Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348325) - 2018 - crc - 4/11/17
194 Driving and Operating
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Track Events and CompetitiveDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 202
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 203
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 205
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . 209
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . 216 Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Active Fuel Management . . . . . 216
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 218
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Manual Transmission
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . 222
Active Rev Match . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . 226
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . 228
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . 230
Competitive Driving Mode . . . . 233
Limited-Slip Rear Axle . . . . . . . . 235
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . 238
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . 239
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . 241
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
California Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 244
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Trailer Towing
General TowingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On ElectricalEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348325) - 2018 - crc - 4/11/17
198 Driving and Operating
The vehicle may straighten out.
Be ready for a second skid if it
occurs.
. Slow down and adjust your
driving according to weather
conditions. Stopping distance
can be longer and vehicle
control can be affected when
traction is reduced by water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other
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
{Danger
High-performance features are
intended for use only on closed
tracks by experienced and
qualified drivers and should not
be used on public roads.
High-speed driving, aggressive
cornering, hard braking, and other
high-performance driving can be
dangerous. Improper driver inputs
for the conditions may result in
loss of control of the vehicle,
which could injure or kill you or
others. Always drive safely.
If the vehicle is a Camaro High
Performance model, see the
additional items in the Camaro High
Performance supplement.
Track events or competitive driving
may affect the vehicle warranty. See
the warranty manual before using
the vehicle for racing or other
competitive driving. The Engine Sound Management
setting (if equipped) should not be
set to Stealth Mode during track
events and competitive driving. See
Driver Mode Control
0230.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,
seeEngine Oil 0257.
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.
2.0L (LTG) Turbo Engine
Keep the oil level at or near 1 L
(1 qt) above the upper mark on the
engine oil dipstick which shows the
proper operating range.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348325) - 2018 - crc - 4/11/17
Driving and Operating 199
6.2L (LT1) Engine
Change the engine oil to 0W-40 or
5W-40 that meets the dexos2
specification. If this oil is not
available, the following oils can be
used as an alternative: Valvoline
SYNPOWER MST 5W-40, Mobil 1
ESP Formula M 5W-40. See
Capacities and Specifications0344.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Have the transmission fluid set to
the track specific oil level prior to
track usage. Transmission fluid
should be changed after every
15 hours of track usage. Any
transmission level set or change
should be performed at your dealer.
Manual Transmission Fluid
Manual transmission fluid should be
changed after every 15 hours of
track usage.
Rear Axle Fluid
Axles must have 2 400 km
(1,500 mi) before being used in
track driving. The rear axle fluid temperatures
may be higher than when driving in
severe conditions. Drain and refill
with new fluid after the first racing or
competitive driving event, and then
after every 24 hours of racing or
competitive driving. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
0339.
Caution
During a first time track or racing
event, high rear axle
temperatures can occur. Damage
could be caused to the rear axle
and would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Do not drive as
long or as fast the first time the
vehicle is driven on the track or
raced.
Brake Fluid
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.
Brake Burnishing
To prepare the Camaro brake
systems for track events and racing,
complete the appropriate high
performance brake burnishing
procedure described below.
New brake pads must be burnished
before racing or competitive driving.
Caution
These procedures are specific to
the Camaro SS, or LT with Y4Q
Heavy Duty Cooling System that
is equipped with J55 brakes. This
procedure should not be run on
other Camaro models as damage
may result.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348325) - 2018 - crc - 4/11/17
Driving and Operating 209
{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
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.
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. . 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).
. Avoid downshifting to brake
or slow the vehicle when the
engine speed will exceed
4000 rpm.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.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).
. 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.
(Continued)
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348325) - 2018 - crc - 4/11/17
Driving and Operating 211
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.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the
vehicle is moving. After shifting
to N (Neutral), 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 N (Neutral)
with a manual transmission.
Turn the ignition off.
4. Set the parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake 0226.{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,
press and hold ENGINE START/
STOP for longer than two seconds,
or press twice within five seconds.
ACC/ACCESSORY (Amber
Indicator Light) : This mode allows
the use of some electrical
accessories when the engine is off.
With the ignition off, pressing the
button one time without the brake
pedal applied will place the ignition
system in ACC/ACCESSORY.
The ignition will switch from ACC/
ACCESSORY to OFF after
five minutes to prevent battery
rundown. ON/RUN/START (Green Indicator
Light) :
This mode is for driving and
starting. With the ignition off, and
the brake pedal applied, pressing
the button once will place the
ignition system in ON/RUN/START.
Once engine cranking begins,
release the button. Engine cranking
will continue until the engine starts.
See Starting the Engine 0212. The
ignition will then remain on.
Service Mode
This power mode is available for
service and diagnostics, and to
verify the proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp as may
be required for emission inspection
purposes. With the vehicle off, and
the brake pedal not applied,
pressing and holding ENGINE
START/STOP for more than
five seconds will place the vehicle in
Service Mode. The instruments and
audio systems will operate as they
do in ON/RUN, but the vehicle will
not be able to be driven. The engine
will not start in Service Mode. Press
the button again to turn the
vehicle off.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348325) - 2018 - crc - 4/11/17
216 Driving and Operating
If torque lock does occur, the
vehicle may need to be pushed
uphill by another vehicle to relieve
the parking pawl pressure, so you
can shift out of P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with an
electronic shift lock control system.
The shift lock release is designed to
prevent movement of the shift lever
out of P (Park), unless the ignition is
in on and the brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is always
functional except in the case of an
uncharged or low voltage (less than
9-volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged
battery or a battery with low voltage,
try charging or jump starting the
battery. SeeJump Starting - North
America 0314.
To shift out of P (Park): 1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition on. 3. Release the parking brake.
See Electric Parking Brake
0 226.
4. Press the shift lever button.
5. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If still unable to shift out of P (Park): 1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. Hold the brake pedal down and press the shift lever button
again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If the shift lever still cannot be
moved from P (Park), see your
dealer.
Parking
If the vehicle has a manual
transmission, before getting out of
the vehicle, move the shift lever into
R (Reverse), and firmly apply the
parking brake. Once the shift lever
has been placed into R (Reverse) with the clutch pedal pressed in,
turn the ignition to off, and release
the clutch.
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 V6 and V8 engines
and an automatic transmission have
Active Fuel Management. This
system allows the engine to operate
on either all or four 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
four cylinder mode, allowing the
vehicle to achieve better fuel
economy. When greater power
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348325) - 2018 - crc - 4/11/17
Driving and Operating 221
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.Tap Shift
Tap Shift allows you to manually
control the automatic transmission.
To use Tap Shift, the shift lever must
be in DSC mode. Vehicles with this
feature have indicators on the
steering wheel. The paddles are on
the back of the steering wheel. Tap
the left paddle (−) to downshift, and
the right paddle (+) to upshift. The
Driver Information Center (DIC)
display indicates the gear the
vehicle is in.Holding the left paddle for an
extended time will downshift the
transmission to the lowest
available gear.
While in Manual Mode, the
transmission will prevent shifting to
a lower gear if the engine speed is
too high. If the tap down
−(Minus)
paddle is held while the vehicle
slows down, the M in the DIC will
flash, and the downshift will be
allowed when vehicle speed is low
enough. Continuing to hold the tap
down −(Minus) paddle will not
cause the transmission to continue
downshifting. Each downshift must
be requested separately by
releasing and reapplying the tap
down −(Minus) paddle.
Vehicles equipped with a Head-Up
Display (HUD) may also have shift
timing lights across the top of the
display.
The rows of lights get closer
together as the shift point gets
closer. Shift the transmission before
the lights come together in the
display. Shift immediately if the
lights are flashing.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348325) - 2018 - crc - 4/11/17
222 Driving and Operating
SeeHead-Up Display (HUD) 0132.
Temporary Tap Shift Mode allows
brief entry into Tap Shift Mode while
in D (Drive). Tapping either the
upshift or downshift control will
place the transmission in Tap Shift
Mode. Exit Tap Shift Mode by
holding the upshift control for
two seconds. The system will return
to automatic shifting after
seven seconds of driving at a
steady speed, or when the vehicle
comes to a stop.
This may be used 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 higher
gear if the engine rpm is too high. If shifting is prevented for any
reason, the message SHIFT
DENIED will appear in the DIC,
indicating that the transmission has
not shifted gears. While in the Tap
Shift Mode, the transmission will not
automatically downshift on hard
acceleration.
When accelerating the vehicle from
a stop in snowy and icy conditions,
you may want to shift into
2 (Second) gear. A higher gear ratio
allows you to gain more traction on
slippery surfaces.Manual Transmission
Shift Pattern
–V8 Engine