2008 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA check engine

0-3
66J22-03E
MODIFICATION WARNING LEAK DETECTION PUMP
NOTE:
Your vehicle has a pump to regularly check
the vehicle’s evaporative emission control
system for leaks. This check is performed
approximately five hours after the engine is
turned off. During this leak check, you may
hear a sound coming from the vehicle for
several minutes. This sound is normal and
does not indicate a malfunction.
WARNING
Do not modify this vehicle. Modifica-
tion could adversely affect safety,
handling, performance or durability
and may violate governmental regula-
tions. In addition, damage or perfor-
mance problems resulting from
modification may not be covered
under warranty.
CAUTION
Improper installation of mobile com-
munication equipment such as cellu-
lar telephones or CB (Citizen’s Band)
radios may cause electronic interfer-
ence with your vehicle’s ignition sys-
tem, resulting in vehicle performance
problems. Consult your SUZUKI
dealer or qualified service technician
for advice on installing such mobile
communication equipment.

3-4
STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS
66J22-03E
64J216
If the gearshift lever can not be shifted out
of “P” (Park) in the normal way, removing
the cover (1) and pushing the release but-
ton using a key or some other flat end
object with the key in the “ON” or “ACC”
position will permit movement of the gear-
shift lever out of “P” (see “If You Can Not
Shift Automatic Transmission Gearshift
Lever Out of “P” (PARK)” in the INDEX).
The gearshift lever can be moved back to
“P” without pushing the release button.
To release the steering lock, insert the key
or use the keyless start system and turn
the ignition switch clockwise to one of the
other positions. If you have trouble turning
the key to unlock the steering, try turning
the steering wheel slightly to the right or
left while turning the key.
(1)
WARNING
 For manual transmission vehicles,
never return the ignition switch to
the “LOCK” position and remove
the ignition key while the vehicle is
moving. The steering wheel will
lock and you will not be able to
steer the vehicle.
 Always carry the ignition key and
the remote controller (if equipped)
when leaving the vehicle even if for
a short time. Also do not leave chil-
dren or pets alone in a parked vehi-
cle. Unattended children could
cause accidental movement of the
vehicle or could tamper with power
windows or a power sunroof. Chil-
dren or pets could also suffer from
heatstroke in warm or hot weather,
which could result in severe injury
or even death.
CAUTION
 Do not turn the starter motor for
more than 15 seconds at a time. If
the engine does not start, wait 15
seconds before trying again. If the
engine does not start after several
attempts, check the fuel and igni-
tion systems or consult your
SUZUKI dealer.
 Do not leave the ignition switch in
the “ON” position if the engine is
not running or the battery will dis-
charge.
Ignition Switch: 8, 10

4-7INSTRUMENT PANEL
66J22-03E
systems (other than ABS) will turn on
automatically and the light will go out.
For details of the ESP
® systems, refer to
“Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®)” in
the “OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE” sec-
tion.
Oil Pressure Light
50G051
This light comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position, and
goes out when the engine is started. The
light will come on and remain on if there is
insufficient oil pressure. If the light comes
on when driving, pull off the road as soon
as you can and stop the engine. Check the
oil level and add oil if necessary. If there is
enough oil, the lubrication system should
be inspected by your SUZUKI dealer
before you drive the vehicle again.
Charging Light
50G052
This light comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position, and
goes out when the engine is started. The
light will come on and remain on if there is
something wrong with the battery charging
system. If the light comes on when the
engine is running, the charging system
should be inspected immediately by your
SUZUKI dealer.
Driver’s Seat Belt Reminder Light
60G049
If the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled when
the ignition switch is turned to the “ON”
position, this light will come on and then
blink. When the light comes on, a buzzer
will also sound intermittently for about 6
seconds. The reminder will repeat several
times under certain conditions until the
driver’s seat belt is buckled. After repeating
several times, the reminder will be can-
celed even if the driver’s seat belt remains
unbuckled.
For details about the seat belt reminder,
refer to “Seat Belts and Child Restraint
Systems” in the “BEFORE DRIVING” sec-
tion.
CAUTION
 If you operate the engine with this
light on, severe engine damage can
result.
 Do not rely on the Oil Pressure
Light to indicate the need to add
oil. Be sure to periodically check
the engine oil level.
WARNING
It is absolutely essential that the
driver and passengers wear their seat
belts at all times. Persons who are
not wearing seat belts have a much
greater risk of injury if an accident
occurs. Make a regular habit of buck-
ling your seat belt before putting the
key in the ignition.
Warning and Indicator Lights: 8

4-8
INSTRUMENT PANEL
66J22-03E
“AIR BAG” Light
63J030
This light monitors inflators, crash sensors,
seat belt pretensioners, the front passen-
ger sensing system, and corresponding
electrical circuits.
This light blinks for several seconds when
the ignition switch is turned to the “ON”
position so you can check if the light is
working. The light will come on and stay on
if there is a problem in the air bag system
or the seat belt pretensioner system.
Malfunction Indicator Light
65D530
Your vehicle has a computer-controlled
emission control system. A malfunction
indicator light is provided on the instrument
panel to indicate when it is necessary to
have the emission control system serviced.
The malfunction indicator light comes on
when the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position to let you know the light is
working and goes out when the engine is
started.
If the malfunction indicator light comes on
or blinks when the engine is running, ser-
vice to the emission control system is nec-
essary. Bring the vehicle to your SUZUKI
dealer to have the emission control system
serviced right away and avoid hard accel-
eration until the service is performed.NOTE:
If the fuel filler cap is not installed fully, the
electrical system gets wet (such as by driv-
ing through a deep puddle of water) or the
fuel tank gets nearly empty, the malfunc-
tion indicator lamp may come on. If so, the
lamp will go off after driving a few times
after the fuel filler cap is installed fully, the
electrical system dries out or the fuel tank
is filled.
Low Fuel Warning Light
54G343
If this light comes on, fill the fuel tank
immediately.
NOTE:
The activation point of this light varies
depending on road conditions (for exam-
ple, slope or curve) and driving conditions
because of fuel moving in the tank.
WARNING
If the “AIR BAG” light does not blink
when the ignition switch is turned to
the “ON” position or stays on or
comes on when driving, the air bag
system or the seat belt pretensioner
system (if equipped) may not work
properly. Have both systems
inspected by an authorized SUZUKI
dealer.
CAUTION
Continuing to drive the vehicle when
the malfunction indicator light is on
or blinking can cause permanent
damage to the vehicle’s emission
control system, and can affect fuel
economy and driveability.
Warning and Indicator Lights: 8

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

OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
6
66J22-03E
60G408
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLEExhaust Gas Warning ......................................................... 6-1
Daily Inspection Checklist .................................................. 6-2
Starting the Engine ............................................................. 6-2
Engine Block Heater (if equipped) ..................................... 6-4
Using the Transmission ..................................................... 6-5
Using the Transfer Switch (if equipped) ........................... 6-7
Braking ................................................................................. 6-15
Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) ................................. 6-18
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
(if equipped) ......................................................................... 6-21
Break-In ................................................................................ 6-25
Catalytic Converter ............................................................. 6-25
Improving Fuel Economy ................................................... 6-26

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

6-18
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