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Suzuki Vitara Maintenance and Repair

314 messages,  Last post on Nov 14, 2009 at 9:43 PM

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What is this discussion about? Suzuki Vitara, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Engine, Suspension, Transmission, SUV

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#31 of 314 Condenser Problem by zeke707 Jul 13, 2002 (6:53 am)
I live in Nebraska and own a 2000 Vitara with 16k miles on it . We bought the Vitara new. Primary use is driving around town. Longest trip has been about 130 miles one way on the interstate at speeds of 75 mph. I noticed the bent fin problem about a month ago just by chance...nothing led me to look. I have looked very closely at the fan blades and can't notice any marks or damage to them, only the condenser fins behind the fan area. We baby the vehicle, no apparent damage to the front end. What I assume at this point is the damage is done only when the electric fan is on (the air conditioning is on) and the vehicle is moving, probably at high(interstate) speeds. Also, possibly while rain is entering the grille area, being propelled by the vehicle speed and the fan turning. I can't for the life of me, really figure out how this damage has happended. I sent an email to www.cami.ca but of course, did not receive a reply. I think this problem is commomplace and those who use their vehicle similar to me probably have the problem. If the phenomena continues, when will the condenser fail, that's my real question.
#32 of 314 Grand Vitara Vibration by pallove Jul 13, 2002 (1:41 pm)
Hello all. I have a 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4 WD. I noticed that when I am on the highway, going about 60 to 70, my front passenger seat begins to shake repeatedly to the left and to the right. A side to side motion.   I have had my tires balanced and they are at the propper psi value (26).   Has anyone experienced this type of behavior. When I go above 70 it fades away.   Any help would be appreciated.
#33 of 314 Good (bad) vibrations by mopar67 Jul 13, 2002 (6:19 pm)
I've not had experience with vibrations but I did have a problem with wandering at hiway speeds. What I did was inflate the tires to 32PSI all around. THis solved the tendancy to wander around on the hiway. Perhaps this might work for you?
#34 of 314 To zeke707 by bmuelle1 Jul 17, 2002 (2:20 am)
I would take your vehicle into your dealers service department and show them the condenser and at the least have them put it in writing that the damage is occurring because the condenser WILL prematurely fail like mine did on my 99 Tracker. Your looking at bill of almost $1000.00 dollars when it does. Keep in mind that my condenser cooling fan motor also went a few days later that added another $500.00 to the bill. I have the old condenser and I'd like to place a picture of it on this board when I can get a hold of a digital camera. I wish there was a way to get the word out for other owners of 1999 and newer Tracker and Vitara owners to check their condensers and return them back to the dealers to, at the minimum, put it on record that this problem is occurring. Don't get me wrong, my wife loves her Tracker and this has been the first major problem with it, but I believe that a condenser should've lasted longer than three years.   Bernie bm1279hotmail.com
#35 of 314 Picture of damaged condenser by bmuelle1 Jul 17, 2002 (11:32 am)
This is a picture of the damaged 1999 Tracker condenser. Keep in mind that the vehicle has never been in an accident. Click on the link below to view. Bernie http://www.liquid2k.com/brody28/condenser.jpg
#36 of 314 A/C condenser damage by cosmo2 Jul 17, 2002 (4:03 pm)
Bernie, the doughnut shaped damage to your condenser looks identical to mine, except mine is still functioning (at 50,000 miles). I've been thinking more about what may be causing this damage. Like mine, your condenser shows minimal to no damage outside the shrouded area. I cannot imagine that airflow from the fan blades caused the damage (including pitting and scratching) on my condenser. And since I could not force my fan to actually touch the condenser, I assume that something must build up on the front of the condenser and be forced into the condenser by the fan when it powers on. The only thing I can think of is that some driving conditions must cause an ice build up on the front of the condenser, and when the fan powers on it forces the ice crystals into the condenser. The vehicle would have to be moving fast enough to prevent heat transfer from the radiator from melting the ice. My guess is that the damage occurs when the defroster is turned on after the vehicle has been driven, or parked, in snowy/icy conditions long enough for ice to form on the condenser. That happens to me two or three times a year. Does that theory make sense in regards to your driving experience with your Tracker?
#37 of 314 To cosmo2 by bmuelle1 Jul 17, 2002 (4:35 pm)
My 1999 Tracker has alot of expressway miles on it. How and why the damage occured on the condenser is a mystery. Frankly, I think the problem is the cooling fan pushing debris into the condenser. Snow, slush and ice being included. This being the case, and unless my new condenser is built better than the original, I'm going to assume that the condenser will be gradually damaged again in the future. I'm going to keep an eye on the condenser and maybe even try to figure out a fix for the problem. I'm thinking maybe some sort of screen in front of the cooling fan.   Bernie bm1279hotmail.com
#38 of 314 Very interesting picture by mopar67 Jul 17, 2002 (6:01 pm)
I wonder if the fan blades flex excessively in rain or snow or sleet and push back against the condensor at highway speeds? IF so, then its a crappy design for sure. I have checked and rechecked and I cannot find any evidence on the 2002 vitara I drive of this same damage. Still you got me really interested. Going to check out my buddies tracker 1994 and see if the same thing is happening to his. So far as I know, his AC still works.   Good luck with yours......Chevy/Suzuki ought to chip in some $$$ to assist with the repairs!
#39 of 314 Condenser Problem by pallove Jul 18, 2002 (8:58 am)
WOW! It looks like a bad design. Did you see any pitting on the fan blades?
#40 of 314 Condenser Picture by zeke707 Jul 18, 2002 (11:09 am)
bmulle1:   damage looks similar to mine. I am going to the dealer with my 2000 Vitara.

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