2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara Service and Repair Manual

An all-new Grand Vitara launched for 2006, trading the old ladder frame for a unibody with an integrated frame, four-wheel independent suspension and a 185-horsepower 2.7L DOHC V6. Base, Premium, XSport and Luxury trims are all four-door sport utilities, offered with rear-wheel drive or full-time four-wheel drive with a low range. So little carries over from 2005 that earlier data is useless here, and this service and repair manual covers the 2006 procedures, specifications, torque values, wiring diagrams, diagnostics and maintenance schedules.

Engines covered

• 2.7L V6 — DOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline

Body styles covered

• 4-door sport utility

Trims covered

• Base
• Luxury
• Premium
• XSport

Known issues on the 2006 Grand Vitara. Six recalls are on federal record. In one, the rear drive shaft retainer can crack and leak oil, which may lock up the rear differential gears. In another, a sticking shift-lock arm can let the automatic selector leave Park with the key removed and the brake pedal released. In a third, the plastic outer ring of the power steering and air conditioning belt tensioner pulley can break apart and throw the belt, leaving heavy steering. In a fourth, the passenger-seat occupant classification sensor mat can fail from repeated flexing, so the airbag deploys whoever is seated. Beyond those, a 2018 follow-up found that plastic tensioner pulley can shed pieces and cause a sudden loss of power steering assist; and the front passenger leather seat cover can shrink in heat and humidity and confuse the occupant classification sensor. Owners have filed 161 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the air bags and the exterior lighting. Driveline, shift interlock, accessory belt drive and airbag sensor procedures in this manual cover each of the systems these recalls address.