steering CHEVROLET SSR 2003 1.G Owner's Guide

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.
5-38

(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.
5-54

If a Tire Goes Flat
Your vehicle has no spare tire, no tire changing
equipment and no place to store a tire.
It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while you’re driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. See
Tires on page 5-51. If air goes out of a tire, it’s much
more likely to leak out slowly. But if you should
ever have a “blow out” here are a few tips about what to
expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the at tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel rmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blow out, particularly on a curve, acts much like
a skid and may require the same correction you’d
use in a skid. In any rear blow out, remove your foot
from the accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control
by steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may
be very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop, well off the road if possible.
If a tire goes at, avoid further tire and wheel damage by
driving slowly to a level place and stopping. Then do this:
1. Turn on the hazard warning ashers.
2. Set the parking brake rmly.
3. Put the shift lever in PARK (P).4. Turn off the engine.
5. Inspect the at tire.
If the tire has been separated from the wheel or has
damaged sidewalls or large tears that allow rapid
air loss, call a tire repair facility. SeeRoadside
Assistance Program on page 7-5.
If the at tire is due to a slow leak caused by a nail or
other similar road hazard, the tire inator kit may be used
to repair the damaged tire temporarily. The kit uses a
liquid tire sealant to seal small punctures in the tread
area of the tire. The at tire is then inated to at least
26 psi (179 kPa) and driven to evenly distribute the tire
sealant. The tire pressure is checked after driving for a
maximum of 10 minutes to see if the slow leak has been
stopped. If the tire pressure is 19 psi (131 kPa) or more,
inate the tire up to the standard operating pressure as
shown on the tire and loading information label found on
center pillar near the door latch or on the rear edge of the
driver’s door. SeeInation - Tire Pressure on page 5-56.
You should have the damaged tire repaired as soon as
possible. The tire sealant is a temporary repair only.
For more information regarding the tire inator kit
seeTire Inator Kit on page 5-66.
Notice:If the tire pressure has dropped below
19 psi (131 kPa), the vehicle should not be driven.
Damage to the tire may be severe and the sealant
will not be effective. Contact Roadside Assistance,
seeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-5.
5-65

Maintenance Schedule......................................6-2
Introduction...................................................6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................6-2
Maintenance Requirements..............................6-2
How This Section is Organized.........................6-3
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services...........6-4
Using the Maintenance Schedule......................6-4
Scheduled Maintenance...................................6-5
Part B: Owner Checks and Services.................6-9
At Each Fuel Fill............................................6-9
At Least Once a Month...................................6-9At Least Twice a Year....................................6-9
At Least Once a Year...................................6-10
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections.........6-13
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection............................6-13
Exhaust System Inspection............................6-13
Fuel System Inspection..................................6-13
Engine Cooling System Inspection...................6-14
Brake System Inspection................................6-14
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants. . . .6-15
Part E: Maintenance Record...........................6-17
Section 6 Maintenance Schedule
6-1

Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall).You should let your dealer’s
service department do these jobs. Make sure any
necessary repairs are completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. SeeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-9.
Steering, Suspension and Front
Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chang, etc. Clean and then inspect the
drive axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage.
Replace seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which
could cause a heat build-up in the oor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. SeeEngine Exhaust
on page 2-22.
Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.
6-13

Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name,
part number or specication may be obtained from
your dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil which meets
GM Standard GM6094M and
displays the American Petroleum
Institute Certied for Gasoline
Engines starburst symbol.
To determine the proper viscosity
for your vehicle’s engine, see
Engine Oilon page 5-14.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and use
only DEX-COOL
®Coolant.
SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-24.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake uid.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Parking Brake
Cable GuidesChassis Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377985, in
Canada 88901242) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021184,
in Canada 89021186).
Automatic
TransmissionDEXRON
®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose
Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Chassis
LubricationChassis Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377985, in
Canada 88901242) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
6-15

If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an
investigation, and if it nds that a safety defect exists in
a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your dealer, or
General Motors.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety
Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in
the Washington, D.C. area) or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20590
You can also obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from the hotline.
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, you should immediately notify
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General
Motors of Canada Limited. You may call them at
1-800-333-0510 or write to:
Transport Canada
Place de Ville Tower C
330 Sparks Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, we certainly hope you will notify
General Motors. Please call the Chevrolet Customer
Assistance Center at 1-800-222-1020, or write:
Chevrolet Motor Division
Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33170
Detroit, MI 48232-5170
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00
7-9

A
Accessing the Tire Inator Kit...........................5-66
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-16
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-32
Additional Program Information........................... 7-8
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-7
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-81
Add-On Equipment..........................................4-37
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)......3-62, 3-71
Airbag
Off Light.....................................................3-26
Readiness Light..........................................3-25
Airbag Systems..............................................1-40
Airbag Off Switch........................................1-48
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-46
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-52
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-46
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-47
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-45
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-42
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-20
Air Compressor..............................................5-68
Air Conditioning..............................................3-18
AM ...............................................................3-81
Antenna, Integrated Windshield.........................3-81
Anti-lock Brake System..................................... 4-6
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-29Appearance Care............................................5-72
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-75
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-78
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-73
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-75
Finish Damage............................................5-78
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-78
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-78
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-79
Weatherstrips..............................................5-75
Ashtrays........................................................3-17
Audio System(s).............................................3-58
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-80
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-81
Care of Your CDs........................................3-81
Integrated Windshield Antenna.......................3-81
Radio with CD............................................3-59
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-68
Setting the Time..........................................3-59
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-80
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-81
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-12
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-21
Operation...................................................2-17
Automatic Transmission Check..........................6-10
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control
System Check.............................................6-11
Auxiliary Gage Package...................................3-38
1

Flip Hall Switch Fault......................................3-47
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-21
Power Steering...........................................5-31
Windshield Washer......................................5-32
FM ...............................................................3-81
Fog Lamps....................................................3-13
Following Distance..........................................4-46
Footnotes........................................................ 6-5
Front Map Lamps...........................................3-15
Front Turn and Parking Lamps.........................5-44
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-7
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-10
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage.........................................................3-37
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-6
System Inspection.......................................6-13
Fuel Information..............................................3-43Fuel Level Low...............................................3-47
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-82
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-81
G
Gage
Check Gages Warning Light..........................3-36
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-30
Fuel..........................................................3-37
Oil Pressure...............................................3-34
Speedometer..............................................3-24
Tachometer.................................................3-24
Gage, Auxiliary Package..................................3-38
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-26
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-6
Gate Operator and Canadian Programming........2-29
Glove Box.....................................................2-31
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
6

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