Black plate (29,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6042601) - 2014 - CRC - 1/21/14
Driving and Operating 9-29
P (Park):This position locks the
rear wheels. It is the best position to
use when starting the engine
because the vehicle cannot move
easily.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park).
See Shifting Into Park on
page 9-24 andDriving
Characteristics and Towing Tips
on page 9-57. Make sure the shift lever is fully in
P (Park) before starting the engine.
The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control
system. The regular brake must be
fully applied first and then the shift
lever button pressed before shifting
from P (Park) when the ignition key
is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out
of P (Park), ease pressure on the
shift lever, then push the shift lever
all the way into P (Park) as you
maintain brake application. Then
press the shift lever button and
move the shift lever into another
gear. See
Shifting out of Park on
page 9-25.
R (Reverse): Use this gear to
back up.
{Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the
vehicle is moving forward could
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice, or sand without
damaging the transmission, see If
the Vehicle Is Stuck on page 9-14.
N (Neutral): In this position, the
engine does not connect with the
wheels. To restart the engine when
the vehicle is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only. Also, use
N (Neutral) when the vehicle is
being towed.
Black plate (31,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6042601) - 2014 - CRC - 1/21/14
Driving and Operating 9-31
With the shift lever in M (Manual
Mode) position, and without using
the Tap Shift controls on the
steering wheel, vehicles with any
axle other than GW8 will be in Sport
Mode. Sport Mode provides firmer,
quicker shifting. The transmission
will shift automatically until the Tap
Shift controls are used. Tap Shift
activates driver manual gear
selection. SeeManual Mode on
page 9-32.
V6 Models without Axle GW8, V8
Models Except ZL1
While driving in Sport Mode, if Tap
Shift has not been activated, the
transmission determines when the
vehicle is being driven in a
competitive manner. The
transmission may remain in a gear
longer than it would in the normal
driving mode based on throttle input
and vehicle lateral acceleration.
If there is a rapid reduction in
throttle from a heavy throttle
position, the transmission will
maintain the current gear up to near
redline rpm. While braking, the transmission will automatically
downshift to the next lower gear
keeping engine speed above
approximately 3000 rpm. If the
vehicle is then driven for a short
time at a steady speed, and without
high cornering loads, the
transmission will up-shift one gear
at a time, until 6 (Sixth) gear. After
shifting to 6 (Sixth) gear, or coming
to a complete stop, the transmission
will return to normal Sport Mode
shifting.
ZL1
While driving in Sport Mode, if Tap
Shift has not been activated, the
transmission determines when the
vehicle is being driven in a
competitive manner, in a straight
line or while turning. The
transmission may remain in a gear
longer than it would in the normal
driving mode based on throttle input
and vehicle lateral acceleration.
If there is a rapid reduction in
throttle from a heavy throttle
position, the transmission will
maintain the current gear up toapproximately 4600 rpm. While
braking, the transmission will
automatically downshift to the next
lower gear keeping engine speed
below approximately 3000 rpm.
If the vehicle is then driven for a
short time at a steady speed, and
without high cornering loads, the
transmission will up-shift one gear
at a time, until 6 (Sixth) gear. After
shifting to 6 (Sixth) gear, or coming
to a complete stop, the transmission
will return to normal sport mode
shifting.
If the vehicle detects aggressive
cornering, even without a heavy
application of the throttle, the
transmission will downshift and hold
a lower gear to near redline rpm, to
aid in vehicle handling balance and
to improve corner exit speeds.
Black plate (32,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6042601) - 2014 - CRC - 1/21/14
9-32 Driving and Operating
Manual Mode
Electronic Range Select
(ERS) Mode
Vehicles with axle code GW8 have
an ERS Mode. ERS Mode allows
you to choose the top-gear limit of
the transmission with fully automatic
gear selection. This can help control
the vehicle's speed while driving
downhill or towing a trailer. The
vehicle has an electronic shift
position indicator within the
instrument cluster. When using the
ERS mode a number will display
next to the M, indicating the current
maximum gear allowed. Vehicles
with this feature have indicators on
the steering wheel. The controls are
on the back of the steering wheel.
To use this feature:
1. Move the shift lever toM (Manual Mode).
2. Press the plus/minus paddles on the back of the steering wheel,
to increase or decrease the gear
range available. When you shift from D (Drive) to
M (Manual Mode), the transmission
will shift to a lower gear range. The
highest gear available for this range
is displayed next to the M in the
DIC. The number displayed in the
DIC is the highest gear that the
transmission will be allowed to
operate in. This means that all
gears below that number are
available. For example, when
4 (Fourth) is shown next to the M,
1 (First) through 4 (Fourth) gears are
automatically shifted by the vehicle.
The transmission will not shift into
5 (Fifth) until the + (Plus) paddle is
used or you shift back into D (Drive).
While in M (Manual Mode), the
transmission will prevent shifting to
a lower gear range if the engine
speed is too high. The DIC will still
indicate the lower gear range
selected, but the transmission will
not initiate the downshift until the
vehicle has met a minimum speed
requirement.
Tap Shift
Vehicles with any axle other than
GW8 have a Tap Shift Mode. Tap
Shift allows you to manually control
the automatic transmission. To use
Tap Shift, the shift lever must be in
M (Manual Mode). Vehicles with this
feature have indicators on the
steering wheel. The controls are on
the back of the steering wheel. Tap
the left control to downshift, and the
right control to upshift. The DIC
display indicates the gear the
vehicle is in.
Black plate (37,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6042601) - 2014 - CRC - 1/21/14
Driving and Operating 9-37
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 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
you 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 vehiclesuddenly 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 may hear the ABS
pump or motor operating and feel
the brake pedal pulsate. This is
normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows you to steer and brake
at the same time. In many
emergencies, steering can help
more than even the very best
braking.
Parking Brake
To apply the parking brake, pull up
on the parking brake handle. It is
not necessary to press the release
button in while applying the parking
brake. If the ignition is in the ON/
RUN position, the brake system
warning light will come on. See
Brake System Warning Light on
page 5-19.
To release the parking brake:
1. Hold the brake pedal down.
Black plate (39,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6042601) - 2014 - CRC - 1/21/14
Driving and Operating 9-39
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and StabiliTrak®, an
electronic stability control system.
These systems help limit wheel slip
and assist the driver in maintaining
control, especially on slippery road
conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any
of the drive wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this
happens, TCS applies the brakes to
the spinning wheels and reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak activates when the
vehicle senses a difference between
the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling.
StabiliTrak selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the vehicle wheel brakes to assist the
driver in keeping the vehicle on the
intended path.
If cruise control is being used and
traction control or StabiliTrak begins
to limit wheel spin, cruise control will
disengage. Cruise control may be
turned back on when road
conditions allow.
Both systems come on
automatically when the vehicle is
started and begins to move. The
systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while
performing diagnostic checks. This
is normal and does not mean there
is a problem with the vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both
systems on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary
to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
See
If the Vehicle Is Stuck on
page 9-14 and“Turning the
Systems Off and On” later in this
section.
The indicator light for both systems
is in the instrument cluster. This
light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting
wheel spin.
.Flash when StabiliTrak is
activated.
.Turn on and stay on when either
system is not working.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the
Driver Information Center (DIC), and
dcomes on and stays on to
indicate that the system is inactive
and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. The vehicle is
safe to drive, but driving should be
adjusted accordingly.
Black plate (40,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6042601) - 2014 - CRC - 1/21/14
9-40 Driving and Operating
Ifdcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
Drive the vehicle. If
dcomes on
and stays on, the vehicle may need
more time to diagnose the problem.
If the condition persists, see your
dealer.
Turning the Systems Off
and On
The button for TCS and StabiliTrak
is on the center console in front of
the shift lever.
{Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or
accelerate heavily when TCS is
off. The vehicle driveline could be
damaged.
To turn off only TCS, press and
release the
gbutton. The traction
off light
idisplays in the instrument
cluster.
To turn TCS on again, press and
release the
gbutton. The traction
off light
idisplayed in the
instrument cluster will turn off.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
the
gbutton is pressed, the system
will not turn off until the wheels stop
spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak,
press and hold the
gbutton until
the traction off light
iand StabiliTrak OFF light
gcome on
and stay on in the instrument
cluster.
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak on
again, press and release the
g
button. The traction off lightiand
StabiliTrak OFF light
gin the
instrument cluster turn off.
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle performance. See
Accessories and Modifications on
page 10-3.
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.
Black plate (41,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6042601) - 2014 - CRC - 1/21/14
Driving and Operating 9-41
Competitive Driving Mode
Competitive Driving Mode,
Performance Traction Management
(PTM), and Launch Control are
systems designed to allow
increased performance while
accelerating and/or cornering. This
is accomplished by regulating and
optimizing the engine, brakes, and
suspension performance. These
modes are for use at a closed
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, brakes, and suspension are
advised to turn the normal TCS and
StabiliTrak systems on.{Caution
Attempting to shift when the drive
wheels are spinning and do not
have traction may cause damage
to the transmission. Damage
caused by misuse of the vehicle
is not covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not attempt to shift
when the drive wheels do not
have traction.
Competitive Driving Mode (SS
and ZL1 Convertible Only)
Competitive Driving Mode allows full
engine power while the StabiliTrak
system helps maintain directional
control of the vehicle by selective
brake application. In this mode, TCS
is off and Launch Control is
available. Adjust your driving style
to account for the available engine
power. See “Launch Control (V8
with Manual Transmissions except
Z/28)” later in this section.
These lights are on when the
vehicle is in the Competitive
Driving Mode.
This optional handling mode can be
selected by quickly pressing the
TCS/StabiliTrak button on the
console two times. The appropriate
message displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See Ride
Control System Messages on
page 5-38.
Black plate (44,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6042601) - 2014 - CRC - 1/21/14
9-44 Driving and Operating
Launch Control (V8 with
Manual Transmissions except
Z/28)
A Launch Control feature is
available, within Competitive Driving
Mode or PTM, 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 or any of the PTM
modes are selected.
.The vehicle is not moving.
.The steering wheel is pointing
straight.
.The clutch is pressed and the
vehicle is in 1 (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
are described in Manual
Transmission on page 9-34.
After the vehicle is launched, the
system continues in Competitive
Driving Mode or PTM.
Competitive Driving Mode, PTM,
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.
ZL1 Coupe Only
Use mode 5 for the most consistent
performance during drag strip use.
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.
Selective Ride Control
ZL1 Only
The vehicle has a ride control
system called Magnetic Selective
Ride Control. The system provides
the following performance benefits:
.Reduced Impact Harshness
.Improved Road Isolation
.Improved High-Speed Stability