Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10122752) -2017 - crc - 8/31/16
Instruments and Controls 115
Engine Oil Messages
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays whenservice is required for the vehicle.See your dealer.SeeEngine Oil0275andMaintenance Schedule0349.
Acknowledging the CHANGEENGINE OIL SOON message willnot reset the system. See“Remaining Oil Life”underDriverInformation Center (DIC)0108andEngine Oil Life System0277.
ENGINE OIL LOW—ADD OIL
On some vehicles, this messagedisplays when the engine oil levelmay be too low. Check the oil levelbefore filling to the recommendedlevel. If the oil is not low and thismessage remains on, take thevehicle to your dealer for service.SeeEngine Oil0275.
OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP
ENGINE
This message displays when thevehicle's engine oil pressure is low.The oil pressure light also appearson the instrument cluster. SeeEngine Oil Pressure Light0106.
Stop the vehicle immediately, asengine damage can result fromdriving a vehicle with low oilpressure. Have the vehicle servicedby your dealer as soon as possiblewhen this message is displayed.
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when thevehicle's engine power is reduced.Reduced engine power can affectthe vehicle's ability to accelerate.If this message is on, but there is noreduction in performance, proceedto your destination. Theperformance may be reduced thenext time the vehicle is driven. Thevehicle may be driven at a reducedspeed while this message is on, butmaximum acceleration and speed
may be reduced. Anytime thismessage stays on, or displaysrepeatedly, the vehicle should betaken to your dealer for service assoon as possible.
Fuel System Messages
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays when thevehicle is low on fuel. Refuel assoon as possible.
Key and Lock Messages
NO REMOTE DETECTED
This message displays when thetransmitter battery is weak onvehicles with Keyless Access. See“Starting the Vehicle with a LowTransmitter Battery”underRemoteKeyless Entry (RKE) SystemOperation025.
Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10122752) -2017 - crc - 8/31/16
220 Driving and Operating
The vehicle may straighten out.Be ready for a second skid if itoccurs.
.Slow down and adjust yourdriving according to weatherconditions. Stopping distancecan be longer and vehiclecontrol can be affected whentraction is reduced by water,snow, ice, gravel, or othermaterial on the road. Learn torecognize warning clues—suchas enough water, ice, or packedsnow on the road to make amirrored surface—and slowdown when you have any doubt.
.Try to avoid sudden steering,acceleration, or braking,including reducing vehicle speedby shifting to a lower gear. Anysudden changes could causethe tires to slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes helpavoid only the braking skid.
Track Events and
Competitive Driving
{Danger
High-performance features are
intended for use only on closed
tracks by experienced and
qualified drivers and should not
be used on public roads.
High-speed driving, aggressive
cornering, hard braking, and other
high-performance driving can be
dangerous. Improper driver inputs
for the conditions may result in
loss of control of the vehicle,
which could injure or kill you or
others. Always drive safely.
Track events or competitive drivingmay affect the vehicle warranty. Seethe warranty manual before usingthe vehicle for track testing or othercompetitive driving.
Caution
If the vehicle is used for track
events and competitive driving,
the engine may use more oil than
it would with normal use. Low oil
levels can damage the engine.
Check the oil level often and
maintain the proper level. See
Engine Oil0275.
Engine Oil
Be sure to check the oil level oftenduring racing or other competitivedriving and keep the level at or nearthe upper mark that shows theproper operating range on theengine oil dipstick.
For track events or competitivedriving, it is recommended that thebrake fluid be replaced with a highperformance brake fluid that has adry boiling point greater than 279 °C(534 °F). After conversion to thehigh performance brake fluid, followthe brake fluid service
Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10122752) -2017 - crc - 8/31/16
Driving and Operating 223
Warning (Continued)
happens, you and other vehicle
occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be
very cautious about trying to drive
through flowing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Watercan build up under the vehicle'stires so they actually ride on thewater. This can happen if the road iswet enough and you are going fastenough. When the vehicle ishydroplaning, it has little or nocontact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule abouthydroplaning. The best advice is toslow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wetweather driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
.Pass with caution.
.Keep windshield wipingequipment in good shape.
.Keep the windshield washer fluidreservoir filled.
.Have good tires with propertread depth. SeeTires0303.
.Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or throughmountains is different than drivingon flat or rolling terrain. Tips include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and ingood shape.
.Check all fluid levels and brakes,tires, cooling system, andtransmission.
.Shift to a lower gear when goingdown steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the
vehicle on a long downhill slope
can cause brake overheating, can
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
reduce brake performance, and
could result in a loss of braking.
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the
brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the ignition off is
dangerous. This can cause
overheating of the brakes and
loss of steering. Always have the
engine running and the vehicle
in gear.
.Drive at speeds that keep thevehicle in its own lane. Do notswing wide or cross thecenter line.
.Be alert on top of hills;something could be in your lane(e.g., stalled car, accident).
Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10122752) -2017 - crc - 8/31/16
Driving and Operating 233
3. Turn the ignition off.
Leaving the Vehicle With the
Engine Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
It could overheat and catch fire.
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park).
SeeShifting Into Park (Automatic
Tr a n s m i s s i o n )0232.
If you have to leave the vehicle withthe engine running, the vehicle mustbe in P (Park) and the parkingbrake set.
Release the button and check thatthe shift lever cannot be moved outof P (Park).
Torque Lock
To r q u e l o c k i s w h e n t h e w e i g h t o fthe vehicle puts too much force onthe parking pawl in thetransmission. This happens whenparking on a hill and shifting thetransmission into P (Park) is notdone properly and then it is difficultto shift out of P (Park). To preventtorque lock, set the parking brakeand then shift into P (Park). To findout how, see“Shifting Into Park”listed previously.
If torque lock does occur, thevehicle may need to be pusheduphill by another vehicle to relievethe parking pawl pressure, so youcan shift out of P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with anelectronic shift lock release system.The shift lock release is designed toprevent movement of the shift leverout of P (Park), unless the ignition isin ON/RUN and the brake pedal isapplied.
The shift lock release is alwaysfunctional except in the case of anuncharged or low voltage (less than9-volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an unchargedbattery or a battery with low voltage,try charging or jump starting thebattery. SeeJump Starting - NorthAmerica0335.
To s h i f t o u t o f P ( P a r k ) :
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Place the ignition in ON/RUN.
3. Press the shift lever button.
4. Move the shift lever to thedesired position.
If still unable to shift out of P (Park):
1. Fully release the shift leverbutton.
Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10122752) -2017 - crc - 8/31/16
Driving and Operating 241
One to Four Shift Message
(V8 Only)
When this message comes on, thevehicle can only be shifted from1(First) to 4(Fourth) instead of1(First) to 2(Second). The messagewill display in the Driver InformationCenter (DIC).
Complete the shift into 4 (Fourth) toturn off this feature. This helps toget the best possible fuel economy.
After shifting to 4 (Fourth), downshiftto a lower gear, if desired.
Caution
Forcing the shift lever into any
gear except 4 (Fourth) when the
1-4 SHIFT message comes on
may damage the transmission.
Shift only from 1 (First) to
4(Fourth) when the message
comes on.
This message will come on when:
.The engine coolant temperatureis higher than 76 °C (169 °F).
.The vehicle is accelerating fromastopandgoing24to31km/h(15 to 19 mph).
.The vehicle is at 33% throttleor less.
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has an Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS), an advancedelectronic braking system that helpsprevent a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to driveaway, ABS checks itself.Amomentarymotororclickingnoisemay be heard while this test is goingon, and it may even be noticed thatthe brake pedal moves a little. Thisis normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, thiswarning light stays on. SeeAntilockBrake System (ABS) Warning Light0104.
Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10122752) -2017 - crc - 8/31/16
242 Driving and Operating
If driving safely on a wet road and itbecomes necessary to slam on thebrakes and continue braking toavoid a sudden obstacle, acomputer senses the wheels areslowing down. If one of the wheelsis about to stop rolling, the computerwill separately work the brakes ateach wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressureto each wheel, as required, fasterthan any driver could. This can helpyou steer around the obstacle whilebraking hard.
As the brakes are applied, thecomputer keeps receiving updateson wheel speed and controlsbraking pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not changethe time needed to get a foot up tothe brake pedal or always decreasestopping distance. If you get tooclose to the vehicle in front of you,there will not be enough time toapply the brakes if that vehiclesuddenly slows or stops. Alwaysleave enough room up ahead tostop, even with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just holdthe brake pedal down firmly and letABS work. You may hear the ABSpump or motor operating and feelthe brake pedal pulsate. This isnormal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows you to steer and brakeat the same time. In manyemergencies, steering can helpmore than even the very bestbraking.
Electric Parking Brake
The vehicle has an Electric ParkingBrake (EPB). The switch is on thecenter console. The EPB canalways be activated, even if theignition is off. To prevent drainingthe battery, avoid repeated cycles ofthe EPB when the engine is notrunning.
The system has a red parking brakestatus light and an amber parkingbrake warning light. SeeElectricParking Brake Light0103andService Electric Parking Brake Light0103.Therearealsoparkingbrake-related Driver InformationCenter (DIC) messages. SeeBrakeSystem Messages011 3.Incaseofinsufficient electrical power, the EPBcannot be applied or released.
Before leaving the vehicle, checkthe red parking brake status light toensure that the parking brake isapplied.
EPB Apply
To a p p l y t h e E P B :
1. Be sure the vehicle is at acomplete stop.
Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10122752) -2017 - crc - 8/31/16
Driving and Operating 245
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction ControlSystem (TCS) and StabiliTrak®,anelectronic stability control system.These systems help limit wheel slipand assist the driver in maintainingcontrol, especially on slippery roadconditions.
TCS activates if it senses that anyof the drive wheels are spinning orbeginning to lose traction. When thishappens, TCS applies the brakes tothe spinning wheels and reducesengine power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak activates when thevehicle senses a difference betweenthe intended path and the directionthe vehicle is actually traveling.StabiliTrak selectively appliesbraking pressure to any one of the
vehicle wheel brakes to assist thedriver in keeping the vehicle on theintended path.
If cruise control is being used andtraction control or StabiliTrak beginsto limit wheel spin, cruise control willdisengage. Cruise control may beturned back on when roadconditions allow.
Both systems come onautomatically when the vehicle isstarted and begins to move. Thesystems may be heard or felt whilethey are operating or whileperforming diagnostic checks. Thisis normal and does not mean thereis a problem with the vehicle.
It is recommended to leave bothsystems on for normal drivingconditions, but it may be necessaryto turn TCS off if the vehicle getsstuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.SeeIf the Vehicle Is Stuck0225and“Turning the Systems Off andOn”later in this section.
The indicator light for both systemsis in the instrument cluster. Thislight will:
.Flash when TCS is limitingwheel spin.
.Flash when StabiliTrak isactivated.
.Turn on and stay on when eithersystem is not working.
If either system fails to turn on or toactivate, a message displays in theDriver Information Center (DIC),
anddcomes on and stays on to
indicate that the system is inactiveand is not assisting the driver inmaintaining control. The vehicle issafe to drive, but driving should beadjusted accordingly.
Ifdcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10122752) -2017 - crc - 8/31/16
Driving and Operating 265
performance and fuel economy.Unleaded gasoline with an octanerated as low as 87 can be used.Using unleaded gasoline ratedbelow 93 octane, however, will leadto reduced acceleration and fueleconomy. If knocking occurs, use agasoline rated at 93 octane as soonas possible, otherwise, the enginecould be damaged. If heavyknocking is heard when usinggasoline with a 93 octane rating, theengine needs service.
Prohibited Fuels
Caution
Do not use fuels with any of the
following conditions; doing so
may damage the vehicle and void
its warranty:
.For vehicles which are notFlexFuel, fuel labeledgreater than 15% ethanol byvolume, such as mid-levelethanol blends (16–50%ethanol), E85, or FlexFuel.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.Fuel with any amount ofmethanol, methylal, andaniline. These fuels cancorrode metal fuel systemparts or damage plastic andrubber parts.
.Fuel containing metals suchas methylcyclopentadienylmanganese tricarbonyl(MMT), which can damagethe emissions controlsystem and spark plugs.
.Fuel with a posted octanerating of less than therecommended fuel. Usingthis fuel will lower fueleconomy and performance,and may decrease the life ofthe emissions catalyst.
California Fuel
Requirements
If the vehicle is certified to meetCalifornia Emissions Standards, it isdesigned to operate on fuels thatmeet California specifications. Seethe underhood emission controllabel. If this fuel is not available instates adopting California EmissionsStandards, the vehicle will operatesatisfactorily on fuels meetingfederal specifications, but emissioncontrol system performance may beaffected. The malfunction indicatorlamp could turn on and the vehiclemay not pass a smog-check test.SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp(Check Engine Light)0100.Ifthisoccurs, return to your authorizeddealer for diagnosis. If it isdetermined that the condition iscaused by the type of fuel used,repairs may not be covered by thevehicle warranty.