1999 Suzuki Vitara Service and Repair Manual

Replacing the Sidekick for 1999, the all-new Vitara brought fresh styling and a stronger frame. Two-door soft-top convertibles use a 97-horsepower 1.6L SOHC four or a 127-horsepower 2.0L DOHC four, while four-door models get the 2.0L. JS models are rear-wheel drive and JX models four-wheel drive, with Plus packages on the four-door. As a first-year design with two engines, this service and repair manual gives 1999 procedures, specifications, torque values, wiring diagrams, diagnostics and maintenance schedules matched to each variant.

Engines covered

• 1.6L inline-four — SOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline
• 2.0L inline-four — DOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline

Body styles covered

• 2-door convertible
• 4-door sport utility

Trims covered

• JS
• JS Plus
• JX
• JX Plus

Known issues on the 1999 Vitara. Five recalls are on federal record. In one, aftermarket SaberSport corner and bumper lamp assemblies lack the required amber side reflectors. In another, a cracked coupling between the steering column shaft and the intermediate shaft could let the two shafts separate. In a third, on two-door models the wiring harness could be pinched behind the rear speakers fitted at the port. In a fourth, front seat-belt lower anchor bolts removed for that port speaker installation may not have been re-torqued. Beyond those, an inoperative brake lamp switch can leave the brake lights dark and, on automatics, block shifting out of Park. Owners have filed 50 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the suspension and the power train. Steering shaft, seat belt anchorage, speaker wiring and brake lamp switch procedures in this manual cover the work these campaigns involve.