2005 Chevrolet SSR Owners Manual

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driver control the vehicle in difficult driving situations. Some information may be stored during regular operations to facilitate repair of detected malfunctions; other information is stored only in a crash event by computer systems, such as those commonly called event data recorders (EDR). In a crash event, computer systems, such as the Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) in your vehicle may record information about the condition of the vehicle and how it was operated, such as data related to engine speed, brake application, throttle position, vehicle speed, safety belt usage, airbag readiness, airbag performance, and the severity of a collision. This information has been used to improve vehicle crash performance and may be used to improve crash performance of future vehicles and driving safety. Unlike the data recorders on many airplanes, these on-board systems do not record sounds, such as conversation of vehicle occupants. 7-10 To read this information, special equipment is needed and access to the vehicle or the device that stores the data is required. GM will not access information about a crash event or share it with others other than: (cid:127) with the consent of the vehicle owner or, if the vehicle is leased, with the consent of the lessee, in response to an official request of police or similar government office, as part of GM’s defense of litigation through the discovery process, or as required by law. In addition, once GM collects or receives data, GM may: use the data for GM research needs, (cid:127) make it available for research where appropriate conﬁdentiality is to be maintained and need is shown, or share summary data which is not tied to a speciﬁc vehicle with non-GM organizations for research purposes. Others, such as law enforcement, may have access to the special equipment that can read the information if they have access to the vehicle or the device that stores the data. (cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) Reporting Safety Defects Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to notifying General Motors. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it ﬁnds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or General Motors. To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in the Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation Washington, D.C. 20590 You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the hotline. Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle has a safety defect, you should immediately notify Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to: Transport Canada 330 Sparks Street Tower C Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5 Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in a situation like this, we certainly hope you will notify General Motors. Please call the Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-1020, or write: Chevrolet Motor Division Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center P.O. Box 33170 Detroit, MI 48232-5170 7-11 In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write: General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre, 163-005 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 Service Publications Ordering Information Service Manuals Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information on engines, transmission, axle suspension, brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc. Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit Repair Manual This manual provides information on unit repair service procedures, adjustments, and speciﬁcations for GM transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases. Service Bulletins Service Bulletins give technical service information needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle. In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE (1-800-463-7483). Owner’s Information Owner publications are written speciﬁcally for owners and intended to provide basic operational information about the vehicle. The owner’s manual will include the Maintenance Schedule for all models. In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual, and Warranty Booklet. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00 Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00 7-12 Current and Past Model Order Forms Service Publications are available for current and past model GM vehicles. To request an order form, please specify year and model name of the vehicle. ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123 Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Eastern Time For Credit Card Orders Only (VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com Or you can write to: Helm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207 Prices are subject to change without notice and without incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery. Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make checks payable in U.S. funds. 7-13 ✍ NOTES 7-14 A Accessory Power Outlets ................................. 3-18 Additives, Fuel ................................................. 5-6 Add-On Electrical Equipment ............................ 5-83 Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine ................................. 5-19 Air Compressor .............................................. 5-70 Air Conditioning .............................................. 3-20 Airbag Off Light ..................................................... 3-28 Readiness Light .......................................... 3-27 Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) .... 7-10 Airbag System ................................................ 1-38 Airbag Off Switch ........................................ 1-47 How Does an Airbag Restrain? ...................... 1-45 Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle .......... 1-51 What Makes an Airbag Inﬂate? ...................... 1-45 What Will You See After an Airbag Inﬂates? .... 1-46 When Should an Airbag Inﬂate? .................... 1-43 Where Are the Airbags? ............................... 1-41 Antenna, Integrated Windshield ......................... 3-83 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........................... 4-6 Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light .............. 3-31 Appearance Care ............................................ 5-74 Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels .............. 5-79 Care of Safety Belts .................................... 5-77 Chemical Paint Spotting ............................... 5-81 Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses .................... 5-78 Fabric/Carpet .............................................. 5-74 Finish Care ................................................. 5-78 Appearance Care (cont.) Finish Damage ............................................ 5-80 Glass Surfaces ............................................ 5-76 Instrument Panel ......................................... 5-76 Interior Plastic Components ........................... 5-76 Leather ...................................................... 5-76 Sheet Metal Damage ................................... 5-80 Tires .......................................................... 5-80 Underbody Maintenance ............................... 5-81 Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials ................ 5-81 Vinyl .......................................................... 5-76 Washing Your Vehicle ................................... 5-77 Weatherstrips .............................................. 5-77 Windshield and Wiper Blades ........................ 5-79 Ashtrays ........................................................ 3-19 Audio System(s) ............................................. 3-58 Audio Steering Wheel Controls ...................... 3-82 Care of Your CD Player ............................... 3-83 Care of Your CDs ........................................ 3-83 Integrated Windshield Antenna ....................... 3-83 Radio with CD ............................................ 3-59 Radio with Six-Disc CD ................................ 3-71 Setting the Time .......................................... 3-59 Theft-Deterrent Feature ................................ 3-82 Understanding Radio Reception ..................... 3-83 Automatic Headlamp System ............................ 3-14 Automatic Transmission Fluid .......................................................... 5-21 Operation ................................................... 2-19 Auxiliary Gage Package ................................... 3-40 B Battery .......................................................... 5-38 Run-Down Protection ................................... 3-17 Before Leaving on a Long Trip ......................... 4-21 Brake Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........................ 4-6 Emergencies ................................................ 4-8 Parking ...................................................... 2-23 System Warning Light .................................. 3-30 Brakes .......................................................... 5-35 Braking ........................................................... 4-6 Braking in Emergencies ..................................... 4-8 Break-In, New Vehicle ..................................... 2-15 Bulb Replacement ........................................... 5-44 Back-Up Lamps ........................................... 5-49 Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Parking Lamps ......................................... 5-46 Halogen Bulbs ............................................ 5-44 Headlamp Aiming ........................................ 5-44 Headlamps ................................................. 5-44 Replacement Bulbs ...................................... 5-49 Taillamps .................................................... 5-48 Buying New Tires ........................................... 5-61 California Fuel .................................................. 5-6 Canadian Owners ................................................ ii Capacities and Speciﬁcations ............................ 5-93 Carbon Monoxide ................... 2-11, 2-26, 4-24, 4-35 Care of Safety Belts ................................................ 5-77 Your CD Player ........................................... 3-83 Your CDs ................................................... 3-83 Cargo Cover .................................................. 2-36 Cargo Net System .......................................... 2-42 Cargo Tie Downs ............................................ 2-39 Center Console Storage Area ........................... 2-35 Center Console Switchbank .............................. 3-18 Chains, Tire ................................................... 5-66 Charging System Light .................................... 3-29 Check Engine Light ............................................... 3-32 Gages Warning Light ................................... 3-38 Checking Things Under the Hood ...................... 5-10 Chemical Paint Spotting ................................... 5-81 Child Restraints Child Restraint Systems ............................... 1-24 Infants and Young Children ........................... 1-22 Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) .......................... 1-30 Child Restraints (cont.) Older Children ............................................. 1-19 Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System ................................... 1-32 Securing a Child Restraint in the Passenger Seat Position ........................................... 1-34 Top Strap ................................................... 1-28 Top Strap Anchor Location ............................ 1-29 Cigarette Lighter ............................................. 3-19 Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels .............. 5-79 Exterior Lamps/Lenses ................................. 5-78 Fabric/Carpet .............................................. 5-74 Finish Care ................................................. 5-78 Glass Surfaces ............................................ 5-76 Instrument Panel ......................................... 5-76 Interior Plastic Components ........................... 5-76 Leather ...................................................... 5-76 Tires .......................................................... 5-80 Underbody Maintenance ............................... 5-81 Vinyl .......................................................... 5-76 Washing Your Vehicle ................................... 5-77 Weatherstrips .............................................. 5-77 Windshield and Wiper Blades ........................ 5-79 Climate Control System ................................... 3-20 Outlet Adjustment ........................................ 3-22 Clutch, Hydraulic ............................................. 5-25 Content Theft-Deterrent .................................... 2-13 Control of a Vehicle .......................................... 4-5 Convertible Top .............................................. 2-51 Lowering the Convertible Top ........................ 2-53 Raising the Convertible Top .......................... 2-54 Coolant Engine Temperature Gage ............................ 3-32 Surge Tank Pressure Cap ............................. 5-28 Cooling System .............................................. 5-30 Cruise Control Lever ......................................... 3-9 Cruise Control Light ........................................ 3-37 Cupholder(s) .................................................. 2-35 Customer Assistance Information Courtesy Transportation .................................. 7-8 Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users ............................... 7-4 Customer Assistance Offices ........................... 7-4 Customer Satisfaction Procedure ..................... 7-2 GM Mobility Reimbursement Program ............... 7-6 Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors ........................................ 7-11 Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government .............................. 7-11 Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government ......................... 7-11 Roadside Assistance Program ......................... 7-6 Service Publications Ordering Information ........ 7-12 D Electrical System Daytime Running Lamps .................................. 3-14 Defensive Driving ............................................. 4-2 Doing Your Own Service Work ........................... 5-4 Door Locks .......................................................... 2-9 Power Door Locks ....................................... 2-10 Programmable Automatic Door Locks ............. 2-10 Driver Driving Position, Safety Belt ..................................... 1-12 Driver Information Center (DIC) ......................... 3-42 DIC Controls and Displays ............................ 3-42 DIC Vehicle Personalization .......................... 3-52 DIC Warnings and Messages ........................ 3-45 Engine At Night ..................................................... 4-15 City ........................................................... 4-19 Defensive ..................................................... 4-2 Drunken ....................................................... 4-3 Freeway ..................................................... 4-20 Hill and Mountain Roads .............................. 4-22 In Rain and on Wet Roads ........................... 4-16 Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out ................. 4-28 Winter ........................................................ 4-24 Add-On Equipment ...................................... 5-83 Engine Compartment Fuse Block ................... 5-88 Floor Console Fuse Block ............................. 5-85 Fuses and Circuit Breakers ........................... 5-84 Headlamps ................................................. 5-83 Power Windows and Other Power Options ...... 5-84 Relay Center .............................................. 5-91 Windshield Wiper Fuses ............................... 5-84 Air Cleaner/Filter ......................................... 5-19 Battery ....................................................... 5-38 Change Engine Oil Light ............................... 3-37 Check and Service Engine Soon Light ............ 3-32 Coolant ...................................................... 5-26 Coolant Temperature Gage ........................... 3-32 Cover ........................................................ 5-18 Engine Compartment Overview ...................... 5-12 Exhaust ..................................................... 2-26 Oil ............................................................. 5-13 Overheating ................................................ 5-28 Reduced Power Light ................................... 3-38 Speed Limiter ............................................. 3-26 Starting ...................................................... 2-17 Event Data Recorders (EDR) ............................ 7-10 Exit Lighting ................................................... 3-17 Extender, Safety Belt ....................................... 1-19 Exterior Lamps ............................................... 3-12 Filter Engine Air Cleaner ...................................... 5-19 Finish Damage ............................................... 5-80 Flash-to-Pass ................................................... 3-8 Flat Tire ........................................................ 5-66 Floor Tracks ................................................... 2-40 Fluid Automatic Transmission ................................ 5-21 Manual Transmission .................................... 5-24 Power Steering ........................................... 5-33 Windshield Washer ...................................... 5-34 Fog Lamps .................................................... 3-15 ............................................................... 5-5 Fuel Additives ...................................................... 5-6 California Fuel .............................................. 5-6 Filling a Portable Fuel Container .................... 5-10 Filling Your Tank ........................................... 5-8 Fuels in Foreign Countries .............................. 5-7 Gage ......................................................... 3-39 Fuel (cont.) Fuses Gasoline Octane ........................................... 5-5 Gasoline Speciﬁcations .................................. 5-5 Engine Compartment Fuse Block ................... 5-88 Floor Console Fuse Block ............................. 5-85 Fuses and Circuit Breakers ........................... 5-84 Relay Center .............................................. 5-91 Windshield Wiper ......................................... 5-84 Gage Auxiliary Package ........................................ 3-40 Check Gages Warning Light .......................... 3-38 Engine Coolant Temperature ......................... 3-32 Fuel .......................................................... 3-39 Oil Pressure ............................................... 3-36 Speedometer .............................................. 3-25 Tachometer ................................................. 3-26 Garage Door Opener ....................................... 2-30 Gasoline Octane ........................................................ 5-5 Speciﬁcations ............................................... 5-5 Glove Box ..................................................... 2-35 GM Mobility Reimbursement Program .................. 7-6 H Hazard Warning Flashers ................................... 3-5 Headlamp Aiming ....................................................... 5-44 Headlamps .................................................... 5-44 Automatic Headlamp System ......................... 3-14 Bulb Replacement ....................................... 5-44 Daytime Running Lamps ............................... 3-14 Electrical System ......................................... 5-83 Flash-to-Pass ............................................... 3-8 Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Parking Lamps .................................................... 5-46 Halogen Bulbs ............................................ 5-44 High/Low Beam Changer ................................ 3-8 On Reminder .............................................. 3-13 Heated Seats ................................................... 1-4 Heater ........................................................... 3-20 Highbeam On Light ......................................... 3-38 Highway Hypnosis ........................................... 4-21 Hill and Mountain Roads .................................. 4-22 HomeLink® Transmitter .................................... 2-30 HomeLink® Transmitter, Programming ................ 2-31 Hood Checking Things Under ................................ 5-10 Release ..................................................... 5-11 Horn ............................................................... 3-6 How to Use This Manual ...................................... ii How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ................... 1-12 Hydraulic Clutch ............................................. 5-25 Ignition Positions ............................................. 2-16 Infants and Young Children, Restraints ............... 1-22 Inﬂation -- Tire Pressure .................................. 5-58 Inﬂator Kit, Tire ............................................... 5-68 Instrument Panel Brightness .................................................. 3-16 Cluster ....................................................... 3-24 Overview ..................................................... 3-4 Storage Area .............................................. 2-35 Integrated Windshield Antenna .......................... 3-83 Interior Lamps ................................................ 3-16 Jump Starting ................................................. 5-38 Keyless Entry System ....................................... 2-5 Keys ............................................................... 2-3 L Labelling, Tire Sidewall .................................... 5-53 Lamps Battery Run-Down Protection ......................... 3-17 Exterior ...................................................... 3-12 Fog ........................................................... 3-15 Interior ....................................................... 3-16 Map .......................................................... 3-17 LATCH System Child Restraints ........................................... 1-30 Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System .............................. 1-32 Latches, Seatback ............................................ 1-6 Light Airbag Off .................................................. 3-28 Airbag Readiness ........................................ 3-27 Anti-Lock Brake System Warning ................... 3-31 Brake System Warning ................................. 3-30 Change Engine Oil ...................................... 3-37 Charging System ......................................... 3-29 Check Gages Warning ................................. 3-38 Cruise Control ............................................. 3-37 Highbeam On ............................................. 3-38 Malfunction Indicator .................................... 3-32 Reduced Engine Power ................................ 3-38 Safety Belt Reminder ................................... 3-26 Security ..................................................... 3-37 TCS Warning Light ...................................... 3-31 Traction Control System (TCS) Warning .......... 3-31 Lighting Locks Exit ........................................................... 3-17 Perimeter ................................................... 3-17 Theater Dimming ......................................... 3-17 Door ........................................................... 2-9 Power Door ................................................ 2-10 Programmable Automatic Door Locks ............. 2-10 Loss of Control ............................................... 4-13 Lowering the Convertible Top ............................ 2-53 Maintenance Schedule Additional Required Services ........................... 6-6 At Each Fuel Fill ........................................... 6-9 At Least Once a Month .................................. 6-9 At Least Once a Year .................................... 6-9 Introduction .................................................. 6-2 Maintenance Footnotes .................................. 6-7 Maintenance Record .................................... 6-15 Maintenance Requirements ............................. 6-2 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts ......... 6-14 Owner Checks and Services ........................... 6-8 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ............. 6-12 Scheduled Maintenance ................................. 6-4 Using Your ................................................... 6-3 Your Vehicle and the Environment ................... 6-2 Malfunction Indicator Light ................................ 3-32 Manual Transmission Fluid .......................................................... 5-24 Operation ................................................... 2-21 Map Lamps .................................................... 3-17 Map Pocket ................................................... 2-35 Memory Seat ................................................. 2-59 Message DIC Warnings and Messages ........................ 3-45 Mirrors Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with HomeLink® ....................................... 2-28 Manual Rearview Mirror ................................ 2-28 Outside Automatic Dimming Heated Mirror ...... 2-30 Outside Convex Mirror ................................. 2-29 Outside Power Heated Mirrors ....................... 2-29 MyGMLink.com ................................................ 7-4 New Vehicle Break-In ...................................... 2-15 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts ............ 6-14 Odometer ...................................................... 3-25 Odometer, Trip ............................................... 3-25 Off-Road Recovery .......................................... 4-12 Oil Change Engine Oil Light ............................... 3-37 Engine ....................................................... 5-13 Pressure Gage ............................................ 3-36 Older Children, Restraints ................................ 1-19 Online Owner Center ........................................ 7-4 Other Warning Devices ...................................... 3-5 Outlet Adjustment ............................................ 3-22 Outside Automatic Dimming Heated Mirror .................. 2-30 Convex Mirror ............................................. 2-29 Power Heated Mirrors .................................. 2-29 Owner Checks and Services .............................. 6-8 Owners, Canadian ............................................... ii Park (P) Parking Shifting Into ................................................ 2-24 Shifting Out of ............................................ 2-25 Brake ........................................................ 2-23 Over Things That Burn ................................. 2-26 Parking Your Vehicle ....................................... 2-25 Passenger Position, Safety Belts ....................... 1-19 Passing ......................................................... 4-12 Passlock® ...................................................... 2-15 Perimeter Lighting ........................................... 3-17 Power Accessory Outlets ........................................ 3-18 Door Locks ................................................. 2-10 Electrical System ......................................... 5-84 Reduced Engine Light .................................. 3-38 Retained Accessory (RAP) ............................ 2-17 Seat ............................................................ 1-2 Steering Fluid ............................................. 5-33 Windows .................................................... 2-12 Programmable Automatic Door Locks ................. 2-10 Programming the HomeLink® Transmitter ........... 2-31 Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ......... 1-11 Radios .......................................................... 3-58 Care of Your CD Player ............................... 3-83 Care of Your CDs ........................................ 3-83 Radio with CD ............................................ 3-59 Radio with Six-Disc CD ................................ 3-71 Setting the Time .......................................... 3-59 Theft-Deterrent ............................................ 3-82 Understanding Reception .............................. 3-83 Raising the Convertible Top .............................. 2-54 Rear Axle ...................................................... 5-43 Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with HomeLink® ................................. 2-28 Rearview Mirrors ............................................. 2-28 Reclining Seatbacks .......................................... 1-4 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ................. 6-12 Recreational Vehicle Towing ............................. 4-34 Reduced Engine Power Light ............................ 3-38 Remote Keyless Entry System ............................ 2-5 Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation ............ 2-6 Replacement Bulbs ......................................... 5-49 Reporting Safety Defects Canadian Government .................................. 7-11 General Motors ........................................... 7-11 United States Government ............................ 7-11 Restraint System Check Checking Your Restraint Systems ................... 1-51 Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash .......................................... 1-52 Restraint Systems Checking .................................................... 1-51 Replacing Parts ........................................... 1-52 Retained Accessory Power (RAP) ...................... 2-17 Roadside Assistance Program ....................................... 7-6 Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out .................... 4-28 Running Your Engine While You Are Parked ....... 2-27 S Safety Belt Safety Belts Reminder Light ............................................ 3-26 Care of ...................................................... 5-77 Driver Position ............................................ 1-12 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ................ 1-12 Passenger Position ...................................... 1-19 Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ..... 1-11 Safety Belt Extender .................................... 1-19 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy ................. 1-18 Safety Belts Are for Everyone ......................... 1-6 Safety Warnings and Symbols .............................. iii Scheduled Maintenance ..................................... 6-4 Seatback Latches ............................................. 1-6 Seats Heated Seats ............................................... 1-4 Memory ..................................................... 2-59 Power Seats ................................................. 1-2 Reclining Seatbacks ...................................... 1-4 Seatback Latches .......................................... 1-6 Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System ................... 1-32 Passenger Seat Position ............................... 1-34 Security Light ................................................. 3-37 Service ........................................................... 5-3 Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle .......................................... 5-5 Doing Your Own Work ................................... 5-4 10 Service (cont.) Engine Soon Light ....................................... 3-32 Publications Ordering Information ................... 7-12 Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle .............. 1-51 Setting the Time ............................................. 3-59 Sheet Metal Damage ....................................... 5-80 Shifting Into Park (P) ....................................... 2-24 Shifting Out of Park (P) ................................... 2-25 Side-Saddle Storage ....................................... 2-47 Signals, Turn and Lane-Change .......................... 3-7 Speciﬁcations, Capacities ................................. 5-93 Speedometer .................................................. 3-25 Starting Your Engine ....................................... 2-17 Steering ........................................................ 4-10 Steering Wheel Controls, Audio ......................... 3-82 Steering Wheel, Tilt Wheel ................................. 3-6 Storage Side-Saddle ................................................ 2-47 Storage Areas Cargo Net System ....................................... 2-42 Center Console Storage Area ........................ 2-35 Cupholder(s) ............................................... 2-35 Glove Box .................................................. 2-35 Instrument Panel Storage Area ...................... 2-35 Map Pocket ................................................ 2-35 Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow ...................... 4-28 Sun Visors ..................................................... 2-13 Switchbanks Center Console ........................................... 3-18 T Tachometer .................................................... 3-26 Tailgate ......................................................... 2-11 Taillamps ....................................................... 5-48 TCS Warning Light .......................................... 3-31 Theater Dimming ............................................ 3-17 Theft-Deterrent, Radio ..................................... 3-82 Theft-Deterrent Systems ................................... 2-13 Content Theft-Deterrent ................................ 2-13 Passlock® ................................................... 2-15 Tilt Wheel ........................................................ 3-6 Tires ............................................................. 5-52 Air Compressor ........................................... 5-70 Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels, Cleaning ................................................. 5-79 Buying New Tires ........................................ 5-61 Chains ....................................................... 5-66 Cleaning .................................................... 5-80 If a Tire Goes Flat ....................................... 5-66 Inﬂation -- Tire Pressure ............................... 5-58 Inspection and Rotation ................................ 5-60 Tire Inﬂator Kit ............................................ 5-68 Tire Sidewall Labelling .................................. 5-53 Tire Terminology and Deﬁnitions .................... 5-55 Uniform Tire Quality Grading ......................... 5-62 Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance ................. 5-63 Wheel Replacement ..................................... 5-63 Tires (cont.) When It Is Time for New Tires ...................... 5-60 Top Strap ...................................................... 1-28 Top Strap Anchor Location ............................... 1-29 Towing Recreational Vehicle ..................................... 4-34 Towing a Trailer .......................................... 4-35 Your Vehicle ............................................... 4-34 Traction Trailer Transmission Control System (TCS) .................................... 4-8 Control System Warning Light ....................... 3-31 Recommendations ....................................... 4-35 Fluid, Automatic ........................................... 5-21 Fluid, Manual .............................................. 5-24 Transmission Operation, Automatic .................... 2-19 Transmission Operation, Manual ........................ 2-21 Trip Odometer ................................................ 3-25 Turn and Lane-Change Signals .......................... 3-7 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever ........................... 3-6 Understanding Radio Reception ........................ 3-83 Uniform Tire Quality Grading ............................ 5-62 11 Wheels Alignment and Tire Balance .......................... 5-63 Replacement ............................................... 5-63 Windows ....................................................... 2-11 Power ........................................................ 2-12 Windshield Wiper Blades, Cleaning ................................ 5-79 Windshield Washer ........................................... 3-9 Fluid .......................................................... 5-34 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement ...................................... 5-50 Fuses ........................................................ 5-84 Windshield Wipers ......................................... 3-8 Winter Driving ................................................ 4-24 Your Vehicle and the Environment ....................... 6-2 Vehicle Control ........................................................ 4-5 Damage Warnings ........................................... iv Parking Your ............................................... 2-25 Symbols ......................................................... iv Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data Recorders .................................................. 7-10 Vehicle Identiﬁcation Number (VIN) ............................................. 5-82 Service Parts Identiﬁcation Label ................... 5-83 Vehicle Personalization DIC ........................................................... 3-52 Memory Seat .............................................. 2-59 Ventilation Adjustment ...................................... 3-22 Visors ........................................................... 2-13 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators ................ 3-23 Warnings DIC Warnings and Messages ........................ 3-45 Hazard Warning Flashers ............................... 3-5 Other Warning Devices .................................. 3-5 Safety and Symbols ......................................... iii Vehicle Damage .............................................. iv 12 2005 Chevrolet SSR Owner Manual M Seats and Restraint Systems ........................... 1-1 Front Seats ............................................... 1-2 Safety Belts .............................................. 1-6 Child Restraints ....................................... 1-19 Airbag System ......................................... 1-38 Restraint System Check ............................ 1-51 Features and Controls ..................................... 2-1 ........................................................ 2-3 ....................................... 2-9 ................................................. 2-11 ............................ 2-13 ........... 2-15 .................................................... 2-28 ............................. 2-30 ......................................... 2-35 ....................................... 2-51 ............................. 2-59 Instrument Panel ............................................. 3-1 .......................... 3-4 ...................................... 3-20 ........ 3-23 .................. 3-42 ....................................... 3-58 Keys Doors and Locks Windows Theft-Deterrent Systems Starting and Operating Your Vehicle Mirrors HomeLink® Transmitter Storage Areas Convertible Top Vehicle Personalization Instrument Panel Overview Climate Controls Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators Driver Information Center (DIC) Audio System(s) Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle Towing Driving Your Vehicle ....................................... 4-1 ..... 4-2 ................................................... 4-34 Service and Appearance Care .......................... 5-1 Service ..................................................... 5-3 Fuel ......................................................... 5-5 Checking Things Under the Hood ............... 5-10 Rear Axle ............................................... 5-43 Headlamp Aiming ..................................... 5-44 Bulb Replacement .................................... 5-44 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement ......... 5-50 Tires ...................................................... 5-52 Appearance Care ..................................... 5-74 Vehicle Identiﬁcation ................................. 5-82 Electrical System ...................................... 5-83 Capacities and Speciﬁcations ..................... 5-93 Maintenance Schedule ..................................... 6-1 ................................ 6-2 Customer Assistance and Information .............. 7-1 ........... 7-2 ........................... 7-11 Index ................................................................ 1 Customer Assistance and Information Reporting Safety Defects Maintenance Schedule Canadian Owners A French language copy of this manual can be obtained from your dealer or from: Helm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207 GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem and the name SSR are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes after that time without further notice. For vehicles ﬁrst sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Chevrolet Motor Division whenever it appears in this manual. Keep this manual in the vehicle, so it will be there if needed when you are on the road. If the vehicle is sold, leave this manual in the vehicle. How to Use This Manual Many people read the owner manual from beginning to end when they ﬁrst receive their new vehicle. If this is done, it can help you learn about the features and controls for the vehicle. Pictures and words work together in the owner manual to explain things. Index A good place to quickly locate information about the vehicle is the Index in the back of the manual. It is an alphabetical list of what is in the manual and the page number where it can be found. Litho in U.S.A. Part No. 05SSR A First Edition ii ©2004 General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Safety Warnings and Symbols There are a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning. {CAUTION: These mean there is something that could hurt you or other people. In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is. Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the hazard. Please read these cautions. If you do not, you or others could be hurt. You will also ﬁnd a circle with a slash through it in this book. This safety symbol means “Do Not,” “Do Not do this” or “Do Not let this happen.” iii Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this manual you will ﬁnd these notices: Notice: These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle. A notice tells about something that can damage the vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell what to do to help avoid the damage. When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words. There are also warning labels on the vehicle. They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE. Vehicle Symbols The vehicle has components and labels that use symbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along with the text describing the operation or information relating to a speciﬁc component, control, message, gage, or indicator. If you need help ﬁguring out a speciﬁc name of a component, gage, or indicator, reference the following topics: (cid:127) Seats and Restraint Systems in Section 1 Features and Controls in Section 2 Instrument Panel Overview in Section 3 (cid:127) Climate Controls in Section 3 (cid:127) Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators in Section 3 (cid:127) Audio System(s) in Section 3 (cid:127) Engine Compartment Overview in Section 5 iv (cid:127) (cid:127) These are some examples of symbols that may be found on the vehicle: ✍ NOTES vi Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems Front Seats ......................................................1-2 Power Seats ..................................................1-2 Heated Seats .................................................1-4 Reclining Seatbacks ........................................1-4 Seatback Latches ...........................................1-6 Safety Belts .....................................................1-6 Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone .................1-6 Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ......1-11 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly .................1-12 Driver Position ..............................................1-12 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy ..................1-18 Passenger Position .......................................1-19 Safety Belt Extender .....................................1-19 Child Restraints .............................................1-19 Older Children ..............................................1-19 Infants and Young Children ............................1-22 Child Restraint Systems .................................1-24 Top Strap ....................................................1-28 Top Strap Anchor Location .............................1-29 Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) ...........................1-30 Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System ....................................1-32 Securing a Child Restraint in the Passenger Seat Position ............................................1-34 Airbag System ...............................................1-38 Where Are the Airbags? ................................1-41 When Should an Airbag Inﬂate? .....................1-43 What Makes an Airbag Inﬂate? .......................1-45 How Does an Airbag Restrain? .......................1-45 What Will You See After an Airbag Inﬂates? .....1-46 Airbag Off Switch ..........................................1-47 Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle ...........1-51 Restraint System Check ..................................1-51 Checking Your Restraint Systems ...................1-51 Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash ............................................1-52 1-1 Front Seats Power Seats Driver’s Seat Power seat with memory seat controls shown The power seat controls are located on the outboard side of the driver’s seat. 1-2 Horizontal Control (cid:127) Move the front of the seat control up or down to adjust the front portion of the cushion. (cid:127) Move the rear of the seat control up or down to adjust the rear portion of the cushion. Lift up or push down on the center of the seat control to move the entire seat up or down. (cid:127) Slide the seat control forward or rearward to move the seat forward or rearward. Vertical Control The vertical control is used to operate the power lumbar. Adjust the seat cushion using the horizontal control. To adjust the seatback, see Reclining Seatbacks on page 1-4. Once the seat is in the desired position, adjust the lumbar. Press the vertical control forward to increase support and rearward to decrease support. If your vehicle has the memory seat feature, you can program seat positions for up to two drivers. See Memory Seat on page 2-59 for more information. (cid:127) Passenger’s Seat Horizontal Control To adjust the seat, slide the control forward or rearward to move the seat forward or rearward. Vertical Control The vertical control is used to operate the power lumbar. Adjust the seat cushion using the horizontal control. To adjust the seatback, see Reclining Seatbacks on page 1-4. Once the seat is in the desired position, adjust the lumbar. Press the vertical control forward to increase support and rearward to decrease support. The power seat controls are located on the outboard side of the passenger’s seat. 1-3 Heated Seats Reclining Seatbacks The seatbacks in your vehicle provide head restraint, helping to prevent neck injury in a rear impact, but they do not provide rollover protection. If your vehicle has this feature, the switches are located on the outboard side of the driver’s and passenger’s seats. This feature will heat the lower cushion and lower back of the driver’s and passenger’s seats. Press LO to turn the heater on low. Press HI to turn the heater on high. Put the switch in the center position to turn the heater off. The engine must be running for the heated seats to work. Also, the passenger’s safety belt must be buckled for the heated seat feature to work on the passenger’s seat. If you turn the ignition off when the heated seats are on, the heated seats will turn off. They will come on again when you restart the vehicle. 1-4 To recline the seatback, lift the lever on the outboard side of the seat cushion. Release the lever to lock the seatback where you want it. Pull up on the lever without pushing on the seatback, and the seat will go to an upright position. But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving. {CAUTION: Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can not do their job when you are reclined like this. The shoulder belt can not do its job because it will not be against your body. Instead, it will be in front of you. In a crash you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt can not do its job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear your safety belt properly. 1-5 Seatback Latches To fold the seatback forward, push the lever on the side of the seatback rearward and pull the seatback forward. To return the seatback to the upright position, push it all the way back until the latch catches. If the seatback was reclined before being folded forward, it will return to the reclined position. {CAUTION: If the seatback is not locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always press rearward on the seatback to be sure it is locked. Safety Belts Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts. 1-6 {CAUTION: Do not let anyone ride where he or she can not wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you are not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, you might not be if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt, and check that your passenger’s belt is fastened properly too. {CAUTION: It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly. Your vehicle has a light that comes on as a reminder to buckle up. See Safety Belt Reminder Light on page 3-26. In most states and all Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work. You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed. After more than 30 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter...a lot! 1-7 Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes. Put someone on it. Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat on wheels. 1-8 Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn’t stop. The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield... 1-9 or the instrument panel... or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why safety belts make such good sense. 1-10 Q: If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from home, why should I wear safety belts? A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an accident — even one that isn’t your fault — you and your passenger can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers. Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h). Safety belts are for everyone. Questions and Answers About Safety Belts Q: Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident if I’m wearing a safety belt? A: You could be — whether you’re wearing a safety belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you’re upside down. And your chance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted. Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why should I have to wear safety belts? A: Airbags are in many vehicles today and will be in most of them in the future. But they are supplemental systems only; so they work with safety belts — not instead of them. Every airbag system ever offered for sale has required the use of safety belts. Even if you’re in a vehicle that has airbags, you still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That’s true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions. 1-11 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly This part is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in your vehicle, see Older Children on page 1-19 or Infants and Young Children on page 1-22. Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. First, you will want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has. We will start with the driver position. Driver Position Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here is how to wear it properly. 1. Close and lock the door. 2. Adjust the seat so you can sit up straight. To see how, see “Seats” in the Index. 1-12 3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Do not let it get twisted. 4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 1-19. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 5. To make the lap part tight, pull up on the shoulder belt. The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you would be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The safety belt locks if there is a sudden stop or crash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor. 1-13 Q: What is wrong with this? {CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should ﬁt against your body. A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It will not give nearly as much protection this way. 1-14 Q: What is wrong with this? {CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you. A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place. 1-15 Q: What is wrong with this? {CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury. Also, the belt would apply too much force to the ribs, which are not as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen. A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should be worn over the shoulder at all times. 1-16 Q: What is wrong with this? {CAUTION: You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you would not have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to ﬁx it. A: The belt is twisted across the body. 1-17 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they do not wear safety belts. To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way. Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle. 1-18 A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible, below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy. The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it is more likely that the fetus will not be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly. Passenger Position To learn how to wear the passenger’s safety belt properly, see Driver Position on page 1-12. The passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt — except for one thing. If you ever pull the shoulder portion of the belt out all the way, you will engage the child restraint locking feature. If this happens, just let the belt go back all the way and start again. Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt is not long enough, your dealer will order you an extender. It is free. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. To help avoid personal injury, do not let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to ﬁt. The extender has been designed for adults. Never use it for securing child seats. To wear it, just attach it to the regular safety belt. For more information, see the instruction sheet that comes with the extender. Child Restraints Older Children Older children who have outgrown booster seats should wear the vehicle’s safety belts. 1-19 Q: What is the proper way to wear safety belts? A: If possible, an older child should wear a lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide. The shoulder belt should not cross the face or neck. The lap belt should ﬁt snugly below the hips, just touching the top of the thighs. It should never be worn over the abdomen, which could cause severe or even fatal internal injuries in a crash. In a crash, children who are not buckled up can strike other people who are buckled up, or can be thrown out of the vehicle. Older children need to use safety belts properly. 1-20 {CAUTION: Never do this. Here two children are wearing the same belt. The belt can not properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A belt must be used by only one person at a time. Q: What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt, but the child is so small that the shoulder belt is very close to the child’s face or neck? A: Move the child toward the center of the vehicle, but be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upper body would have the restraint that belts provide. {CAUTION: Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind the child. If the child wears the belt in this way, in a crash the child might slide under the belt. The belt’s force would then be applied right on the child’s abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries. The lap portion of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the child’s thighs. This applies belt force to the child’s pelvic bones in a crash. 1-21 Infants and Young Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! This includes infants and all other children. Neither the distance traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes the need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle. Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have the protection provided by appropriate restraints. Young children should not use the vehicle’s adult safety belts alone, unless there is no other choice. Instead, they need to use a child restraint. 1-22 {CAUTION: People should never hold a baby in their arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby does not weigh much — until a crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy it is not possible to hold it. For example, in a crash at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12 lb (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240 lb (110 kg) force on a person’s arms. A baby should be secured in an appropriate restraint. {CAUTION: Children who are up against, or very close to, any airbag when it inﬂates can be seriously injured or killed. Airbags plus lap-shoulder belts offer protection for adults and older children, but not for young children and infants. (Continued) CAUTION: CAUTION: (Continued) Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its airbag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Q: What are the different types of add-on child restraints? A: Add-on child restraints, which are purchased by the vehicle’s owner, are available in four basic types. Selection of a particular restraint should take into consideration not only the child’s weight, height, and age but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will be used. For most basic types of child restraints, there are many different models available. When purchasing a child restraint, be sure it is designed to be used in a motor vehicle. If it is, the restraint will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. The restraint manufacturer’s instructions that come with the restraint state the weight and height limitations for a particular child restraint. In addition, there are many kinds of restraints available for children with special needs. {CAUTION: Newborn infants need complete support, including support for the head and neck. This is necessary because a newborn infant’s neck is weak and its head weighs so much compared with the rest of its body. In a crash, an infant in a rear-facing seat settles into the restraint, so the crash forces can be distributed across the strongest part of an infant’s body, the back and shoulders. Infants always should be secured in appropriate infant restraints. 1-23 {CAUTION: The body structure of a young child is quite unlike that of an adult or older child, for whom the safety belts are designed. A young child’s hip bones are still so small that the vehicle’s regular safety belt may not remain low on the hip bones, as it should. Instead, it may settle up around the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force on a body area that is unprotected by any bony structure. This alone could cause serious or fatal injuries. Young children always should be secured in appropriate child restraints. 1-24 Child Restraint Systems An infant car bed (A), a special bed made for use in a motor vehicle, is an infant restraint system designed to restrain or position a child on a continuous ﬂat surface. Make sure that the infant’s head rests toward the center of the vehicle. A rear-facing infant seat (B) provides restraint with the seating surface against the back of the infant. The harness system holds the infant in place and, in a crash, acts to keep the infant positioned in the restraint. A forward-facing child seat (C-E) provides restraint for the child’s body with the harness and also sometimes with surfaces such as T-shaped or shelf-like shields. 1-25 Q: How do child restraints work? A: A child restraint system is any device designed for use in a motor vehicle to restrain, seat, or position children. A built-in child restraint system is a permanent part of the motor vehicle. An add-on child restraint system is a portable one, which is purchased by the vehicle’s owner. For many years, add-on child restraints have used the adult belt system in the vehicle. To help reduce the chance of injury, the child also has to be secured within the restraint. The vehicle’s belt system secures the add-on child restraint in the vehicle, and the add-on child restraint’s harness system holds the child in place within the restraint. One system, the three-point harness, has straps that come down over each of the infant’s shoulders and buckle together at the crotch. The ﬁve-point harness system has two shoulder straps, two hip straps and a crotch strap. A shield may take the place of hip straps. A T-shaped shield has shoulder straps that are attached to a ﬂat pad which rests low against the child’s body. A shelf- or armrest-type shield has straps that are attached to a wide, shelf-like shield that swings up or to the side. A booster seat (F-G) is a child restraint designed to improve the ﬁt of the vehicle’s safety belt system. Some booster seats have a shoulder belt positioner, and some high-back booster seats have a ﬁve-point harness. A booster seat can also help a child to see out the window. 1-26 When choosing a child restraint, be sure the child restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may ﬁnd these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system in your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury. When securing an add-on child restraint, refer to the instructions that come with the restraint which may be on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both, and to this manual. The child restraint instructions are important, so if they are not available, obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer. The child restraint must be secured properly in the passenger seat. If you want to secure a rear-facing child restraint in the passenger’s seat, turn off the passenger’s airbag. See Airbag Off Switch on page 1-47 and Securing a Child Restraint in the Passenger Seat Position on page 1-34 for more on this, including important safety information. {CAUTION: A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the passenger’s airbag inﬂates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inﬂating airbag. Be sure to turn off the airbag before using a rear-facing child restraint in the passenger seat position. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle — even when no child is in it. 1-27 Top Strap Some child restraints have a top strap, or “top tether.” It can help restrain the child restraint during a collision. For it to work, a top strap must be properly anchored to the vehicle. Some top strap-equipped child restraints are designed for use with or without the top strap being anchored. Others require the top strap always to be anchored. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for your child restraint. If yours requires that the top strap be anchored, do not use the restraint unless it is anchored properly. If the child restraint does not have a top strap, one can be obtained, in kit form, for many child restraints. Ask the child restraint manufacturer whether or not a kit is available. 1-28 In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be anchored. In the United States, some child restraints also have a top strap. If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. Top Strap Anchor Location The anchor point for the top strap is a loop located at the back of the passenger side seat. {CAUTION: Each top tether bracket is designed to anchor only one child restraint. Attaching more than one child restraint to a single bracket could cause the anchor to come loose or even break during a crash. A child or others could be injured if this happens. To help prevent injury to people and damage to your vehicle, attach only one child restraint per bracket. To locate the top strap anchor see “Top Strap Anchor Location” following. Once you have the top strap anchored, you will be ready to secure the child restraint itself. Tighten the top strap when and as the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions say. 1-29 Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) Your vehicle is equipped with the LATCH system. It is located in the passenger seat. This system, designed to make installation of child restraints easier, does not use the vehicle’s safety belts. Instead, it uses vehicle anchors and child restraint attachments to secure the restraints. Some restraints also use another vehicle anchor to secure a top tether strap. A. Lower Anchorage B. Lower Anchorage C. Top Tether 1-30 A. Lower Anchorage B. Lower Anchorage In order to use the LATCH system in your vehicle, you need a child restraint designed for that system. To assist you in locating the anchors for this child restraint system, the passenger seat has visible metal anchorage points in the seat, where the seatback meets the seat cushion. {CAUTION: If a LATCH-type child restraint is not attached to its anchorage points, the restraint will not be able to protect the child correctly. In a crash, the child could be seriously injured or killed. Make sure that a LATCH-type child restraint is properly installed using the anchorage points, or use the vehicle’s safety belts to secure the restraint, following the instructions that came with that restraint, and also the instructions in this manual. 1-31 Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System Your vehicle has a passenger airbag. There is an airbag off switch in the glove box you can use to turn off the passenger’s airbag. See Airbag Off Switch on page 1-47 for more on this, including important safety information. Unless the passenger’s airbag has been turned off, never put a rear-facing child restraint in this vehicle. Here is why: 1-32 {CAUTION: A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the passenger’s airbag inﬂates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inﬂating airbag. Do not use a rear-facing child restraint in this vehicle unless the passenger’s airbag has been turned off. Even though the airbag off switch is designed to turn off the passenger’s frontal airbag, no system is fail-safe, and no one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. We recommend that rear-facing child restraints be transported in vehicles with a rear seat that will accommodate a rear-facing child restraint, whenever possible. If you need to secure a forward-facing child restraint in the passenger seat, always move the passenger seat as far back as it will go. 2. Find the LATCH anchorages in the passenger seat. See Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 1-30. 3. Put the child restraint on the seat. 4. Attach and tighten the LATCH attachments on the child restraint to the LATCH anchorages in the vehicle. The child restraint instructions will show you how. 5. If the child restraint is forward-facing, attach and tighten the top tether to the top tether anchorage. The child restraint instructions will show you how. Also see Top Strap on page 1-28. 6. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. To remove the child restraint, simply unhook the top strap from the top tether anchor and then disconnect the anchor points. {CAUTION: If the airbag readiness light ever comes on when you have turned off the passenger’s frontal airbag, it means that something may be wrong with the airbag system. The passenger’s frontal airbag could inﬂate even though the switch is off. If this ever happens, do not let anyone whom the national government has identiﬁed as a member of a passenger airbag risk group sit in the passenger’s position (for example, do not secure a rear-facing child restraint in your vehicle) until you have your vehicle serviced. See Airbag Off Switch on page 1-47. 1. Your vehicle has a passenger’s airbag. See Airbag Off Switch on page 1-47. If your child restraint is forward-facing, always move the seat as far back as it will go before securing it in this seat. See Power Seats on page 1-2. Never use a rear-facing child restraint in this seat unless the airbag is off. 1-33 Securing a Child Restraint in the Passenger Seat Position Your vehicle has a passenger airbag. There is an airbag off switch in the glove box you can use to turn off the passenger’s airbag. See Airbag Off Switch on page 1-47 for more on this, including important safety information. If you were using a rear-facing child restraint, turn on the passenger’s airbag when you remove the rear-facing child restraint from the vehicle unless the person who will be sitting there is a member of a passenger airbag risk group. See Airbag Off Switch on page 1-47. {CAUTION: If the passenger’s frontal airbag is turned off for a person who is not in a risk group identiﬁed by the national government, that person will not have the extra protection of a frontal airbag. In a crash, the airbag would not be able to inﬂate and help protect the person sitting there. Do not turn off the passenger’s frontal airbag unless the person sitting there is in a risk group. See Airbag Off Switch on page 1-47 for more on this, including important safety information. 1-34 Unless the passenger’s airbag has been turned off, never put a rear-facing child restraint in this vehicle. Here is why: {CAUTION: {CAUTION: A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the passenger’s airbag inﬂates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inﬂating airbag. Do not use a rear-facing child restraint in this vehicle unless the passenger’s airbag has been turned off. Even though the airbag off switch is designed to turn off the passenger’s frontal airbag, no system is fail-safe, and no one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. We recommend that rear-facing child restraints be transported in vehicles with a rear seat that will accommodate a rear-facing child restraint, whenever possible. If you need to secure a forward-facing child restraint in the passenger seat, always move the passenger seat as far back as it will go. If the airbag readiness light ever comes on when you have turned off the passenger’s frontal airbag, it means that something may be wrong with the airbag system. The passenger’s frontal airbag could inﬂate even though the switch is off. If this ever happens, do not let anyone whom the national government has identiﬁed as a member of a passenger airbag risk group sit in the passenger’s position (for example, do not secure a rear-facing child restraint in your vehicle) until you have your vehicle serviced. See Airbag Off Switch on page 1-47. If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH system, see Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 1-30. See Top Strap on page 1-28 if the child restraint has one. 1-35 If your child restraint does not have the LATCH system, you will be using the lap-shoulder belt. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Your vehicle has a passenger’s airbag. If you are using a rear-facing child restraint in this seat, make sure the airbag is turned off. See Airbag Off Switch on page 1-47. If your child restraint is forward-facing, always move the seat as far back as it will go before securing it in this seat. See Power Seats on page 1-2. 2. Put the child restraint on the seat. 3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. 1-36 4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 5. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock. 6. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint, pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the lap portion of the belt and feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor. You may ﬁnd it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. 7. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger. 1-37 If you were using a rear-facing child restraint, turn on the passenger’s airbag when you remove the rear-facing child restraint from the vehicle unless the person who will be sitting there is a member of a passenger airbag risk group. See Airbag Off Switch on page 1-47. {CAUTION: If the passenger’s frontal airbag is turned off for a person who is not in a risk group identiﬁed by the national government, that person will not have the extra protection of a frontal airbag. In a crash, the airbag would not be able to inﬂate and help protect the person sitting there. Do not turn off the passenger’s frontal airbag unless the person sitting there is in a risk group. See Airbag Off Switch on page 1-47 for more on this, including important safety information. Airbag System Your vehicle has four airbags — a frontal airbag for the driver, another frontal airbag for the passenger, a side impact airbag for the driver, and another side impact airbag for the passenger. Frontal airbags are designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inﬂating frontal airbag. But these airbags must inﬂate very quickly to do their job and comply with federal regulations. Here are the most important things to know about the airbag system: {CAUTION: You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you are not wearing your safety belt — even if you have airbags. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Airbags are designed to work with safety belts but do not replace them. CAUTION: (Continued) 1-38 CAUTION: (Continued) {CAUTION: Frontal airbags for the driver and passenger are designed to deploy only in moderate to severe frontal and near frontal crashes. They are not designed to inﬂate in rollover, rear or low-speed frontal crashes, or in many side crashes. And, for some unrestrained occupants, frontal airbags may provide less protection in frontal crashes than more forceful airbags have provided in the past. The side impact airbags for the driver and passenger are designed to inﬂate only in moderate to severe crashes where something hits the side of your vehicle. They are not designed to inﬂate in frontal, in rollover or in rear crashes. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety belt properly — whether or not there is an airbag for that person. Both frontal and side impact airbags inﬂate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you are too close to an inﬂating airbag, as you would be if you were leaning forward, it could seriously injure you. Safety belts help keep you in position for airbag inﬂation before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with frontal airbags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle. Front occupants should not lean on or sleep against the door. 1-39 {CAUTION: Anyone who is up against, or very close to, any airbag when it inﬂates can be seriously injured or killed. Airbags plus lap-shoulder belts offer the best protection for adults, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its airbag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see Older Children on page 1-19 or Infants and Young Children on page 1-22. There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows the airbag symbol. The system checks the airbag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-27 for more information. 1-40 Where Are the Airbags? The driver’s frontal airbag is in the middle of the steering wheel. The passenger’s frontal airbag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side. 1-41 The driver’s side impact airbag is in the side of the driver’s seatback closest to the door. The passenger’s side impact airbag is in the side of the passenger’s seatback closest to the door. 1-42 {CAUTION: If something is between an occupant and an airbag, the airbag might not inﬂate properly or it might force the object into that person causing severe injury or even death. The path of an inﬂating airbag must be kept clear. Do not put anything between an occupant and an airbag, and do not attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other airbag covering. Do not let seat covers block the inﬂation path of a side impact airbag. When Should an Airbag Inﬂate? The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal airbags are designed to inﬂate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes. But they are designed to inﬂate only if the impact exceeds a predetermined deployment threshold. Deployment thresholds take into account a variety of desired deployment and non-deployment events and are used to predict how severe a crash is likely to be in time for the airbags to inﬂate and help restrain the occupants. Whether your frontal airbags will or should deploy is not based on how fast your vehicle is traveling. It depends largely on what you hit, the direction of the impact and how quickly your vehicle slows down. In addition, your vehicle has “dual stage” frontal airbags, which adjust the restraint according to crash severity. Your vehicle is equipped with electronic frontal sensors, which help the sensing system distinguish between a moderate frontal impact and a more severe frontal impact. For moderate frontal impacts, these airbags inﬂate at a level less than full deployment. For more severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs. 1-43 If the front of your vehicle goes straight into a wall that does not move or deform, the threshold level for the reduced deployment is about 12 to 16 mph (19 to 26 km/h), and the threshold level for a full deployment is about 20 to 25 mph (32 to 40 km/h). (The threshold level can vary, however, with speciﬁc vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above or below this range.) Airbags may inﬂate at different crash speeds. For example: If the vehicle hits a stationary object, the airbag could inﬂate at a different crash speed than if the object were moving. If the object deforms, the airbag could inﬂate at a different crash speed than if the object does not deform. If the vehicle hits a narrow object (like a pole) the airbag could inﬂate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle hits a wide object (like a wall). If the vehicle goes into an object at an angle the airbag could inﬂate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle goes straight into the object. The frontal airbags (driver and right front passenger) are not intended to inﬂate during vehicle rollovers, rear impacts, or in many side impacts because inﬂation would not likely help the occupants. Side impact airbags are designed to inﬂate in moderate to severe side crashes. A side impact airbag will inﬂate if the crash severity is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” The threshold level can vary with speciﬁc vehicle design. Side impact airbags are not designed to inﬂate in frontal or near-frontal impacts, rollovers or rear impacts, because inﬂation would not likely help the occupant. A side impact airbag will only deploy on the side of the vehicle that is struck. In any particular crash, no one can say whether an airbag should have inﬂated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. For frontal airbags, inﬂation is determined by the angle of the impact and how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal and near-frontal impacts. For side impact airbags, inﬂation is determined by the location and severity of the impact. 1-44 (cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) What Makes an Airbag Inﬂate? In an impact of sufficient severity, the airbag sensing system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. For both frontal and side impact airbags, the sensing system triggers a release of gas from the inﬂator, which inﬂates the airbag. The inﬂator, the airbag and related hardware are all part of the airbag modules inside the steering wheel, the instrument panel, and the side of the front seatbacks closest to the door. How Does an Airbag Restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside of the vehicle. The airbag supplements the protection provided by safety belts. Airbags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But the frontal airbags would not help you in many types of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts, and many side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward the airbag. Side impact airbags would not help you in many types of collisions, including frontal or near frontal collisions, rollovers, and rear impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward those airbags. Airbags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts, and then only in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions for the driver’s and passenger’s frontal airbags, and only in moderate to severe side collisions for vehicles with a driver’s and passenger’s side impact airbag. 1-45 What Will You See After an Airbag Inﬂates? After the airbag inﬂates, it quickly deﬂates, so quickly that some people may not even realize the airbag inﬂated. Some components of the airbag module will be hot for a short time. These components include the steering wheel hub for the driver’s frontal airbag and

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2005 Chevrolet SSR Owners Manual