2012 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA gears

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.

5-2
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
79K21-03E
Side outlet
63J045
When “Open”, air comes out from the side
outlets regardless of the air flow selector
position.
Description of Controls
79K020
(1) Temperature selector
(2) Blower speed selector
(3) Air intake selector
(4) Air flow selector
(5) Defrost switch
(6) “OFF” switch
(7) “AUTO” switch
(8) Air conditioning switch
(9) LCD display
(1)(6)
(7)
(3)
(9)
(8)
(2)
(5)
(4)
Pedals: 6
Gearshift Lever: 10

5-3OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
79K21-03E
Temperature selector (1)
78K047
Turn the temperature selector (1) to adjust
the temperature.Air conditioning switch (8)
79K021
The air conditioning switch (8) is used to
turn on and off the air conditioning system.
To turn on the air conditioning system,
push in the switch and “A/C” will appear on
the LCD display. To turn off the air condi-
tioning system, push in the switch again
and “A/C” will go off. Blower speed selector (2)
78K048
The blower speed selector (2) is used to
turn on the blower and to select blower
speed.
If the “AUTO” switch (7) is pushed, the
blower speed will vary automatically as the
climate control system maintains the
selected temperature.
(1)
(8)
A/C: OFF A/C: ON
(2)
Gearshift Lever: 10
Fuel Filler Cap: 5

7-19INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
Front differential
79K133
Rear differential
79K134
(1) Oil filler and level plug
(2) Oil drain plug
Gear Oil Level CheckThe manual transmission, transfer gears,
extension case and differentials (front and
rear) are lubricated with gear oil. To check
the gear oil level in any of the above loca-
tions, use the following procedure:
1) Park the vehicle on a level surface. Set
parking brake and stop the engine.
2) Remove the oil filler plug (1).
3) Check the inside of the hole with your
finger. If the oil level comes up to the
bottom of the plug hole, the oil level is
correct. If so, reinstall the plug.
4) If the oil level is low, add gear oil
through the filler plug hole (1) until the
oil level reaches the bottom of the filler
hole, then reinstall the plug.
Gear Oil ReplacementTo change the gear oil in the manual trans-
mission, transfer case, extension case or
differential(s), use the following procedure:
1) Remove the oil filler plug (1).
2) Remove the drain plug (2), drain the oil
and reinstall the drain plug.
3) Pour new gear oil of the specified type
through the filler hole until the oil level
reaches the bottom of the filler hole.
4) Reinstall the filler plug.
(1)
(2)
(1)
(2)
WARNING
After driving the vehicle, gear oil tem-
perature may be high enough to burn
you. Wait until the oil filler plug is
cool enough to touch with your bare
hands before inspecting or replacing
gear oil.
CAUTION
When tightening these plugs, apply
sealing compound “SUZUKI Bond
No. 1217G” or equivalent to the plug
threads to prevent oil leakage and
tighten them to the specified torque
shown below.
Spark Plugs: 1, 2
Brakes: 6

7-21INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
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.
60A205
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.
EXAMPLE
or
FULL HOT
LOW HOT
CAUTION
After checking or adding oil, be sure
to insert the dipstick securely.
Brakes: 6

8-6
EMERGENCY SERVICE
79K21-03E
64J196
Snow TiresYour vehicle is equipped with all-season
tires which are designed for use in summer
and most winter conditions. For improved
traction in severe winter conditions,
SUZUKI recommends mounting radial
snow tires on all four wheels. Snow tires
must be the same size as the standard
tires. Also be sure to use the tires of the
same type and brand on all four wheels of
your vehicle.
CAUTION
To avoid the removal of the spare
wheel full cover while driving, be
sure to fit the claws (3) of the outer
cover of the spare wheel full cover to
each hole (4) of the inner cover of the
spare wheel full cover.
(3)
(4)
WARNING
Vehicle equipped with P225/65R17
tires have a spare wheel and tire that
are a different size than the wheels
and tires on the vehicle. The spare
wheel and tire on these vehicles are
intended for temporary emergency
use only. The wheel is painted yellow
to remind you that the wheel and tire
are for temporary use only. Continu-
ous use of this spare can result in tire
failure and loss of control. Always
observe these precautions when
using this spare:
 Be aware that your vehicle will han-
dle differently with this temporary
spare.
 Do not exceed 80 km/h (50 mph)
speed.
 Replace the temporary spare with a
standard tire and wheel as soon as
possible.
 Do not operate your vehicle in “4H
LOCK” or “4L LOCK” with this tem-
porary spare.
 Do not use tire chains on the spare
tire. If you must use tire chains,
rearrange the wheels so standard
tires and wheels are fitted to the
rear axle.
(Continued)
WARNING
(Continued)
 Replace the spare tire with a new
one as soon as the tread wear indi-
cator appears.
 When replacing the spare tire, use
a replacement tire with the exact
same size and construction.
If the Engine Overheats: 2, 9
If You Cannot Shift Automatic Transmission Gearshift Le-
ver Out of “P” (PARK): 2, 9

13-3
INDEX79K21-03E
If the Engine Overheats
......................................................8-9
If the Starter Does Not Operate
..........................................8-8
If You Cannot Shift Automatic Transmission Gearshift
Lever Out of “P” (PARK)
.....................................................3-15
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck ..................................................4-6
Ignition Key Reminder
........................................................2-1
Ignition Switch
.....................................................................3-3
Illumination Indicator Light
................................................2-64
Important Vehicle Design Features To Know
...................4-1
Improving Fuel Economy
....................................................4-3
Information Display
.............................................................2-67
Inside Rearview Mirror ........................................................2-17
Installation with Lap-Shoulder Seat Belts
(Child Restraint with No Top Strap)
...................................2-35
Installation with the LATCH System ..................................2-38
Installation-Child Restraint with Top Strap
.......................2-40
Instrument Cluster
...............................................................2-54
Interior Light Switch ............................................................5-64
JJacking Instructions
............................................................8-2
Jump Starting Instructions
.................................................8-7
KKeyless Entry System Transmitter (Type B)
.....................2-11
Keyless Start System Indicator Light
................................2-63
Keyless Start System Remote Controller (Type A)
..........2-5
Keyless Start System Remote Controller/
Keyless Entry System Transmitter
....................................2-4
Keys
......................................................................................2-1
LLap-Shoulder Belt
................................................................2-28
Lighting Control Lever
........................................................2-75Lighting Operation
.............................................................. 2-76
Lights “On” reminder ......................................................... 2-78
Listening to a CD
.......................................................5-15
, 5-42
Listening to a CD from an External CD Changer
(Option)
.......................................................................5-28
, 5-54
Listening to a XM Satellite Radio (Option)
..............5-25
, 5-51
Listening to Audio for AUX (Option)
.............. 5-27
, 5-49
, 5-53
Listening to the Radio
...............................................5-13
, 5-40
Low Fuel Warning Light
..................................................... 2-62
Low Tire Pressure Warning Light
.............................2-55
, 3-38
Luggage Compartment Cover
........................................... 5-74
Luggage Compartment Light ............................................. 5-65
Luggage Restraint Loops
................................................... 5-78
MMaintenance Recommended under Severe Driving
Conditions
........................................................................... 7-7
Maintenance Schedule
....................................................... 7-2
Malfunction Indicator Light
................................................ 2-61
Manual Transmission
......................................................... 3-11
Master Warning Indicator Light
......................................... 2-64
Mirrors
.................................................................................. 2-17
NNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA)
............................................................................... 10-4
OOdometer
............................................................................. 2-70
Off-Road Driving
................................................................. 4-6
Oil Level Check ................................................................... 7-10
Oil Pressure Light ............................................................... 2-60
On-Board Vehicle Computers and Event Data
Recorders
............................................................................ 10-3