steering CHEVROLET SSR 2006 1.G User Guide

Exterior Lamps
O(Exterior and Interior Lamps Controls):These
controls (B) are located to the left of the steering wheel
and are used to operate the exterior and interior lamps.
D(Interior Lamps Control):The interior lamp
control (A) is used to adjust the brightness of the
instrument panel lights. For more information on
interior lamps, seeInterior Lamps on page 3-17.The exterior lamps control operates the
following systems:
•Headlamps
•Taillamps
•Parking Lamps
•License Lamps
•Sidemarker Lamps
•Instrument Panel Lights
•Interior Courtesy Lamps
O(Fog Lamp Indicator Light):This light illuminates
when the fog lamps are turned on. SeeFog Lamps
on page 3-16for more information.
AUTO (Automatic Headlamp System):Turning the
exterior lamps control to this position activates the
automatic headlamp system. SeeAutomatic Headlamp
System on page 3-15for more information.
;(Parking Lamps):Turning the exterior lamps
control to this position turns on the parking lamps,
license plate lamps, the sidemarker lamps and
the instrument panel lights.
2(Headlamps):Turning the exterior lamps control to
this position turns on the headlamps, together with
the previously listed lamps and lights.
3-13

Interior Lamps
O(Exterior and Interior Lamp Controls):These
controls (B) are used to operate the exterior and interior
lamps. Information on the interior lamps follows. For
more information on the exterior lamps, seeExterior
Lamps on page 3-13.
D(Interior Lamp Control):The interior lamp
control (A) is located to the left of the steering wheel
and is used to adjust the brightness of the instrument
panel lights.
Instrument Panel Brightness
To adjust the brightness of the instrument panel lights,
press lightly on the interior lamp control and release.
The control will extend outward. Turn the control
counterclockwise to brighten and clockwise to dim the
instrument panel lights. Press on the control to return it
to the stored position.
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.
Theater Dimming
This feature allows for a three to five-second fade out of
the courtesy lamps instead of immediate turn off.
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.
3-17

Speedometer and Odometer
The speedometer lets you see your speed in both miles
per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h).
The odometer shows how far your vehicle has been
driven, in either miles (used in the United States)
or kilometers (used in Canada).
The odometer mileage can be checked without the
vehicle running. Turn the ignition to RUN and press the
trip information button located on the steering wheel.
SeeDIC Controls and Displays on page 3-42for more
information.
You may wonder what happens if your vehicle needs a
new odometer installed. If the new one can be set to
the mileage total of the old odometer, then it must
be. But if it can’t, then it’s set at zero, and a label must
be put on the driver’s door to show the old mileage
reading when the new odometer was installed.
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer can tell you how far your vehicle has
been driven since you last set the trip odometer to zero.
Your trip odometer is part of your Driver Information
Center (DIC). The trip information button toggles
to display your trip odometer, Trip A, and Trip B
functions. See “Trip Odometer” underDIC Controls and
Displays on page 3-42for more information.
Tachometer
Notice:If you operate the engine with the
tachometer in the shaded warning area, your vehicle
could be damaged, and the damages would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not operate
the engine with the tachometer in the shaded
warning area.
The tachometer displays the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (rpm).
3-26

Driver Information Center (DIC)
The Driver Information Center (DIC) gives you the
status of many of your vehicle’s systems. It is also used
to display driver personalization features and
warning/status messages. The DIC display is located on
the instrument panel cluster. The DIC buttons are
located on the steering wheel.
The DIC comes on when the ignition is on. After a short
delay the DIC will display the current driver and the
information that was last displayed before the engine
was turned off.
If a problem is detected, a warning message will appear
on the display. Be sure to take any message that
appears on the display seriously and remember that
clearing the message will only make the message
disappear, not correct the problem.
DIC Controls and Displays
The DIC has different modes which can be accessed by
pressing the four buttons located on the steering wheel.
The button functions are listed in the following pages.A.
3(Trip Information):Press this button to
display the odometer, trip odometer, timer, and outside
air temperature.
B.
r(Fuel Information):Press this button to display
the current fuel and engine oil information.
C.
q(Personalization):Press this button to access
the vehicle personalization menu and customize
the personalization settings on your vehicle.
D.
r(Select):Press this button to reset certain
DIC functions, acknowledge DIC warning messages
and clear them from the DIC, and set your
personalization settings.
3-42

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 3-7for 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 GM 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 appropriate
memory button, 1 or 2, located on the outboard side of
the driver’s seat. SeeMemory Seat on page 2-53
for more information.The following is a list of available
programmable options:
•AUTOMATIC LOCKING (Automatic
Transmission only)
•AUTOMATIC UNLOCKING
•REMOTE LOCK FEEDBACK
•REMOTE UNLOCK FEEDBACK
•HEADLAMPS ON AT EXIT
•PERIMETER LIGHTING
•SEAT POSITION RECALL, if equipped
•ALARM WARNING TYPE
•DISPLAY LANGUAGE
•DISPLAY UNITS – U.S./MET
q(Personalization):Press this button located on the
steering wheel to access the vehicle personalization
menu and customize the personalization settings
on your vehicle.
3-52

Display Units – U.S./MET
The feature allows you to choose the measurement
units. Press the personalization button until DISPLAY
UNITS – U.S./MET appears in the display. To access
the modes for DISPLAY UNITS – U.S./MET, press
the select button. Once DISPLAY UNITS – U.S./MET is
selected, press the select button to scroll through the
following modes:
Mode 1:UNITS: U.S. (ENGLISH)
Mode 2:UNITS: METRIC (km/L)
Mode 3:UNITS: METRIC (L/100km)
If you choose Mode 1, all information will be displayed
in English units.
If you choose Mode 2 or 3, all information will be
displayed in metric units.
Scroll through the list of modes. When the mode you
want is displayed on the DIC, press the personalization
button to set your choice and exit the vehicle
personalization menu.
Audio System(s)
Determine which radio your vehicle has and then
read the pages following to familiarize yourself with
its features.
Driving without distraction is a necessity for a safer
driving experience. SeeDefensive Driving on page 4-2.
By taking a few moments to read this manual and
get familiar with your vehicle’s audio system, you can
use it with less effort, as well as take advantage of
its features. While your vehicle is parked, set up your
audio system by presetting your favorite radio stations,
setting the tone and adjusting the speakers. Then,
when driving conditions permit, you can tune to your
favorite stations using the presets and steering
wheel controls (if equipped).
3-58

{CAUTION:
This system provides you with a far greater
access to audio stations and song listings.
Giving extended attention to entertainment
tasks while driving can cause a crash and you
or others can be injured or killed. Always keep
your eyes on the road and your mind on the
drive — avoid engaging in extended searching
while driving.
Keeping your mind on the drive is important for safe
driving. For more information, seeDefensive Driving on
page 4-2.
Here are some ways in which you can help avoid
distraction while driving.
While your vehicle is parked:
•Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
•Familiarize yourself with its operation.
•Set up your audio system by presetting your
favorite radio stations, setting the tone, and
adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
radio stations using the presets and steering wheel
controls (if equipped).Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to
your vehicle, such as an audio system, CD player,
CB radio, mobile telephone, or two-way radio, make
sure that it can be added by checking with your
dealer. Also, check federal rules covering mobile
radio and telephone units. If sound equipment can
be added, it is very important to do it properly.
Added sound equipment may interfere with
the operation of your vehicle’s engine, radio, or
other systems, and even damage them. Your
vehicle’s systems may interfere with the operation
of sound equipment that has been added.
Notice:The chime signals related to safety belts,
parking brake, and other functions of your vehicle
operate through the GM radio/entertainment system.
If that equipment is replaced or additional
equipment is added to your vehicle, the chimes may
not work. Make sure that replacement or additional
equipment is compatible with your vehicle before
installing it. SeeAccessories and Modifications on
page 5-3.
3-59

Audio Steering Wheel Controls
Some audio controls can be adjusted at the steering
wheel. They include the following:
QSEEKR:Press the up or the down arrow to go to
the next or to the previous radio station and stay
there. The radio will only seek stations with a strong
signal that are in the selected band.
Press and hold the seek button to scroll through the
preset radio stations.When a CD is playing, press the up or the down arrow
to fast forward or reverse.
QuR(Volume):Press the up or the down arrow
to increase or to decrease the volume.
Radio Reception
You may experience frequency interference and static
during normal radio reception if items such as cellphone
chargers, vehicle convenience accessories, and
external electronic devices are plugged into the
accessory power outlet. If there is interference or static,
unplug the item from the accessory power outlet.
AM
The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM,
especially at night. The longer range can cause
station frequencies to interfere with each other. For
better radio reception, most AM radio stations will boost
the power levels during the day, and then reduce
these levels during the night. Static can also occur when
things like storms and power lines interfere with radio
reception. When this happens, try reducing the treble on
your radio.
3-85

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
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).........................4-7
Braking in Emergencies...................................4-9
Traction Control System (TCS)
(Automatic Transmission).............................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..................................................4-19Freeway Driving...........................................4-20
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................4-21
Highway Hypnosis........................................4-21
Hill and Mountain Roads................................4-22
Winter Driving..............................................4-24
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice or Snow..............................................4-28
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................4-28
Loading Your Vehicle....................................4-29
Truck-Camper Loading Information..................4-34
Towing..........................................................4-35
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-35
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................4-35
Towing a Trailer...........................................4-35
Trailer Recommendations...............................4-47
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
4-1

Control of a Vehicle
You have three systems that make your vehicle go where
you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering, and
the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work at
the places where the tires meet the road.
Sometimes, as when you are driving on snow or ice, it
is easy to ask more of those control systems than
the tires and road can provide. That means you can
lose control of your vehicle.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 5-3.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-30.
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, whether it is
wet, dry, or icy; tire tread; the condition of your brakes;
the weight of the vehicle; and the amount of brake
force applied.
4-6