Page 3 CHEVROLET SSR 2003 1.G Owners Manual

The remote negative (−) terminal is located near
the power steering uid reservoir. It is marked
“GND (−).” SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for more information on location.
You will not see the battery of your vehicle under
the hood. It is located on the rear underside of
the vehicle. You will not need to access the battery
for jump starting. The remote positive (+) terminal
is for that purpose.
{CAUTION:
An electric fan can start up even when the
engine is not running and can injure you.
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from
any underhood electric fan.
{CAUTION:
Using a match near a battery can cause battery
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing
this, and some have been blinded. Use a
ashlight if you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water. You do
not need to add water to the battery installed
in your new vehicle. But if a battery has ller
caps, be sure the right amount of uid is there.
If it is low, add water to take care of that rst.
If you do not, explosive gas could be present.
Battery uid contains acid that can burn you.
Do not get it on you. If you accidentally get it
in your eyes or on your skin, ush the place
with water and get medical help immediately.
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Rear Axle
When to Check and Change Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check the rear axle
uid unless there is a leak in the system or you hear
an unusual noise. A uid loss in the system indicates
that you have a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.The proper level is from 0 to 3/8 inch (0 to 10 mm)
below the bottom of the ller plug hole.
If the level is below the bottom of the ller plug hole,
you’ll need to add some lubricant. Add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the bottom of the ller plug hole.
What to Use
SeePart D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-15for the type of uid to use.
Headlamp Aiming
If your vehicle is damaged in an accident, the headlamp
aim may be affected. If you believe your headlamps
need to be re-aimed, we recommend that you take
your vehicle to the dealer for service. However, it
is possible for you to re-aim your headlamps by following
the procedure in the service manual for your vehicle.
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Bulb Replacement
For the proper types of bulbs to use, seeReplacement
Bulbs on page 5-48.
For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this
section, contact your dealer’s service department.
Halogen Bulbs
{CAUTION:
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside
and can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb.
You or others could be injured. Be sure to
read and follow the instructions on the bulb
package.
Headlamps
To replace the headlamp bulbs, do the following:
1. Turn the front wheels as far as they will go in the
opposite direction of the bulb that is being changed.
2. Reach underneath the vehicle and locate the
headlamp door. Remove the fastener retaining
the door.
3. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise to remove
it from the headlamp assembly.
There are separate sockets for the high and
low-beam headlamps.
4. Pull the bulb socket out of the headlamp assembly.
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5. Disconnect the bulb socket from the wiring harness
and replace the unit.
6. Reinstall the bulb socket back into the headlamp
assembly by turning it clockwise.
7. Reinstall the headlamp cover and tighten the
fastener.
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Parking Lamps
Front Turn and Parking Lamps
To replace the front turn or parking lamp bulbs, do the
following:
1. Open the hood. SeeHood Release on page 5-11
for more information.
2. Locate the bar that runs across the front of the
vehicle and remove the two screws located near
the front of the hood that hold the bar in place.
3. Release the tabs that attach the bar to the
headlamps.
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Replacement Bulbs
Exterior Lamp Bulb Number
Back-up Lamps 2057
Headlamps
High-Beam 9005HB3
Low-Beam H11
Parking Lamps T20
Sidemarker Lamps 194
Taillamps 3157
Turn Signal Lamps T20
For replacement bulbs not listed here, contact
your dealer.
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at
least twice a year for wear and cracking. See “Wiper
Blade Check” underAt Least Twice a Year on page 6-9.
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. For proper type and length,
seeNormal Maintenance Replacement Parts on
page 5-91.
Notice:Allowing the wiper blade arm to touch
the windshield when no wiper blade is installed
could damage the windshield. Any damage
that occurs would not be covered by your warranty.
Do not allow the wiper blade arm to touch the
windshield.
5-48

Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by
a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions
about your tire warranty and where to obtain service,
see your GM Warranty booklet for details. For additional
information refer to the tire manufacturer’s booklet
included with your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual.
{CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used
tires are dangerous.
Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result of too much
friction. You could have an air-out and
a serious accident. SeeLoading Your
Vehicle on page 4-31.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

Underinated tires pose the same danger
as overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.
Overinated tires are more likely to be cut,
punctured or broken by a sudden impact,
such as when you hit a pothole. Keep tires
at the recommended pressure.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If
your tread is badly worn, or if your tires
have been damaged, replace them.
SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-56for
ination pressure adjustment for high speed
driving.
5-51

Winter Tires
If you expect to drive on snow or ice covered roads
often, you may want to get winter tires for your vehicle.
All season tires provide good overall performance on
most surfaces but they may not offer the traction
you would like or the same level of performance as
winter tires on snow or ice covered roads. If you choose
to use winter tires:
Use tires of the same brand and tread type on all
four wheel positions.
Use only radial ply tires of the same size as your
original equipment tires.
SeeBuying New Tires on page 5-59.
Tire Sidewall Labeling
Useful information about a tire is molded into the
sidewall. The following illustration is an example of
a typical P-Metric tire sidewall.(A) Tire Size:The tire size code is a combination
of letters and numbers used to dene a particular tire’s
width, height, aspect ratio, construction type, and
service description. See the Tire Size illustration later in
this section for more detail.
(B) Tire Performance Criteria Specication (TPC
Spec):Original equipment tires designed to GM’s
specic tire performance criteria have a TPC specication
code molded onto the sidewall. GM’s TPC specications
meet or exceed all federal safety guidelines.
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(C) Department of Transportation (DOT):The
Department of Transportation (DOT) code indicates that
the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of
Transportation Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
(D) Tire Identication Number (TIN):The letters
and numbers following the DOT code are the Tire
Identication Number (TIN). The TIN shows the
manufacturer and plant code, tire size, and date the
tire was manufactured. The TIN is molded onto
both sides of the tire, although only one side may
have the date of manufacture.
(E) Tire Ply Material:The type of cord and number
of plies in the sidewall and under the tread.
(F) Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG):Tire
manufacturers are required to grade tires based on
three performance factors: treadwear, traction,
and temperature resistance. For more information,
seeUniform Tire Quality Grading on page 5-60.
(G) Maximum Cold Ination Load Limit:Maximum
load that can be carried and the maximum pressure
needed to support that load. For information on
recommended tire pressure seeInation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-56andLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-31.Tire Size
The following illustration shows, an example of, a typical
passenger car tire size.
(A) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:The United States
version of a metric tire sizing system. The letter “P” as
the rst character in the tire size means a passenger
vehicle tire engineered to standards set by the U.S. Tire
and Rim Association.
(B) Tire Width:The three-digit number indicates the
tire section width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio:A two-digit number that indicates
the tire height-to-width measurements. For example,
if the tire size aspect ratio is 75, as shown in item C,
of the illustration, it would mean that the tire’s sidewall
is 75 percent as high as it is wide.
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(D) Construction Code:A letter code is used to
indicate the type of ply construction in the tire. The
letter “R” means radial ply construction; the letter “D”
means diagonal or bias ply construction; and the
letter “B” means belted-bias ply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter:Diameter of the wheel in inches.
(F) Service Description:The service description
indicates the load range and speed rating of a tire.
The load index can range from 1 to 279. Speed ratings
range from A to Z.
Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height to
its width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is located
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made
from steel or other reinforcing materials.Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies are
laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Cold Ination Pressure:The amount of air pressure
in a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi)
or kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat from
driving. SeeInation - Tire Pressure on page 5-56.
Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor vehicle
with standard and optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but without
passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewall of a
tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the
U.S. Department of Transportation motor vehicle safety
standards. The DOT code includes the Tire Identication
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator which can
also identify the tire manufacturer, production plant,
brand and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, seeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 4-31.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front
axle, seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-31.
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GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle,
seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-31.
Intended Outboard Sidewall:The side of an
asymmetrical tire, that must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa):The metric unit for air pressure.
There are 6.9 kilopascals (kPa) to one psi.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:A tire used on light duty
trucks and some multipurpose passenger vehicles.
Load Index:An assigned number ranging from 1 to 279
that corresponds to the load carrying capacity of a tire.
Maximum Ination Pressure:The maximum air
pressure to which a cold tire may be inated. The
maximum air pressure is molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating:The load rating for a tire at the
maximum permissible ination pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight:The sum of curb
weight; accessory weight; vehicle capacity weight;
and production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight:The number of occupants a
vehicle is designed to seat multiplied by 150 pounds
(68 kg). SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-31.
Occupant Distribution:Designated seating positions.Outward Facing Sidewall:The side of a asymmetrical
tire that has a particular side that faces outward
when mounted on a vehicle. The side of the tire that
contains a whitewall, bears white lettering or bears
manufacturer, brand, and or model name molding that is
higher or deeper than the same moldings on the other
sidewall of the tire.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:A tire used on passenger
cars and some light duty trucks and multipurpose
vehicles.
Recommended Ination Pressure:Vehicle
manufacturer’s recommended tire ination pressure and
shown on the tire placard. SeeInation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-56andLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-31.
Radial Ply tire:A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords
that extend to the beads are laid at 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Rim:A metal support for a tire and upon which the tire
beads are seated.
Sidewall:The portion of a tire between the tread and
the bead.
Speed Rating:An alphanumeric code assigned to a
tire indicating the maximum speed at which a tire
can operate.
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