2003 CHEVROLET SSR engine

Ignition Transmission Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition key to OFF in each shift lever position.
The key should turn to OFF only when the shift
lever is in PARK (P).
The key should come out only in OFF.
Parking Brake and Automatic
Transmission Park (P) Mechanism
Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could
be injured and property could be damaged.
Make sure there is room in front of your
vehicle in case it begins to roll. Be ready to
apply the regular brake at once should the
vehicle begin to move.Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set
the parking brake.
To check the parking brake’s holding ability: With the
engine running and transmission in NEUTRAL (N),
slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking
brake only.
To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to PARK (P). Then
release the parking brake followed by the regular
brake.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to ush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other
debris can collect.
6-12

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

Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
ttings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of
the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended
at least once a year.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chang, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect other brake parts,
including calipers, parking brake, etc. Check parking
brake adjustment. You may need to have your brakes
inspected more often if your driving habits or
conditions result in frequent braking.
6-14

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

Certication/Tire Label.....................................4-35
Chains, Tire...................................................5-64
Change Trans (Transmission) Fluid....................3-46
Charging System Light....................................3-27
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-30
Gages Warning Light...................................3-36
Check Engine Light.........................................3-30
Check Oil Level..............................................3-46
Checking Brake Fluid......................................5-34
Checking Coolant............................................5-26
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-14
Checking the Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level.................................................5-23
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-78
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-25
Infants and Young Children...........................1-22
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-31
Older Children.............................................1-20
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-33Child Restraints (cont.)
Securing a Child Restraint in the Passenger
Seat Position...........................................1-36
Top Strap...................................................1-29
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-31
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-17
Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-73
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-75
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-78
Weatherstrips..............................................5-75
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels..............................5-77
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-76
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-73
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-75
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-75
Cleaning Leather............................................5-74
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-75
Cleaning the Windshield and Wiper Blades.........5-77
Cleaning Tires................................................5-78
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-74
Climate Control System...................................3-18
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-21
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-12
3

Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Convertible Top..............................................2-37
Convertible Top Operation................................2-38
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-30
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-26
Cooling System..............................................5-28
Cruise Control.................................................. 3-8
Cruise Control Light........................................3-35
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-31
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-10
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities................................................ 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors...... 7-9
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government................................ 7-9
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government.......................... 7-8
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-5
Service Publications Ordering Information......... 7-9
Customizing Your Automatic Door Locks Feature..... 2-9D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-13
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting.................................3-20
Depress Brake...............................................3-46
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Door
Locks.......................................................... 2-7
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-8
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-12
Driver Door Ajar.............................................3-46
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-41
DIC Controls and Displays............................3-41
DIC Vehicle Personalization..........................3-52
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-45
Driver’s Seat.................................................... 1-2
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-15
City...........................................................4-20
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-21
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-24
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-17
Winter........................................................4-26
4