Black plate (31,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-31
and let up on the clutch. Press the
clutch pedal back down. Then shift
into 1 (First).
2 (Second):Press the clutch pedal
as you let up on the accelerator
pedal and shift into 2 (Second).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch
pedal as you press the accelerator
pedal.
3 (Third), 4 (Fourth), 5 (Fifth), and
6 (Sixth): Shift into 3 (Third),
4 (Fourth), 5 (Fifth), and 6 (Sixth) the
same way you do for 2 (Second).
Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as
you press the accelerator pedal.
To stop, let up on the accelerator
pedal and press the brake pedal.
Just before the vehicle stops, press
the clutch pedal and the brake
pedal, and shift to Neutral.
Neutral: Use this position when
you start or idle the engine. The
shift lever is in Neutral when it is
centered in the shift pattern, not in
any gear. R (Reverse):
To back up, press
down the clutch pedal and shift into
R (Reverse). On V8 models, apply
pressure to get the lever past
5 (Fifth) and 6 (Sixth) into
R (Reverse). Let up on the clutch
pedal slowly while pressing the
accelerator pedal.
One to Four Shift Message
(V8 Only)
Driver Information Center
When this message comes on, you
can only shift from 1 (First) to
4 (Fourth) instead of 1 (First) to 2 (Second). The message will be
displayed in the Driver Information
Center.
You must complete the shift into
4 (Fourth) to turn off this feature.
This helps you get the best possible
fuel economy.
After shifting to 4 (Fourth), you may
downshift to a lower gear if you
prefer.
Notice:
Forcing the shift lever
into any gear except 4 (Fourth)
when the 1 —4 SHIFT message
comes on may damage the
transmission. Shift only from
1 (First) to 4 (Fourth) when the
message comes on.
This message will come on when:
.The engine coolant temperature
is higher than 76°C (169°F),
.The vehicle is going 24 to
31 km/h (15 to 19 mph) and
.The vehicle is at 21 percent
throttle or less.
Black plate (32,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
9-32 Driving and Operating
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has the Antilock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced
electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
When the engine is started and the
vehicle begins to drive away, ABS
checks itself. A momentary motor or
clicking noise might be heard while
this test is going on, and it might
even be noticed that the brake
pedal moves a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
on page 5‑19. If driving safely on a wet road and it
becomes necessary to slam on the
brakes and continue braking to
avoid a sudden obstacle, a
computer senses that the wheels
are slowing down. If one of the
wheels is about to stop rolling, the
computer will separately work the
brakes at each wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressure
to each wheel, as required, faster
than any driver could. This can help
the driver steer around the obstacle
while braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the
computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls
braking pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change
the time needed to get a foot up to
the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too
close to the vehicle in front of you,
there will not be enough time to
apply the brakes if that vehicle
suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room up ahead to
stop, even with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold
the brake pedal down firmly and let
ABS work. You might hear the ABS
pump or motor operating and feel
the brake pedal pulsate, but this is
normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows the driver to steer and
brake at the same time. In many
emergencies, steering can help
more than even the very best
braking.
Black plate (34,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
9-34 Driving and Operating
conditions where the driver has
quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly
stop or slow down the vehicle. The
stability system hydraulic brake
control module increases brake
pressure at each corner of the
vehicle until the ABS activates.
Minor brake pedal pulsation or
pedal movement during this time
is normal and the driver should
continue to apply the brake pedal
as the driving situation dictates.
The brake assist feature will
automatically disengage when the
brake pedal is released or brake
pedal pressure is quickly
decreased.Ride Control Systems
Traction Control
System (TCS)
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) that limits wheel spin.
The system utilizes engine and
braking controls to control wheel
spin during acceleration at all
driving speeds for maximum driver
control regardless of conditions.
When the system senses impending
wheel slip during acceleration, it
signals the throttle control to reduce
drive wheel torque. Under extreme
situations, such as going from
pavement to ice during acceleration,
the system will selectively apply the
brakes to maintain control. The
system may be heard or felt while it
is working, but this is normal.The TCS/StabiliTrak warning light
flashes when the traction control
system is limiting wheel spin.
The TCS/StabiliTrak warning light
comes on solid if there is a problem
with the traction control system. See
Traction Control System (TCS)/
StabiliTrak
®Light on page 5‑20for
more information. If the light stays
on, see your dealer for service.
When the TCS/StabiliTrak warning
light is on, the system will not limit
wheel spin. Adjust your driving
accordingly.
TCS automatically comes on
whenever the vehicle is started. To
limit wheel spin, especially in
slippery road conditions, the system
should always be left on, but it may
be necessary to turn the system off
if the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud,
Black plate (36,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
9-36 Driving and Operating
When the system activates, the
TCS/StabiliTrak warning light
flashes on the instrument panel
cluster. You may also hear a noise
or feel vibration in the brake pedal.
This is normal. Continue to steer the
vehicle in the intended direction.
If there is a problem detected
with StabiliTrak, a SERVICE
STABILITRAK message displays on
the DIC and the StabiliTrak/TCS
warning light on the instrument
panel cluster comes on. When this
message and warning light display,
the system is not operational.Driving should be adjusted
accordingly. See
Ride Control
System Messages on page 5‑36
and Traction Control System (TCS)/
StabiliTrak
®Light on page 5‑20 for
more information.
StabiliTrak comes on automatically
whenever the vehicle is started. The
system should be left on to help
assist with directional control of the
vehicle. If StabiliTrak needs to be
turned off, press and hold the TCS/
StabiliTrak button until the Traction
Control Off light and the StabiliTrak
Off light come on in the instrument panel cluster. If the system has
been turned off, press and release
the TCS/StabiliTrak button to turn
the system back on.
Engine Drag Control (EDC)
EDC improves vehicle stability by
sensing if there is a difference in
speed between the free rolling front
wheels and the rear drive wheels
that often occurs when the driver
takes their foot off the accelerator
pedal on slippery surfaces (snow,
ice, etc.). When this is detected,
EDC sends more torque to the rear
wheels to make sure all four wheels
are spinning at similar speeds,
making the vehicle more stable.
Competitive Driving Mode
Competitive Driving Mode and
Launch Control are systems
designed to allow increased
performance while accelerating and/
or cornering. This is accomplished
by regulating and optimizing engine
and brake performance. These
modes are for use at a closed
Black plate (37,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-37
course race track and are not
intended for use on public roads.
They will not compensate for a
driver’s inexperience or lack of
familiarity with the race track.
Drivers who prefer to allow the
system to have more control of the
engine and brake systems are
advised to turn StabiliTrak on. See
Competitive Driving on page 9‑6 for
more information.
Notice: Do not attempt to shift
when the drive wheels are
spinning and do not have
traction. This may cause damage
to the transmission. Damage
caused by misuse of the vehicle
is not covered by the vehicle
warranty. See the warranty book
for additional information.
Competitive Driving Mode
In Competitive Driving Mode, the
StabiliTrak System helps maintain
directional control of the vehicle by
selective brake application and control of engine torque. The
Traction Control System (TCS)
helps control wheel spin and
Launch Control is available. Adjust
your driving style to account for the
available engine power. See
“Launch Control”
later in this
section.
This light is on when the vehicle is
in the Competitive Driving Mode.
On vehicles with a V8 engine, this
optional handling mode can be
selected by pressing the StabiliTrak/
TCS button on the console quickly
two times. STABILITRAK
COMPETITIVE MODE displays in
the Driver Information Center (DIC).
See Ride Control System Messages
on page 5‑36. When the StabiliTrak button is
pressed again, or the vehicle is
restarted, the StabiliTrak and TCS
systems are on.
Launch Control (V8 with
Manual Transmission
Models Only)
A Launch Control feature is
available, within Competitive Driving
Mode on vehicles with a manual
transmission, to allow the driver to
achieve high levels of vehicle
acceleration in a straight line.
Launch Control is a form of traction
control that manages tire spin while
launching the vehicle. This feature
is intended for use during closed
course race events where
consistent zero to sixty and quarter
mile times are desirable.
Launch Control is only available
when the following criteria are met:
.Competitive Driving Mode is
selected.
.The vehicle is not moving.
Black plate (38,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
9-38 Driving and Operating
.The steering wheel is pointing
straight.
.The clutch is pressed and the
vehicle is in first gear.
.The accelerator pedal is rapidly
applied to wide open throttle.
The Launch Control feature will
initially limit engine speed as the
driver rapidly applies the accelerator
pedal to wide open throttle.
A smooth, quick release of the
clutch, while maintaining the fully
pressed accelerator pedal, will
manage wheel slip. Complete shifts
as described in Manual
Transmission on page 9‑30.
After the vehicle is launched, the
system continues in
Competitive Mode. Competitive Driving Mode and
Launch Control are systems
designed for a closed course race
track and not intended for use on
public roads. The systems are not
intended to compensate for lack of
driver experience or familiarity with
the race track.
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Vehicles with a limited-slip rear axle
can give more traction on snow,
mud, ice, sand, or gravel. When
traction is low, this feature allows
the drive wheel with the most
traction to move the vehicle. The
limited-slip rear axle also gives the
driver enhanced control when
cornering hard or completing a
maneuver, such as a lane change.
Cruise Control
With cruise control, the vehicle can
maintain a speed of about 40 km/h
(25 mph) or more without keeping
your foot on the accelerator. Cruise
control does not work at speeds
below 40 km/h (25 mph).
{WARNING
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
a steady speed. So, do not use
the cruise control on winding
roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous
on slippery roads. On such roads,
fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use
cruise control on slippery roads.
Black plate (44,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
9-44 Driving and Operating
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is
an important part of the proper
maintenance of this vehicle. To help
keep the engine clean and maintain
optimum vehicle performance, we
recommend the use of gasoline
advertised as TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline.
Look for the TOP TIER label on the
fuel pump to ensure gasoline meets
enhanced detergency standards
developed by auto companies. A list
of marketers providing TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline can be found at
www.toptiergas.com.
The eighth digit of the Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN) shows
the code letter or number that
identifies the vehicle's engine. The
VIN is at the top left of the
instrument panel. SeeVehicle
Identification Number (VIN) on
page 12‑1.
Recommended Fuel
If the vehicle has the 3.6L V6 engine
(VIN Code D), use regular unleaded
gasoline with a posted octane rating
of 87 or higher. If the octane rating
is less than 87, an audible knocking noise, commonly referred to as
spark knock, might be heard when
driving. If this occurs, use a
gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher as soon as possible. If heavy
knocking is heard when using
gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher, the engine needs service.
If the vehicle has the 6.2L V8 engine
(VIN Code W) or the 6.2L V8 engine
(VIN Code J), use premium
unleaded gasoline with a posted
octane rating of 91 or higher. For
best performance, use premium
unleaded gasoline with a posted
octane rating of 93. You can also
use regular unleaded gasoline rated
at 87 octane or higher, but the
vehicle's acceleration could be
slightly reduced, and a slight audible
knocking noise, commonly referred
to as spark knock, might be heard.
If the octane rating is less than 87, a
heavy knocking noise might be
heard when driving. If this occurs,
use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher as soon as possible.
Black plate (45,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-45
Otherwise, you could damage the
engine. If heavy knocking is heard
when using gasoline rated at
87 octane or higher, the engine
needs service.
Gasoline Specifications
(U.S. and Canada Only)
At a minimum, gasoline should
meet ASTM specification D 4814
in the United States or CAN/
CGSB‐3.5 or 3.511 in Canada.
Some gasolines contain an
octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). We recommend
against the use of gasolines
containing MMT. SeeFuel Additives
on page 9‑45 for additional
information.
California Fuel
Requirements
If the vehicle is certified to meet
California Emissions Standards, it is
designed to operate on fuels that
meet California specifications. See the underhood emission control
label. If this fuel is not available in
states adopting California Emissions
Standards, the vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting
federal specifications, but emission
control system performance might
be affected. The malfunction
indicator lamp could turn on and the
vehicle might fail a smog‐check test.
See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 5‑16. If this occurs, return to
your authorized dealer for diagnosis.
If it is determined that the condition
is caused by the type of fuel used,
repairs might not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Fuels in Foreign
Countries
Never use leaded gasoline or any
other fuel not recommended in the
previous text on fuel. Costly repairs
caused by use of improper fuel
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. To check the fuel availability, ask an
auto club, or contact a major oil
company that does business in the
country where you will be driving.
Fuel Additives
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines
in the United States are now
required to contain additives that
help prevent engine and fuel system
deposits from forming, allowing the
emission control system to work
properly. In most cases, nothing
should have to be added to the fuel.
However, some gasolines contain
only the minimum amount of
additive required to meet U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency
regulations. To help keep fuel
injectors and intake valves clean
and avoid problems due to dirty
injectors or valves, look for gasoline
that is advertised as TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline. Look for the
TOP TIER label on the fuel pump to
ensure gasoline meets enhanced
detergency standards developed by
the auto companies. A list of