Black plate (13,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6042601) - 2014 - CRC - 1/21/14
Driving and Operating 9-13
Blizzard Conditions
Being stuck in snow can be a
serious situation. Stay with the
vehicle unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. SeeRoadside
Assistance Program on page 13-5.
To get help and keep everyone in
the vehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outside
mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may
cause exhaust gases to get
inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO) which
cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even
death.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
If the vehicle is stuck in the snow:
.Clear away snow from around
the base of your vehicle,
especially any that is blocking
the exhaust pipe.
.Check again from time to
time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
.Open a window about 5 cm
(2 in) on the side of the
vehicle that is away from the
wind to bring in fresh air.
.Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
.Adjust the climate control
system to a setting that
circulates the air inside the
vehicle and set the fan speed
to the highest setting. See
“Climate Control Systems”.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust on page 9-27.
To save fuel, run the engine for only
short periods as needed to warm
the vehicle and then shut the engine
off and close the window most of
the way to save heat. Repeat this
until help arrives but only when you
feel really uncomfortable from the
cold. Moving about to keep warm
also helps.
If it takes some time for help to
arrive, now and then when you run
the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs
faster than the idle speed. This
keeps the battery charged to restart
the vehicle and to signal for help
with the headlamps. Do this as little
as possible to save fuel.
Black plate (18,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6042601) - 2014 - CRC - 1/21/14
9-18 Driving and Operating
Rating (GVWR). The GVWR
includes the weight of the
vehicle, all occupants, fuel, and
cargo. Never exceed the GVWR
for the vehicle, or the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for
either the front or rear axle.
And, if there is a heavy load, it
should be spread out. See
“Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit”earlier in this
section.
{Warning
Do not load the vehicle any
heavier than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the
maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
This can cause systems to
break and change the way the
vehicle handles. This could
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
cause loss of control and a
crash. Overloading can also
shorten the life of the vehicle.
If you put things inside the
vehicle —like suitcases, tools,
packages, or anything
else —they will go as fast as the
vehicle goes. If you have to stop
or turn quickly, or if there is a
crash, they will keep going.
{Warning
Things inside the vehicle can
strike and injure people in a
sudden stop or turn, or in a
crash.
.Put things in the cargo
area of the vehicle. In the
cargo area, put them as
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
far forward as possible.
Try to spread the weight
evenly.
.Never stack heavier
things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that
some of them are above
the tops of the seats.
.Do not leave an
unsecured child restraint
in the vehicle.
.Secure loose items in the
vehicle.
.Do not leave a seat folded
down unless needed.
Black plate (19,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6042601) - 2014 - CRC - 1/21/14
Driving and Operating 9-19
Starting and
Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
{Caution
Follow these recommended
guidelines during the first
2 414 km (1,500 mi) of driving this
vehicle. Parts have a break-in
period and performance will be
better in the long run.
.For the first
2 414 km (1,500 mi):
.Avoid full throttle starts and
abrupt stops.
.Do not exceed 4000
engine rpm.
.Avoid driving at any one
constant speed, fast or slow.
.Do not drive above
129 km/h (80 mph).(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.Avoid downshifting to brake
or slow the vehicle when the
engine speed will exceed
4,000 rpm.
.Do not let the engine labor.
Never lug the engine in high
gear at low speeds. With a
manual transmission, shift to
the next lower gear. This rule
applies at all times, not just
during the break-in period.
.Do not participate in racing
events, sport driving schools,
or similar activities during this
break-in period.
.Check engine oil with every
refueling and add if
necessary. Oil and fuel
consumption may be higher
than normal during the first
2 414 km (1,500 mi).
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.To break in new tires, drive at
moderate speeds and avoid
hard cornering for the first
322 km (200 mi). New tires do
not have maximum traction
and may tend to slip.
.New brake linings also need
a break-in period. Avoid
making hard stops during the
first 322 km (200 mi). This is
recommended every time
brake linings are replaced.
.Should the vehicle be used
for racing or competitive
driving (after break-in), the
rear axle lubricant must be
replaced before hand.
See Track Events and Competitive
Driving on page 9-6.
Black plate (23,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6042601) - 2014 - CRC - 1/21/14
Driving and Operating 9-23
{Caution
If you add electrical parts or
accessories, you could change
the way the engine operates. Any
resulting damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
SeeAdd-On Electrical Equipment
on page 9-62.
Engine Heater
The engine coolant heater,
if available, can help in cold weather
conditions at or below −18°C (0°F)
for easier starting and better fuel
economy during engine warm-up.
Plug in the coolant heater at least
four hours before starting the
vehicle. An internal thermostat in
the plug-end of the cord will prevent
engine coolant heater operation at
temperatures above −18°C (0°F).
Using the Engine Coolant
Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the
electrical cord.
The electrical cord is on the
passenger side of the engine
compartment, next to the engine
compartment fuse block for
V6 models.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{Warning
Plugging the cord into an
ungrounded outlet could cause an
electrical shock. Also, the wrong
kind of extension cord could
overheat and cause a fire. You
could be seriously injured. Plug
the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet.
If the cord will not reach, use a
heavy-duty three-prong extension
cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the
cord as it was before to keep it
away from moving engine parts.
If you do not it could be
damaged.
The length of time the heater should
remain plugged in depends on
several factors. Ask a dealer in the
area where you will be parking the
vehicle for the best advice on this.
Black plate (27,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6042601) - 2014 - CRC - 1/21/14
Driving and Operating 9-27
If parking on a hill, or if the vehicle
is pulling a trailer, seeDriving
Characteristics and Towing Tips on
page 9-57.
Parking over Things
That Burn
{Warning
Things that can burn could touch
hot exhaust parts under the
vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass,
or other things that can burn.
Active Fuel Management®
Vehicles with V8 engines and an
automatic transmission, except ZL1,
have Active Fuel Management
®.
This system allows the engine to
operate on either all or half of its
cylinders, depending on the driving
conditions.
When less power is required, such
as cruising at a constant vehicle
speed, the system will operate in
the half cylinder mode, allowing the
vehicle to achieve better fuel
economy. When greater power
demands are required, such as
accelerating from a stop, passing,
or merging onto a freeway, the
system will maintain full-cylinder
operation.
Engine Exhaust
{Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO) which cannot be
seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and
even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
.The vehicle idles in areas
with poor ventilation (parking
garages, tunnels, deep snow
that may block underbody
airflow or tail pipes).
.The exhaust smells or
sounds strange or different.
.The exhaust system leaks
due to corrosion or damage.
.The vehicle exhaust system
has been modified, damaged,
or improperly repaired.
(Continued)
Black plate (30,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6042601) - 2014 - CRC - 1/21/14
9-30 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift
into a drive gear while the engine
is running at high speed.
{Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.D (Drive):
This position is for
normal driving. It provides the best
fuel economy. When the ZL1 is in
D (Drive), the first shift after start will
be from 1 (First) gear. Following
starts will begin in 2 (Second) gear.
If more power is needed for
passing, and the vehicle is:
.Going less than 56 km/h
(35 mph), push the accelerator
pedal about halfway down.
.Going about 56 km/h (35 mph) or
more, push the accelerator all
the way down.
Powertrain Braking (V6 and
V8 Engines Except ZL1)
When driving on steep descents
with the shift lever in D (Drive) or
M (Manual Mode) where frequent
braking is required, the transmission
will shift down a gear to help hold
vehicle speed and reduce brake
wear. If the driver continues to press
the brake, the transmission will
downshift until 3 (Third) gear is
reached. If the brake is released for some
time, the transmission will upshift a
gear. If the road levels out and the
accelerator pedal is pressed, the
transmission will upshift until the
appropriate gear is reached.
{Caution
If the vehicle accelerates slowly,
or does not shift gears, the
transmission could be damaged.
Have the vehicle serviced
right away.
M (Manual Mode): This position
allows the driver to select gears
appropriate for current driving
conditions.
With the shift lever in M (Manual
Mode) position, vehicles with
axle code GW8 will enter ERS
Mode. See Manual Mode on
page 9-32.
Black plate (35,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6042601) - 2014 - CRC - 1/21/14
Driving and Operating 9-35
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.
{Caution
Forcing the shift lever into any
gear except 4 (Fourth) when the
1
— 4 SHIFT message comes on
may damage the transmission.
Shift only from 1 (First) to
4 (Fourth) when the message
comes on.
Black plate (52,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6042601) - 2014 - CRC - 1/21/14
9-52 Driving and Operating
When the System Does Not
Seem to Work Properly
The RVC system may not work
properly or display a clear image if:
.It is dark.
.The sun or the beam of
headlamps are shining directly
into the camera lens.
.Ice, snow, mud, or anything else
builds up on the camera lens.
Clean the lens, rinse it with
water, and wipe it with a soft
cloth.
.The back of the vehicle is in an
accident. The position and
mounting angle of the camera
can change or the camera can
be affected. Be sure to have the
camera and its position and
mounting angle checked at your
dealer.
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an
important part of the proper
maintenance of this vehicle. When
driving in the U.S. and Canada, to
help keep the engine clean and
maintain optimum vehicle
performance, we recommend TOP
TIER Detergent Gasolines. See
www.toptiergas.com for a list of TOP
TIER Detergent Gasolines.
If the vehicle has a V6 engine, use
regular unleaded gasoline meeting
ASTM specification D4814 with a
posted octane rating of 87 or higher.
Do not use gasoline with an octane
rating below 87, as it may cause
engine damage and will lower fuel
economy.
If the vehicle has an L99 or LS3
V8 engine, use premium unleaded
gasoline meeting ASTM
specification D4814 with a posted
octane rating of 91 or higher.
Regular unleaded gasoline rated at
87 octane or higher can be used,
but acceleration and fuel economy
will be reduced, and an audible
knocking noise may be heard. If this
occurs, use a gasoline rated at
91 octane or higher as soon as
possible. Otherwise, the engine
could be damaged. If heavy
knocking is heard when using
gasoline with a 91 octane rating or
higher, the engine needs service.