Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9804281) - 2017 - crc - 4/25/16
Driving and Operating 211
{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 snow:. Clear snow from the base of
the vehicle, especially any
blocking the exhaust pipe.
. Open a window about 5 cm
(2 in) on the vehicle side
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 circulate the air
inside the vehicle and set
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
the fan speed to the highest
setting. See“Climate
Control Systems.”
For more information about CO,
see Engine Exhaust 0224.
To save fuel, run the engine for
short periods to warm the vehicle
and then shut the engine off and
partially close the window. Moving
about to keep warm also helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive,
when running 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 0235.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you
or others could be injured. The
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
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9804281) - 2017 - crc - 4/25/16
Driving and Operating 227
without high cornering loads, the
transmission will upshift one gear at
a time, until 8 (Eighth) gear. After
shifting to 8 (Eighth) gear, or coming
to a complete stop, the transmission
will return to normal Sport Mode
shifting.
Manual Mode
Driver Shift Control (DSC)Caution
Driving with the engine at a high
rpm without upshifting while using
Driver Shift Control (DSC), could
damage the vehicle. Always
upshift when necessary while
using DSC.
DSC allows shifting an automatic
transmission similar to a manual
transmission. To use the DSC
feature:1. Move the shift lever to the left from D (Drive) into the side
gate marked with +/−.
2. Press the shift lever forward to upshift or rearward to
downshift.
While using the DSC feature, the
vehicle will have firmer, quicker
shifting. You can use this for sport
driving or when climbing or
descending hills, to stay in gear
longer, or to downshift for more
power or engine braking. The transmission will only allow you
to shift into gears appropriate for the
vehicle speed and engine
revolutions per minute (rpm). The
transmission will not automatically
shift to the next lower gear if the
engine rpm is too high, nor to the
next higher gear when the maximum
engine rpm is reached.
While in the DSC mode, the
transmission will automatically
downshift as the vehicle comes to a
stop. This will allow for more power
during take-off.
When accelerating the vehicle from
a stop in snowy and icy conditions,
you may want to shift into second
gear. A higher gear allows the
vehicle to gain more traction on
slippery surfaces.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9804281) - 2017 - crc - 4/25/16
Driving and Operating 235
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 0211
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.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9804281) - 2017 - crc - 4/25/16
236 Driving and Operating
2. Turn the engine off and wait15 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
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
Y. The traction off lighti
displays in the instrument cluster.
To turn TCS on again, press
Y.
The traction off light
idisplayed in
the instrument cluster will turn off.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin
when
Yis pressed, the system will
not turn off until the wheels stop
spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak,
press and hold
Yuntil 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
Y. The traction off
light
iand StabiliTrak OFF lightg
in the instrument cluster turn off.
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle performance. See
Accessories and
Modifications 0256.
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.
Driver Mode Control
Driver Mode Control attempts to add
a sportier feel, provide a more
comfortable ride, or assist in
different weather conditions or
terrain. This system simultaneously
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9804281) - 2017 - crc - 4/25/16
238 Driving and Operating
Mode can be accessed through this
mode by pressing the button with
this
gicon twice.
Snow/Ice Mode
Use when more traction is needed
during slippery conditions. The
vehicle will upshift normally when
the vehicle is moving. The
acceleration will adjust to help
provide a smoother launch. The
transmission will also shift differently
to assist in maintaining traction.
When selected, the Snow/Ice Mode
indicator will display in the DIC.
This feature is not intended for use
when the vehicle is stuck in sand,
mud, ice, snow, or gravel. If the
vehicle becomes stuck, seeIf the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0211.
Track Mode
Use when maximum vehicle
handling is desired.
When selected, the Track Mode
indicator will display in the DIC.
When in Track Mode, the automatic
transmission and steering will
function similar to Sport Mode. The
accelerator pedal is adjusted to give
maximum control during the highest
level of spirited driving. The
Magnetic Ride Control will be set to
the optimum level for vehicle
responsiveness. If the vehicle is
equipped with Active Exhaust, the
exhaust valves will open.
Competitive Driving Mode can be
accessed through this mode by
pressing the button with this
gicon. There are attributes that vary by
mode shown below. Not all vehicles
have all features, depending on the
vehicle options.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9804281) - 2017 - crc - 4/25/16
240 Driving and Operating
Magnetic Ride Control (if
equipped)
Adjusts the shock damping firmness
based on driving conditions to
improve comfort and performance.
Launch Control (when in
Competitive Driving Mode)
Available only in Sport and Track
Modes for maximum“off-the-line”
acceleration when in Competitive
Driving Mode.
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 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 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” later in
this section.
These lights are on when the
vehicle is in the Competitive
Driving Mode.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9804281) - 2017 - crc - 4/25/16
Driving and Operating 241
This optional handling mode can be
selected by pressing the TCS/
StabiliTrak button on the console
two times. The appropriate message
displays in the Driver Information
Center (DIC). SeeRide Control
System Messages 0140.
When the TCS/StabiliTrak button is
pressed again, the TCS and
StabiliTrak systems are on. The
appropriate message displays
briefly in the DIC.
Launch Control
A Launch Control feature is
available, within Competitive Driving
Mode, 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.
. The steering wheel is pointing
straight.
Manual Transmissions
. 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. Allow
the engine rpm to stabilize.
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 0229. Automatic Transmissions
.
The brake pedal must be firmly
pressed to the floor, equivalent
to a panic brake event.
. The accelerator pedal is rapidly
applied to wide open throttle. (If
the vehicle rolls due to wide
open throttle, release the
throttle, press the brake pedal
more firmly, and re-apply the
accelerator to wide open
throttle.)
After the vehicle is launched, the
system continues in Competitive
Driving 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.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9804281) - 2017 - crc - 4/25/16
242 Driving and Operating
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.
For vehicles with limited-slip
differential, driven under severe
conditions, the rear axle fluid should
be changed. SeeCompetitive
Driving Mode 0240 and
Maintenance Schedule 0336.
Cruise Control
If equipped 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. Do not use
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.
If equipped with a manual
transmission, the cruise control will
remain active when the gears are shifted. The cruise is disengaged if
the clutch is pressed for several
seconds.
If the StabiliTrak
®system begins to
limit wheel spin while using cruise
control, the cruise control
automatically disengages. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0235. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it
again, cruise control can be turned
back on.
If the brakes are applied, cruise
control disengages.
Cruise Control with Cancel Button