2013 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA gear ratio

3-25OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
79K21-03E
Transfer Switch
OperationWarning and Indicator messagesMaster Warning
IndicatorSound Cause and Remedy
Switching between
“4H LOCK” and
“4L LOCK”
Switching between
“4H” and “N”
79K080
Off Series of
Beeps(For automatic transmission)
The desired transfer gear has not been
engaged.
Release your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
Depress the brake pedal.
Shift the automatic transmission gear-
shift lever to the “N” position.
79K081
Off Series of
Beeps(For manual transmission)
The desired transfer gear has not been
engaged.
Release your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
Depress the brake pedal and clutch
pedal.
79K082
Off Beep or
OffThe desired transfer gear has not been
engaged.
Turn the transfer switch back to the pre-
viously selected position, and operate
the transfer switch again.
79K083
Off Off This message informs you the 4WD
mode is switching.
Do not move your vehicle.

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

4-3DRIVING 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

4-5DRIVING TIPS
79K21-03E
Don’t Make Sharp Turns
As mentioned before, small multipurpose
vehicles have specific design characteris-
tics that allow them to perform in a wide
variety of applications. These characteris-
tics also change the cornering behavior
relative to conventional passenger cars.
Remember, small multipurpose vehicles
have more responsive steering and a
higher center of gravity than conventional
passenger cars. If at all possible, avoid
making sharp turns in your vehicle.
Slow Down on Curves
Learn to approach curves cautiously and
at a conservative speed. Do not attempt to
take curves at the same speeds that you
would in a vehicle with a lower center of
gravity. Just as you would not drive a
sports car on a trail, you should not
attempt to drive your vehicle around curves
like a sports car.
Slow Down and Use Caution on Slip-
pery Roads
Under wet road conditions you should
drive at a lower speed than on dry roads
due to possible slippage of tires during
braking. When driving on icy, snowcovered
or muddy roads, reduce your speed and
avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt braking
or sharp steering movements. Use 4-wheel
drive high range (4H) (if equipped) for bet-
ter traction.NOTE:
Avoid operating your vehicle in “4H LOCK”
or “4L LOCK” on wet pavement as much
as possible. Operating your vehicle in “4H
LOCK” or “4L LOCK” on wet pavement
may cause severe damage to the drive
train.
NOTE:
Operating your vehicle in “4H” on dry and
tight corner may cause some vibration on
your vehicle. This is not caused by the
vehicle malfunction, but caused by working
of the limited slip differential gear in the
center differential.
CAUTION
Do not operate your vehicle in “4H
LOCK” or “4L LOCK” on dry, hard
surfaces. Operating your vehicle in
“4H LOCK” or “4L LOCK” on dry,
hard surfaces puts severe stress to
the drive train, especially during tight
cornering, and can damage it. Also,
you may have some difficulty steer-
ing.
CAUTION
Unevenly worn tires can cause prob-
lems in the operation of the transfer
switch. Be sure to rotate the tires
according to the maintenance sched-
ule. Refer to “Tires” and “Mainte-
nance Schedule” in the
“INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE”
section for proper tire rotation proce-
dures.
Off-Road Driving: NO

6-5VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
79K21-03E
Additional Trailer Towing Warnings
WARNING
Never overload your trailer or your
vehicle. Gross Trailer Weight must
never exceed 1350 kg (3000 pounds).
Gross Combined Weight must never
exceed 3400 kg (7500 pounds) for
2WD or 3450 kg (7600 pounds) for
4WD.
Gross vehicle weight must never
exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rat-
ing (GVWR) listed on the Safety Certi-
fication Label. Gross axle weight for
the front and rear axles must not
exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) listed on the Safety Certifica-
tion Label.
WARNING
Do not tow a trailer having a gross
trailer weight greater than 450 kg
(1000 pounds) unless the trailer is
equipped with trailer brakes.
WARNING
Connect trailer lights and hook up
safety chains every time you tow.
WARNING
Your vehicle will handle differently
when towing a trailer. For your safety
and the safety of others, you should
observe the following precautions:
 Practice turning, stopping and
backing up before you begin tow-
ing in traffic. Do not tow in traffic
until you are confident that you can
handle the vehicle and trailer
safely.
 Never exceed posted towing speed
limits or 72 km/h (45 mph), which-
ever is lower.
 Never drive at a speed that causes
shaking or swaying of the trailer. If
you notice even the slightest sign
of shaking or swaying, slow down.
 Always have someone guide you
when backing.
(Continued)
WARNING
(Continued)
 Allow adequate stopping distance.
Stopping distance is increased
when you tow a trailer. For each 16
km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow at
least one vehicle and trailer length
between you and the vehicle ahead.
Follow at a greater distance if roads
are wet or slippery.
 Slow down when making turns.
Remember that a larger than nor-
mal turning radius is needed
because the trailer wheels will be
closer than the vehicle wheels to
the inside of the turn.
 Avoid sudden acceleration and
stopping of the vehicle. Do not
make quick maneuvers unless they
are necessary.
 Slow down in cross winds and be
prepared for wind blasts from large
passing vehicles.
 Be careful when passing other
vehicles. Be sure to allow enough
room for your trailer before you
change lanes, and signal well in
advance.
 Slow down and shift into a lower
gear before you reach long or steep
downhill grades. It is hazardous to
attempt downshifting while you are
descending a hill.
(Continued)
Trailer Towing: 5, 11, 13

7-14
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
79K21-03E
Engine Coolant Level CheckCheck the engine coolant level at the
reserve tank, not at the radiator. With the
engine cool, the engine coolant level
should be between the “FULL” and “LOW”
marks.Adding Engine CoolantIf the engine coolant level is below the
“LOW” mark, more engine coolant should
be added. Remove the reserve tank cap
and add engine coolant until the reserve
tank level reaches the “FULL” mark. Never
fill the reserve tank above the “FULL” mark.
CAUTION
To avoid damaging your cooling sys-
tem:
 Always use a high quality ethylene
glycol base phosphate type coolant
diluted with distilled water at the
correct mixture concentration.
 Make sure that the proper mix is 50/
50 coolant to distilled water and in
no case higher than 70/30. Concen-
trations greater than 70/30 coolant
to distilled water will cause over-
heating conditions.
 Do not use straight coolant nor
plain water (except SUZUKI LLC:
Super (Blue)).
 Do not add extra inhibitors or addi-
tives. They may not be compatible
with your cooling system.
 Do not mix different types of base
coolants. Doing so may result in
accelerated seal wear and/or the
possibility of severe overheating
and extensive engine/automatic
transmission damage.
CAUTION
 The mixture you use should con-
tain 50% concentration of anti-
freeze.
 If the lowest ambient temperature
in your area is expected to be –35
°C (–31°F) or below, use higher
concentrations up to 60% following
the instructions on the antifreeze
container.
 When putting the cap on the
reserve tank, line up the arrow on
the cap and the arrow on the tank.
Failure to follow this can result in
coolant leakage.
WARNING
Engine coolant is harmful or fatal if
swallowed or inhaled. Do not drink
antifreeze or coolant solution. If swal-
lowed, do not induce vomiting. Imme-
diately contact a poison control
center or a physician. Avoid inhaling
mist or hot vapors; if inhaled, remove
to fresh air. If coolant gets in eyes,
flush eyes with water and seek medi-
cal attention. Wash thoroughly after
handling. Solution can be poisonous
to animals. Keep out of the reach of
children and animals.
Gear Oil: 6, 10
Automatic Transmission Fluid: 10

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