2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara Reviews, Pricing & Specs

2003, V6, Suzuki, Grand Vitara, 4x4

Car is running hot

Suzuki Grand Vitara/XL7 Oil pressure/bearings

Hello, I am in the process to learn how to work on cars, and I was able to pick up 4 2002/04 Suzuki XL7’s (2.7L V6) since I chose them to learn on. I have replaced chain tensioner and stuff, but there is one thing that worries me. First I noticed it on my second suzuki with 160k miles, when I start the engine hot I can hear what I believe to be a bearing knocking for 1 second, and the oil pressure light can flicker synced with the knock in extreme cases. Sometimes it’s more pronounced, sometimes less. Then I bought 2 more xl7’s one with 190k and one with 260k, and they both kinda do the same thing, but not as much as the 160k, and not always. In the 160k one time it knocked 5 times and the oil light flickered upon startup. In the 260k one time the oil light stayed on 2-3 seconds upon startup but no knock, but engine noisy. Engine generally noisy for first 2 seconds on hot start on all 3 cars. After 2 seconds they run buttersmooth, except 260k is a bit louder but no surprise there. But it’s louder then 160k but has less knocking problems at startup. The fourth suzuki with 155k never did that. The only reason i noticed was because I could cross reference, anybody else would probably not have noticed. I figured it is normal to a certain extend since all three do that, but I’m worried about 160k since it has the least miles and does it the most pronounced. After 1 second it sounds really nice but I will never forget the knock- knock-knock I got one time at hot start. My guess is bearing clearances due to wear, and when the oil is hot and thin and no pressure it knocks for a second, until pressure surpasses 5-10psi? I guess main bearing but I really don’t know? My problem is, I can’t really wrap my head around how worried I should be, and what exactly is the actual cause/reason this occurs in the first place, and how severe it is - how much time is left on the clock before failure, and if the development can be countered. I can’t find any information online to this problem, except for vague statements about other makes and models. It seems I have to figure it all out between my suzukis. Reason for my concern is, that 160k does it more pronounced then 190k & 260k, therefore I conclude that the issue can get worse (faster or slower), and I wonder what happenes when the issue gets too worse, and when that will be (if ever?). Does anyone have experience with those 2.7‘s? Especially regarding oilpump/oilpump chain, malfunctioning oilpickup and main/rod bearing clearances? Or generally have information related to the problem I described? Thank you very much for reading this, I appreciate it! Max

can i just take the front axles out the differential is no good

Brake lights

I have a grand vitara 03 my rear lights have stopped working I've changed all the bulbs but still nothing, would i be right in turning to the fuses for this or is there something else I need look at thanks

Brake fluid

My car didn't have any brake fluid in so I put some in. But it is still going down.. I didn't see a leak under my car. what should I do??