2012 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA Steering rack

3-2
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
Daily Inspection ChecklistBefore Driving
60A187S
1) 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” posi-
tion.
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) Battery solution level
7) 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.
Once a month, or each time you fill your
fuel tank, check the tire pressure using a
tire pressure gauge. Also check the tire
pressure of the spare tire.
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.
Daily Inspection Checklist: NO
Starting the Engine: 1

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

5-30
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
79K21-03E
 TRACK REPEAT
The indication “TRACK RPT” appears in
the display for 2 seconds and then the
repeat indicator (E) lights.
The track being currently played is
played repeatedly.
 DISC REPEAT
The indication “DISC RPT” appears in
the display for 2 seconds and then the
repeat indicator (E) lights.
When all the tracks on a disc being cur-
rently played finish playing, play starts
again at the beginning of the disc.
Remote Audio Controls
(if equipped)
79K052
You can control basic functions of the
audio system with the switches on the
steering wheel.To control the volume:
 To increase the volume, push the upper
part of the switch (1). The volume contin-
ues to increase until you release the
switch.
 To decrease the volume, push the lower
part of the switch (1). The volume contin-
ues to decrease until you release the
switch.
 To mute, push the switch (2).
To select the mode (AM1, AM2, FM1, FM2,
XM (option), CD, External CD-changer
(option), AUX (option)), push the switch
(3).
You can also turn on the audio system by
pushing the switch (3).
To change the radio station:
 To advance to the next preset station,
push the upper part of the switch (4)
briefly.
 To select the previous preset station,
push the lower part of the switch (4)
briefly.
 To scan to a higher frequency radio sta-
tion, push and hold the upper part of the
switch (4).
 To scan to a lower frequency radio sta-
tion, push and hold the lower part of the
switch (4).
(1)(2)
(4)(3)

5-56
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
79K21-03E
 TRACK REPEAT
The indication “TRACK RPT” appears in
the display for 2 seconds and then the
repeat indicator (E) lights.
The track being currently played is
played repeatedly.
 DISC REPEAT
The indication “DISC RPT” appears in
the display for 2 seconds and then the
repeat indicator (E) lights.
When all the tracks on a disc being cur-
rently played finish playing, play starts
again at the beginning of the disc.
Remote Audio Controls
(if equipped)
79K052
You can control basic functions of the
audio system with the switches on the
steering wheel.To control the volume:
 To increase the volume, push the upper
part of the switch (1). The volume contin-
ues to increase until you release the
switch.
 To decrease the volume, push the lower
part of the switch (1). The volume contin-
ues to decrease until you release the
switch.
 To mute, push the switch (2).
To select the mode (AM1, AM2, FM1, FM2,
XM (option), CD, AUX1, External CD-
changer (option), AUX2 (option)), push the
switch (3).
You can also turn on the audio system by
pushing the switch (3).
To change the radio station:
 To advance to the next preset station,
push the upper part of the switch (4)
briefly.
 To select the previous preset station,
push the lower part of the switch (4)
briefly.
 To scan to a higher frequency radio sta-
tion, push and hold the upper part of the
switch (4).
 To scan to a lower frequency radio sta-
tion, push and hold the lower part of the
switch (4).
(1)(2)
(4)(3)

7-29INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
1.6 mm (0.06 in.) or less and the
tire should be replaced.
3) Check for abnormal wear, cracks
and damage. Any tires with cracks
or other damage should be
replaced. If any tires show abnor-
mal wear, have them inspected by
your SUZUKI dealer.
4) Check for loose wheel nuts.
5) Check that there are no nails,
stones or other objects sticking into
the tires.
WARNING
Hitting curbs and running over
rocks can damage tires and affect
wheel alignment. Be sure to have
tires and wheel alignment
checked periodically by your
SUZUKI dealer.
WARNING
Your SUZUKI is equipped with
tires which are all the same type
and size. This is important to
ensure proper steering and han-
dling of the vehicle. Never mix
tires of different size or type on
the four wheels of your vehicle.
The size and type of tires used
should be only those approved by
SUZUKI Motor Corporation as
standard or optional equipment
for your vehicle.
WARNING
Replacing the wheels and tires
equipped on your vehicle with
certain combinations of aftermar-
ket wheels and tires can signifi-
cantly change the steering and
handling characteristics of your
vehicle. Oversized tires may also
rub against the fender over
bumps, causing vehicle damage
or tire failure. Therefore, use only
those wheel and tire combina-
tions approved by SUZUKI Motor
Corporation as standard or
optional equipment for your vehi-
cle. For information regarding the
specified tires, refer to the Tire
Information Label located on the
driver’s side door pillar or the
“SPECIFICATIONS” section.
CAUTION
Replacing the original tires with
tires of a different size may result
in false speedometer or odometer
readings. Check with your
SUZUKI dealer before purchas-
ing replacement tires that differ in
size from the original tires.
Tires: 6

7-32
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E Snow Tires
Your vehicle is equipped with all-sea-
son 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 vehi-
cle.
GLOSSARY OF TIRE TERMI-
NOLOGYAccessory Weight – the combined
weight (in excess of those standard
items which may be replaced) of auto-
matic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power
seats, radio, and heater, to the extent
that these items are available as fac-
tory-installed equipment (whether
installed or not).
Cold Tire Inflation Pressure – the pres-
sure in a tire that has been driven less
than 1 mile or has been standing for
three hours or more.
Curb Weight – the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard equipment
including the maximum capacity of
fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so
equipped, air conditioning and addi-
tional weight optional engine.
Intended Outboard Sidewall – (1) the
sidewall that contains a whitewall,
bears white lettering or bears manu-
facturer, brand, and/or model name
molding that is higher or deeper than
the same molding on the other side-
wall of the tire, or (2) the outward fac-
ing sidewall of an asymmetrical tire
that has a particular side that mustalways face outward when mounted
on a vehicle.
Maximum Inflation Pressure – the
maximum cold inflation pressure a tire
is designed to support in normal ser-
vice.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight –
the sum of curb weight, accessory
weight, vehicle capacity weight (total
load capacity), and production options
weight.
Normal Occupant Weight – 68 kilo-
grams times the number of occupants
specified in the second column of
Table 1 (shown below).
Occupant distribution – distribution of
occupants in a vehicle as specified in
the third column of Table 1 (shown
below).
Production Options Weight – the com-
bined weight of those installed regular
production options weighing over 2.3
kilograms in excess of those standard
items which they replace, not previ-
ously considered in curb weight or
accessory weight, including heavy
duty brakes, ride levelers, roof rack,
heavy duty battery, and special trim.
WARNING
(Continued) 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.
 Replace the spare tire with a
new one as soon as the tread
wear indicator appears.
 When replacing the spare tire,
use a replacement tire with the
exact same size and construc-
tion.
Battery: 9
Fuses: 7

13-4INDEX
79K21-03E
On-Pavement Driving
..........................................................4-4
Open Door Warning Light
...................................................2-62
Outside Rearview Mirrors ...................................................2-17
Overhead Console Box
.......................................................5-71
PParking Brake Lever
.................................................... 3-7
, 7-24
Pedals
...................................................................................3-8
Periodic Maintenance Schedule
.........................................7-3
Power Assisted Brakes
.......................................................3-29
Power Door Locking System
..............................................2-2
Power Mirror Control
...........................................................2-18
Power Steering
....................................................................7-24
Power Steering Fluid
...........................................................7-24
Power Window Controls
.....................................................2-15
RRadio Antenna
.....................................................................5-8
Rear Seats
............................................................................2-22
Rear Window Defroster and Outside Rearview Mirrors
Defroster Switch
..................................................................2-82
Rear Window Wiper/Washer Switch
..................................2-81
Refill with Oil and Check for Leaks ....................................7-12
Remote Audio Controls
............................................ 5-30
, 5-56
Replace the Oil Filter
...........................................................7-12
Replacing Tires and/or Wheels
..........................................3-41
Reporting Safety Defects
....................................................10-4
Roof Rails or Roof Rack Anchors
......................................5-78
SSafety Certification Label
...................................................10-2
Seat Adjustment
........................................................ 2-18
, 2-22
Seat Belt Extender
...............................................................2-41
Seat Belt Inspection ............................................................2-33Seat Belt Pretensioner System
.......................................... 2-42
Seat Belt Reminder
............................................................. 2-30
Seat Belts and Child Restraint Systems
........................... 2-26
Selection of Coolant
........................................................... 7-13
Shopping Hook
................................................................... 5-73
Shoulder anchor height adjuster
....................................... 2-32
Side Air Bags and Side Curtain Air Bags
......................... 2-46
Side Door Locks
.................................................................. 2-1
SLIP Indicator Light
...................................................2-58
, 3-32
Snow Tires
..................................................................7-32
, 8-6
Spare Tire Nut Lock
............................................................ 8-1
Spark Plugs
......................................................................... 7-16
SPECIFICATIONS
................................................................ 12-1
Specified Fluid
.................................................................... 7-20
Specified Gear Oil ............................................................... 7-17
Specified Oil
........................................................................ 7-10
Speedometer ....................................................................... 2-65
Spot Light
............................................................................ 5-66
Stability Control System
.................................................... 3-31
Starting the Engine
............................................................. 3-9
Steering Wheel
.................................................................... 7-24
Sun Visor
............................................................................. 5-64
Sunroof
................................................................................ 5-68
Supplemental Restraint System (air bags)
....................... 2-43
TTachometer
.......................................................................... 2-65
Tailgate
................................................................................ 2-3
Temperature Gauge
............................................................ 2-66
Theft Deterrent Light .......................................................... 2-15
Thermometer
....................................................................... 2-70
Tilt Steering Lock Lever
..................................................... 2-82