2008 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA change time

6-7OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
66J22-03E
Manual Transmission
65D449
Starting off
To start off, depress the clutch pedal all the
way to the floor and shift into 1st gear.
After releasing the parking brake, gradually
release the clutch. When you hear a
change in the engine’s sound, slowly press
the accelerator while continuing to gradu-
ally release the clutch.
Shifting
All forward gears are synchronized, which
provides for quiet, and easy shifting.
Always push in the clutch pedal fully before
shifting gears. Make sure the engine speed
does not rise into the red zone of the
tachometer.
Using the Transfer Switch
(if equipped)
66J168
Your vehicle is equipped with a four-mode
full-time 4x4 system. You can use the
transfer switch to select any of the four
modes: N, 4H, 4H LOCK, 4L LOCK.
WARNING
 Reduce your speed and downshift
to a lower gear before going down
a long or steep hill. Downshifting
will allow the engine to provide
braking. Avoid riding the brakes or
they may overheat, resulting in
brake failure.
 When driving on slippery roads, be
sure to slow down before down-
shifting. Large and sudden
changes in engine speed may
cause loss of traction, which could
cause you to lose control.
 Make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped before you shift
into reverse.
CAUTION
 To help avoid clutch damage, do
not use the clutch pedal as a foot-
rest while driving or use the clutch
to keep the vehicle stationary on a
hill. Depress the clutch fully when
shifting.
 When shifting or starting off, do not
race the engine. Racing the engine
can shorten engine life and affect
smooth shifting.
Using the Transmission: 10

6-18
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
66J22-03E
How the ABS WorksA computer continuously monitors wheel
speed. The computer compares the
changes in wheel speed when braking. If
the wheels slow suddenly, indicating a
skidding situation, the computer will
change braking pressure several times
each second to prevent the wheels from
locking. When you start your vehicle or
when you accelerate after a hard stop, you
may hear a momentary motor or clicking
sound as the system resets or checks
itself.
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP
®)
ESP
® is a registered trademark of
DaimlerChrysler AG.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®)
helps to control the vehicle during corner-
ing if the vehicle is understeering or over-
steering. It also assists you in maintaining
traction while accelerating on loose or slip-
pery road surfaces. It does this by regulat-
ing the engine’s output, and by selectively
applying the brakes. In addition, ESP®
helps to avoid skidding by controlling brak-
ing pressure.The ESP
® has the following three systems:
Stability Control SystemThe vehicle stability control system helps
provide integrated control of systems such
as anti-lock brakes, traction control, engine
control, etc. This system automatically
controls the brakes and engine to help pre-
vent the vehicle from skidding when cor-
nering on a slippery road surface or when
turning the steering wheel abruptly.Traction Control SystemThe traction control system automatically
helps prevent the spinning of wheels when
the vehicle is started or accelerated on
slippery road surfaces. The system oper-
ates only if it senses that some of the
wheels are spinning or beginning to lose
traction. When this happens, the system
operates the front or rear brakes and
reduces engine power to limit wheel spin.
NOTE:
You may hear a clicking sound in the
engine compartment for a few seconds
when you start the engine or just after the
vehicle begins to move. This means that
the above systems are in the self-check
mode. This sound does not indicate a mal-
function.
WARNING
The ABS may not work properly if
tires or wheels other than those
specified in the owner’s manual are
used. This is because the ABS works
by comparing changes in wheel
speed. When replacing tires or
wheels, use only the size and type
specified in this owner’s manual.
WARNING
The ESP
® cannot enhance the vehi-
cle’s driving stability in all situations
and does not control your vehicle’s
entire braking system. The ESP
® can-
not prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed
in turns, or hydroplaning. Only a safe
and attentive driver can prevent acci-
dents. The capabilities of an ESP
®-
equipped vehicle must never be used
as a substitute for careful driving.
Braking: 6

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

7-6
DRIVING TIPS
66J22-03E
WARNING
In addition to following the driving
tips in this section, it is important to
observe the following precautions for
on-road and off-road driving.
 Driver and passengers should wear
seat belts at all times.
 Do not let anyone else drive your
vehicle unless they are also aware
of the vehicle characteristics and
handling differences described in
this section.
 Avoid loaning your vehicle to any-
one unless you accompany them.
 Make sure your tires are in good
condition and always maintain the
specified tire pressure. Refer to
“Tires” in the “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section for
details.
 Do not use tires other than those
specified by SUZUKI. Never use dif-
ferent sizes or types of tires on the
front and rear wheels. For informa-
tion regarding the specified tires,
refer to the Tire Inflation Pressure
Label located on the driver’s side
door pillar or the “SPECIFICA-
TIONS” section.
(Continued)
WARNING
(Continued)
 Never use oversized tires or special
shocks and springs to raise (jack
up) your vehicle. This will raise the
center of gravity of the vehicle and
change its handling characteris-
tics. Oversized tires may also rub
against the fender over bumps,
causing vehicle damage or tire fail-
ure.
 After driving through water, mud or
sandy ground, test the brakes while
driving at a slow speed to see if
they have maintained their normal
effectiveness. If the brakes are less
effective than normal, dry them by
repeatedly applying the brakes
while driving slowly until the
brakes have regained their normal
effectiveness.
 Do not use “4H LOCK” or “4L
LOCK” drive for normal driving.
 After extended operation in mud,
sand or water, have the brakes
inspected by your authorized
SUZUKI dealer as soon as possi-
ble.

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

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

9-28
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
66J22-03E
damage should be replaced. If any tires
show abnormal wear, have them
inspected by your SUZUKI dealer.
4) Check for loose wheel nuts.
5) Check that there are no nails, stones or
other objects sticking into the tires.
Uniform Tire Quality GradingThe U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration has developed a grading
system for evaluating the performance of
passenger car tires. The following informa-
tion will help you understand the grading
system, which applies to vehicles sold in
the U.S. Consult your SUZUKI dealer or
tire retailer for help in choosing the correct
replacement tires for your vehicle.
Quality grades can be found where appli-
cable on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature ADOT Quality Grades
Treadwear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B CAll Passenger Car Tires Must Conform To
Federal Safety Requirements in Addition
To These Grades
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rat-
ing based on the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use,
however and may depart significantly from
WARNING
Hitting curbs and running over rocks
can damage tires and affect wheel
alignment. Be sure to have tires and
wheel alignment checked periodically
by your SUZUKI dealer.
WARNING
Your SUZUKI is equipped with tires
which are all the same type and size.
This is important to ensure proper
steering and handling of the vehicle.
Never mix tires of different size or
type on the four wheels of your vehi-
cle. The size and type of tires used
should be only those approved by
SUZUKI Motor Corporation as stan-
dard or optional equipment for your
vehicle.
WARNING
Replacing the wheels and tires
equipped on your vehicle with certain
combinations of aftermarket wheels
and tires can significantly change the
steering and handling characteris-
tics of your vehicle. Oversized tires
may also rub against the fender over
bumps, causing vehicle damage or
tire failure. Therefore, use only those
wheel and tire combinations
approved by SUZUKI Motor Corpora-
tion as standard or optional equip-
ment for your vehicle. For
information regarding the specified
tires, refer to the Tire Information
Label located on the driver’s side
door pillar or the “SPECIFICATIONS”
section.
CAUTION
Replacing the original tires with tires
of a different size may result in false
speedometer or odometer readings.
Check with your SUZUKI dealer
before purchasing replacement tires
that differ in size from the original
tires.
Tires: 6

9-29INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
66J22-03E
the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction – AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to low-
est, are AA, A, B and C. Those grades rep-
resent the tire’s ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
Temperature – A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the high-
est), B and C, representing the tire’s resis-
tance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high tem-
perature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden
tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a
level of performance which all passenger
car tires must meet under the FederalMotor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel
than the minimum required by law.
Tire Rotation4-tire rotation
65D459
To avoid uneven wear of your tires and to
prolong their life, rotate the tires as illus-
trated. Tires should be rotated as recom-
mended in the periodic maintenanceschedule. After rotation, adjust front and
rear tire pressures to the specification
listed on your vehicle’s Tire and Loading
Information Label.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this
tire is based on straight-ahead brak-
ing traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning or peak traction charac-
teristics.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Exces-
sive speed, underinflation or exces-
sive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible tire failure.
WARNING
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
make wheel nuts become loose after
a time. The wheel could come off and
cause an accident. When you change
a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to
the vehicle. In an emergency, you can
use a cloth or a paper towel to do
this; but be sure to use a scraper or
wire brush later, if you need to, to get
all the rust or dirt off.
Tires: 6