check engine light CHEVROLET SSR 2005 1.G User Guide

Engine Coolant Hot Idle Engine
Notice:If your engine catches ®re because you
keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can
be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not
be covered by your warranty.
If the cooling system temperature becomes too hot,
this message will appear in the DIC and you will hear
a chime. Stop the vehicle and let the engine idle in
PARK (P) to allow the coolant to reach a safe
temperature. You may need to add more coolant to your
vehicle before driving again. See
Engine Coolant on
page 5-26andEngine Coolant Temperature Gage
on page 3-32for more information. This message will
clear from the DIC display when the coolant temperature
drops to a safe operating temperature.
Engine Overheated Stop Engine
Notice:If your engine catches ®re because you
keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can
be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not
be covered by your warranty.
If your engine is overheated, this message will be
displayed on the DIC. Stop the vehicle as soon as
possible and do not drive it until the engine cools down. You may need to add more coolant to your vehicle
before driving again. See
Engine Overheating on
page 5-28andEngine Coolant Temperature Gage on
page 3-32for more information. This message will clear
from the DIC display when the coolant temperature
drops to a safe operating temperature.
Flip Hall Switch Fault
This message will be displayed on the DIC when trying
to raise or lower the convertible top and there is a
fault with this switch. If the message persists, see your
GM dealer for service.
Fuel Level Low
If the fuel level is low in the vehicle's gas tank, this
message will appear on the DIC and you will hear a
chime. You will also see the check gages warning light
on the instrument panel cluster. See
Check Gages
Warning Light on page 3-38for more information. Refuel
as soon as possible. SeeFilling Your Tank on page 5-8andFuel Gage on page 3-39for more information.
Press the select button to acknowledge and clear the
message from the display.
3-47

Braking
Braking action involves perception time and
reaction time.
First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal.
That is perception time. Then you have to bring up your
foot and do it. That is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might be less
with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or
more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness,
coordination and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol,
drugs and frustration. But even in three-fourths of a
second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels
66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough space between
your vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road (whether it is pavement
or gravel); the condition of the road (wet, dry, icy); tire
tread; the condition of your brakes; the weight of
the vehicle and the amount of brake force applied.
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic.
This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time
to cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear
out much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking.If you keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic
following distances, you will eliminate a lot of
unnecessary braking. That means better braking and
longer brake life.
If your engine ever stops while you are driving, brake
normally but do not pump your brakes. If you do,
the pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine
stops, you will still have some power brake assist.
But you will use it when you brake. Once the power
assist is used up, it may take longer to stop and
the brake pedal will be harder to push.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes. ABS is an advanced
electronic braking system that will help prevent a
braking skid.
When you start your engine and begin to drive away,
your anti-lock brake system will check itself. You
may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while
this test is going on. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system,
this warning light will
stay on. SeeAnti-Lock
Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-31.
4-6

{CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your
vehicle. This can cause deadly CO (carbon
monoxide) gas to get inside. CO could
overcome you and kill you. You cannot see it
or smell it, so you might not know it is in your
vehicle. Clear away snow from around the
base of your vehicle, especially any that is
blocking your exhaust pipe. And check around
again from time to time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of the
vehicle that is away from the wind. This will
help keep CO out.Run your engine only as long as you must. This
saves fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a
little faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator
slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that you get
and it keeps the battery charged. You will need a
well-charged battery to restart the vehicle, and possibly
for signaling later on with your headlamps. Let the
heater run for a while.
Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost
all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine
again and repeat this only when you feel really
uncomfortable from the cold. But do it as little as
possible. Preserve the fuel as long as you can. To
help keep warm, you can get out of the vehicle and do
some fairly vigorous exercises every half hour or so
until help comes.
4-27

Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle
Things you might add to the outside of your vehicle
can affect the airow around it. This may cause
wind noise and affect windshield washer performance.
Check with your dealer before adding equipment to
the outside of your vehicle.
Fuel
The 8th digit of your vehicle identication number (VIN)
shows the code letter or number that identies your
engine. You will nd the VIN at the top left of the
instrument panel. SeeVehicle Identication Number
(VIN) on page 5-82.
Gasoline Octane
Use premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane
of 91 or higher for best performance. You may also
use middle grade or regular unleaded gasoline rated at
87 octane or higher, but your vehicle’s acceleration
may be slightly reduced. If the octane is less than 87,
you may get a heavy knocking noise when you drive.
If this occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher as soon as possible. Otherwise, you might
damage your engine.
Gasoline Specications
It is recommended that gasoline meet specications
which were developed by automobile manufacturers
around the world and contained in the World-Wide Fuel
Charter which is available from the Alliance of Automobile
Manufacturers at www.autoalliance.org/fuel_charter.htm.
Gasoline meeting these specications could provide
improved driveability and emission control system
performance compared to other gasoline.
5-5

Your vehicle’s engine is lled at the factory with a
Mobil 1®synthetic oil, which meets all requirements for
your vehicle.
Substitute Engine Oil: When adding oil to maintain
engine oil level, oil meeting GM Standard GM4718M
may not be available. You can add substitute oil
designated SAE 5W-30 with the starburst symbol at all
temperatures. Substitute oil not meeting GM Standard
GM4718M should not be used for an oil change.
Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to your oil. The recommended oils
with the starburst symbol that meet GM Standard
GM4718M are all you will need for good performance
and engine protection.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know
when to change the engine oil and lter. This is based on
engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not on
mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at
which an oil change will be indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work properly, you
must reset the system every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is necessary.
A change engine oil light will come on. SeeChange
Engine Oil Light on page 3-37. Change your oil as soon
as possible within the next 600 miles (1 000 km). It is
possible that, if you are driving under the best conditions,
the oil life system may not indicate that an oil change is
necessary for over a year. However, your engine oil and
lter must be changed at least once a year and at this
time the system must be reset. Your dealer has
GM-trained service people who will perform this work
using genuine GM parts and reset the system. It is also
important to check your oil regularly and keep it at the
proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must
change your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your
last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed.
5-16

{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.
{CAUTION:
Fans or other moving engine parts can injure
you badly. Keep your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.
5. Check that the jumper cables do not have loose
or missing insulation. If they do, you could get a
shock. The vehicles could be damaged too.
Before you connect the cables, here are some
basic things you should know. Positive (+) will go to
positive (+) or to a remote positive (+) terminal if
the vehicle has one. Negative (−) will go to a heavy,
unpainted metal engine part or to a remote
negative (−) terminal if the vehicle has one.
Do not connect positive (+) to negative (−)oryou
will get a short that would damage the battery
and maybe other parts too. And do not connect the
negative (−) cable to the negative (−) terminal on
the dead battery because this can cause sparks.
6. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the dead battery. Use a remote
positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one.
5-41

If you want to purchase service information, seeService
Publications Ordering Information on page 7-12.
Owner Checks and Services on page 6-8tells you
what should be checked, when to check it and what
you can easily do to help keep your vehicle in
good condition.
The proper replacement parts, uids and lubricants to
use are listed inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-12andNormal Maintenance Replacement
Parts on page 6-14. When your vehicle is serviced,
make sure these are used. All parts should be replaced
and all necessary repairs done before you or anyone
else drives the vehicle. We recommend the use of
genuine GM parts.
Scheduled Maintenance
When the change engine oil light comes on, it means
that service is required for your vehicle. Have your
vehicle serviced as soon as possible within the next
600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible that, if you are
driving under the best conditions, the engine oil life
system may not indicate that vehicle service is
necessary for over a year. However, your engine oil
and lter must be changed at least once a year and
at this time the system must be reset. Your GM
Goodwrench
®dealer has GM-trained service technicians
who will perform this work using genuine GM parts
and reset the system.If the engine oil life system is ever reset accidentally,
you must service your vehicle within 3,000 miles
(5 000 km) since your last service. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is changed. See
Engine Oil Life System on page 5-16for information on
the Engine Oil Life System and resetting the system.
When the change engine oil light appears, certain
services, checks and inspections are required.
Required services are described in the following for
“MaintenanceI” and “MaintenanceII.” Generally, it is
recommended that your rst service be MaintenanceI,
your second service be MaintenanceIIand that you
alternate MaintenanceIand MaintenanceIIthereafter.
However, in some cases, MaintenanceIImay be
required more often.
MaintenanceI— Use MaintenanceIif the change
engine oil light comes on within 10 months since
the vehicle was purchased or MaintenanceIIwas
performed.
MaintenanceII— Use MaintenanceIIif the previous
service performed was MaintenanceI. Always use
MaintenanceIIwhenever the light comes on 10 months
or more since the last service or if the light has not
come on at all for one year.
6-4

(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. Also look for any opened or broken airbag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced.
(The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.)
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, all body door and
fuel door hinges, latches and locks, including glove box
and console doors, hood assembly, secondary latch,
pivots, spring anchor, release pawl and any moving seat
hardware. More frequent lubrication may be required
when exposed to a corrosive environment. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips with a clean cloth will
make them last longer, seal better and not stick or
squeak.
(g)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired
and the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.(h)Change automatic transmission uid and lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
(i)Drain, ush and rell cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer perform
this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-26for
what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap and ller neck. Pressure test the cooling
system and pressure cap.
(j)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the lter at each engine oil change.
Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your GM Goodwrench
®dealer can assist
you with these checks and services.
6-8

B
Battery..........................................................5-38
Run-Down Protection...................................3-17
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-21
Brake
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................ 4-6
Emergencies................................................ 4-8
Parking......................................................2-23
System Warning Light..................................3-30
Brakes..........................................................5-35
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-15
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-44
Back-Up Lamps...........................................5-49
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Parking Lamps.........................................5-46
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-44
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-44
Headlamps.................................................5-44
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-49
Taillamps....................................................5-48
Buying New Tires...........................................5-61
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications............................5-93
Carbon Monoxide...................2-11, 2-26, 4-24, 4-35
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-77
Your CD Player...........................................3-83
Your CDs ...................................................3-83
Cargo Cover..................................................2-36
Cargo Net System..........................................2-42
Cargo Tie Downs............................................2-39
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-35
Center Console Switchbank..............................3-18
Chains, Tire...................................................5-66
Charging System Light....................................3-29
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-32
Gages Warning Light...................................3-38
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-81
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-24
Infants and Young Children...........................1-22
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-30
2

D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-14
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Door
Locks.......................................................... 2-9
Power Door Locks.......................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-10
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-12
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-42
DIC Controls and Displays............................3-42
DIC Vehicle Personalization..........................3-52
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-45
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-15
City...........................................................4-19
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-3
Freeway.....................................................4-20
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-22
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-16
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-28
Winter........................................................4-24
E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-83
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-88
Floor Console Fuse Block.............................5-85
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-84
Headlamps.................................................5-83
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-84
Relay Center..............................................5-91
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-84
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-19
Battery.......................................................5-38
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-37
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-32
Coolant......................................................5-26
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-32
Cover........................................................5-18
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-26
Oil .............................................................5-13
Overheating................................................5-28
Reduced Power Light...................................3-38
Speed Limiter.............................................3-26
Starting......................................................2-17
4