2006 CHEVROLET SSR maintenance

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

Fuel Level Low
If the fuel level is low in the vehicle’s gas tank, this
message will appear on the DIC and you will hear a
chime. You will also see the check gages warning light
on the instrument panel cluster. SeeCheck Gages
Warning Light on page 3-38for more information. Refuel
as soon as possible. SeeFilling the Tank on page 5-8
andFuel Gage on page 3-39for more information. Press
the select button to acknowledge and clear the
message from the display.
Hdr (Header) Latch Switch Fault
This message will be displayed on the DIC 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.
Manually Open Tonneau
This message will be displayed on the DIC when trying
to raise or lower the convertible top while the
convertible top and roof tonneau are where the system
cannot verify their position. The roof system may
need to be restored manually to a stable position by
fully opening the roof tonneau and boot cover panel. See
Convertible Top on page 2-45for more information.
Oil Pressure Low Stop Engine
{CAUTION:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If
you do, your engine can become so hot that it
catches re. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have
your vehicle serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance may
damage the engine. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Always follow the
maintenance schedule in this manual for changing
engine oil.
If the oil pressure is low in your vehicle, this message
will be displayed on the DIC. Stop the vehicle as
soon as possible and do not drive it until the cause of
the low oil pressure has been corrected. Check your oil
as soon as possible and have your vehicle serviced
by your GM dealer. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13andOil
Pressure Gage on page 3-36for more information.
3-48

When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
•Start your engine.
•Shift into a gear.
•Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store
the chocks.
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
fluid (don’t overfill), 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.
4-46

Different Size Tires and Wheels......................5-62
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-62
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-63
Wheel Replacement......................................5-64
Tire Chains..................................................5-66
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-67
Tire Inflator Kit.............................................5-68
Appearance Care............................................5-76
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle.................5-76
Fabric/Carpet...............................................5-78
Leather.......................................................5-78
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces........................................5-79
Care of Safety Belts......................................5-79
Weatherstrips...............................................5-79
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-80
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.....................5-80
Finish Care..................................................5-80
Windshield and Wiper Blades.........................5-81
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels................5-82Tires...........................................................5-82
Sheet Metal Damage.....................................5-83
Finish Damage.............................................5-83
Underbody Maintenance................................5-83
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-83
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials..................5-84
Vehicle Identication......................................5-85
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).................5-85
Service Parts Identification Label.....................5-85
Electrical System............................................5-86
Add-On Electrical Equipment..........................5-86
Headlamps..................................................5-86
Windshield Wiper Fuses................................5-86
Power Windows and Other Power Options.......5-86
Fuses and Circuit Breakers............................5-86
Floor Console Fuse Block..............................5-87
Engine Compartment Fuse Block....................5-90
Relay Center................................................5-92
Capacities and Specications..........................5-95
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2

Doing Your Own Service Work
{CAUTION:
You can be injured and your vehicle could be
damaged if you try to do service work on a
vehicle without knowing enough about it.
Be sure you have sufficient knowledge,
experience, the proper replacement parts,
and tools before you attempt any vehicle
maintenance task.
Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts, and
other fasteners. English and metric
fasteners can be easily confused. If you
use the wrong fasteners, parts can later
break or fall off. You could be hurt.If you want to do some of your own service work, you
will want to use the proper service manual. It tells
you much more about how to service your vehicle than
this manual can. To order the proper service manual,
seeService Publications Ordering Information on
page 7-14.
Your vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting to
do your own service work, seeServicing Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-51.
You should keep a record with all parts receipts and list
the mileage and the date of any service work you
perform. SeeMaintenance Record on page 6-15.
5-4

Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle
Things you might add to the outside of your vehicle
can affect the airflow around it. This may cause
wind noise and affect windshield washer performance.
Check with your dealer before adding equipment to
the outside of your vehicle.
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part of the
proper maintenance of your vehicle.
Gasoline Octane
Use premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane
rating of 91 or higher. You may also use regular
unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher, but
your vehicle’s acceleration may be slightly reduced, and
you may notice a slight audible knocking noise,
commonly referred to as spark knock. If the octane is
less than 87, you may notice a heavy knocking
noise when you drive. If this occurs, use a gasoline
rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as possible.
Otherwise, you might damage your engine. If you are
using gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher and you hear
heavy knocking, your engine needs service.
5-5

Engine Cover
Your vehicle has a removable engine cover.
To remove the engine cover do the following:
1. Unscrew the four bolts from the engine.
2. Lift off the cover.
3. To reinstall the engine cover, reverse the steps.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine air cleaner/filter.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/filter at the MaintenanceII
intervals and replace it at the first oil change after each
50,000 mile (83 000 km) interval. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4for more information. If you
are driving in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the filter
at each engine oil change.
5-18

Consistency of Readings
Always check the fluid level at least twice using the
procedure described previously. Consistency (repeatable
readings) is important to maintaining proper fluid level. If
inconsistent readings continue, contact your dealer.
How to Add Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission fluid to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Add fluid only after checking the transmission fluid while
it is hot. A cold check is used only as a reference. If
the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper fluid
to bring the level up to the HOT area for a hot check.
It does not take much fluid, generally less than one pint
(0.5 L). Do not overfill.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage your vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by your warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
•After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid,” earlier in this section.
•When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then flip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
Manual Transmission Fluid
When to Check Manual
Transmission Fluid
A good time to have the manual transmission fluid
checked is when the engine oil is changed. However,
the fluid in your manual transmission does not
require changing.
How to Check Manual
Transmission Fluid
Because this operation can be a little 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.
Notice:Too much or too little uid can damage your
transmission. Too little uid could cause the
transmission to overheat. Be sure to get an accurate
reading if you check your transmission uid.
Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the
vehicle is parked on a level place, and the transmission
is cool enough for you to rest your fingers on the
transmission case.
5-22