in old or open contain-
ers. It is essential that foreign parti-
cles and other liquids are kept out
of the brake fluid reservoir.
WARNING
Brake fluid is harmful or fatal if swal-
lowed, and harmful if it comes in con-
tact with skin or eyes. If swallowed,
do not induce vomiting. Immediately
contact a poison control center or a
physician. If brake fluid gets in eyes,
flush eyes with water and seek medi-
cal attention. Wash thoroughly after
handling. Solution can be poisonous
to animals. Keep out of the reach of
children and animals.
CAUTION
The brake fluid should be replaced
according to the maintenance sched-
ule. Have the brake fluid replaced by
your SUZUKI dealer.
Pedal to floor carpet minimum distance
“a”
70 mm (2.8 in.)
“a”
Floor carpet
Steering Wheel: 6
Clutch Pedal: 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

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

10-3EMERGENCY SERVICE
66J22-03E
Jump Starting Instructions
When jump starting your vehicle, use
the following procedure:
60A269
1) Use only a 12 volt battery to jump start
your vehicle. Position the good 12V bat-
tery close to your vehicle so that the
jumper cables will reach both batteries.
When using a battery installed on
another vehicle, DO NOT LET THE
VEHICLES TOUCH. Set the parking
brakes fully on both vehicles.2) Turn off all vehicle accessories, except
those necessary for safety reasons (for
example, headlights or hazard lights).
60A270
52D129
3) Make jumper cable connections as fol-
lows:
WARNING
 Never attempt to jump start your
vehicle if the battery appears to be
frozen. Batteries in this condition
may explode or rupture if jump
starting is attempted.
 When making jumper cable con-
nections, be certain that your
hands and the jumper cables
remain clear from pulleys, belts or
fans.
 Batteries produce flammable
hydrogen gas. Keep flames and
sparks away from the battery or an
explosion may occur. Never smoke
when working near the battery.
 If the booster battery you use for
jump starting is installed in another
vehicle, make sure the two vehicles
are not touching each other.
 If your battery discharges repeat-
edly, for no apparent reason, have
your vehicle inspected by an autho-
rized SUZUKI dealer.
 To avoid harm to yourself or dam-
age to your vehicle or battery, fol-
low the jump starting instructions
below precisely and in order. If you
are in doubt, call for qualified road
service.
CAUTION
Your vehicle should not be started by
pushing or towing. This starting
method could result in permanent
damage to the catalytic converter.
Use jumper cables to start a vehicle
with a weak or run-down battery.12V BATTERY
EXAMPLE
Engine Hook
Charged Battery
Discharged
Battery
EXAMPLE
Jump Starting Instructions: 7

11-4
APPEARANCE CARE
66J22-03E
WashingWhen washing the vehicle, follow the
instructions below:
1) Flush the underside of body and wheel
housings with pressurized water to
remove mud and debris. Use plenty of
water.2) Rinse the body to loosen the dirt.
Remove dirt and mud from the body
exterior with running water. You may
use a soft sponge or brush. Do not use
hard materials which can scratch the
paint or plastic. Remember that the
headlight covers or lenses are made of
plastic in many cases.
3) Wash the entire exterior with a mild
detergent or car wash soap using a
sponge or soft cloth. The sponge or
cloth should be frequently soaked in the
soap solution.
4) Once the dirt has been completely
removed, rinse off the detergent with
running water.
5) After rinsing, wipe off the vehicle body
with a wet chamois or cloth and allow it
to dry in the shade.6) Check carefully for damage to painted
surfaces. If there is any damage,
“touch-up” the damage following the
procedure below:
1. Clean all damaged spots and allow
them to dry.
2. Stir the paint and “touch-up” the
damaged spots lightly using a small
brush.
3. Allow the paint to dry completely.
Waxing
60B211S
After washing the vehicle, waxing and pol-
ishing are recommended to further protect
and beautify the paint.
 Only use waxes and polishes of good
quality.
 When using waxes and polishes,
observe the precautions specified by the
manufacturers.
WARNING
 Never attempt to wash and wax
your vehicle with the engine run-
ning.
 When cleaning the underside of the
body and fender, where there may
be sharp-edged parts, you should
wear gloves and a long-sleeved
shirt to protect your hands and
arms from being cut.
 After washing your vehicle, care-
fully test the brakes before driving
to make sure they have maintained
their normal effectiveness.
CAUTION
 When washing the vehicle, avoid
directing steam or hot water of
more than 80°C (176°F) on plastic
parts.
 To avoid damaging engine compo-
nents, do not use pressurized
water in the engine compartment.
CAUTION
To avoid damage to the paint or plas-
tic surface, do not wipe the dirt off
without ample water. Be sure to fol-
low above procedure.
CAUTION
When using a commercial car wash
product, observe the cautions speci-
fied by the manufacturer. Never use
strong household detergents or
soaps.
Vehicle Cleaning: 5