traction control CHEVROLET SSR 2004 1.G Owners Manual

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-2
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-3
Other Warning Devices...................................3-4
Horn.............................................................3-4
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-5
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-5
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-12
Interior Lamps..............................................3-15
Center Console Switchbank............................3-17
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-17
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-18
Climate Controls............................................3-19
Climate Control System.................................3-19
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-22
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-23
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-24
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-25
Trip Odometer..............................................3-25
Tachometer.................................................3-25
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-26
Air Bag Readiness Light................................3-26
Air Bag Off Light..........................................3-28
Charging System Light..................................3-29
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-30
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-31Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light . . .3-31
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-32
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-32
Oil Pressure Gage........................................3-36
Change Engine Oil Light................................3-37
Security Light...............................................3-37
Cruise Control Light......................................3-38
Reduced Engine Power Light.........................3-38
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-39
Check Gages Warning Light...........................3-39
Fuel Gage...................................................3-40
Auxiliary Gage Package.................................3-41
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-44
DIC Controls and Displays.............................3-44
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-48
DIC Vehicle Personalization............................3-55
Audio System(s).............................................3-61
Setting the Time...........................................3-61
Radio with CD..............................................3-62
Radio with Six-Disc CD.................................3-71
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................3-85
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................3-86
Radio Reception...........................................3-87
Care of Your CDs.........................................3-87
Care of Your CD Player................................3-87
Integrated Windshield Antenna........................3-87
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

9(Off):Turn the band to this symbol to turn of your
windshield wipers.
{CAUTION:
In freezing weather, do not use your washer
until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the
washer uid can form ice on the windshield,
blocking your vision.
LQ(Windshield Washer):To spray washer uid on
the windshield, press the paddle. The wipers will
clear the window and then either stop or return to your
preset speed.
Cruise Control
With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of about
25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your foot
on the accelerator. This can really help on long
trips. Cruise control does not work at speeds below
about 25 mph (40 km/h).
If you apply your brakes, the cruise control will shut off.
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where you
can not drive safely at a steady speed. So, do
not use your cruise control on winding roads
or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery
roads. On such roads, fast changes in tire
traction can cause needless wheel spinning,
and you could lose control. Do not use cruise
control on slippery roads.
{CAUTION:
If you leave your cruise control on when you
are not using cruise, you might hit a button
and go into cruise when you do not want to.
You could be startled and even lose control.
Keep the cruise control switch off until you
want to use cruise control.
3-8

Center Console Switchbank
The following controls are located on your center
console switchbank:
A. Driver Power Window. SeePower Windows on
page 2-10.
B. Traction Control System (TCS). SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-9.
C. Convertible Top. SeeConvertible Top on page 2-45.
D. Power Door Locks. SeePower Door Locks on
page 2-7.
E. Passenger Power Window. SeePower Windows on
page 2-10.
Accessory Power Outlets
With accessory power outlets you can plug in auxiliary
electrical equipment such as a cellular telephone or
CB radio.
There is an accessory power outlet located on either
side of the ashtray on the instrument panel, and
there is an outlet in the rear cargo area. A small cap
must be removed to access an accessory power outlet.
When not using an outlet be sure to cover it with the
protective cap.
The accessory power outlets will only operate when the
ignition is in ACCESSORY or RUN and for 10 minutes
after turning the ignition to OFF.
Notice:Leaving electrical equipment on for
extended periods will drain the battery. Always turn
off electrical equipment when not in use and do
not plug in equipment that exceeds the maximum
amperage rating.
3-17

Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
Light
With the anti-lock brake
system, this light will come
on when you start your
engine and may stay on for
several seconds. That’s
normal.
If the light stays on, or comes on when you’re driving,
your vehicle needs service. If the regular brake
system warning light isn’t on, you still have brakes, but
you don’t have anti-lock brakes. If the regular brake
system warning light is also on, you don’t have anti-lock
brakes and there’s a problem with your regular
brakes. SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-30.
The anti-lock brake system warning light should come
on briey when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If
the light doesn’t come on then, have it xed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
If the TC (traction control)
warning light comes on
and stays on, there may be
a problem with the
traction control system.
The TC (traction control) warning light will come on
briey when you turn the ignition to ON. If it doesn’t
come on then, have it xed so it will be ready to warn
you if there is a problem.
If the Traction Control System (TCS) is on and you drive
faster than 100 mph (161 km/h), the system will turn
off and the TC warning light will come on. The TCS will
turn back on and the TC warning light will go out
once the vehicle speed falls below 90 mph (145 km/h).
If the TC (traction control) warning light stays on or
comes on while you are driving, pull off the road as soon
as possible and stop carefully. Try resetting the
system by turning the ignition off then back on. If the
light still stays on or comes back on again while you are
driving, your vehicle needs service. Have the traction
control system inspected as soon as possible.
3-31

Stop Vehicle
This message will be displayed when attempting to
release the cargo cover while the vehicle is in motion.
The vehicle must stopped and the transmission
placed in PARK (P) to release the cargo cover. See
Cargo Cover on page 2-31for more information.
Tlat (Tonneau Latch) Hall Switch Fault
This message will be displayed when trying to raise
or lower the convertible top and there is a problem with
this switch. If the message persists, see your dealer
for service.
Tonn (Tonneau) Hall Switch Fault
This message will be displayed when trying to raise or
lower the convertible top and there is a fault with
this switch. If the message persists, see your dealer for
service.
Tonn (Tonneau) Latd (Latched) Switch
Fault
This message will be displayed when trying to raise or
lower the convertible top and there is a fault with
this switch. If the message persists, see your dealer for
service.
Traction Active
This message, along with the light on the Traction
Control System (TCS) warning light on the instrument
panel cluster, will be displayed when the TCS system is
active. Press the select button to acknowledge this
message and clear it from the DIC display. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-9andTraction
Control System (TCS) Warning Light on page 3-31for
more information.
Trans (Transmission) Hot Idle
If the transmission uid in the vehicle becomes too hot,
this message will appear on the DIC. Stop the vehicle
and let it idle to allow the transmission uid to cool. This
message will clear when the uid temperature reaches
a safe level. SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid on
page 5-20and if your vehicle is equipped with
the auxiliary gage package, see “Transmission
Temperature Gage” underAuxiliary Gage Package on
page 3-41for more information.
3-54

Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle..........4-2
Defensive Driving...........................................4-2
Drunken Driving.............................................4-3
Control of a Vehicle........................................4-6
Braking.........................................................4-6
Traction Control System (TCS).........................4-9
Steering......................................................4-11
Off-Road Recovery.......................................4-13
Passing.......................................................4-13
Loss of Control.............................................4-15
Driving at Night............................................4-16
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................4-17
City Driving..................................................4-20Freeway Driving...........................................4-21
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................4-23
Highway Hypnosis........................................4-24
Hill and Mountain Roads................................4-24
Winter Driving..............................................4-26
If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow . . .4-31
Towing..........................................................4-32
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-32
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................4-32
Loading Your Vehicle....................................4-32
Trailer Recommendations...............................4-38
Towing a Trailer...........................................4-39
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
4-1

Remember: Anti-lock does not change the time you
need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always
decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to
the vehicle in front of you, you will not have time to apply
your brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops.
Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even
though you have anti-lock brakes.
Using Anti-Lock
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down rmly and let anti-lock work for you. You may feel
the brakes vibrate, or you may notice some noise,
but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more
than even the very best braking.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle has a Traction Control System (TCS) that
limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system operates only if it senses
that one or both of the rear wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this happens,
the system reduces engine power and may also upshift
the transmission to limit wheel spin.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this is
normal.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction
control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise
control will automatically disengage. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may
re-engage the cruise control. See “Cruise Control”
inTurn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-5.
The Traction Control System operates in all transmission
shift lever positions. But the system can upshift the
transmission only as high as the shift lever position
you’ve chosen, so you should use the lower gears only
when necessary. SeeAutomatic Transmission
Operation on page 2-16.
4-9

When the system is on,
this warning light will come
on to let you know if
there’s a problem.
When this warning light is on, the system will not limit
wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
If the Traction Control System (TCS) is on and you drive
faster than 100 mph (161 km/h), the system will turn
off and the TC warning light will come on. The TCS will
turn back on and the TC warning light will go out
once the vehicle speed falls below 90 mph (145 km/h).
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) Warning Light
on page 3-31.
To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road
conditions, you should always leave the Traction Control
System on. But you can turn the system off if you
ever need to. You should turn the system off if your
vehicle ever gets stuck in sand, mud or snow and
rocking the vehicle is required. See “Rocking Your
Vehicle” inIf You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
on page 4-31.To turn the system on or
off press the button
located on your center
console switchbank. See
Center Console
Switchbank on page 3-17
for more information.
When you turn the system off, the Traction Control
System warning light will come on and stay on. If the
Traction Control System is limiting wheel spin when you
press the button to turn the system off, the warning
light will come on and the system will turn off right away.
You can turn the system back on at any time by
pressing the button again. The Traction Control System
warning light should go off.
4-10

Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
Driving on Curves
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject
to the same laws of physics when driving on curves.
The traction of the tires against the road surface
makes it possible for the vehicle to change its path
when you turn the front wheels. If there is no traction,
inertia will keep the vehicle going in the same direction.
If you have ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice,
you will understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at
which the curve is banked, and your speed. While
you are in a curve, speed is the one factor you
can control.Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve.
Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control
systems — steering and acceleration — have to do their
work where the tires meet the road. Adding the sudden
acceleration can demand too much of those places. You
can lose control.
What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on
the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you
want it to go, and slow down.
Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should
adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds
are based on good weather and road conditions. Under
less favorable conditions you will want to go slower.
If you need to reduce your speed as you approach
a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front
wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then
accelerate gently into the straightaway.
4-11

Loss of Control
Let us review what driving experts say about what
happens when the three control systems (brakes,
steering and acceleration) do not have enough friction
where the tires meet the road to do what the driver
has asked.
In any emergency, do not give up. Keep trying to steer
and constantly seek an escape route or area of less
danger.
Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not
“overdriving” those conditions. But skids are always
possible.
The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle’s
three control systems. In the braking skid, your wheels
are not rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too
much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip
and lose cornering force. And in the acceleration
skid, too much throttle causes the driving wheels
to spin.
A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off
the accelerator pedal.Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid only
the acceleration skid. If your TCS system is off, then
an acceleration skid is also best handled by easing your
foot off the accelerator pedal.
If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready
for a second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel or other material is on the road. For safety,
you will want to slow down and adjust your driving to
these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration
or braking (including engine braking by shifting to a
lower gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires
to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery
until your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues — such as enough water, ice or packed snow
on the road to make a “mirrored surface” — and slow
down when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
4-15