Here is a collection of Frequently Asked Questions about the Kizashi. This is a great place to look first before asking on the forums. You may also ask a new question below if you’d like.
FAQ - Lighting and Electrical
How do I adjust the angle of my Headlights?
1) First open your Hood.
2) Next you will see a plastic cover just above each headlight housing.
3) There are two holes above each headlight that indicate Left & Right Adjustment and Up & Down Adjustment.
4) Using these screw holes adjust them to the desired position.
5) You can use a flat wall or even a Garage door to help align them.
6) Refer to your Manual for full adjustment and alignment information.
HID's have been installed before. Check out our How-To's DIY Section and the forums for more information.
What type of light bulbs does the Kizashi use?
High Beam/DRL : H7 - 12V 55W
Low Beam : H7 - 12V 55W
Fog Lights : H11 - 12V 55W
Front Turn Signals : 2357A - 12V 27W
Rear Turn Signals : PY21W - 12V 21W
Parking Light : 5W5 - 12V 5W
Brake/Taillight : P21/5W - 12V 21/5W
Also refer to the back of your Users Manual for a list of Bulbs/Wattage.
FAQ - Radio and Electronics
The Radio Volume jumps while driving.
This is a common problem with the GTS and SLS Kizashi. Both of which have the Rockford Fosgate(RF) system equipped. Both 2010 and 2011 unfortunately!
First things first.
Make sure your AVC on the Radio is turned off. AVC stands for Auto Volume Control. Esentially this allows the radio to adjust the volume in accordance with the speed you are traveling. High speeds create loader road noise so the radio compensates. Make sure this is off.
Now that you just read that and said to yourself "I ALREADY DID!!!"
Lets be forward about things. Just about every Kizashi with the RF Stereo suffers from this problem. There are MANY threads in the forums discussing this.
Pretty much it comes down to this. You NEED to take your vehicle to the dealer and complain about it. Its usually not too hard to replicate as it can happen a lot! Complain and ask them to check for a TSB(Technical Service Bulletin) on the subject. Because some owners have stated that their dealership had found a TSB for the Amp. Others have not.
The problem appears to be the Amp. It needs to be replaced. 99% of the time the Amp fixes the problem. Insist heavily that this be done.
You may also wish to refer them to this site if they don't believe you or state that they have not heard of such an issue or that none exist.
Go ahead and look around the forums for help and post your experience. Here are a few threads about the issue.
- volume jumps
- TSB on SLS audio system
- Volume fix on the SLS audio system
FAQ - Maintenance
How do i open the gas cap door?
This has been confusing for a few members.
First you need to make sure the vehicle is completely unlocked.
Next, to open the cover you push IN on the side closest to the front of the vehicle.
This will cause it to hinge so you can open.
Very important to have the vehicle unlocked. Otherwise the cover is locked and cannot be opened.
We are not responsible for how accurate this chart is. Use at own risk!.
Click HERE to view the website.
Click HERE to view the Owners Manual PDF.
Right Click and Save As/Link, to download the PDF.
As a general Rule you should change your oil about ever 3 months or 3000 miles which ever comes first. This is not a MUST as many vehicle say 5000 miles is acceptable. Technically speaking you should check the oil yourself and look to see how dirty it is. If it is excessively black it may be time to change your oil. You Kizashi should come with a maintenance guide telling you when most things should be checked and changed.
FAQ - Performance
Below in some basic information about the Kizashi Wheels and Tires.
What size wheels/Tires does the Kizashi come with?
Depending on which model, it varies(also depends on country):
- S Model : 215 / 60 R16 + steel wheels (full wheel caps)
- SE Model : 235 / 45 R18 + alloy wheels
- Sport GTS Model : 235 / 45 R18 + Light Weight Alloy Wheels
- Sport SLS Model : 235 / 45 R18 + Light Weight Alloy Wheels
The regular GTS and SLS, also have different style wheels than the Sport models.
What is the Bolt Pattern and Offset of the Kizashi?
- Bolt Pattern : 5x114.3
- Offset : 50
Can I fit 20" wheels on my Kizashi?
Yes, you sure can! This may cause it to have a slightly less comfortable ride and you may notice the bumps a little more but this is common among all cars after upgrading to a lower profile tire.
What is the largest wheel i can fit?
Not sure, Although we would predict you could get a 22" wheel with VERY low profile tires. You would probably also need to stiffen the suspension to prevent rub. Its probably best to check with your local wheel/tire tech and have them see. You may encounter problems with too wide of wheels.
FAQ - Noises and Problems
Does the Kizashi have paint chip problems?
Manufactured in late 2009? --> You may have chipping issues.
Models manufactured after 2010 do not seem to have the problem.
Evidence for the paint chipping issue is mostly anecdotal on forums and other websites, but Suzuki America has repainted a handful of cars.
To our knowledge there was never an official TSB regarding the paint.
Bad paint is not isolated to Suzuki and affects many car manufactures mostly due to outsourcing of the painting process.
Solution
The most common solution used by forum members to stop chipping was the use of a protective clear film manufactured by 3M. If you google “automotive protective protective film” you will find several more options. Make sure you check out the reviews for each product because some of them are junk.
For more information please use the search function on the forum. This topic has been well covered.
Does the Kizashi have transmission problems?
Manual Transmissions -->NO
CVT Transmissions
Early model kizashis need an upgraded to the firmware for the Transmission. There is a TSB and your dealer will know if you car needs it.
A handful of members have experienced their kizashi locking into the highest fake gear on long trips at high speed. The symptoms manifest themselves once the driver slows down and is unable to get going again.
You should not attempt to drive the car if this happens as it will likely cause further damage to the vehicle.
Solution
Some member have managed to make their car come out of this issue by simply shutting the car down and letting it sit a few minuets. When you restart the car use manual mode and drive it that way. If this occurs you should have a Suzuki dealer check out your car.
To date there have been two known transmission replacements under warranty for forum members.
