2005 CHEVROLET SSR towing

Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has to have extra
wiring and a heavy-duty turn signal asher (included
in the optional trailering package).
The arrows on your instrument panel will ash whenever
you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up,
the trailer lamps will also ash, telling other drivers
you’re about to turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will ash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind
you are seeing your signal when they are not. It’s
important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you
start down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much
that they would get hot and no longer work well.If you have an automatic transmission, you can tow in
DRIVE (D). You may want to shift the transmission
to THIRD (3) or, if necessary, a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under heavy loads or hilly
conditions. If you have a manual transmission and
you are towing a trailer, it is better not to use SIXTH (6)
gear. Just drive in FIFTH (5) gear (or, as you need
to, a lower gear).
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,
consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at normal altitudes. If you turn your
engine off immediately after towing at high altitude
on steep uphill grades, your vehicle may show signs
similar to engine overheating. To avoid this, let the
engine run while parked, preferably on level ground, with
the automatic transmission in PARK (P) for a few
minutes before turning the engine off. For manual
transmissions, let the engine run while parked,
preferably on level ground, with the transmission out of
gear and the parking brake applied, for a few minutes
before turning the engine off. If you do get the overheat
warning, seeEngine Overheating on page 5-28.
4-45

Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re
pulling a trailer. SeeScheduled Maintenance on
page 6-4for more information. Things that are especially
important in trailer operation are automatic transmission
uid (don’t overll), engine oil, axle lubricant, belt,
cooling system and brake system. Each of these is
covered in this manual. If you’re trailering, it’s a
good idea to review these sections before you start
your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Trailer Wiring Harness
The trailer wiring is a four-wire harness assembly.
The wires are blunted and taped to the wiring harness.
The harness and wiring are stored under the vehicle
on the driver’s side. The harness has no connector and
should be wired by a qualied electrical technician.
The technician can use the following color code chart
when connecting the wiring harness to your trailer.
Black: Ground wire.
Yellow: Left turn lamps.
Dark Green: Right turn lamps.
Brown: Parking lamps.
Securely attach the harness to the trailer, then tape
or strap it to your vehicle’s frame rail. Be sure you leave
it loose enough so the wiring doesn’t bend or break,
but not so loose that it drags on the ground.
Store the harness in its original place. Wrap the harness
together and tie it neatly so it won’t be damaged.
4-47

Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change the
Automatic Transmission Fluid
A good time to check your automatic transmission uid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the uid and lter at the rst oil change
after 25,000 miles (41 500 km) if the vehicle is mainly
driven under one or more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the uid and lter at the rst oil
change after 50,000 miles (83 000 km).
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
How to Check the Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Because this operation can be difficult, you may choose
to have this done at the dealership service department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
Notice:Too much or too little uid can damage
your transmission. Too much can mean that some
of the uid could come out and fall on hot engine
part or exhaust system parts, starting a re.
Too little uid could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you
check your transmission uid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission uid level if you have been driving:
When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic — especially in hot weather.
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the uid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180°F to 200°F
(82°C to 93°C). If your vehicle has the auxiliary
gage package, you can check the transmission uid
temperature. SeeAuxiliary Gage Package on
page 3-40for more information.
5-21

If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn
you badly, even if you just open the hood.
Stay away from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Just turn it off and get
everyone away from the vehicle until it cools
down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or
coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch re.
You or others could be badly burned. Stop
your engine if it overheats, and get out of the
vehicle until the engine is cool.
Notice:If your engine catches re because you
keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can
be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be
covered by your warranty.
If No Steam Is Coming From Your
Engine
If you get an engine overheat warning but see or hear
no steam, the problem may not be too serious.
Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when you:
Climb a long hill on a hot day.
Stop after high-speed driving.
Idle for long periods in traffic.
Tow a trailer. See “Driving on Grades” under
Towing a Trailer on page 4-35.
If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam,
try this for a minute or so:
1. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in NEUTRAL (N)
while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull off the road,
shift to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and let the
engine idle.
2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan
speed and open the windows as necessary.
5-29

(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. Also look for any opened or broken airbag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced.
(The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.)
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, all body door and
fuel door hinges, latches and locks, including glove box
and console doors, hood assembly, secondary latch,
pivots, spring anchor, release pawl and any moving seat
hardware. More frequent lubrication may be required
when exposed to a corrosive environment. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips with a clean cloth will
make them last longer, seal better and not stick or
squeak.
(g)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired
and the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.(h)Change automatic transmission uid and lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
(i)Drain, ush and rell cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer perform
this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-26for
what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap and ller neck. Pressure test the cooling
system and pressure cap.
(j)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the lter at each engine oil change.
Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your GM Goodwrench
®dealer can assist
you with these checks and services.
6-8

Power
Accessory Outlets........................................3-18
Door Locks.................................................2-10
Electrical System.........................................5-84
Reduced Engine Light..................................3-38
Retained Accessory (RAP)............................2-17
Seat............................................................ 1-2
Steering Fluid.............................................5-33
Windows....................................................2-12
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.................2-10
Programming the HomeLink
®Transmitter...........2-31
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-11
R
Radios..........................................................3-58
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-83
Care of Your CDs........................................3-83
Radio with CD............................................3-59
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-71
Setting the Time..........................................3-59
Theft-Deterrent............................................3-82
Understanding Reception..............................3-83
Raising the Convertible Top..............................2-54Rear Axle......................................................5-43
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming Rearview
Mirror with HomeLink
®.................................2-28
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-28
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-4
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-12
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-34
Reduced Engine Power Light............................3-38
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-5
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-6
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-49
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-11
General Motors...........................................7-11
United States Government............................7-11
Restraint System Check
Checking Your Restraint Systems...................1-51
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash..........................................1-52
Restraint Systems
Checking....................................................1-51
Replacing Parts...........................................1-52
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-17
Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-6
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................4-28
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked.......2-27
9

T
Tachometer....................................................3-26
Tailgate.........................................................2-11
Taillamps.......................................................5-48
TCS Warning Light..........................................3-31
Theater Dimming............................................3-17
Theft-Deterrent, Radio.....................................3-82
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-13
Content Theft-Deterrent................................2-13
Passlock
®...................................................2-15
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-6
Tires.............................................................5-52
Air Compressor...........................................5-70
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels,
Cleaning.................................................5-79
Buying New Tires........................................5-61
Chains.......................................................5-66
Cleaning....................................................5-80
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-66
Ination -- Tire Pressure...............................5-58
Inspection and Rotation................................5-60
Tire Inator Kit............................................5-68
Tire Sidewall Labelling..................................5-53
Tire Terminology and Denitions....................5-55
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-62
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-63
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-63Tires (cont.)
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-60
Top Strap......................................................1-28
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-29
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-34
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-35
Your Vehicle...............................................4-34
Traction
Control System (TCS).................................... 4-8
Control System Warning Light.......................3-31
Trailer
Recommendations.......................................4-35
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-21
Fluid, Manual..............................................5-24
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-19
Transmission Operation, Manual........................2-21
Trip Odometer................................................3-25
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-6
U
Understanding Radio Reception........................3-83
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-62
11