2008 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA ignition

5-13OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
66J22-03E
65D612
 Be sure to close the sunroof when you
leave the vehicle unattended.
 Periodically inspect the guide rail for dirt
and clean it if any dirt has accumulated.
Engine Hood
64J110
To open the engine hood:
1) Pull the hood release handle located on
the outboard side of the driver’s side of
the instrument panel. This will disen-
gage the engine hood lock halfway.
WARNING
 Never allow any part of your body
such as hands or head to get out of
the sunroof opening while the vehi-
cle is moving.
 Be sure there are no hands or other
obstructions in the path of the sun-
roof when you close the sunroof.
 Always remove the ignition key
when leaving the vehicle even if for
a short time. Also do not leave chil-
dren alone in a parked vehicle.
Unattended children could use the
sunroof switches and get trapped
by the sunroof.
CAUTION
Do not put your body weight on the
roof around the sunroof such as by
sitting on it.
Sunroof: 5, 8

5-25OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
66J22-03E
HomeLink
® (if equipped)
66J092
HomeLink
® and the HomeLink
® house are
registered trademarks of Johnson
Controls, Inc.
The HomeLink
® Wireless Control System
provides a convenient way to replace up to
three hand-held radio-frequency (RF)
transmitters used to activate devices such
as gate operators, garage door openers,
entry door locks, security systems, even
home lighting. Additional HomeLink
® infor-
mation can be found on the Internet at
www.homelink.com
or by calling 1-800-
355-3515.
Before programming HomeLink
® to a
garage door opener or gate operator,
make sure that people and objects are out
of the way of the device to prevent poten-
tial harm or damage. When programming a
garage door opener, it is advised to park
outside of the garage. Do not use
HomeLink
® with any garage door opener
that lacks safety stop and reverse features
as required by U.S. federal safety stan-dards (this includes any garage door
opener model manufactured before April 1,
1982). A garage door that cannot detect an
object – signaling the door to stop and
reverse – does not meet current U.S. fed-
eral safety standards. For more informa-
tion, contact HomeLink
® at
www.homelink.com
or by calling 1-800-
355-3515.
Retain the original transmitter of the RF
device you are programming for use in
other vehicles as well as for future
HomeLink
® programming. It is also sug-
gested that upon the sale of the vehicle,
the programmed HomeLink
® buttons be
erased for security purposes. Refer to
“Programming HomeLink
®” (step 1) only)
or, for assistance, contact HomeLink
® at
www.homelink.com
or by calling 1-800-
355-3515.
Programming HomeLink
®
NOTE:
Some vehicles may require the ignition
switch to be turned to the second (or
“accessories”) position or the “on” position
for programming and/or operation of
HomeLink
®. It is also recommended that a
new battery be placed in the hand-held
transmitter of the device being pro-
grammed to HomeLink
® for quicker train-
ing and accurate transmission of the radio-
frequency signal. Do not repeat “Program-
ming HomeLink
®” – step 1) to train addi-
tional devices to a second or thirdHomeLink
® button. Begin with “Program-
ming HomeLink
®” – step 2).
66J050
1) Press and hold the two outer
HomeLink
® buttons (buttons one and
three) – releasing only when the indica-
tor light begins to flash (after 20 sec-
onds). Do not hold the buttons for
longer than 30 seconds and do not
repeat step 1) to program a second
and/or third hand-held transmitter to the
remaining two HomeLink
® buttons.
2) Position the end of your hand-held
transmitter 5–14 cm (1–3 inches) away
from the HomeLink
® button you wish to
program while keeping the indicator
light in view.
3) Simultaneously press and hold both the
chosen HomeLink® and hand-held
transmitter buttons. Do not release the
buttons until step 4) has been com-
pleted.
HomeLink:

6-3OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
66J22-03E
Starting a Cold EngineWith your foot off the accelerator pedal,
crank the engine by turning the ignition key
to “START”. Release the key when the
engine starts.
If the engine does not start after 15 sec-
onds of cranking, wait about 15 seconds,
then press down the accelerator pedal to
1/3 of its travel and try cranking the engine
again. Release the key and accelerator
pedal when the engine starts.
If the engine still does not start, try holding
the accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor while cranking. This should clear the
engine if it is flooded.
If you are unable to start the engine using
this procedure, consult your SUZUKI
dealer.
Starting a Warm EngineUse the same procedure as for “Starting a
Cold Engine”.Vehicle With Keyless Start System
63J265
The ignition switch can be operated when
the remote controller is in the vehicle
except the rear luggage area. To turn the
ignition switch, push the switch first.
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 and then turn off to pro-
tect the system. In this case, you must
release the ignition switch once and
push the switch again.
 If the keyless start system red indicator
light illuminates, the remote controller
may not be in the vehicle or the battery
of the remote controller may be unreli-
able.
CAUTION
 Stop turning the starter immedi-
ately after the engine has started or
the starter system can be dam-
aged.
 Do not crank the engine for more
than 15 seconds at a time. If the
engine doesn’t start on the first try,
wait about 15 seconds before try-
ing again.
EXAMPLE
Starting the Engine: 1

6-4
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
66J22-03E
When the remote controller is in the vehi-
cle except the rear luggage area, you can
turn the ignition switch without using an
ignition key.
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.
Engine Block Heater
(if equipped)
65D420
The engine block heater will help you start
the engine more easily in very cold
weather (–18°C (0°F) or below). To use the
engine block heater:
1) Turn off the engine.
2) Open the engine hood.
3) Untie the block heater cord and remove
the block heater plug cap. When the
engine block heater is not in use,
ensure the heater cord is secured to
prevent contact with any moving parts.
4) Using a heavy-duty, three-prong
grounded extension cord, plug the
female end into the block heater socket
and the male end into a normal,
grounded 110-volt AC outlet.NOTE:
Activate the heater at least four hours
before you start the engine. However, as
the heating time varies depending on the
ambient temperature and other factors,
adjust the time by observing the engine
cranking condition.
After using the block heater:
1) Unplug the extension cord and reinstall
the plug cap.
2) Tie the block heater cord back to its
original position.
CAUTION
The remote controller is a sensitive
electronic instrument. To avoid dam-
aging it, do not expose it to impacts,
moisture or high temperature (such
as on the dashboard under direct
sunlight).
WARNING
To avoid serious personal injury
caused by electrical shock or fire:
 Do not plug the cord into a non-
grounded outlet. Only use a prop-
erly grounded three-prong 110-volt
AC outlet.
 Do not use a 2-wire (non-grounded)
extension cord.
 Only use a heavy-duty, three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15
amps.
CAUTION
Secure the block heater cord back to
its original position or to the routed
position. A loose cord could get
caught in the engine accessory drive
belt(s) or other moving parts.
Starting the Engine: 1
Engine Block Heater: 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

6-17OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
66J22-03E
54G140
65D451
WARNING
 On some types of loose surfaces
(such as gravel, snow-covered
roads, etc.), the stopping distance
required for an ABS-equipped vehi-
cle may be slightly greater than for
a comparable vehicle with a con-
ventional brake system. With a
conventional brake system, skid-
ding tires are able to “plow” the
gravel or snow layer, shortening
the stopping distance. ABS mini-
mizes this resistance effect. Allow
for extra stopping distance when
driving on loose surfaces.
 On regular paved roads, some driv-
ers may be able to obtain slightly
shorter stopping distances with
conventional brake systems than
with ABS.
 In both of the above conditions,
ABS will still offer the advantage of
helping you maintain directional
control. However, remember that
ABS will not compensate for bad
road or weather conditions or poor
driver judgment. Use good judg-
ment and do not drive faster than
conditions will safely allow.
WARNING
If the ABS warning light ((1) or (2)) on
the instrument panel comes on and
stays on while driving, there may be a
problem with the ABS system.
If this happens:
1) Pull off the road and stop care-
fully.
2) Turn the ignition switch to “LOCK”
and then start the engine again.
If the warning light comes on briefly
then turns off, the system is normal.
If the warning light still stays on,
have the system inspected by your
SUZUKI dealer immediately. If the
ABS system becomes inoperative,
the brake system will function as an
ordinary brake system that has no
ABS.
or
WARNING
If the ABS warning light ((1) or (2))
and the Brake system warning light
(3) on the instrument panel simulta-
neously stay on or come on when
driving, both anti-lock function and
rear brake force control function
(Proportioning valve function) of the
ABS system may have failed. This
could cause the rear wheels to skid
or the vehicle to spin during braking
on a slippery road or hard braking on
a dry paved road. If both warning
lights come on, drive carefully, avoid-
ing hard braking as much as possi-
ble, and ask your SUZUKI dealer to
inspect the ABS system immediately.
(1) (2)
(3)or
Braking: 6

6-22
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
66J22-03E
WARNING
(Continued)
Accordingly, when the low tire pres-
sure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the
proper pressure.
Driving on a significantly under-
inflated tire causes the tire to over-
heat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel effi-
ciency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver’s responsi-
bility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumi-
nation of the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale.
WARNING
The tire pressure monitoring system
is not a substitute for regular tire
pressure inspections. Check tire
inflation pressures monthly when
cold and set to the recommended
inflation pressure as specified on the
vehicle’s tire information placard and
in the owner’s manual. Refer to
“Tires” in the “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section.
WARNING
If the low tire pressure warning light
does not come on when the ignition
is turned to the “ON” position, or
comes on and blinks while driving
there may be a problem with the tire
pressure monitoring system. Have
your vehicle inspected by an autho-
rized SUZUKI dealer. Even if the light
turns off after blinking, indicating
that the monitoring system has
recovered, make sure to have an
authorized SUZUKI dealer check the
system.
WARNING
The load rating of your tires is
reduced at lower inflation pressures.
If your tires become even moderately
under-inflated, the vehicle load may
exceed the load rating of the tires,
which can lead to tire failure. The low
tire pressure warning light will not
alert you of this condition. The warn-
ing light will only come on when one
or more of your tires become signifi-
cantly under-inflated. Check and
adjust your tire inflation pressure at
least once a month. Refer to “Tires”
in the “INSPECTION AND MAINTE-
NANCE” section.
Catalytic Converter: NO

6-26
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
66J22-03E
54G584S
Improving Fuel EconomyThe following instructions will help you
improve fuel economy.
Avoid excessive idling
If you are to wait for more than a minute
while you are parked, stop the engine and
start it again later. When warming up a
cold engine, allow the engine to idle until
the temperature gauge pointer comes up
to the “C” position. In this position, the
engine is sufficiently warm for starting off.
Avoid “jackrabbit” starts
Fast starts away from lights or stop signs
will consume fuel unnecessarily and
shorten engine life. Start off slowly.
Avoid unnecessary stops
Avoid unnecessary deceleration and stop-
ping. Try to maintain a slow, steady speed
whenever possible. Slowing down and then
accelerating again uses more fuel.
Keep a steady cruising speed
Keep as constant a speed as road and traf-
fic conditions will permit.
CAUTION
To minimize the possibility of catalyst
or other vehicle damage:
 Maintain the engine in the proper
operating condition.
 In the event of an engine malfunc-
tion, particularly one involving
engine misfire or other apparent
loss of performance, have the vehi-
cle serviced promptly.
 Do not shut off the engine or inter-
rupt the ignition when the transmis-
sion is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
 Do not try to start the engine by
pushing or towing the vehicle or
coasting down a hill.
 Do not idle the engine with any
spark plug wires disconnected or
removed, such as during diagnos-
tic testing.
 Do not idle the vehicle for pro-
longed periods if idling seems
rough or there are other malfunc-
tions.
 Do not allow the fuel tank to get
near the empty level.
WARNING
Be careful where you park and drive;
the catalytic converter and other
exhaust components can get very
hot. As with any vehicle, do not park
or operate this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials such as dry
grass or leaves can come in contact
with a hot exhaust system.