2015 CHEVROLET SS Owners Manual

Black plate (12,1)Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-7707491) - 2015 -
crc - 9/16/14
10-12 Vehicle Care
Cooling System
1. Coolant Recovery Reservoir
2. Engine Cooling Fans (Outof View)
3. Radiator Cap
{Warning
An electric engine cooling fan
under the hood can start up even
when the engine is not running
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
and can cause injury. Keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Heater and radiator hoses, and
other engine parts, can be very
hot. Do not touch them. If you do,
you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak. If you run the engine, it
could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you
could be burned. Get any leak
fixed before you drive the vehicle.
{Caution
Using coolant other than
DEX-COOL®can cause
premature engine, heater core,
or radiator corrosion. In addition,
the engine coolant could require
changing sooner. Any repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL (silicate-free) coolant
in the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL®engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in the vehicle for 5 years or
240 000 km (150,000 mi), whichever
occurs first.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
see Engine Overheating on
page 10-16.
ProCarManuals.com

Black plate (13,1)Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-7707491) - 2015 -
crc - 9/16/14
Vehicle Care 10-13
What to Use
{Warning
Adding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The coolant warning system is set
for the proper coolant mixture.
With plain water or the wrong
mixture, the engine could get too
hot but you would not get the
overheat warning. The engine
could catch fire and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/
50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant.Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. If using this mixture,
nothing else needs to be added.
This mixture:.Gives freezing protection down
to
−37°C (−34°F), outside
temperature.
.Gives boiling protection up to
129°C (265°F), engine
temperature.
.Protects against rust and
corrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
{Caution
If improper coolant mixture,
inhibitors, or additives are used in
the vehicle cooling system, the
engine could overheat and be
damaged. Too much water in the
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
mixture can freeze and crack
engine cooling parts. The repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Use only the
proper mixture of engine coolant
for the cooling system. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12.
Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, pouring it on
the ground, or pouring it into
sewers, streams or bodies of water.
Have the coolant changed by an
authorized service center, familiar
with legal requirements regarding
used coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
health.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
ProCarManuals.com

Black plate (14,1)Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-7707491) - 2015 -
crc - 9/16/14
10-14 Vehicle Care
To check coolant:
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Locate the coolant recoveryreservoir. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10-5.
3. Turn the coolant recovery reservoir dipstick cap
counterclockwise and slowly pull
out the dipstick. There are
maximum and minimum
markings on the dipstick.
4. When the engine is cold, the
coolant level should be at or
above the minimum mark (1).
After the vehicle has been driven
and the engine is at normal
operating temperature, the level
should be somewhere between
half full and the maximum
mark (2).
5. If the coolant level is correct, replace the coolant recovery
reservoir dipstick cap and turn
clockwise to secure.
How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Recovery Bottle
{Warning
You can be burned if you spill
coolant on hot engine parts.
Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.
{Caution
This vehicle has a specific
coolant fill procedure. Failure to
follow this procedure could cause
the engine to overheat and be
severely damaged.
To add coolant:
1. Turn the engine coolant recovery reservoir dipstick cap
counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn
and slowly pull out the dipstick.
ProCarManuals.com

Black plate (15,1)Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-7707491) - 2015 -
crc - 9/16/14
Vehicle Care 10-15
2. Pour the coolant into the enginecoolant recovery reservoir.
3. When the level is correct, as per the markings on the dipstick,
replace the coolant recovery
reservoir dipstick cap and turn
clockwise to secure.
How to Add Coolant to the
Radiator
{Warning
You can be burned if you spill
coolant on hot engine parts.
Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.
{Caution
This vehicle has a specific
coolant fill procedure. Failure to
follow this procedure could cause
the engine to overheat and be
severely damaged.
{Warning
An electric engine cooling fan
under the hood can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can cause injury. Keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system can blow out
and burn you badly. They are
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
under pressure, and if you turn
the radiator cap—even a
little —they can come out at high
speed. Never turn the cap when
the cooling system, including the
radiator cap, is hot. Wait for the
cooling system and radiator cap
to cool if you ever have to turn
the pressure cap.
If no coolant is visible in the engine
coolant recovery reservoir, add
coolant as follows:
1. Locate the radiator cap. See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10-5.
ProCarManuals.com

Black plate (16,1)Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-7707491) - 2015 -
crc - 9/16/14
10-16 Vehicle Care
2. Cover the radiator cap with athick cloth and turn it slowly
counterclockwise and remove.
3. If there is no coolant visible or the level is low, slowly fill the
system through the radiator cap
opening with a 50/50 mixture of
clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL coolant until full.
Wait 30 seconds for the coolant
to settle and top off if the level
drops.
Do not spill coolant on the
accessory drive belts.
If a spill occurs, rinse the belt
with fresh water.
4. Start the engine.
5. With the engine idling, top off the coolant through the radiator cap
opening until full.
Wait 30 seconds for the coolant
to settle and top off if the level
drops. 6. Once the system is full, put the
radiator cap back on by turning
clockwise.
7. Turn the engine off.
8. Check the coolant level in the engine coolant recovery
reservoir and fill it until the level
is at the top mark on the dipstick
cap. Filling to this level provides
additional coolant to allow for
any air that may be left in the
cooling system.
{Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and
possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly
and tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an indicator to warn
of engine overheating.
There is an engine coolant
temperature gauge on your vehicle's
instrument panel. See Engine
Coolant Temperature Gauge on
page 5-9.
You may decide not to lift the hood
when this warning appears, but
instead get service help right away.
See Roadside Assistance Program
on page 13-5.
If you do decide to lift the hood,
make sure the vehicle is parked on
a level surface.
ProCarManuals.com

Black plate (17,1)Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-7707491) - 2015 -
crc - 9/16/14
Vehicle Care 10-17
Then check to see if the engine
cooling fans are running. If the
engine is overheating, both fans
should be running. If they are not,
do not continue to run the engine
and have the vehicle serviced.
{Caution
Running the engine without
coolant may cause damage or a
fire. Vehicle damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
If Steam is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
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.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Wait until there is no sign of
steam or coolant before you open
the hood.
If you keep driving when the
engine is overheated, the liquids
in it can catch fire. You or others
could be badly burned. Stop the
engine if it overheats, and get out
of the vehicle until the engine
is cool.
If No Steam is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is
displayed but no steam can be seen
or heard, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
.Stops after high-speed driving.
.Idles for long periods in traffic. If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest
temperature and to the highest
fan speed. Open the windows as
necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral), and let the
engine idle.
If the temperature overheat gauge is
no longer in the overheat zone or an
overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven.
Continue to drive the vehicle slowly
for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the vehicle in
front. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normally
and have the cooling system
checked for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away.
ProCarManuals.com

Black plate (18,1)Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-7707491) - 2015 -
crc - 9/16/14
10-18 Vehicle Care
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for three minutes while
parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid is
needed, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. If operating the vehicle in an
area where the temperature may fall
below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against
freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the windshield washer fluid reservoir
is full. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 10-5 for reservoir
location.
{Caution
.Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the windshield
washer. It can damage the
windshield washer system
and paint.
.Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the solution
to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other
parts of the washer system.
.When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.Fill the washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it is
very cold. This allows for fluid
expansion if freezing occurs,
which could damage the tank
if it is completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or be
heard all the time when the vehicle
is moving, except when applying the
brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
(Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

Black plate (19,1)Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-7707491) - 2015 -
crc - 9/16/14
Vehicle Care 10-19
Warning (Continued)
a crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
{Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications. See Capacities and
Specifications on page 12-2. Brake pads should be replaced as
complete sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal
does not return to normal height,
or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement
parts. If this is not done, the brakes
may not work properly. The braking
performance expected can change
in many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are
installed or parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake/clutch master cylinder
reservoir is filled with DOT 4 brake
fluid as indicated on the reservoir
cap. See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 10-5 for the
location of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir
might go down:
.The brake fluid level goes down
because of normal brake lining
wear. When new linings are
installed, the fluid level goes
back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake/clutch
hydraulic system can also cause
a low fluid level. Have the brake/
clutch hydraulic system fixed,
ProCarManuals.com