2009 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA heating

4-2
DRIVING TIPS
79K21-03E
Shorter Wheelbase
Along with its higher ground clearance,
your vehicle has a shorter wheelbase and
shorter front and rear overhangs than
many passenger cars. These features
combine to allow you to drive your vehicle
over hillcrests without hanging up on them
or damaging the frame and chassis com-
ponents. The shorter wheelbase also
makes the steering of your vehicle more
responsive than that of vehicles with longer
wheelbases.
Narrower Body Width and Track
Your vehicle is narrower than the average
passenger car so that it can pass through
tight spaces.
Without the essential characteristics
described above: higher ground clearance,
shorter wheelbase and narrower body
width and track – your vehicle could not
provide you with excellent off road driving
performance. However, it is also true that
on-pavement driving, handling and steer-
ing will be different from what drivers expe-
rience with a conventional passenger car.
Break-In Catalytic Converter
54G236
The purpose of the catalytic converter is to
minimize the amount of harmful pollutants
in your vehicle’s exhaust. Use of leaded
fuel in vehicles equipped with catalytic
converters is prohibited by federal law,
because lead deactivates the pollutant-
reducing components of the catalyst sys-
tem.
The converter is designed to last the life of
the vehicle under normal usage and when
unleaded fuel is used. No special mainte-
nance is required on the converter. How-
ever, it is very important to keep the engine
properly tuned. Engine misfiring, which
can result from an improperly tuned
engine, may cause overheating of the cat-
alyst. This may result in permanent heat
damage to the catalyst and other vehicle
components.
CAUTION
The future performance and reliabil-
ity of the engine depends on the care
and restraint exercised during its
early life. It is especially important to
observe the following precautions
during the initial 960 km (600 miles)
of vehicle operation.
 After starting, do not race the
engine. Warm it up gradually.
 Avoid prolonged vehicle operation
at a constant speed. Moving parts
will break in better if you vary your
speed.
 Start off from a stop slowly. Avoid
full throttle starts.
 Avoid hard stopping, especially
during the first 320 km (200 miles)
of driving.
 Do not drive slowly with the trans-
mission in a high gear.
 Drive the vehicle at moderate
engine speeds.
 Do not tow a trailer during the first
960 km (600 miles) of vehicle oper-
ation.
EXAMPLE
Important Vehicle Design Features To Know: NO
On-Pavement Driving: NO

4-7DRIVING TIPS
79K21-03E
Tire ChainsTire chains should only be used if they are
needed to increase traction or are required
by law. Make sure that the chains you use
are small-link chains or cable-type chains
and are the correct size for your vehicle’s
tires. Also make sure that there is enough
clearance between the fenders and the
chains as installed on the tires.
Install the chains on the rear tires tightly,
according to the chain manufacturer’s
instructions. Retighten the chains after
driving about 1.0 km (1/2 mile) if neces-
sary. With the chains installed, drive slowly.Do not drive through deep or rushing
water
Driving in deep or rushing water can be
hazardous. You could lose control of the
vehicle and the occupants could drown.
Also, your vehicle could be seriously dam-
aged. To avoid these risks, observe the fol-
lowing instructions and precautions.
 Do not drive through deep or rushing
water. Deep or rushing water, such as
fast-moving streams or floodwaters,
could carry your vehicle away from your
intended path. The water is too deep if it
covers your wheel hubs, axles or
exhaust tailpipe. Know the depth of the
water before you attempt to drive
through it.
 If water blocks the tailpipe, the engine
may not start or run. If the water is deep
enough to get drawn into the engine
intake system, the engine will be badly
damaged.
 Submerged brakes will have poor brak-
ing performance. Drive slowly and care-
fully. Driving slowly will also help avoid
water splashing onto the ignition system,
which could cause the engine to stall.
 Even when driving through shallow or
still waters, drive carefully since the
water may be hiding ground hazards
such as holes, ditches or bumps.
WARNING
 Do not allow anyone to stand near
the vehicle when you are rocking it,
and do not spin the wheels faster
than an indicated 40 km/h (25 mph)
on the speedometer. Personal
injury and/or vehicle damage may
result from spinning the wheels too
fast.
 Be sure to turn the transfer switch
from “4H” to “4H LOCK” or “4L
LOCK” when the tires slip in “4H”.
The continuing tires slip in “4H”
can cause the limited slip differen-
tial gear damage in the center dif-
ferential.
CAUTION
Release the accelerator pedal when
operating the gearshift lever. Operat-
ing the lever with the engine racing
can damage the gears.
CAUTION
Do not continue rocking the vehicle
for more than a few minutes. Pro-
longed rocking can cause engine
overheating, transmission or trans-
fer case damage or tire damage.
CAUTION
If you hear the chains hitting against
the vehicle body while driving, stop
and tighten them.

OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
5
79K21-03E
60G407
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTAutomatic Heating and Air Conditioning System
(Climate Control) ................................................................. 5-1
Radio Antenna ..................................................................... 5-8
Audio Systems (Type A) ..................................................... 5-8
Audio Systems (Type B) ..................................................... 5-36
Fuel Filler Cap ..................................................................... 5-62
Engine Hood ........................................................................ 5-63
Sun Visor ............................................................................. 5-64
Interior Light Switch ........................................................... 5-64
Luggage Compartment Light ............................................. 5-65
Spot Light ............................................................................ 5-66
Accessory Socket (if equipped) ......................................... 5-66
Cigarette Lighter and Ashtray (if equipped) ..................... 5-67
Sunroof (if equipped) .......................................................... 5-68
Assist Grips (if equipped) .................................................. 5-70
Coat Hooks (if equipped) .................................................... 5-70
Glove Box ............................................................................ 5-71
Overhead Console Box (if equipped) ................................ 5-71
Cup Holder and Storage Bin (if equipped) ........................ 5-72
Front Seat Back Pocket (if equipped) ............................... 5-73
Shopping Hook (if equipped) ............................................. 5-73
Armrest ................................................................................ 5-73
Floor Mats (if equipped) ..................................................... 5-74
Luggage Compartment Cover ............................................ 5-74
Underfloor Bins (if equipped) ............................................ 5-77
Luggage Restraint Loops (if equipped) ............................ 5-78
Roof Rails or Roof Rack Anchors (if equipped) ............... 5-78
HomeLink® (if equipped) .................................................... 5-80
Frame Hooks ....................................................................... 5-83

5-1OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
79K21-03E
Automatic Heating and Air Conditioning System
(Climate Control)Air Outlet
66J250
1
1
2
2
3 3
5 5
5 54
EXAMPLE
1. Windshield defroster outlet
2. Side defroster outlet
3. Side outlet
4. Center outlet
5. Floor outlet
Center outlet
64J199
CloseOpen
EXAMPLE
Parking Brake Lever: 6
Pedals: 6

5-6
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
79K21-03E
Defrost
66J241
Temperature-controlled air comes out of
the windshield defroster outlets, the side
defroster outlets and the side outlets.
NOTE:
When the defrost switch (5) is pushed to
turn on the defroster, the air conditioning
system will come on and the “FRESH AIR”
mode will be selected automatically. In
very cold weather, however, the air condi-
tioning system will not turn on.
System Operating InstructionsAutomatic operation
78K051
You can let the climate control system work
automatically. To set the system for fully-
automatic operation, follow the procedure
below.
1) Start the engine.
2) Push the “AUTO” switch (7).
3) Set the desired temperature by turning
the temperature selector (1).
The blower speed, air intake and air flow
are controlled automatically to maintain the
set temperature.
You can use the air conditioning switch (8)
to manually turn the air conditioner on or
off according to your preference. When
you turn the air conditioning switch off, the
climate control system cannot lower theinside temperature below outside tempera-
ture.
To turn the climate control system off, push
the “OFF” switch (6).
NOTE:
If the “AUTO” on the LCD display blinks,
there is a problem in the heating system
and/or air conditioning system. You should
have the system inspected by an autho-
rized SUZUKI dealer.
NOTE:
 To find the temperature at which you are
most comfortable, start with the 22°C
(72°F) setting.
 If you turn the temperature selector (1)
until “HI” or “LO” appears on the LCD
display, the climate control system will
operate at the maximum cooling or heat-
ing and the blower will run at full speed.
 To avoid blowing cold air in cold weather
or hot air in hot weather, the system will
delay turning on the blower until warmed
or chilled air is available.
 If your vehicle has been left in the sun
with the windows closed, it will cool
faster if you open the windows briefly.
 Even under the automatic operation, you
can set individual selectors to the man-
ual mode. The manually selected func-
tions are maintained, and the other
functions remain under automatic opera-
tion.
(7)
(6)
Folding Seats: 14

5-82
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
79K21-03E
Gate Operator / Canadian Program-
mingCanadian radio-frequency laws require
transmitter signals to “time-out” (or quit)
after several seconds of transmission –
which may not be long enough for
HomeLink
® to pick up the signal during
programming. Similar to this Canadian law,
some U.S. gate operators are designed to
“time-out” in the same manner.
If you live in Canada or you are having diffi-
culties programming a gate operator by
using the Programming procedures
(regardless of where you live), replace
“Programming HomeLink
®” step 3) with
the following:
NOTE:
If programming a garage door opener or
gate operator, it is advised to unplug the
device during the “cycling” process to pre-
vent possible overheating.
3) Continue to press and hold the
HomeLink
® button while you press and
release – every two seconds (“cycle”)
your hand-held transmitter until the fre-
quency signal has successfully been
accepted by HomeLink
®. (The indicator
light will flash slowly and then rapidly.)
Proceed with “Programming HomeLink
®”
step 4) to complete.
Using HomeLink
®
To operate, simply press and release the
programmed HomeLink
® button. Activation
will now occur for the trained device (i.e.
garage door opener, gate operator, secu-
rity system, entry door lock, home/office
lighting, etc.). For convenience, the hand-
held transmitter of the device may also be
used at any time. In the event that there
are still programming difficulties or ques-
tions, contact HomeLink
® at
www.homelink.com
or 1-800-355-3515.
Erasing HomeLink
® Buttons
To erase programming from the three but-
tons (individual buttons cannot be erased
but can be “reprogrammed” as outlined
below), follow the step noted:
Press and hold the two outer HomeLink
®
buttons until the indicator light begins to
flash-after 20 seconds. Release both but-
tons. Do not hold for longer that 30 sec-
onds. HomeLink
® is now in the train (or
learning) mode and can be programmed at
any time beginning with “Programming
HomeLink
®” – step 2).
Reprogramming a Single
HomeLink
® Button
To program a device to HomeLink
® using a
HomeLink
® button previously trained, fol-
low these steps:
1) Press and hold the desired HomeLink
®
button. DO NOT release the button.
2) The indicator light will begin to flash
after 20 seconds. Without releasing the
HomeLink
® button, proceed with “Pro-
gramming HomeLink
®” – step 2).
For questions or comments, contact
HomeLink
® at www.homelink.com
or 1-
800-355-3515.

6-2
VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
79K21-03E
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

6-6
VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
79K21-03E
60A186
WARNING
(Continued)
 Avoid “riding” the brakes. “Riding”
the brakes could cause the brakes
to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency. Use engine
braking as much as possible.
 Because of the added trailer
weight, your engine may overheat
on hot days when going up long or
steep hills. Pay attention to your
engine temperature gauge. If it indi-
cates overheating, pull off the road
and stop in a safe place. Refer to
the “If the Engine Overheats” in
“EMERGENCY SERVICE” section
for details on how to proceed.
WARNING
When parking your vehicle and con-
nected trailer, always use the follow-
ing procedure:
1) Apply the vehicle’s brakes firmly.
2) Have another person place wheel
chocks under the wheels of the
vehicle and the trailer while you
are holding the brakes.
3) Slowly release the brakes until the
wheel chocks absorb the load.
4) Fully engage the parking brake.
5) Manual transmission – turn off the
engine, then shift into reverse or
first gear.
Automatic transmission – shift
into “P” (Park) and turn off the
engine.
(Continued)
WARNING
(Continued)
6) If you have a 4-wheel drive vehi-
cle, make sure the transfer switch
is not in “N” (Neutral).
When starting out after parking:
1) Push in the clutch (if equipped)
and start the engine.
2) Depress the brake pedal, shift into
gear, release the parking brake
and slowly pull away from the
chocks.
3) Stop, apply the brakes firmly and
hold the brakes while you have
another person remove the
chocks.
Trailer Towing: 5, 11, 13