transmission CHEVROLET SSR 2006 1.G Owner's Manual

To idle your vehicle with the DRL off, set the parking
brake when the ignition is off and then start your vehicle.
The DRL will stay off until you release the parking brake.
In DRL mode further cycling of the park brake will
do the following if your vehicle was made in the
United States:
•If your vehicle has an automatic transmission,
pulling up the parking brake and then releasing
it will turn on the DRL. If you repeat this, the DRL
will turn off and stay off. This applies to the
automatic headlamps as well.
•If your vehicle has a manual transmission, pulling
the parking brake up will turn off the DRLs. If the
parking brake is released, the DRLs will turn
on. After the first cycle of the park brake, the
automatic headlamps will stay on and the system
does not respond to further cycling of the park brake
until the next time you turn on your vehicle.
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. SeeExterior Lamps on page 3-13
for more information. 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. SeeDaytime Running Lamps
(DRL) on page 3-14for more information.
3-15

Center Console Switchbank
The following controls are located on your center
console switchbank:
A. Driver Power Window. SeePower Windows on
page 2-12.
B. Traction Control System (TCS) (Automatic
Transmission Only). SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) (Automatic Transmission) on page 4-9.C. Convertible Top. SeeConvertible Top on page 2-45.
D. Power Door Locks. SeePower Door Locks on
page 2-9.
E. Passenger Power Window. SeePower Windows on
page 2-12.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
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.
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. Automatic Transmission shown, Manual
Transmission similar
3-19

Instrument Panel Cluster
Your instrument panel cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You’ll know how
fast you’re going, about how much fuel you’ve used, and many other things you’ll need to know to drive safely
and economically.
United States Automatic Transmission shown, Canada and Manual Transmission similar
3-25

Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
Your vehicle is equipped
with a computer which
monitors operation of the
fuel, ignition, and emission
control systems.
This system is called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended to
assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the
life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment. The check engine light comes on to
indicate that there is a problem and service is required.
Malfunctions often will be indicated by the system
before any problem is apparent. This may prevent more
serious damage to your vehicle. This system is also
designed to assist your service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.
Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with this
light on, after awhile, your emission controls
may not work as well, your fuel economy may not
be as good, and your engine may not run as
smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs that may
not be covered by your warranty.Notice:Modications made to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of
your vehicle or the replacement of the original tires
with other than those of the same Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) can affect your vehicle’s emission
controls and may cause this light to come on.
Modications to these systems could lead to costly
repairs not covered by your warranty. This may
also result in a failure to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 5-3.
This light should come on, as a check to show you it is
working, when the ignition is on and the engine is
not running. If the light does not come on, have it
repaired. This light will also come on during a
malfunction in one of two ways:
•Light Flashing— A misfire condition has been
detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and
may damage the emission control system on your
vehicle. Diagnosis and service may be required.
•Light On Steady— An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Diagnosis and service may be required.
3-33

Battery Not Charging
If the battery is not charging during operation, this
message will appear on the DIC. The charging system
light may also be displayed on the instrument panel
cluster. SeeCharging System Light on page 3-30for
more information. Driving your vehicle when the battery is
not charging properly can drain the battery. Have the
electrical system checked by your GM dealer as soon as
possible. Press the select button to acknowledge this
message and clear it from the DIC display.
Battery Voltage Too High
This message will be displayed when the battery
voltage is higher than normal and you try to raise or
lower the convertible top. The charging system light may
also be displayed on the instrument panel cluster.
SeeCharging System Light on page 3-30for more
information. Press the select button to acknowledge the
message and clear it from the DIC display.
Battery Voltage Too Low
This message will be displayed when the battery
voltage is lower than normal and you try to raise or
lower the convertible top. The charging system light may
also be displayed on the instrument panel cluster.
SeeCharging System Light on page 3-30for more
information. Press the select button to acknowledge the
message and clear it from the DIC display.
Cargo Cover Ajar
This message will be displayed when trying to open or
close the convertible top while the cargo cover is
open. Make sure the cargo cover is fully closed before
trying to open or close the convertible top. This
message will clear itself from the DIC once the cargo
cover is closed.
Change Trans (Transmission) Fluid
(Automatic Transmission Only)
If the transmission fluid needs to be changed, this
message will appear on the DIC. SeeAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-20andScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4for more information.
Check Oil Level
If the oil level in the vehicle is low, this message will
appear on the DIC. Check the oil level and add oil
as necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13for more
information. Press the select button to acknowledge this
message and clear it from the DIC display.
3-46

Stop Vehicle
This message will be displayed when attempting to
release the cargo cover while the vehicle is in motion.
The vehicle must be stopped to release the cargo cover.
SeeCargo Cover on page 2-35for 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
GM 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 GM 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 GM dealer
for service.
Traction Active (Automatic
Transmission Only)
This message, along with 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) (Automatic Transmission) on page 4-9
andTraction Control System (TCS) Warning Light
on page 3-32for more information.
Trans (Transmission) Hot Idle
(Automatic Transmission Only)
If the transmission fluid in the vehicle becomes too hot,
this message will appear on the DIC. Stop the vehicle
and let it idle to allow the transmission fluid to cool. This
message will clear when the fluid temperature reaches
a safe level. SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid on
page 5-20for more information.
3-51

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

Automatic Locking (Automatic
Transmission only)
This feature allows you to choose how the vehicle’s
doors are locked on your automatic transmission vehicle.
Press the personalization button until AUTOMATIC
LOCKING appears in the display. To access the modes
for AUTOMATIC LOCKING, press the select button.
Once AUTOMATIC LOCKING is selected, press
the select button to scroll through the following modes:
Mode 1:LOCK DOORS OUT OF PARK
Mode 2:LOCK DOORS WITH SPEED
If you choose Mode 1, the doors will lock when the
vehicle is shifted out of PARK (P).
If you choose Mode 2, the doors will lock when
the vehicle speed is above 8 mph (13 km/h) for
three seconds.
Scroll through the list of modes. When the mode you
want is displayed on the DIC, press the personalization
button to set your choice, return to the personalization
menu, and advance to the next programmable feature.
For more information on automatic door locks, see
Programmable Automatic Door Locks on page 2-10.
Automatic Unlocking
This feature allows you to choose how the vehicle’s
doors are unlocked. Press the personalization button
until AUTOMATIC UNLOCKING appears in the display.
To access the modes for AUTOMATIC UNLOCKING,
press the select button. Once AUTOMATIC
UNLOCKING is selected, press the select button to
scroll through the following modes:
Mode 1:UNLOCK ALL IN PARK (Automatic
Transmission only)
Mode 2:UNLOCK ALL AT KEY OUT
Mode 3:UNLOCK DRIVER IN PARK (Automatic
Transmission only)
Mode 4:UNLOCK DOORS MANUALLY
If you choose Mode 1, all of the doors will unlock when
the vehicle is shifted into PARK (P).
If you choose Mode 2, all of the doors will unlock when
the key is taken out of the ignition.
If you choose Mode 3, the driver’s door will be unlocked
when the vehicle is shifted into PARK (P).
If you choose Mode 4, the doors will not be unlocked
automatically.
3-53

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

Using Anti-Lock
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down firmly 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 brakes, 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)
(Automatic Transmission)
Your vehicle may have 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 up-shift 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. SeeCruise Control
on page 3-10.
The Traction Control System operates in all transmission
shift lever positions except for FIRST (1). This is
normal. The system is deactivated when the
transmission is shifted into FIRST (1). In this situation,
the traction control system warning light on the
instrument panel cluster will come on. This is normal.
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. See
Automatic Transmission Operation on page 2-19.
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.
4-9