2001 CHEVROLET CAMARO Owners Manual

6-35
NOTICE:

Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just a few
drops of mineral
-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts so badly that they'll have to be
replaced. Don't let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.

If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately. See ªAppearance Careº in
the Index.
Brake Wear
Your vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built
-in wear indicators that make a
high
-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn
and new pads are needed. The sound may come and go or
be heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except when
you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly).
CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won't work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly applied.
This does not mean something is wrong with your brakes.
When you have the front or rear brake pads replaced,
have the other brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See ªBrake System Inspectionº in Section 7 of this manual
under Part C ªPeriodic Maintenance Inspections.º

6-36 Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your disc
brakes adjust for wear. If you rarely make a moderate or
heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust correctly. If
you drive in that way, then
-- very carefully -- make a few
moderate brake stops about every 1,000 miles (1 600 km),
so your brakes will adjust properly.
The parking brake system has separate brake linings that
do not self adjust for wear. If the parking brake lever
pulls up more than eighteen clicks, the parking brakes
need adjustment. See your dealer.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your vehicle
was designed and tested with top
-quality GM brake
parts. When you replace parts of your braking
system
-- for example, when your brake linings wear
down and you have to have new ones put in
-- be sure
you get new approved GM replacement parts. If you
don't, your brakes may no longer work properly. For
example, if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong
for your vehicle, the balance between your front and
rear brakes can change
-- for the worse. The braking
performance you've come to expect can change in many
other ways if someone puts in the wrong replacement
brake parts.

6-37
Battery
Your new vehicle comes with a maintenance free
ACDelco
battery. When it's time for a new battery, get
one that has the replacement number shown on the
original battery's label. We recommend an ACDelco
battery. See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the
Index for battery location.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
Vehicle Storage
If you're not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or more,
remove the black, negative (
-) cable from the battery. This
will help keep your battery from running down.
CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas that
can explode. You can be badly hurt if you aren't
careful. See ªJump Startingº in the Index for tips
on working around a battery without getting hurt.
Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your vehicle
for longer storage periods.
Also, for your audio system, see ªTheft
-Deterrent
Featureº in the Index.
Bulb Replacement
For the proper type of replacement bulb, see
ªReplacement Bulbsº in the Index.
For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this
section, contact your dealer's service department.
Halogen Bulbs
CAUTION:
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and
can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb. You or
others could be injured. Be sure to read and
follow the instructions on the bulb package.

6-38 Headlamps
Before replacing a headlamp bulb that does not light,
check to make sure that the wiring connector is securely
fastened to it.
See ªReplacement Bulbsº in the Index to check the type
of headlamp bulb you need to use before you begin to
replace the headlamp bulb. You must replace a
headlamp bulb with one that is exactly the same.
To replace a headlamp, do the following:
1. Open the hood.
2. Locate the headlamp bulb that needs to be replaced.
3. Press and turn the base of the socket one-quarter turn
counterclockwise. (See arrows).
4. Remove the socket with the burned lamp.
5. Replace the bulb and insert the socket into the headlamp.

6-39 Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
1. Remove the two screws in the stoplamp lens.
2. Gently pull the assembly out, turn the bulb
counterclockwise and remove it from the back of
the assembly.
3. Reverse the steps with a new bulb.
Rear Lamps
To change any rear bulb, you have to remove the
entire housing.
1. Remove the trim panel from the inside of the hatch
for the side on which you are replacing the bulb.
2. Pull the carpet back.
3. Remove the wing nuts.

6-40
4. Pull the assembly off from the outside.
5. To remove a socket with a tab, press the tab and turn
the socket counterclockwise. To remove a socket
without a tab, turn the socket counterclockwise.
6. Pull the bulb from the socket.
7. Reverse the steps with a new bulb.
Sidemarker
1. Remove the screw from the sidemarker assembly.
2. To pull out the bulb housing, tilt the housing to
remove the tabbed end.

6-41
3. Turn the bulb and socket counterclockwise and
gently pull out.
4. Reverse the steps with a new bulb.
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear or cracking. See ªWiper Blade
Checkº in the Index for more information.
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. For the proper type and length, see ªNormal
Maintenance Replacement Partsº in the Index.
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm away from the windshield.
2. Push the release lever and slide the wiper assembly
toward the driver's side of the vehicle.
3. Install a new blade by reversing Steps 1 and 2.

6-42 Wiper Blade Element Replacement
To replace the wiper blade element, follow these steps:
1. Locate the heel end of the wiper blade assembly that
has the two notches held by the wiper blade claw.
2. Hold the wiper blade assembly with one hand and
pull the element gently with the other hand.
(Replacement blade elements have three plastic caps
which retain two metal flexor strips. Do not remove
these caps before the element is installed.)3. At the heel end of the wiper blade assembly, notched
end of blade element last, slide the blade element
into the blade claw sets. The plastic retainer caps
will be forced off as the element is fully inserted.
Make sure that all the claw sets are properly engaged
in the slots of the blade element.
4. Install the wiper blade assembly on the wiper arm.
For information on wiper blade replacement length and
type, see ªNormal Maintenance Replacement Partsº in
the Index.
NOTICE:
Never open your hood with the wiper arms in the
ªService Up Positionº (wiper arms pulled away
from the windshield) because the hood will
deflect the wiper arms into the windshield and
may cause the windshield to crack.