[Dave2CR]

I have a 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara, 4 cylinder, 2.4 litre, auto transmission, all wheel drive, at about 249,000 km. It's been solid as a rock and in really good condition.
This past December my wife started it, with the transmission in 4 wheel high, and it started giving "Service ESP System" and "Service 4 Wheel Drive" error messages.
The Suzuki authorized repair centre diagnosed it as a faulty ESP module and ordered a replacement. Upon installation they said it "lit everything up" and could not proceed further. It was subsequently found that a different part number was needed but that module replacement had the same outcome.
Suzuki Japan seems to have effectively given up and the vehicle is locked in 4 wheel drive and without anti-lock brakes. The former I care about, the latter much less so.
Has anyone else out there had this issue?
I'm looking for a "recycled" part from a 2010 model but without success/luck so far. If anyone has a suggestion about that I'd love to hear it, too.
ARGH!
Thanks in advance.

 

[2013GV]

so what part are you actually after? and what else has the "service agent" killed?

if the authorised service agent has made it worse, then its their issue to fix it. Consumer law should protect you depending on your location in the world.
Don't drive it on sealed roads if its in 4H lock (it should default to 4H or "normal" every day driving mode if theres an issue) as it will damage driveline components.

Did they actually diagnose it properly? sounds like they just decided to replace the module before actually looking for the root cause.

 

[aquanaut20]

Oach! Sounds like a misdiagnose and cannon ball repair...

What diagnostics are listed on the original WO?

What authorized service shop do you have in Ontario?? They all left town 4 yrs ago in BC...

...... Philip

 

[Dave2CR]

Oach! Sounds like a misdiagnose and cannon ball repair...

What diagnostics are listed on the original WO?

What authorized service shop do you have in Ontario?? They all left town 4 yrs ago in BC...

...... Philip

Pardon this slightly long but complete answer.
Issue statement: "ESP and Service 4WD lights on, 4X4 and cruise inop" This is all correct.
Service description statement: "G scan test, Code C1093, needs ESP module"

After the first replacement module failed I asked specifically if (a) there could be a sensor or mechanical brake problem that causes the C1093 error, and (b) could they at least cause the transfer case to drive back into AWD drive, instead of 4W lock mode. The answer was, in so many words, "no". I've worked through other issues with these folks over a few years and they have been quite competent and, I think, honest.
Issues in the last year have been with a seized transfer case motor and an oxygen sensor failure. Both identified and resolved quite rapidly, and with complete success.

The closest Suzuki authorized service centre to me is in Barrie, ON (still 2.5 hours away) at the G.D. Coates Used Car Superstore. More Suzuki autos there, both for service and sale, than I've seen anywhere for a lot of years.

I worked with G.E. Medical Systems, then rebranded to G.E. Healthcare, for 23 years on everything from simple x-ray systems to research MRI units. I've been in very similar situations myself, both as a field service rep and as a service manager. I know the particular corner of Hades that these folks now reside in. No fun at all.
My suspicions, apart from a true ESP module failure?
1. There may be a hardware or firmware incompatibility that has not been identified between ESP module versions and my vehicles' unit.
2. Somewhere there may be a key instruction missing in their troubleshooting/repair process.
3. There may still be some fault that masquerades as a ESP failure.
I've seen every one of those situations happen in my previous line of work. Damn, I'm glad to be retired!

 

[Dave2CR]

so what part are you actually after? and what else has the "service agent" killed?

if the authorised service agent has made it worse, then its their issue to fix it. Consumer law should protect you depending on your location in the world.
Don't drive it on sealed roads if its in 4H lock (it should default to 4H or "normal" every day driving mode if theres an issue) as it will damage driveline components.

Did they actually diagnose it properly? sounds like they just decided to replace the module before actually looking for the root cause.

No damage done. They have tried to resolve it twice and then returned the old module to the car and given it to me to drive back home. They actually did manage to get cruise control back working again and that's handy given the 2.5 hour drive to/from the service centre.
They have previously identified and resolved several service issues over the years, and done so as soon as the parts could be obtained, so I have good confidence in them.

 

[Dave2CR]

Pardon this slightly long but complete answer.
Issue statement: "ESP and Service 4WD lights on, 4X4 and cruise inop" This is all correct.
Service description statement: "G scan test, Code C1093, needs ESP module"

After the first replacement module failed I asked specifically if (a) there could be a sensor or mechanical brake problem that causes the C1093 error, and (b) could they at least cause the transfer case to drive back into AWD drive, instead of 4W lock mode. The answer was, in so many words, "no". I've worked through other issues with these folks over a few years and they have been quite competent and, I think, honest.
Issues in the last year have been with a seized transfer case motor and an oxygen sensor failure. Both identified and resolved quite rapidly, and with complete success.

The closest Suzuki authorized service centre to me is in Barrie, ON (still 2.5 hours away) at the G.D. Coates Used Car Superstore. More Suzuki autos there, both for service and sale, than I've seen anywhere for a lot of years.

I worked with G.E. Medical Systems, then rebranded to G.E. Healthcare, for 23 years on everything from simple x-ray systems to research MRI units. I've been in very similar situations myself, both as a field service rep and as a service manager. I know the particular corner of Hades that these folks now reside in. No fun at all.
My suspicions, apart from a true ESP module failure?
1. There may be a hardware or firmware incompatibility that has not been identified between ESP module versions and my vehicles' unit.
2. Somewhere there may be a key instruction missing in their troubleshooting/repair process.
3. There may still be some fault that masquerades as a ESP failure.
I've seen every one of those situations happen in my previous line of work. Damn, I'm glad to be retired!

I forgot to say that the service tech DID manage to get the cruise control back up again after each attempt at replacing the ESP module. That was a small measure of relief.

 

[aquanaut20]

May I suggest you obtain a schematic, borrow/rent a scope and run diagnostics on the inputs to the ESP, making particular attention to the 5vdc reference circuits..

.... Philip

 

[Dave2CR]

May I suggest you obtain a schematic, borrow/rent a scope and run diagnostics on the inputs to the ESP, making particular attention to the 5vdc reference circuits..

.... Philip

I was looking at investing in a Chilton's online manual. Will see if that has schematics. The 5 volt reference is a great suggestion. I've seen that cause a lot of grief across devices over the years and it is frequently overlooked. Anything around 4.7 or less frequently causes issues.
The ESP module is underneath the doggone vehicle but there may well be another point were I can measure that voltage if I cannot access the module.
Thank you.

 

[aquanaut20]

Beware of Chiltons.. try https://www.bbbind.com/tsb-wiring-diagrams/

... Philip

 

[2013GV]

C1093? you sure that is the code? What diagnostic process did they use?

Issue statement: "ESP and Service 4WD lights on, 4X4 and cruise inop" This is all correct.

I have seen this caused by wiring between the ESP / ABS control unit (as in the ABS pump under the bonnet) and the rest of the car (CAN lines getting noise on them) and by a faulty 4WD control module.

Considering the statement above, i'm leaning towards a 4WD control module fault, not an ESP module

Proper diagnosis is required, I suspect the ESP module (which is part of the whole ABS pump assembly) is probably ok, and its actually more than likely a wiring issue. Time as Philip says to follow the first rule of fault finding, "thou shall first check the power supplies" especially to the 4WD control module as this controls the 4wd switching and is more than likely whats sent a bit of corrupted data to the ESP module

if you want the diagnostic procedure for the 4wd module, let me know and i'll scan that for you

I have wiring diagrams here but they span about 30 pages of the manual.

 

[Dave2CR]

I never got 'round to posting the final situation, largely because it took so long to get here. Not sure how final this is, either. So, here goes:
It turns out that the 4WD transfer motor failed after about two months, but the shop that had replaced it took the direction of chasing an ESP fault. I'll keep this part short by saying that, as a technical service person my whole life, I understand how that happened and bear them no ill will.
I went to a second Suzuki authorized shop for a second opinion. They diagnosed the failed transfer motor as being completely seized, obtained a warranty replacement (Suzuki was very cooperative) , and installed it. Turns out the control module had died too, possibly burning out the drivers while trying to make the motor move. That was replaced and it took them a while to get the error codes to go away. End of issue... well, not quite.
The car still throws occasional ESP & 4WD errors BUT everything works fine. Cruise control functions, 4WD shifts to 4H & 4L, and anti-lock (ESP) braking works like a charm.
At this point I don't feel like spending money to service phantom errors but, being a techie at heart, they bug me. As a last resort I think I'll invest a few bucks in an OBD tool and see what it tells me. Ok, maybe a Chiltons manual as well if I think it will help.
This 2010 Grand Vitara now has +250,000 kms on it, has never stranded us and, on the whole, has been inexpensive to keep on the road. We'll drive it 'till it can go no further or becomes too expensive to keep going, but either way I can't complain about it.
If I ever figure out the root cause of the errors I'll post it here.
Thanks all.

 

[aquanaut20]

Find a dedicated repair manual (Suzuki), Chilton and such rags are fraut with misinformation..as they try to cover various models and yrs...

 

[Mishal]

I never got 'round to posting the final situation, largely because it took so long to get here. Not sure how final this is, either. So, here goes:
It turns out that the 4WD transfer motor failed after about two months, but the shop that had replaced it took the direction of chasing an ESP fault. I'll keep this part short by saying that, as a technical service person my whole life, I understand how that happened and bear them no ill will.
I went to a second Suzuki authorized shop for a second opinion. They diagnosed the failed transfer motor as being completely seized, obtained a warranty replacement (Suzuki was very cooperative) , and installed it. Turns out the control module had died too, possibly burning out the drivers while trying to make the motor move. That was replaced and it took them a while to get the error codes to go away. End of issue... well, not quite.
The car still throws occasional ESP & 4WD errors BUT everything works fine. Cruise control functions, 4WD shifts to 4H & 4L, and anti-lock (ESP) braking works like a charm.
At this point I don't feel like spending money to service phantom errors but, being a techie at heart, they bug me. As a last resort I think I'll invest a few bucks in an OBD tool and see what it tells me. Ok, maybe a Chiltons manual as well if I think it will help.
This 2010 Grand Vitara now has +250,000 kms on it, has never stranded us and, on the whole, has been inexpensive to keep on the road. We'll drive it 'till it can go no further or becomes too expensive to keep going, but either way I can't complain about it.
If I ever figure out the root cause of the errors I'll post it here.
Thanks all.

hi mate. I’m having the same problem with my Viatara and there are similar lights showing up in my dash as you have mentioned. Just wanting to ask if you changed the gear box or the 4WD transfer motor and if you changed anything else, can you please also mention them as well?
Thanks

 

[Conniej]

I have a 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara, 4 cylinder, 2.4 litre, auto transmission, all wheel drive, at about 249,000 km. It's been solid as a rock and in really good condition.
This past December my wife started it, with the transmission in 4 wheel high, and it started giving "Service ESP System" and "Service 4 Wheel Drive" error messages.
The Suzuki authorized repair centre diagnosed it as a faulty ESP module and ordered a replacement. Upon installation they said it "lit everything up" and could not proceed further. It was subsequently found that a different part number was needed but that module replacement had the same outcome.
Suzuki Japan seems to have effectively given up and the vehicle is locked in 4 wheel drive and without anti-lock brakes. The former I care about, the latter much less so.
Has anyone else out there had this issue?
I'm looking for a "recycled" part from a 2010 model but without success/luck so far. If anyone has a suggestion about that I'd love to hear it, too.
ARGH!
Thanks in advance.

We have a similar problem, esp warning light on, 4 wheel drive flashes that it is in neutral. Dealer state the two systems are not communicating. They have doe some wiring investigations but can't figure it out. They have now opened a case with manufacturer.

 

[2013GV]

If its a comms issue between modules I would be surprised as you should have a MIL on the dash ( check engine light) with a U0101,possibly U0140, and probably a U0121 code.

I think you have other issues and further diagnosis is required
4wd N light is controlled by the 4wd controller and is triggered by the position switch on the transfer case.
Esp warning light on will have a code associated with it, do you have that code?

 

[aquanaut20]

I suspect we have another fishing expedition, throw the bait and see what come up..

Scan the CAN lines and see what you have as a base signal, then chase down the one/ones that are misbehaving..

 

[2008GV.JB424]

2008 GV3 manual 2.4l was out spinning wheels in wet clay trying to ascend a slope when the service ESP light come flashing across the dash!
I wasn't racing the car hard, infact I was gently slipping the wheels to try and maintain maximum traction(which on this day traction was on holiday).

The warning went away only to return on the next offroad venture. While i was moving in a straight line about 40kph engaged the clutch, turned off the ignition all the way and quickly turned the engine back on again and the warning again disappeared. A very interesting issue that doesn't seem to cause too much trouble but an issue none the less.

 

[2013GV]

That can also be caused by dirt between reluctance wheel and sensor, and depending on traction control system firmware, too much wheel spin as it gives up and disables the system. I think that's what you have done here.
Thats what the 4HL and 4LL position are for, unless yours us a 2wd in which case its given up and shut the system off due to too excessive wheel spin.
ESP is looking for speed mismatch for 2 things, abs applications and traction control. Over powering the system results in it shutting off.
Don't shut down and restart in motion, thats never good as the abs unit needs 0 speed on all sensors to reset the esp program fully. All you did was turned off the warning.

 

[Peter_Stgo]

Hi. I own a 2010 Grand Vitara 2 4L 2wd and has the same ESP error on the dash. I get diagnose that was a ABS control unit, so I found an used working one and installed. But it has the same error, so I get to a Local Electromechanic and they put the scaner. It seems that read and works perfect, but didnt recognize the ESP sensor 🤔🤔. Does any one knows where is located? I need to find the correct part number in order to find it... Peter

 

[2013GV]

Hi. I own a 2010 Grand Vitara 2 4L 2wd and has the same ESP error on the dash. I get diagnose that was a ABS control unit, so I found an used working one and installed. But it has the same error, so I get to a Local Electromechanic and they put the scaner. It seems that read and works perfect, but didnt recognize the ESP sensor 🤔🤔. Does any one knows where is located? I need to find the correct part number in order to find it... Peter

There's at least 7 sensors for the esp system, not counting the transmission or engine ones. What sensor do you mean?