Suzuki Grand Vitara Common Problems and Solutions
Ticking During Cold Starts
Problem:
There is a loud ticking noise when starting the engine from cold.
Solution:
This is often due to bleed down of the hydraulic valve lifters. Check that your oil is clean, and flush and replace it if it appears dirty. Once you've done that, run your engine for about 20 minutes at 2,000 rpm. If the ticking sound persists, you will need to find new lifters in our online store and replace the damaged ones.
Difficulty level
Hydraulic Lifter
Can't Disengage 4WD
Problem:
You have engaged 4WD mode and are now unable to disengage it.
Solution:
You probably have a tyre problem that you've overlooked. Check your tyre pressure and inflate if necessary. Then, ensure all your tyres match, as this can influence 4WD traction. If none of these seem relevant, you likely have a steering alignment issue and should visit a garage for a full alignment.
Difficulty level
Low Screeching Sound on Start-Up
Problem:
The engine emits a low screeching noise when you first start it. The sound lasts only a few seconds. You may also need to shift the car into reverse before you can exit 4WD mode.
Solution:
This is probably a faulty timing chain tensioner. Although it tends to last quite a while, it's an engine part that endures a lot of stress and will eventually wear out. Check our parts list for the XL7 and easily fit the new tensioner yourself.
Difficulty level
Timing Chain
Knocking Noise Over Speed Bumps
Problem:
You notice a knocking sound every time you go over a speed bump. Your drive has become noticeably bumpier.
Solution:
It's likely that you have a leaking front strut. Not only will you need to replace it with a new one from our parts page, but you should also check your tyres. A damaged front strut often causes uneven tyre wear, so you might also need to replace those.
Difficulty level
Suspension Strut
Braking Issues
Problem:
The brakes require significant pressure to begin slowing the car. In some instances, the brakes are almost ineffective when driving downhill.
Solution:
The brake system on the XL7 is problematic and has led to many complaints and recalls. The only solution is to replace the necessary parts. Begin by inspecting your brake discs, as these are highly susceptible to warping, which is why we always stock them for quick dispatch. Check your brake pads, as they tend to wear out quickly, and replace them with more durable alternatives. Don't forget to examine your speed control system cables, which are extremely weak on the XL7 and should always be replaced with more robust versions.
Difficulty level
Car is Jolting
Problem:
The car keeps jerking forwards as it does when the clutch is released. It also stalls frequently.
Solution:
There is an issue with your camshaft sensor. As a temporary solution, try placing a warm, damp cloth over the sensor to gently heat it. This should help you get home safely. Afterwards, you will need to find a new camshaft sensor at the BreakerYard shop and replace the faulty one.
Difficulty level
Camshaft Sensor
Gear Shift Locking
Problem:
When you press the brake pedal, your gears do not lock into place.
Solution:
Take a closer look at the brake pedal. There’s a switch in the assembly that allows for gear shift movement, and if it’s damaged or worn out, then the gears won’t work as well as they should. You’ll need to browse our parts page for a new switch, but it’s a very simple DIY job.
Difficulty level
Car Vibration
Problem:
The car is vibrating excessively and gets worse the longer you drive.
Solution:
This will either be a faulty engine mount or a worn transmission mount. Both are made of rubber and will deteriorate if your car has covered many miles. Look for signs of wear and order replacement mounts from our parts list.
Difficulty level
Engine Mount
Inconsistent Squeaking Sound
Problem:
After driving for about 20-minutes, the engine starts to make a squeaking sound. The faster you drive, the louder the squeak.
Solution:
This is going to mean some investigating under the bonnet. It’s likely to be a worn drive belt, a damaged axle, a broken tensioner, or an idler pulley that’s become too worn to function. You’ll be able to spot signs of wear or damage, and we have all of the replacement parts that you might need with fast delivery.
Difficulty level
Engine Sounds Different
Problem:
The engine is running at a higher pitch, and there may be hotter exhaust smoke.
Solution:
This is usually caused by a blocked DPF, and is generally the result of lots of short drives. Try going for a long drive, as this may resolve the issue. If not, then your DPF will need to be replaced, which is a tricky job but doable. We always have DPFs in-store to order and will deliver the replacement to you.
Difficulty level
Car Diesel Particulate Filter
Driveshaft clicking noise
Problem:
Can you hear a clicking noise coming from the drive shaft at the rear? If you can, this is usually caused by an issue with the CV joint. Does the problem in the video below, sound anything like yours?
Solution:
You need to replace the CV joint to stop the clicking noise.
Difficulty level
Rattling noise
Problem:
If you can hear a rattling noise coming from underneath the vehicle, it is most likely caused by the heat shield becoming loose. This part is known for rusting, which results in it becoming loose and rattling against the exhaust.
Solution:
You will need to fit a replacement heat shield, in order to fix the problem.
Difficulty level
Heat Shield
Air Conditioning problems
Problem:
Are you experiencing issues with the air conditioning in your Grand Vitara? If so, the condenser is often prone to failure. The main problem when this part fails is that the air conditioning will no longer produce ice-cold air on the coldest settings.
Solution:
You will need to replace the air conditioning condenser to resolve this issue. While this can be an costly component to replace, we can help you find a replacement condenser at a very affordable price.
Difficulty level
Oil leak
Problem:
Have you noticed oil leaking around the timing chain cover? This is a common issue on the Grand Vitara, caused by the timing chain cover gasket failing. If you also hear a sort of ticking noise coming from the timing chain, it indicates that the tensioner is failing.
Solution:
If you have an oil leak, you will need to fit a replacement timing chain cover gasket to stop it. If you hear a ticking noise, then you will need to replace the tensioner to eliminate it.
Difficulty level
Beeping Sound With Passengers
Problem:
When someone is sitting in the front passenger seat, the seatbelt alarm sounds even if they have fastened the seatbelt.
Solution:
This is very common on later models of the XL7, and it's caused by a faulty passenger seat sensor. Even placing something very light on the seat will trigger the alarm. You can find new sensors on our parts list, and they are very simple to install.
Difficulty level
Engine Stalling
Problem:
The engine is stalling and sputtering.
Solution:
The Grand Vitara has a common problem with its water pumps, which tend to seize up. These pumps operate via the timing belt, so when they seize, it can cause the timing belt to slip, resulting in the engine stalling. Usually, you'll need to order both a new water pump and a new timing belt from BreakerYard.
Difficulty level
Water Pump
Loss of Power Steering
Problem:
It has become much more difficult to steer, and you can notice that the power steering is not functioning.
Solution:
This prompted a recall by Suzuki due to weak plastic components in the pump belt adjuster pulley. Heat causes the plastic to deteriorate and break. If your Grand Vitara is still under warranty, a Suzuki dealer will usually replace the pulley free of charge. If you’re not covered by warranty, you can order a replacement pulley and fit it yourself quite easily.
Difficulty level
Passenger Airbag Moving
Problem:
The front passenger airbag is loose and can be seen to move visibly.
Solution:
This isn't very common, but it's a problem you shouldn't ignore. We have replacement airbag units available for order, but most drivers prefer to leave this job to professionals because airbag safety is crucial. Airbags also contain dangerous chemicals and explosives, so if you decide to order a new passenger airbag unit from our parts list, ensure you know what you're doing.
Difficulty level
Airbag