Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7695163) - 2015 - crc - 9/4/14
9-6 Driving and Operating
material on the road. Learn to
recognize warning clues—such
as enough water, ice, or packed
snow on the road to make a
mirrored surface —and slow
down when you have any doubt.
.Try to avoid sudden steering,
acceleration, or braking,
including reducing vehicle speed
by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause
the tires to slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help
avoid only the braking skid.
Track Events and
Competitive Driving
Track events or competitive driving
may affect the vehicle warranty. See
the warranty manual before using
the vehicle for racing or other
competitive driving. Engine Oil
{Caution
If you use the vehicle for racing or
other competitive driving, the
engine may use more oil than it
would with normal use. Low oil
levels can damage the engine.
For information on how to add oil,
see
Engine Oil on page 10-15.
Be sure to check the oil level
often during racing or other
competitive driving and keep the
level at or near the upper mark
that shows the proper operating
range on the engine oil dipstick.
For track events or competitive
driving, it is recommended that the
brake fluid be replaced with a high
performance brake fluid that has a
dry boiling point greater than 279°C
(534°F). After conversion to the high
performance brake fluid, follow the
brake fluid service recommendations outlined by the
fluid manufacturer. Do not use
silicone or DOT-5 brake fluids.{Caution
Extended track operation without
this kit installed may result in a
low oil level and could result in
engine damage.
1LE comes with an oil control kit
that should be installed for track use
only, to ensure proper oil control
and prevent engine damage. This is
not for street use. This kit may also
be purchased from your dealer.
Coolant
If operating a Z/28 on a closed
course during hot temperatures,
reduce the coolant/water mixture to
a 30/70 mix and increase under
hood airflow by removing the water
deflector on the engine side of the
hood scoop.
Black plate (11,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7695163) - 2015 - crc - 9/4/14
Driving and Operating 9-11
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to
slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet
weather driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
.Pass with caution.
.Keep windshield wiping
equipment in good shape.
.Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
.Have good tires with proper
tread depth. SeeTires on
page 10-55.
.Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for
driving in these conditions include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
.Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
.Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the
vehicle on a long downhill slope
can cause brake overheating, can
reduce brake performance, and
could result in a loss of braking.
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the
brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the ignition off is
dangerous. This can cause
overheating of the brakes and
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
loss of steering. Always have the
engine running and the vehicle
in gear.
.Stay in your own lane. Do not
swing wide or cut across the
center of the road. Drive at
speeds that let you stay in your
own lane.
.Be alert on top of hills;
something could be in your lane
(stalled car, accident).
.Pay attention to special road
signs (falling rocks area, winding
roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take
appropriate action.
Black plate (12,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7695163) - 2015 - crc - 9/4/14
9-12 Driving and Operating
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Drive carefully when there is snow
or ice between the tires and the
road, creating less traction or grip.
Wet ice can occur at about 0°C (32°
F) when freezing rain begins to fall,
resulting in even less traction. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated with salt
or sand.
Drive with caution, whatever the
condition. Accelerate gently so
traction is not lost. Accelerating too
quickly causes the wheels to spin
and makes the surface under the
tires slick, so there is even less
traction.
Traction Control should be turned
on. SeeTraction Control/Electronic
Stability Control on page 9-38.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS)
improves vehicle stability during
hard stops on slippery roads, but apply the brakes sooner than when
on dry pavement. See
Antilock
Brake System (ABS) on page 9-36.
Allow greater following distance on
any slippery road and watch for
slippery spots. Icy patches can
occur on otherwise clear roads in
shaded areas. The surface of a
curve or an overpass can remain icy
when the surrounding roads are
clear. Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
Turn off cruise control on slippery
surfaces.
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. See Roadside
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.
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.
(Continued)
Black plate (13,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7695163) - 2015 - crc - 9/4/14
Driving and Operating 9-13
Warning (Continued)
.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.”
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.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the
wheels to free the vehicle when
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the
traction system off and use the
rocking method. See
Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control
on page 9-38.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you
or others could be injured. The
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
vehicle can overheat, causing an
engine compartment fire or other
damage. Spin the wheels as little
as possible and avoid going
above 56 km/h (35 mph).
Rocking the Vehicle to Get
it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and
right to clear the area around the
front wheels. Turn off any traction
system. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a low
forward gear, spinning the wheels
as little as possible. To prevent
transmission wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting
gears. Release the accelerator
pedal while shifting, and press
lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transmission is in gear.
Slowly spinning the wheels in the
forward and reverse directions
causes a rocking motion that could
free the vehicle. If that does not get
Black plate (19,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7695163) - 2015 - crc - 9/4/14
Driving and Operating 9-19
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.
Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has four different
positions.
{Caution
Using a tool to force the key to
turn in the ignition could cause
damage to the switch or break the
key. Use the correct key, make
sure it is all the way in, and turn it
only with your hand. If the key
cannot be turned by hand, see
your dealer. The key must be fully extended to
start the vehicle.
To shift out of P (Park), turn the
ignition to ON/RUN and apply the
brake pedal.
1 (STOPPING THE ENGINE/LOCK/
OFF):
When the vehicle is stopped,
turn the ignition switch to LOCK/
OFF to turn the engine off. Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) on page 9-23.
This is the only position from which
the key can be removed. This locks
the steering wheel, ignition, and
automatic transmission.
On vehicles with an automatic
transmission, the shift lever must be
in P (Park) to turn the ignition switch
to the LOCK/OFF position.
Do not turn the engine off when the
vehicle is moving. This will cause a
loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable
the airbags.
Black plate (20,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7695163) - 2015 - crc - 9/4/14
9-20 Driving and Operating
The ignition switch can bind in the
LOCK/OFF position with the wheels
turned off center. If this happens,
move the steering wheel from right
to left while turning the key to ACC/
ACCESSORY. If this does not work,
then the vehicle needs service.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steadypressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to neutral. This can be done while the vehicle is
moving. After shifting to neutral,
continue to firmly apply the
brakes and steer the vehicle to a
safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop. Shift to P (Park) with an automatic
transmission, or Neutral with a
manual transmission. Turn the
ignition to LOCK/OFF. 4. Set the parking brake. See
Parking Brake on page 9-37.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over,
and must be shut off while driving,
turn the ignition to ACC/
ACCESSORY.
2 (ACC/ACCESSORY): This
position provides power to some of
the electrical accessories. It unlocks
the steering wheel and ignition. To
move the key from ACC/
ACCESSORY to LOCK/OFF, push
in the key and then turn it to
LOCK/OFF.
3 (ON/RUN): The ignition switch
stays in this position when the
engine is running. This position can be used to operate the electrical
accessories, including the
ventilation fan and 12-volt power
outlet, as well as to display some
warning and indicator lights. This
position can also be used for
service and diagnostics, and to
verify the proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp as may
be required for emission inspection
purposes. The transmission is also
unlocked in this position on
automatic transmission vehicles.
The battery could be drained if the
key is left in the ACC/ACCESSORY
or ON/RUN position with the engine
off. The vehicle might not start if the
battery is allowed to drain for an
extended period of time.
4 (START):
This position starts the
engine. When the engine starts,
release the key. The ignition switch
will return to ON/RUN for normal
driving.
A warning tone sounds when the
driver door is opened if the ignition
is still in ACC/ACCESSORY and the
Black plate (21,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7695163) - 2015 - crc - 9/4/14
Driving and Operating 9-21
key is in the ignition. If the ignition
becomes difficult to turn, seeKeys
on page 2-1.
Starting the Engine
Place the transmission in the
proper gear.
{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.
See Add-On Electrical Equipment
on page 9-61.
{Caution
If the steering wheel is turned
until it reaches the end of its
travel, and is held in that position
while starting the vehicle, damage
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
may occur to the hydraulic power
steering system and there may be
loss of power steering assist.
Automatic Transmission
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). To restart the vehicle
when it is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
{Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you
could damage the transmission.
Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in Neutral
and the parking brake engaged.
Hold the clutch pedal down to the
floor and start the engine. Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator
pedal, turn the ignition key to
START. When the engine starts,
let go of the key. The idle speed
will go down as the engine
warms. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it.
Allow the oil to warm up and
lubricate all moving parts.
{Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by returning the
ignition to the START position
immediately after cranking has
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds, especially in
very cold weather (below −18°C
or 0°F), it could be flooded with
Black plate (30,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7695163) - 2015 - crc - 9/4/14
9-30 Driving and Operating
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 9-31.
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. See
Manual Mode on
page 9-31.
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