2006 CHEVROLET SSR oil level

Oil Pressure Gage
The oil pressure gage shows the engine oil pressure
in psi (pounds per square inch) when the engine
is running. Canadian vehicles indicate pressure in
kPa (kilopascals).
{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.
Oil pressure may vary with engine speed, outside
temperature and oil viscosity, but readings above the
low pressure zone indicate the normal operating range.
A reading in the low pressure zone may be caused
by a low oil level or other oil-related problems. See your
dealer for service immediately. United States
Canada
3-36

Reduced Engine Power Light
This light is displayed
when a noticeable
reduction in the vehicle’s
performance may occur.
The vehicle may be driven at a reduced speed when
the reduced engine power light is on but acceleration
and speed may be reduced. The performance may
be reduced until the next time you drive your vehicle. If
this light stays on, see your dealer as soon as
possible for diagnosis and repair.
This light may also come on if there is a problem
with the Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) system.
If this happens, take the vehicle in for service as
soon as possible.
Highbeam On Light
This light comes on
whenever the high-beam
headlamps are on.
Check Gages Warning Light
The Check Gages light will
come on briefly when you
are starting the engine.
If the light comes on and stays on while you are driving,
check your coolant temperature and engine oil
pressure gages to see if they are in the warning zones.
SeeEngine Coolant Temperature Gage on page 3-32
andOil Pressure Gage on page 3-36.
When the fuel level is low in your vehicle, the check
gages light will come on and a chime will sound. You will
also see a FUEL LEVEL LOW message on the DIC.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-45
for more information.
3-38

Fuel Information
r
(Fuel Information):Press this button to scroll
through the range, average fuel economy, instant fuel
economy, and engine oil life.
Fuel Range
Press the fuel information button until RANGE appears to
display the remaining distance you can drive without
refueling. It is based on fuel economy and the fuel
remaining in the tank. The display will show FUEL LEVEL
LOW and a chime will sound if the fuel level is low. The
check gages warning light on the instrument panel cluster
will also be illuminated. SeeCheck Gages Warning Light
on page 3-38for more information.
The fuel economy data used to determine fuel range is
an average of recent driving conditions. As your
driving conditions change, this data is gradually updated.
Fuel range cannot be reset.
Average Fuel Economy
Press the fuel information button until AVG. ECON
appears in the display. Average fuel economy is how
many miles per gallon (MPG), kilometers per liter (km/L),
or liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km) your vehicle is
getting based on current and past driving conditions.
Press and hold the select button while AVG. ECON is
displayed to reset the average fuel economy. Average
fuel economy will then be calculated starting from
that point. If the average fuel economy is not reset, it
will be continually updated each time you drive.
Instant Fuel Economy
Press the fuel information button until INST. ECON
appears in the display. Instant fuel economy is
how many miles per gallon (MPG), kilometers per
liter (km/L), or liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km) your
vehicle is at the particular moment in time. The
instant fuel economy cannot be reset.
3-44

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

Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you are not fresh — such as after
a day’s work — do not plan to make too many miles that
first part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing
and shoes you can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it is ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course, you
will find experienced and able service experts in GM
dealerships all across North America. They will be ready
and willing to help if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
•Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
•Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
•Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you checked
all levels?
•Lamps:Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
•Tires:They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
•Weather Forecasts:What is the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a
short time to avoid a major storm system?
•Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as highway hypnosis?
Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it
highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road with
the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the
road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the
wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Do
not let it happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can
leave the road in less than a second, and you could
crash and be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be
aware that it can happen.
Then here are some tips:
•Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a
comfortably cool interior.
•Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and
to the sides. Check your mirrors and your
instruments frequently.
•If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest,
service, or parking area and take a nap, get some
exercise, or both. For safety, treat drowsiness
on the highway as an emergency.
4-21

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 5-27.
Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle, with a
trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People
can be injured, and both your vehicle and the
trailer can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here’s
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift into
PARK (P) yet for an automatic transmission, or
into gear for a manual transmission. Turn your
wheels into the curb if facing downhill or into traffic
if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the
trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Release the regular brakes.
4-45

A. Remote Positive (+) Terminal (inside small red box
marked “Battery +”). SeeJump Starting on
page 5-37.
B. Coolant Surge Tank. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-24.
C. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-13.
D. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-13.
E. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (If Equipped)
(Not Shown). SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid
on page 5-20.
F. Engine Cover. SeeEngine Cover on page 5-18.
G. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18.
H. Remote Negative (−) Terminal. SeeJump Starting
on page 5-37.
I. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-31.
J. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-32.
K. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. SeeEngine
Compartment Fuse Block on page 5-90.
L. Clutch Master Cylinder Reservoir (If Equipped). See
Hydraulic Clutch on page 5-23.
M. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-31.Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-13