trailer CHEVROLET SSR 2003 1.G Owner's Manual

Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re
pulling a trailer. SeeScheduled Maintenance on
page 6-5for more information. Things that are especially
important in trailer operation are automatic transmission
uid (don’t overll), engine oil, axle lubricant, belt,
cooling system and brake system. Each of these is
covered in this manual. If you’re trailering, it’s a
good idea to review these sections before you start
your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Trailer Wiring Harness
The trailer wiring is a four-wire harness assembly. The
wires are blunted and taped to the wiring harness.
The harness and wiring are stored under the vehicle on
the driver’s side. The harness has no connector and
should be wired by a qualied electrical technician. The
technician can use the following color code chart
when connecting the wiring harness to your trailer.
Black: Ground wire.
Yellow: Left turn lamps.
Dark Green: Right turn lamps.
Brown: Parking lamps.
Securely attach the harness to the trailer, then tape or
strap it to your vehicle’s frame rail. Be sure you
leave it loose enough so the wiring doesn’t bend or
break, but not so loose that it drags on the ground. Store
the harness in its original place. Wrap the harness
together and tie it neatly so it won’t be damaged.
4-49

{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/lter
off can cause you or others to be burned.
The air cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps
to stop ame if the engine backres. If it is
not there and the engine backres, you could
be burned. Do not drive with it off, and be
careful working on the engine with the air
cleaner/lter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/lter is off, a backre
can cause a damaging engine re. And, dirt
can easily get into your engine, which will damage
it. Always have the air cleaner/lter in place
when you are driving.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change the
Automatic Transmission Fluid
A good time to check your automatic transmission uid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the uid and lter every 30,000 miles
(50 000 km) 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.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of
these conditions, change the uid and lter every
60,000 miles (100 000 km).
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-5.
5-21

How to Check the Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Because this operation can be difficult, you may choose
to have this done at the dealership service department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
Notice:Too much or too little uid can damage
your transmission. Too much can mean that some
of the uid could come out and fall on hot engine
part or exhaust system parts, starting a re.
Too little uid could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you
check your transmission uid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission uid level if you have been driving:
When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic—especially in hot weather.
While pulling a trailer.To get the right reading, the uid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180°F to 200°F
(82°C to 93°C). If your vehicle has the auxiliary gage
package, you can check the transmission uid
temperature. SeeAuxiliary Gage Package on page 3-38
for more information.
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles
(24 km) when outside temperatures are above
50°F (10°C). If it’s colder than 50°F (10°C), drive the
vehicle in THIRD (3) until the engine temperature gage
moves and then remains steady for 10 minutes.
A cold uid check can be made after the vehicle has
been sitting for eight hours or more with the engine off,
but this is used only as a reference. Let the engine
run at idle for ve minutes if outside temperatures are
50°F (10°C) or more. If it’s colder than 50°F (10°C),
you may have to idle the engine longer. Should the uid
level be low during this cold check, you must check
the uid hot before adding uid. Checking the uid hot
will give you a more accurate reading of the uid level.
5-22

If No Steam Is Coming From Your
Engine
If you get an engine overheat warning but see or
hear no steam, the problem may not be too serious.
Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when you:
Climb a long hill on a hot day.
Stop after high-speed driving.
Idle for long periods in traffic.
Tow a trailer. See “Driving on Grades” under
Towing a Trailer on page 4-38.
If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam,
try this for a minute or so:
1. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in NEUTRAL (N)
while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull off the road,
shift to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and let the
engine idle.
2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan
speed and open the window as necessary.
If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can
drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes.
If the warning doesn’t come back on, you can drive
normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park your
vehicle right away.If there’s still no sign of steam, idle the engine for
three minutes while you’re parked. If you still have the
warning, turn off the engine and get everyone out of the
vehicle until it cools down.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.
Cooling System
When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what
you’ll see:
A. Coolant Surge Tank B. Engine Cooling Fan
5-28

Fuses Usage
25 Blank
26 Blank
27 HomeLink
®System
28 Roof Door Module
29 Blank
31 Truck Body Controller
32 Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
33 Windshield Wipers
34 Stoplamps
35 Blank
36Climate Control System,
Driver’s Door Unlock
37 Front Parking Lamps
38 Driver’s Side Turn Signal
39 Climate Control System
40 Truck Body Controller
41 Radio
42 Trailer Parking Lamps
43 Passenger’s Side Turn Signal
44 Blank
Fuses Usage
46 Accessory Power Outlets
47 Ignition
48 Blank
49 Blank
50 Truck Body Controller, Ignition
51 Brakes
52 Blank
Relays Usage
18 Locks
24 Unlock
30 Parking Lamps
45Rear Window Defogger,
Outside Power Heated Mirrors
Circuit
BreakersUsage
01 Roof & Door Module
02 Roof Pump
08 Power Seats
5-84

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. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-14for information on resetting the system.
An Emission Control Service.
See the mileage intervals following for additional
services that may be performed with an engine oil
change. After the services are performed, record the
date, odometer reading and who performed the service
on the maintenance record pages in Part E of this
schedule.
7,500 Miles (12 500 km)
❑Check rear axle uid level and add uid as needed.
15,000 Miles (25 000 km)
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace
the lter. If vehicle is driven in dusty/dirty conditions,
inspect lter at every engine oil change. SeeEngine
Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20for more information.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote †.)
❑Check rear axle uid level and add uid as needed.
22,500 Miles (37 500 km)
❑Check rear axle uid level and add uid as needed.
30,000 Miles (50 000 km)
❑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.
❑Check rear axle uid level and add uid as needed.
❑Replace fuel lter.An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote †.)
❑Replace engine air cleaner lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20for more information.
An Emission Control Service.
6-6

90,000 Miles (150 000 km)
❑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.
❑Check rear axle uid level and add uid as needed.
❑Replace fuel lter.An Emission Control Service.
(See Footnote †.)
❑Replace engine air cleaner lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20for more information.
An Emission Control Service.
97,500 Miles (162 500 km)
❑Check rear axle uid level and add uid as needed.
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
❑Inspect spark plug wires.An Emission Control
Service.
❑Replace spark plugs.An Emission Control Service.
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
❑Drain, ush and rell cooling system (or every
60 months since last service, whichever occurs rst).
SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-24for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure
cap and neck. Pressure test the cooling system
and pressure cap.An Emission Control Service.
❑Inspect engine accessory drive belt.An Emission
Control Service.
6-8

Driving On Grades..........................................4-47
Driving on Snow or Ice....................................4-26
Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-19
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-19
Driving with a Trailer.......................................4-46
E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-81
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-82
Headlamps.................................................5-81
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-81
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-81
Emergency Cargo Cover Release Handle...........2-34
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-33
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-20
Battery.......................................................5-36
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-35
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-30
Compartment Overview................................5-12
Coolant......................................................5-24
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-30
Cooling System Inspection............................6-14
Cover........................................................5-19
Exhaust.....................................................2-22
Oil .............................................................5-14Engine (cont.)
Overheating................................................5-27
Reduced Power Light...................................3-36
Starting......................................................2-16
Engine Compartment Fuse Block......................5-85
Engine Coolant Hot Idle Engine........................3-46
Engine Coolant Level Check.............................. 6-9
Engine Cover Insert........................................5-19
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-17
Engine Oil Level Check..................................... 6-9
Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance..................... 6-5
Engine Overheated Stop Engine.......................3-47
Erasing HomeLink
®Buttons..............................2-30
Exit Lighting...................................................3-14
Express Down Window....................................2-11
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-19
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-11
F
Fan Knob......................................................3-19
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-20
Finding a Program Type (PTY) Station.......3-63, 3-72
Finding a Station....................................3-60, 3-69
Finish Care....................................................5-76
Finish Damage...............................................5-78
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-6
Flat Tire........................................................5-65
5

H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-3
Hdr (Header) Latch Switch Fault.......................3-47
Headlamp
Aiming.......................................................5-42
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................... 3-6
Headlamps....................................................5-43
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-43
Electrical System.........................................5-81
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Parking Lamps.........................................5-44
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-43
Heated Seats................................................... 1-4
Heater...........................................................3-18
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-36
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-23
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-24
Hitches..........................................................4-42
HomeLink Transmitter, Programming..................2-27
HomeLink
®Wireless Control System.................2-26
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
Horn............................................................... 3-4
How to Add Automatic Transmission Fluid..........5-24How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank.................................................5-30
How to Check................................................5-57
How to Check Lubricant...................................5-42
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-31
How to Check the Automatic
Transmission Fluid.......................................5-22
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.......5-20
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-12
Hydroplaning..................................................4-18
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-28
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-27
If the Light is Flashing.....................................3-32
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-32
If You Are Caught in a Blizzard.........................4-28
If You Decide To Pull A Trailer..........................4-39
Ignition Positions.............................................2-15
Ignition Transmission Lock Check......................6-12
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-22
Ination -- Tire Pressure..................................5-56
Inator Kit, Tire...............................................5-66
7

Light (cont.)
TCS Warning Light......................................3-29
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning..........3-29
Lighted Visor Vanity Mirrors..............................2-12
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-31
Locks
Door........................................................... 2-7
Leaving Your Vehicle..................................... 2-9
Power Door.................................................. 2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-8
Loss of Control...............................................4-13
M
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts............5-91
Maintenance Schedule
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-9
At Least Once a Month.................................. 6-9
At Least Once a Year..................................6-10
At Least Twice a Year................................... 6-9
Brake System Inspection..............................6-14
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-14
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-13
Fuel System Inspection................................6-13
How This Section is Organized....................... 6-3
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services......... 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services............... 6-9Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections.......6-13
Part D - Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants...............................................6-15
Part E - Maintenance Record.........................6-17
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-5
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..........................6-13
Using.......................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-49
Making Turns.................................................4-47
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-30
Manually Open Tonneau..................................3-47
Map Pocket...................................................2-31
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-6
Memory Seat.................................................2-44
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-45
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/
Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin
Islands) — Customer Assistance..................... 7-4
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-24
Outside Automatic Dimming Heated Mirror......2-26
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-25
Outside Power Heated Mirrors.......................2-25
Mode Knob....................................................3-19
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
9