headlamp CHEVROLET SSR 2004 1.G User Guide

Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside, your automatic
headlamp system will turn on your headlamps at the
normal brightness along with other lamps such as
the taillamps, sidemarker, parking lamps and the
instrument panel lights when the exterior lamps knob is
turned to AUTO. The radio lights will also be on.
Your vehicle is equipped with a light sensor on the top
of the instrument panel. Be sure it is not covered or
the system will be on whenever the ignition is on.
The system may also turn on your lights when driving
through a parking garage, heavy overcast weather
or a tunnel. This is normal.
There is a delay in the transition between the daytime
and nighttime operation of the Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) and the automatic headlamp systems so
that driving under bridges or bright overhead street
lights does not affect the system. The DRL and
automatic headlamp system will only be affected when
the light sensor sees a change in lighting lasting
longer than the delay.
To idle your vehicle with the automatic headlamp
system off, set the parking brake while the ignition is off.
Then start your vehicle. The automatic headlamp
system will stay off until you release the parking brake,
or until you shift out of PARK (P).You may be able to turn off your automatic headlamp
system. See “Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)” later
in this section for more information.
If you start your vehicle in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system will come on immediately. Once
you leave the garage, it will take approximately
one minute for the automatic headlamp system to
change to DRL if it is light outside. During that delay,
your instrument panel cluster may not be as bright
as usual. Make sure your instrument panel brightness
control is in the full bright position. See “Instrument
Panel Brightness” underInterior Lamps on page 3-15.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.
Lamps On Reminder
A reminder tone will sound when your headlamps or
parking lamps are manually turned on, the driver’s door
is open and your ignition is in OFF or ACCESSORY.
To turn the tone off, turn the knob all the way
counterclockwise. In the automatic mode, the headlamps
turn off once the ignition key is in OFF.
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Daytime Running Lamps
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the
day. DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the short
periods after dawn and before sunset. Fully functional
daytime running lamps are required on all vehicles
rst sold in Canada.
The DRL system will make your headlamps come on
at reduced brightness when the following conditions
are met:
The ignition is on.
The exterior lamps knob is in AUTO.
The light sensor detects daytime light.
The transmission is not in PARK (P).
When the DRL are on, only your headlamps will be on.
The taillamps, sidemarker and other lamps won’t be
on. The instrument panel won’t be lit up either.
When it begins to get dark, the headlamps will
automatically switch from DRL to the regular headlamps.
To idle your vehicle with the DRL off, put your vehicle’s
transmission in PARK (P). The DRL will stay off until
you shift out of PARK (P).
Fog Lamps
Use your fog lamps for better vision in foggy or misty
conditions. Your ignition must be in RUN for your
fog lamps to work.
-(Fog Lamps):Press this button located on the
exterior lamps control to turn the fog lamps on or off.
The fog lamps will go off whenever you turn on the
high-beam headlamps. When the high beams are turned
off, the fog lamps will come on again.
O(Fog Lamp Indicator Light):This light located on
the exterior lamps control illuminates when the fog
lamps are turned on.
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Exit Lighting
With the exit lighting, the interior lamps will come on
when you remove the key from the ignition to help you
see while exiting the vehicle.
Parade Dimming
This feature prohibits the dimming of your instrument
panel displays during daylight while your headlamps are
on. When the light sensor reads darkness outside,
you will be able to dim your instrument panel displays
once again.
Perimeter Lighting
When the button with the unlock symbol on the remote
keyless entry transmitter is pressed, the DRL, parking
lamps and back-up lamps will come on if it is dark
enough outside.
This feature can be personalized for up to two drivers.
SeeDIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-55for
more information.
Front Map Lamps
If your vehicle has front map lamps, they are located on
the inside rearview mirror. They will automatically
come on for about 40 seconds when the doors are
unlocked with the remote keyless entry transmitter or
until the ignition key is turned to RUN or ACCESSORY.
The lamps will also stay on for about 40 seconds
after you exit the vehicle unless you lock the doors with
the remote keyless entry transmitter.
You can also turn the lamps on and off by pressing the
button near each lamp.
Battery Rundown Protection
This feature shuts off all lamps that are left on for more
than 10 minutes when the ignition is off. This will
keep your battery from running down.
3-16

Highbeam On Light
This light comes on
whenever the high-beam
headlamps are on.
Check Gages Warning Light
The Check Gages light will
come on briey when you
are starting the engine.
If the light comes on and stays on while you are driving,
check your coolant temperature and engine oil
pressure gages to see if they are in the warning zones.
SeeEngine Coolant Temperature Gage on page 3-32
andOil Pressure Gage on page 3-36.
When the fuel level is low in your vehicle, the check
gages light will come on and a chime will sound. You will
also see a FUEL LEVEL LOW message on the DIC.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-48
for more information.
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Turn Signal On
If a turn signal is left on for 3/4 mile (1.2 km), this
message will appear on the display and you will hear a
chime. Move the turn signal/multifunction lever to the
off position. Press the select button to acknowledge this
message and clear it from the display. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-5for more
information.
Unknown Speed
This message will be displayed when trying to raise or
lower the convertible top and the roof controller
cannot communicate with the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM). See your dealer for service.
DIC Vehicle Personalization
Your vehicle has a personalization feature that allows
you to program certain features to a preferred setting for
up to two drivers. The number of programmable
features varies depending upon which model of the
vehicle you purchased. Once the features are
programmed, the saved settings are recalled by pressing
the unlock button on the remote keyless entry
transmitter, 1 or 2, or by pressing the appropriatememory button, 1 or 2, located on the outboard side of
the driver’s seat. SeeMemory Seat on page 2-52
for more information.
The following is a list of available programmable
options:
AUTOMATIC LOCKING
AUTOMATIC UNLOCKING
REMOTE LOCK FEEDBACK
REMOTE UNLOCK FEEDBACK
HEADLAMPS ON AT EXIT
PERIMETER LIGHTING
SEAT POSITION RECALL (If equipped)
DISPLAY LANGUAGE
DISPLAY UNITS (U.S./MET)
y(Personalization):Press this button located on the
steering wheel to access the vehicle personalization
menu and customize the personalization settings
on your vehicle.
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If you choose Mode 1, the parking lamps will ash each
time you press the button with the unlock symbol on
the remote keyless entry transmitter. The horn will chirp
the second time you press the unlock button.
If you choose Mode 2, there will be no feedback when
unlocking the vehicle.
If you choose Mode 3, the horn will chirp the second
time you press the button with the unlock symbol on the
remote keyless entry transmitter.
If you choose Mode 4, the parking lamps will ash each
time you press the button with the unlock symbol on
the remote keyless entry transmitter.
Scroll through the list of modes. When the mode you
want is displayed on the DIC, press personalization
button to set your choice, return to the personalization
menu, and advance to the next programmable feature.Headlamps on at Exit
This feature allows you to set the amount of time you
want the headlamps to remain on after you exit the
vehicle. Press the personalization button until
HEADLAMPS ON AT EXIT appears in the display. To
access the modes for HEADLAMPS ON AT EXIT, press
the select button. Once HEADLAMPS ON AT EXIT is
selected, press the select button to scroll through
the following modes:
Mode 1:HEADLAMP DELAY: 10 SEC
Mode 2:HEADLAMP DELAY: 20 SEC
Mode 3:HEADLAMP DELAY: 40 SEC
Mode 4:HEADLAMP DELAY: 60 SEC
Mode 5:HEADLAMP DELAY: 120 SEC
Mode 6:HEADLAMP DELAY: 180 SEC
Mode 7:HEADLAMP DELAY: OFF
If you choose Mode 7, the headlamps will turn off as
soon as you turn off the vehicle.
Scroll through the list of modes. When the mode you
want is displayed on the DIC, press personalization
button to set your choice, return to the personalization
menu, and advance to the next programmable feature.
3-58

Perimeter Lighting
This feature allows you to choose whether or not certain
exterior lamps turn on when the unlock button on the
remote keyless entry transmitter is pressed. Press
the personalization button until PERIMETER LIGHTING
appears in the display. To access the modes for
PERIMETER LIGHTING, press the select button. Once
PERIMETER LIGHTING is selected, press the select
button to scroll through the following modes:
Mode 1:PERIMETER LIGHTING ON
Mode 2:PERIMETER LIGHTING OFF
If you choose Mode 1, the headlamps and back-up
lamps will come on for 40 seconds, if it is dark enough
outside, when you unlock the vehicle with the remote
keyless entry transmitter.
Scroll through the list of modes. When the mode you
want is displayed on the DIC, press personalization
button to set your choice, return to the personalization
menu, and advance to the next programmable feature.
Seat Position Recall
This feature allows you to choose how any previously
programmed seat position is recalled. Press the
personalization button until SEAT POSITION RECALL
appears in the display. To access the modes for
SEAT POSITION RECALL, press the select button.
Once SEAT POSITION RECALL is selected, press the
select button to scroll through the following modes:
Mode 1:SEAT POSITION RECALL OFF
Mode 2:SEAT POSITION RECALL AT KEY IN
Mode 3:SEAT POSITION RECALL ON REMOTE
If you choose Mode 1, the memory seat position you
saved will only be recalled when the memory
button 1 or 2 is pressed.
If you choose Mode 2, the memory seat position you
saved will be recalled when you put the key in the
ignition.
If you choose Mode 3, the memory seat position you
saved will be recalled when you unlock the vehicle with
the remote keyless entry transmitter.
Scroll through the list of modes. When the mode you
want is displayed on the DIC, press personalization
button to set your choice, return to the personalization
menu, and advance to the next programmable
feature. SeeMemory Seat on page 2-52for more
information.
3-59

Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving.
One reason is that some drivers are likely to be
impaired — by alcohol or drugs, with night vision
problems, or by fatigue.Here are some tips on night driving.
Drive defensively.
Do not drink and drive.
Since you can not see as well, you may need to
slow down and keep more space between you
and other vehicles.
Slow down, especially on higher speed roads. Your
headlamps can light up only so much road ahead.
In remote areas, watch for animals.
If you are tired, pull off the road in a safe place
and rest.
No one can see as well at night as in the daytime.
But as we get older these differences increase.
A 50-year-old driver may require at least twice as much
light to see the same thing at night as a 20-year-old.
What you do in the daytime can also affect your
night vision. For example, if you spend the day in bright
sunshine you are wise to wear sunglasses. Your
eyes will have less trouble adjusting to night. But if you
are driving, do not wear sunglasses at night. They
may cut down on glare from headlamps, but they also
make a lot of things invisible.
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You can be temporarily blinded by approaching
headlamps. It can take a second or two, or even several
seconds, for your eyes to readjust to the dark. When
you are faced with severe glare (as from a driver
who does not lower the high beams, or a vehicle with
misaimed headlamps), slow down a little. Avoid
staring directly into the approaching headlamps.
Keep your windshield and all the glass on your vehicle
clean — inside and out. Glare at night is made much
worse by dirt on the glass. Even the inside of the glass
can build up a lm caused by dust. Dirty glass makes
lights dazzle and ash more than clean glass would,
making the pupils of your eyes contract repeatedly.
Remember that your headlamps light up far less of a
roadway when you are in a turn or curve. Keep
your eyes moving; that way, it is easier to pick out dimly
lighted objects. Just as your headlamps should be
checked regularly for proper aim, so should your eyes
be examined regularly. Some drivers suffer from
night blindness — the inability to see in dim light — and
are not even aware of it.Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet
road, you can not stop, accelerate or turn as well
because your tire-to-road traction is not as good as on
dry roads. And, if your tires do not have much tread
left, you will get even less traction. It is always wise to
go slower and be cautious if rain starts to fall while
you are driving. The surface may get wet suddenly when
your reexes are tuned for driving on dry pavement.
4-17

You can run the engine to keep warm, but be careful.
{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 can not 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.
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