1999 CHEVROLET CAMARO engine overheat

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5-35
If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice
or Snow
In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you will
need to spin the wheels, but you don't want to spin your
wheels too fast. The method known as ªrockingº can
help you get out when you're stuck, but you must
use caution.
CAUTION:
If you let your tires spin at high speed, they can
explode, and you or others could be injured. And,
the transmission or other parts of the vehicle can
overheat. That could cause an engine
compartment fire or other damage. When you're
stuck, spin the wheels as little as possible. Don't
spin the wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h) as shown
on the speedometer.
NOTICE:
Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your
vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels
too fast while shifting your transmission back
and forth, you can destroy your transmission.
For information about using tire chains on your vehicle,
see ªTire Chainsº in the Index.
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will clear
the area around your front wheels. If your vehicle has ASR,
you should turn the system off. (See ªASR Systemº in the
Index.) Then shift back and forth between REVERSE (R)
and a forward gear (or with a manual transmission, between
FIRST (1) or SECOND (2) and REVERSE (R)), spinning
the wheels as little as possible. Release the accelerator pedal
while you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transmission is in gear. By slowly spinning your
wheels in the forward and reverse directions, you will cause a
rocking motion that may free your vehicle. If that doesn't get
you out after a few tries, you may need to be towed out. If you
do need to be towed out, see ªTowing Your Vehicleº in
the Index.

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6-27
Rear Axle
When to Check and Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often to check the lubricant and when to change it. See
ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.
How to Check Lubricant
If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole,
you'll need to add some lubricant. Add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
What to Use
Standard Differential
Use SAE 75W
-90 Synthetic Gear Lubricant (GM Part
No. 12378261) or equivalent meeting GM Specification
9986115.Limited
-Slip Differential
To add lubricant when the level is low, use SAE 75W
-90
Synthetic Gear Lubricant (GM Part No. 12378261) or
equivalent meeting GM Specification 9986115. To
completely refill after draining, add 4 ounces (118 ml)
of Limited
-Slip Differential Lubricant Additive (GM
Part No. 1052358) or equivalent. Then fill to the bottom
of the filler plug hole with the Synthetic Gear Lubricant.
Radiator Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is an 18 psi (124 kPa)
pressure
-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap
line up with the overflow tube on the radiator
filler neck.
When you replace your radiator pressure cap, a GM cap
is recommended.

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6-28
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat, a GM thermostat
is recommended.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX
-COOL engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX
-COOL extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating or if you need to add coolant to your
radiator, see ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index.A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL coolant will:

Give freezing protection down to
-34F (-37C).

Give boiling protection up to 265F (129C).

Protect against rust and corrosion.

Help keep the proper engine temperature.

Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you use
only DEX
-COOL (silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to the
system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the use
of coolant other than DEX
-COOL is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.

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6-29 What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one
-half DEX-COOL
coolant which won't damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you
don't need to add anything else.
CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. Your vehicle's coolant
warning system is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture,
your engine could get too hot but you wouldn't
get the overheat warning. Your engine could
catch fire and you or others could be burned. Use
a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL
coolant.
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mixture, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost wouldn't be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can
freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core
and other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you don't have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.

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6-30 Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, check the dipstick on the cap of the
coolant recovery tank. The coolant level should be at
COLD, or a little higher. When your engine is warm,
the level on the dipstick should be up to HOT, or a
little higher.
If this light comes on and
stays on, it means you're
low on engine coolant.
5.7L V8 Engine Only
Adding Coolant to the Recovery Tank
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX
-COOL

coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank, but only
when your engine is cool. If the tank is very low or
empty, also add coolant to the radiator. See ªEngine
Overheatingº in the Index for information.

Second Printing for Chevrolet Camaro Owner's Manual ± 1999
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9-4
Damage, Finish 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage, Sheet Metal 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daytime Running Lamps 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dead Battery 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defects, Reporting Safety 8-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive Driving 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defogger, Rear Window 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defogging 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defrosting 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions, Vehicle 6-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dolby B Noise Reduction 3-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door
Keys 2
-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Last Closed Locking 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locks 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drive, Automatic Transmission 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver Position 1-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
City 4
-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Freeway 4-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In the Rain 4-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night 4-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Curves 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Grades While Towing a Trailer 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Hill and Mountain Roads 4-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Snow and Ice 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Through Water 4-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wet Roads 4-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter 4-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DRL 2
-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken Driving 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical Equipment, Adding 3-24, 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical System 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 6-10, 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner/Filter 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Gages Light 2-88 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Heater 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Level Check 7-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Gage 2-81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust 2-11, 2-41, 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Check 7-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheated Protection Operating Mode 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reduced Power Light 2-90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running While Parked 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 6-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing 4-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additives 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Kind to Use 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Change 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ethanol 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust, Engine 2-11, 2-41, 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Second Printing for Chevrolet Camaro Owner's Manual ± 1999
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9-8
Methanol 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirrors 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convex Outside 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Day/Night Rearview 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Remote Control 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside Manual Adjustable 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Remote Control 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visor Vanity 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MMT 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mountain Roads 4-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Neutral, Automatic Transmission 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Neutral, Manual Transmission 2-34, 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
New Vehicle Break-In 2-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night Vision 4-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts 6-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer 2-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer, Trip 2-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer, Trip/Oil Reset 2-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off-Road Recovery 4-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil
Change Light 2
-87 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to Reset the Light 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Light 2-86 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pressure Gage 2-85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overdrive, Automatic Transmission 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode 5-8 . . . . . . . .
Overheating Engine 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Checks and Services 7-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Publications, Ordering 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Paint Spotting, Chemical 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park
Automatic Transmission 2
-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Into 2-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Out of 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking
At Night 2
-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Mechanism Check 7-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lots 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Over Things That Burn 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your Vehicle 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Position 1-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passing 4-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passive Arming 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pass-Key
II 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Persons with Disabilities, GM Mobility Program 8-5 . . . . . . .
Power
Accessory Plug 2
-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Locks 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Option Fuses 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reduced Engine Light 2-90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Control Mirror 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Six-Way Seat 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Fluid 6-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Door Lock Switch Locking 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power, Retained Accessory 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .