2012 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA F1 main

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

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
7
79K21-03E
60G410
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCEMaintenance Schedule ....................................................... 7-2
Periodic Maintenance Schedule ........................................ 7-3
Maintenance Recommended under Severe Driving
Conditions ........................................................................... 7-7
Drive Belt ............................................................................. 7-9
Engine Oil and Filter ........................................................... 7-10
Engine Coolant .................................................................... 7-13
Air Cleaner ........................................................................... 7-16
Spark Plugs ......................................................................... 7-16
Gear Oil ................................................................................ 7-17
Clutch Pedal ........................................................................ 7-20
Automatic Transmission Fluid ........................................... 7-20
Brakes .................................................................................. 7-22
Steering Wheel .................................................................... 7-24
Tires ...................................................................................... 7-25
Battery .................................................................................. 7-36
Fuses .................................................................................... 7-36
Headlight Aiming ................................................................. 7-39
Bulb Replacement ............................................................... 7-40
Wiper Blades ....................................................................... 7-46
Windshield Washer Fluid ................................................... 7-49
Air Conditioning System .................................................... 7-49

7-1INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
60A187S
WARNING
You should take extreme care when
working on your vehicle to prevent
accidental injury. Here are a few pre-
cautions that you should be espe-
cially careful to observe:
 To prevent damage or unintended
inflation of the air bag system, be
sure the battery is disconnected
and the ignition switch has been in
the “LOCK” position for at least 90
seconds before performing any
electrical service work on your
SUZUKI. Do not touch air bag sys-
tem components or wires. The
wires are wrapped with yellow tape
or yellow tubing, and the couplers
are yellow for easy identification.
(Continued)
WARNING
(Continued)
 Do not leave the engine running in
garages or other confined areas.
 When the engine is running, keep
hands, clothing, tools and other
objects away from the moving fan
and fan belt.
 When it is necessary to do service
work with the engine running, make
sure that the parking brake is set
fully and the transmission is in
Neutral (for manual transmission
vehicles) or Park (for automatic
transmission vehicles).
 Do not touch ignition wires or other
ignition system parts when starting
the engine or when the engine is
running, or you could receive an
electric shock.
 Be careful not to touch a hot
engine, exhaust manifold and
pipes, muffler, radiator and water
hoses.
 Do not allow smoking, sparks or
flames around fuel or the battery.
Flammable fumes are present.
 Do not get under your vehicle if it is
supported only with the portable
jack provided in your vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING
(Continued)
 Be careful not to cause accidental
short circuits between the positive
and negative battery terminals.
 Keep used oil, engine coolant and
other fluids away from children and
pets. Dispose of used fluids prop-
erly; never pour them on the
ground, into sewers, etc.

7-2
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
NOTICE (for U.S.A.)
Maintenance, replacement or repair of
the emission control devices and sys-
tems may be performed by any automo-
bile repair establishment or individual
using any part which has been certified
under the provisions in the Clean Air
Act sec. 207. (a) (2).
Maintenance ScheduleThe following table shows the times when
you should perform regular maintenance
on your vehicle. This table shows in miles,
kilometers and months when you should
perform inspections, adjustments, lubrica-
tion and other services. These intervals
should be shortened if driving is usually
done under severe conditions (refer to
“Maintenance Recommended Under
Severe Driving Conditions”).
WARNING
SUZUKI recommends that mainte-
nance on items marked with an aster-
isk (*) be performed by your
authorized SUZUKI dealer or a quali-
fied service technician. If you are
qualified, you may perform mainte-
nance on the unmarked items by
referring to the instructions in this
section. If you are not sure whether
you can successfully complete any of
the unmarked maintenance jobs, ask
your authorized SUZUKI dealer to do
the maintenance for you.
CAUTION
Whenever it becomes necessary to
replace parts on your vehicle, it is
recommended that you use genuine
SUZUKI replacement parts or their
equivalent.
WARNING
The shock absorbers are filled with
high pressure gas. Never attempt to
disassemble them or throw them into
a fire. Avoid storing them near a
heater or heating device. When
scrapping the absorber, the gas must
be released from the absorber safely.
Ask your dealer for assistance.
Maintenance Schedule: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10

7-3INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
Periodic Maintenance ScheduleR: Replace or change
I : Inspect, clean, adjust, lubricate or replace as necessary
#2: Be sure to perform the engine coolant level check under the daily inspection in “OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE” section.
If you replace the engine coolant other than the SUZUKI LLC: Super (Blue), follow the schedule of SUZUKI LLC: Standard (Green).Interval: This interval should be judged by
odometer reading or months, whichever comes
first.miles (x 1000) 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60 67.5 75
km (x 1000) 12.5 25 37.5 50 62.5 75 87.5 100 112.5 125
months 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60 67.5 75ENGINE & EMISSION CONTROL
1. Drive belt
Inspect for damage
–
–
–
I
–
–
–
I
–
–
*2. Valve lash (clearance) (for 2.4 L engine) – – – – – – – I – –
3.Engine oil and oil filter
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
*4. Cooling system hoses and connections – – – I – – – I – –
5.Engine coolant
SUZUKI LLC: Standard (Green)
–
–
–
R
–
–
–
R
–
–
SUZUKI LLC: Super (Blue) (#2) First time only: Replace at 150000 km (90000 miles) or 90 months
Second time and after: Replace every 75000 km (45000 miles) or 45 months
*6. Exhaust pipes and mountings – – – I – – – I&(R) – –
*7.
EVAP canister
Replace every 250000 km (150000 miles) or 180 months
*8. Emission-related hoses & tubes – – – – – – – I – –
9.Spark plugs
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
R
–
–
*10. Ignition coil (Plug cap) – – – I – – – I – –
*11.
Fuel tank & cap
–
–
–
I
–
–
–
I
–
–
12. Air cleaner filter element – – – R – – – R – –
*13.
Fuel filter
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
*14. Fuel lines and connections – – – I – – – I – –
*15.
Canister air suction filter
Replace every 250000 km (150000 miles) or 180 months
Periodic Maintenance Schedule: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10

7-4
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
R: Replace or change
I : Inspect, clean, adjust, lubricate or replace as necessary
#1: Inspect at 250000 km (150000 miles) or 180 months.
#2: Be sure to perform the engine coolant level check under the daily inspection in “OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE” section.
If you replace the engine coolant other than the SUZUKI LLC: Super (Blue), follow the schedule of SUZUKI LLC: Standard (Green).
NOTE:
The maintenance services enclosed with rectangle are recommended maintenance items.
Item 6 (R) is applicable to the exhaust mounting rubber only.Interval: This interval should be judged by
odometer reading or months, whichever comes
first.miles (x 1000) 82.5 90 97.5 105 112.5 120 127.5 135 142.5 150
km (x 1000) 137.5 150 162.5 175 187.5 200 212.5 225 237.5 250
months 82.5 90 97.5 105 112.5 120 127.5 135 142.5 150ENGINE & EMISSION CONTROL
1. Drive beltInspect for damage
–
I
–
–
–
I
–
–
–
I
*2. Valve lash (clearance) (for 2.4 L engine) – – – – – I – – – –3.Engine oil and oil filter
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
*4. Cooling system hoses and connections – I – – – I – – – I5.Engine coolant
SUZUKI LLC: Standard (Green)
–
R
–
–
–
R
–
–
–
R
SUZUKI LLC: Super (Blue) (#2) First time only: Replace at 150000 km (90000 miles) or 90 months
Second time and after: Replace every 75000 km (45000 miles) or 45 months
*6. Exhaust pipes and mountings – I – – – I&(R) – – – I
*7.
EVAP canister
Replace every 250000 km (150000 miles) or 180 months
*8. Emission-related hoses & tubes – – – – – I – – – I9.Spark plugs
–
–
–
–
–
R
–
–
–
–
*10. Ignition coil (Plug cap) – I – – – I – – – I*11.
Fuel tank & cap
–
I
–
–
–
I
–
–
–
I (#1)
12. Air cleaner filter element – R – – – R – – – R*13.
Fuel filter
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
R
*14. Fuel lines and connections – I – – – I – – – I (#1)*15.
Canister air suction filter
Replace every 250000 km (150000 miles) or 180 months
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air Resources Board has determined that the failure to perform recom-
mended maintenance items enclosed with a rectangle will not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion
of the vehicle’s useful life. SUZUKI, however, urges that all recommended maintenance services be performed at the indicated inter-
vals and the maintenance recorded.
Periodic Maintenance Schedule: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10

7-5INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
R: Replace or change
I : Inspect, clean, adjust, lubricate or replace as necessaryInterval: This interval should be judged by
odometer reading or months, whichever comes
first.miles (x 1000) 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60 67.5 75
km (x 1000) 12.5 25 37.5 50 62.5 75 87.5 100 112.5 125
months 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60 67.5 75CHASSIS AND BODY
1. Clutch (for manual transmission)
Pedal and fluid level
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*2. Brake discs and pads (front, rear) – I – I – I – I – I
Brake drums and shoes (if equipped)
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*3. Brake hoses and pipes – I – I – I – I – I
4.Brake fluid level check, *replacement
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
R
–
I
5. Brake pedal stroke check, *adjustment – I – I – I – I – I
6.Parking brake lever and *cableLever movement check, *adjustment – I – I – I – I – I7.Tires (including tire rotation)
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
*8. Wheel discs I I I I I I I I I I
*9.
Wheel bearings
–
I
–
*I
–
I
–
*I
–
I
*10. Suspension system – I – I – I – I – I
*11.
Propeller shafts/Drive shafts
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*12. Manual transmission oil I – – R – I – R – I
13.
Automatic transmission (A/T)
Fluid level
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*Fluid change Replace every 175000 km (105000 miles)-----4-speed A/T or 5-speed A/T
*Fluid hose
–
–
–
–
–
I
–
–
–
–
*14. Transfer oil I – – I – I – R – I
*15.
Differential & Extension (for 2WD) oil
R
–
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
16. Steering system
Steering wheel movement,
*linkage
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
*17. Power steering (if equipped) I I I I I I I I I I
18.
All Latches, Hinges and Locks
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
19. Air conditioner filter (if equipped) – I – R – I – R – I
Periodic Maintenance Schedule: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10

7-6
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
R: Replace or change
I : Inspect, clean, adjust, lubricate or replace as necessary
NOTE:
This table shows the service schedule up to 250000 km (150000 miles).
Beyond 250000 km (150000 miles), perform the same services at the same intervals shown in the chart.
Beyond 250000 km (150000 miles), the maintenance services enclosed with a rectangle are required.
Item 9 *I - inspect for wear.Interval: This interval should be judged by
odometer reading or months, whichever comes
first.miles (x 1000) 82.5 90 97.5 105 112.5 120 127.5 135 142.5 150
km (x 1000) 137.5 150 162.5 175 187.5 200 212.5 225 237.5 250
months 82.5 90 97.5 105 112.5 120 127.5 135 142.5 150CHASSIS AND BODY
1. Clutch (for manual transmission)
Pedal and fluid level
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*2. Brake discs and pads (front, rear) – I – I – I – I – I
Brake drums and shoes (if equipped)
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*3. Brake hoses and pipes – I – I – I – I – I
4.Brake fluid level check, *replacement
–
I
–
I
–
R
–
I
–
I
5. Brake pedal stroke check, *adjustment – I – I – I – I – I
6.Parking brake lever and *cableLever movement check, *adjustment – I – I – I – I – I7.Tires (including tire rotation)
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
*8. Wheel discs I I I I I I I I I I
*9.
Wheel bearings
–
*I
–
I
–
*I
–
I
–
I
*10. Suspension system – I – I – I – I – I
*11.
Propeller shafts/Drive shafts
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*12. Manual transmission oil – R – I – R – I – R
13.
Automatic transmission (A/T)
Fluid level
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
*Fluid change Replace every 175000 km (105000 miles)-----4-speed A/T or 5-speed A/T
*Fluid hose
–
I
–
–
–
–
–
I
–
–
*14. Transfer oil – I – I – R – I – I
*15.
Differential & Extension (for 2WD) oil
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
–
I
16. Steering system
Steering wheel movement,
*linkage
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
*17. Power steering (if equipped) I I I I I I I I I I
18.
All Latches, Hinges and Locks
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
19. Air conditioner filter (if equipped) – R – I – R – I – R
Periodic Maintenance Schedule: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10