2009 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA ignition

3-36
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
NOTE:
You may hear a sound coming from the
engine when the hill descent control sys-
tem is activated. This sound is normal and
does not indicate a malfunction.Hill descent control Indicator Light
79K050
When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position, this light comes on briefly so
you can check that the light is working.
When you push the hill descent control
switch and the hill descent control operat-
ing conditions are fulfilled, the hill descent
control indicator comes on. If the hill
descent control indicator blinks, the hill
descent control will not be activated.
NOTE:
If the hill descent control indicator blinks
when you push the hill descent control
switch, following conditions may not be ful-
filled.
 The transfer switch is in the “4H LOCK”
or “4L LOCK” position
 The gearshift lever is in a forward gear
or reverse gear
 The vehicle speed is under 25 km/h (15
mph)
 The brake system is under normal oper-
ating temperatureNOTE:
If any of the following conditions occur,
there may be a problem with the hill
descent control system or the ESP
® sys-
tem. Have your vehicle inspected by an
authorized SUZUKI dealer.
 The hill descent control indicator does
not come on or blink when you push the
hill descent control switch.
 The hill descent control indicator stays
on when driving without pushing the hill
descent control switch.79K072
If the message shown in the above illustra-
tion appears on the information display,
there may be a problem with the hill
descent control system and the hill hold
control system. Have your vehicle
inspected by an authorized SUZUKI
dealer.
NOTE:
You cannot activate the hill descent control
system while this message is displayed.
CAUTION
 When the hill descent control sys-
tem is used continuously for a long
time, the temperature of the brake
system may increase and the hill
descent control system may be
deactivated temporarily to protect
the device of the brake system. The
hill descent control indicator blinks
to let you know the system is deac-
tivated. Depress the brake pedal
and stop the vehicle in a safe place.
When the temperature of the brake
system goes down, the hill descent
control indicator will come on and
the system is activated again.
 The hill descent control system
may be activated when the gear-
shift lever is in the “N” (Neutral)
position, but engine braking will
not work. Always use the hill
descent control system with the
gearshift lever in a forward gear or
reverse gear.

3-39OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
The low tire pressure warning light can
come on due to normal causes such as
natural air leaks and pressure changes
caused by changes in temperature or
atmospheric pressure. Adjusting the air
pressure in the tires to the pressure shown
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.
WARNING
If the low tire pressure warning light
comes on and stays on, reduce your
speed and avoid abrupt steering and
braking. Stop in a safe place as soon
as possible and check your tires.
 If you have a flat tire, replace it with
the spare tire. Refer to “Jacking
Instructions” in the “EMERGENCY
SERVICE” section. Refer to
“Replacing Tires and/or Wheels”
for instructions on how to restore
normal operation of the tire pres-
sure monitoring system after you
have had a flat tire.
 If one or more of your tires is
under-inflated adjust the inflation
pressure in all of your tires to the
recommended inflation pressure as
soon as possible.
Be aware that driving on a signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire can cause
the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure, and may affect steering
control and brake effectiveness. This
could lead to an accident, resulting in
severe injury or death.

4-3DRIVING TIPS
79K21-03E
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.
On-Pavement Driving: NO
Off-Road 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.

5-33OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
79K21-03E
66J121
2) Press the power on/off knob (1) while
pressing and holding the track up but-
ton (2). The “DELETE 0000” will blink
and the audio system will enter the can-
cel mode.
66J124
3) Input your PIN. The power of the audio
system will turn off and your PIN will be
deleted.
To change your PIN, first delete your
current PIN, then set a new one.
Confirming Your Personal Identifi-
cation Number (PIN)When the main power source is discon-
nected such as when you exchange your
battery, etc, you will have to confirm your
PIN to be able to use the audio system.
To confirm your PIN:
66J122
1) Turn the ignition switch to the “ACC”
position.
66J125
2) Input your PIN.
If the PIN that you input matches theregistered PIN, the power of the audio
system will turn off, and you will be able
to operate the audio system.
NOTE:
 If you input your PIN incorrectly, “----” will
be displayed and the anti-theft function
lock mode is entered. If you enter an
incorrect PIN fewer than 6 times, the
locking time will be for 15 seconds; if you
enter an incorrect PIN more than 6
times, the locking time will be for 15 min-
utes.
 If you forget your PIN and enter a wrong
PIN, you cannot perform any further
operation.
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE

5-59OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
79K21-03E
66J121
2) Press the power on/off knob (1) while
pressing and holding the track up but-
ton (2). The “DELETE 0000” will blink
and the audio system will enter the can-
cel mode.
66J124
3) Input your PIN. The power of the audio
system will turn off and your PIN will be
deleted.
To change your PIN, first delete your
current PIN, then set a new one.
Confirming Your Personal Identifi-
cation Number (PIN)When the main power source is discon-
nected such as when you exchange your
battery, etc, you will have to confirm your
PIN to be able to use the audio system.
To confirm your PIN:
66J122
1) Turn the ignition switch to the “ACC”
position.
66J125
2) Input your PIN.
If the PIN that you input matches theregistered PIN, the power of the audio
system will turn off, and you will be able
to operate the audio system.
NOTE:
 If you input your PIN incorrectly, “----” will
be displayed and the anti-theft function
lock mode is entered. If you enter an
incorrect PIN fewer than 6 times, the
locking time will be for 15 seconds; if you
enter an incorrect PIN more than 6
times, the locking time will be for 15 min-
utes.
 If you forget your PIN and enter a wrong
PIN, you cannot perform any further
operation.
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE

5-65OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
79K21-03E
ON (1)
The light comes on and stays on regard-
less of whether the door is open or closed.
DOOR (2)
The light comes on when the door is
opened.
After closing all doors (including the tail-
gate), the light will remain on for about 15
seconds and then fade out. If you push in
the ignition switch or insert the key during
this time, the light will start to fade out
immediately.
After removing the key from the ignition
switch, the light will turn on for about 15
seconds and then fade out.
OFF (3)
The light remains off even when the door is
opened.
78K146
NOTE:
The number of doors involved in the light-
ing operation of the interior light depends
on the vehicle specification. If there is a
switch (rubber projection) at the door
opening as shown, the door is involved in
the lighting operation.
Luggage Compartment Light
66J047
The luggage compartment light is located
at the left side of the rear luggage com-
partment.
When you open any of the doors including
the tailgate with the luggage compartment
light switch in the “DOOR” position (1), the
light comes on and remains on as long as
you keep the door open.
After closing all doors, the light will remain
on for about 15 seconds and then fade out.
If you push in the ignition switch or insert
the key during this time, the light will start
to fade out immediately.
After removing the key from the ignition
switch, the light will turn on for about 15
seconds and then fade out.
When the luggage compartment light
switch is in the “OFF” position (2), the light
EXAMPLE
(1)(2)

5-67OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
79K21-03E
The accessory socket will work when the
ignition switch is in the “ACC” or “ON” posi-
tion.
12-volt accessory sockets are located both
on the center console and on the left side
of the luggage compartment.
Depending on the specification, there are
two sockets on the center console.
Each socket can be used to provide 12
volt/120 watt power for electrical accesso-
ries when used alone. Make sure that the
cap remains on the socket when the socket
is not in use.
Cigarette Lighter and Ashtray
(if equipped)Cigarette Lighter
78K139
The cigarette lighter will work when the
ignition switch is in the “ACC” or “ON” posi-
tion.
To use the cigarette lighter, push it all the
way into the receptacle and release it. It
will automatically heat up and will pop out
to its normal position when it is ready for
use.
CAUTION
 To prevent the fuse from being
blown, when using sockets at the
same time, do not exceed the total
combined power capacity of 120
watts.
 Use of inappropriate electrical
accessories can cause damage to
your vehicle’s electrical system.
Make sure that any electrical acces-
sories you use are designed to
plug into this type of socket.
EXAMPLE
CAUTION
 To avoid damage to the cigarette
lighter socket, do not use it as
other accessories’ power source.
Some accessories’ power plug can
damage the inner mechanism of
the cigarette lighter socket.
 Holding the cigarette lighter in can
overheat and damage the lighter.
Release the lighter after you push it
in.