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Comments
the dealer to check out a oil leak. They told me the leak was coming from the timing chain cover.
The cost to repair is $1,360!! Has anyone else experienced this problem?
Now, if you can handle the fact they depreciate *very* quickly and the interior scraches if you look at it the wrong way, it's a downright abuse-able vehicle. Look for used, if you want cheap. Mine saw Red Cone pass, a rather neat pass in CO, while it was still on *OEM* rubber. Now, I've added 245/70 BFG AT's, am working on a 1.75 inch coil spring 'lift', and am trying to keep the tree-inflicted dents to a minimum. Oh, the DRL's are gone, too, as is the automatic headlight thing, which just drove me nuts, turning on and off, as I drove from sun to shade.... Grrr.
FWIW, with the 5 speed, and a 15 mile Portland, OR commute, I'm getting 22 mpg, air on, 23, air off. I've used Mobil 1 in the motor since about 1500 miles, and in the tranny, diffs and T-case since about 2500. Oh, it did blow a rear axle seal, and I've had the air bag sensor replaced, but that's *it* for trouble.
While it's far from my favorite car (look at my screen name), it's what I've got, it's paid for, and it makes for a good vehicle to pull behind an RV, so it 'earns' it's keep...until a tree falls on it, or something.
Too bad we can't get it with the 2.0L turbo-diesel engine, as that would be awesome, off-road.
Kelly B
'99 JLX+, five speed, 47K miles, have 'fixed' the steering wheel shake problem (hint: dial in about one *thread* of toe-in on the front end, the tire wear is now perfect, and it doesn't shake)
Specific problem: I just purchased the 2000 GV. There's a squeaky-rattle in the dash area near the driver's side. Does anyone have infomation about this matter, specifically, how to resolve it?
Specific thanks: Before summer arrives I will have the A/C system checked. Thanks for the advance warnings; it's always nice to know about problems in advance.
Useful site: TireRack.com. I'm a very satisfied customer!
e-mail to Fiddler Lady
I don't think the Vitara/Grand owners are going to mind the occasional Sidekick thread in here either.
Steve, Host
But there's probably not going to be much activity for a SUV that hasn't been retailed for a few years now.
Steve, Host
The oil filter of the Grand Vitara located in such a strange position and I tried ton of different ways but so far not successful. Anyone on this board has done this before and may share your experience with me. What kind of tools you were using to do the job? What kind of filter you purchases and so on?
Thanks!
Weiwei
I have not experienced any symptoms with the crossover pipe leak (should I?). We had a rough winter, and my car got hung up a couple of times on my unpaved, unplowed road (neighbor got it out one time, another time I had to be towed)Could this have caused the problem? Dealer suggests replacing the pipe and will try to reuse the O2 sensors from old pipe. If they can't, replacement sensors--at nearly $200/ea.--have to be ordered. Dealer claims vehicle may not pass state inspection if I don't have the pipe/sensors replaced.
The cargo cover is easily removed by hitting it fairly hard, and sharply, from underneath. I've not used mine since I got it out, but that's just me.
This is my first experience dealing with the co. direct; I hope it's my last.
Steve, Host
A search there for lemon flops up these two links, but no list:
link
link
All I find on google for "Penn. lemon law" are links to law firms soliciting clients.
Penn. has a Puppy Lemon Law in addition to the automobile one! The stuff you find searching....
Steve, Host
Has anyone else had this problem? Reading some of the other messages is making me think I should get rid of this car before something else major goes wrong.
I should point out that this car was in the shop 6 times for various problems before it even had 1000 miles.
http://www.cardomain.com/id/jboucheb
Holler if you have any questions.
Jim
Steve, Host
I have a 1999 Grand Vitara 2,5L V6 automatic. The A/C has leaked into the passenger footwell. On inspection there was condensation dripping off of the outside of the case. I pulled out the filters and found that the evaporator was one quarter iced up from the bottom. The condensate drain pipe was clear and working, after the ice melted there was a large pudddle under the car. Have read other reports on this web site that there is a dealer resistor installation fix. Do you know if there is a Suzuki notice on this item. I am living in Sweden and the dealer does not understand my problem so a Suzuki reference would be helpfull. Thanks Ian
The dealer says," theirs no problem just open the windows"Thanks
Thanks, and happy Holidays.
Dixie and Suzie Q
Cameron Park, Ca.
I also have concern about this timing chain vs timing belt thing. I am not a mechanic. I am not a guy. I am a single mom transporting a kid in a wheelchair and tired of driving farty monster "mom-mobiles". The Suzuki GV looks cool and youthful and great for my mid-life crisis <grin>. Other than the enormous turning circle (more than 38 feet) and lousy behaviour in snow, I have had no real problem with the Forester, but I like the look and feel of the Grand Vitara (drove one for the first time today). I like that it's small and compact, moves when I push the accelerator and stops when I touch the brake. The only service I have ever had to give the Forester has been routine oil changes at Jiffy Lube and brakes relined at Midas after like 60K (I have ~80K on it now). What is this "timing chain" thing on the GV that I read has to be periodically replaced, how often does that need done and how expensive it it? Any other routine maintainance that is different from other little trucks? I do not think I have ever had a car or light truck that had such a thing (if it did I was never made aware of it) and I have had Jeeps and little Ford trucks.
kj
You ain't lying! I'd take my '95 Intrepid w/traction control and studless snows over pretty much any bona-fide 4WD in a snow/ice storm.
Now, AWD, or as I like to call it, snow-wheel-drive, that's a different story. My wife's RX300 is truly amazing in ice, even on the horrible stock tires...which are, ironically, the same Bridgestone Duelers which are OEM on the GV. My '94 Grand Cherokee was similarly good, but still, I'd always pick the Intrepid if my wife would let me have it that day.
Please, if you buy snow tires, do not use studded snows. These carve up the roads something fierce, making for not only horrible road noise, but interesting wet-weather driving.
Regards,
kc5yti
I have a GV model 2000 full automatic 4 door 6cyl. I am very much happy with this vehicle till now no more major problems by the grace of god.
Only problem what i experienced is, Once engine was switch off while warming up in the morning (I was giving little accelerator). It was once only so i didnt report to dealer. Is there anything to check? pls. advise..
There is a small humming sound can hear while AC is on. Is it normal? Cooling capacity is very good.
Have a nice day
George
I would like to know which is the suitable tyre for my GV. i mean which brand and any particular model for good road grip.
Please advise..Thank you
George