2005 CHEVROLET SSR traction control

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-5
Other Warning Devices...................................3-5
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-6
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-8
Windshield Washer.........................................3-9
Cruise Control................................................3-9
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-12
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-13
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-14
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-14
Fog Lamps..................................................3-15
Interior Lamps..............................................3-16
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-16
Theater Dimming..........................................3-17
Exit Lighting.................................................3-17
Perimeter Lighting.........................................3-17
Map Lamps.................................................3-17
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-17Center Console Switchbank............................3-18
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-18
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-19
Climate Controls............................................3-20
Climate Control System.................................3-20
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.................................................3-26
Engine Speed Limiter....................................3-26
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-26
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-27
Airbag Off Light............................................3-28
Charging System Light..................................3-29
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-30
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-31
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning
Light (Automatic Transmission)....................3-31
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage...................3-32
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-32
Oil Pressure Gage........................................3-36
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Windshield Washer
{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
cannot 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.
3-9

Center Console Switchbank
The following controls are located on your center
console switchbank:A. Driver Power Window. See
Power Windows on
page 2-12.
B. Traction Control System (TCS) (Automatic Transmission Only). See
Traction Control System
(TCS) (Automatic Transmission) on page 4-8. C. Convertible Top. See
Convertible Top on page 2-51.
D. Power Door Locks. See
Power Door Locks on
page 2-10.
E. Passenger Power Window. See
Power Windows on
page 2-12.
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.
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
3-18

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. See
Brake System Warning Light on page 3-30.
The anti-lock brake system warning light should come
on brie¯y 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 (Automatic
Transmission)
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
brie¯y 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).
3-31

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.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature.
If the gage pointer is near 260 ÉF (125 ÉC), the engine
is too hot.It means that your engine coolant has overheated. If
you have been operating your vehicle under normal
driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your
vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
See
Engine Overheating on page 5-28for more
information.
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.
United States
Canada
3-32

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.
See
Cargo Cover on page 2-36for 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 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. See
Traction
Control System (TCS) (Automatic Transmission) on page 4-8
andTraction Control System (TCS) Warning
Light (Automatic Transmission) on page 3-31for
more information.
Trans (Transmission) Hot Idle
(Automatic Transmission Only)
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. See
Automatic Transmission Fluid on
page 5-21for more information.
3-51

Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle..........4-2
Defensive Driving...........................................4-2
Drunken Driving.............................................4-3
Control of a Vehicle........................................4-5
Braking.........................................................4-6
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).........................4-6
Braking in Emergencies...................................4-8
Traction Control System (TCS)
(Automatic Transmission).............................4-8
Steering......................................................4-10
Off-Road Recovery.......................................4-12
Passing.......................................................4-12
Loss of Control.............................................4-13
Driving at Night............................................4-15
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................4-16
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 You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud,
Ice or Snow..............................................4-28
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................4-28
Loading Your Vehicle....................................4-29
Towing..........................................................4-34
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-34
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................4-34
Trailer Recommendations...............................4-35
Towing a Trailer...........................................4-35
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 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 3-9.
The Traction Control System operates in all transmission
shift lever positions except for rst gear. This is normal.
The system is deactivated when the transmission is
shifted into rst gear. 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. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-19.
4-8