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
204 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the ignition off is
dangerous. This can cause
overheating of the brakes and
loss of steering. Always have the
engine running and the vehicle
in gear.
. Drive at speeds that keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the
center line.
. Be alert on top of hills;
something could be in your lane
(e.g., stalled car, accident).
. Pay attention to special road
signs (e.g., falling rocks area,
winding roads, long grades,
passing or no-passing zones)
and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and
the road creates less traction or
grip, so drive carefully. Wet ice can
occur at about 0 °C (32 °F) when
freezing rain begins to fall. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating
too quickly causes the wheels to
spin and makes the surface
under the tires slick.
. Turn on Traction Control. See
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0228.
. The Antilock Brake System
(ABS) improves vehicle stability
during hard stops, but the
brakes should be applied sooner
than when on dry pavement.
See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 0225. .
Allow greater following distance
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.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
signal for help. Stay with the vehicle
unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside
Assistance Program 0352. To get
help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
. Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
. Tie a red cloth to an outside
mirror.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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210 Driving and Operating
Caution (Continued)
.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 beforehand.
See Track Events and Competitive
Driving 0198.
Ignition Positions
The vehicle has an electronic
keyless ignition with pushbutton
start.
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter must be in the vehicle for
the system to operate. If the
pushbutton start is not working, the
vehicle may be near a strong radio
antenna signal causing interference
to the Keyless Access system. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation 029.
To shift out of P (Park), the vehicle
must be on and the brake pedal
must be applied. Stopping the Engine/OFF (No
Indicator Lights) :
When the
vehicle is stopped, press ENGINE
START/STOP once to turn the
engine off.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), the
ignition will turn off, and Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) 0215.
Automatic Transmission
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the
ignition will return to ACC/
ACCESSORY and display a
message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC). When the vehicle is
shifted into P (Park), the ignition
system will turn OFF.
Manual Transmission
If the vehicle is stationary, the
ignition will turn off, and Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) 0215.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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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-
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212 Driving and Operating
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.
SeeAdd-On Electrical Equipment
0 247.
For an 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. For a manual transmission, place
the shift lever in Neutral with the
parking brake engaged. Hold the
clutch pedal down to the floor and
start the engine.
The RKE transmitter must be inside
the vehicle for the ignition to work.
Cell phone chargers can interfere
with the operation of the Keyless
Access system. Battery chargers
should not be plugged in when
starting or turning off the engine.
To start the vehicle:
1. For vehicles with an automatic transmission, press the brake
pedal, then press ENGINE
START/STOP on the
instrument panel. For vehicles
with a manual transmission,
press the clutch pedal first,
then press ENGINE
START/STOP.
If there is no RKE transmitter in
the vehicle or if there is
something causing interference
with it, the Driver Information
Center (DIC) will display a
message. 2. When the engine begins
cranking, let go of the button
and the engine cranks
automatically until it starts.
If the battery in the RKE
transmitter is weak, the DIC will
display a message. The vehicle
can still be driven.
See “Starting the Vehicle with a
Low Transmitter Battery” under
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation 029. If the
RKE transmitter battery is
dead, insert it into the rear
cupholder to enable engine
starting.
3. Do not race the engine immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and
transmission gently until the oil
warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.
4. If the engine does not start and no DIC message is displayed,
wait 15 seconds before trying
again to let the cranking motor
cool down.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 213
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 too much
gasoline. Try pushing the
accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor while cranking for up
to 15 seconds maximum. Wait
at least 15 seconds between
each try, to allow the cranking
motor to cool down. When the
engine starts, let go of the
accelerator. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again,
repeat these steps. This clears
the extra gasoline from the
engine.
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
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
Stopping the Engine
If the vehicle has an automatic
transmission, move the shift lever to
P (Park) and press and hold
ENGINE START/STOP on the
instrument panel, until the engine
shuts off. If the shift lever is not in
P (Park), the engine shuts off and
the ignition goes to ACC/
ACCESSORY. The DIC displays
SHIFT TO PARK. Once the shift
lever is moved to P (Park), the
vehicle turns off. If the vehicle has a
manual transmission, move the shift
lever to R (Reverse) and set the
parking brake after turning off the
engine by pressing and holding
ENGINE START/STOP.
If the RKE transmitter is not
detected inside the vehicle when it
is turned off the DIC displays a
message.
Engine Heater
{Warning
Do not plug in the engine block
heater while the vehicle is parked
in a garage or under a carport.
Property damage or personal
injury may result. Always park the
vehicle in a clear open area away
from buildings or structures.
If equipped, the engine heater 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
heater operation at temperatures
above −18 °C (0 °F).
Using the Engine Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the
electrical cord.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 215
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.
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
Some vehicle accessories may be
used after the ignition is turned off.
The power windows and sunroof,
if equipped, will continue to work for
up to 10 minutes or until any door is
opened.
The infotainment system will
continue to work for 10 minutes,
until the driver door is opened,
or until the ignition is turned on or
placed in ACC/ACCESSORY.
Shifting Into Park
To shift into P (Park): 1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake. See
Electric Parking Brake
0 226.
2. Hold the button on the shift lever and push the shift lever
toward the front of the vehicle
into P (Park).
3. Turn the ignition off.
Leaving the Vehicle with the
Engine Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
It could overheat and catch fire.
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, (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park).
SeeShifting Into Park 0215.
If you have to leave the vehicle with
the engine running, the vehicle must
be in P (Park) and the parking
brake set.
Release the button and check that
the shift lever cannot be moved out
of P (Park).
Torque Lock
Torque lock is when the weight of
the vehicle puts too much force on
the parking pawl in the
transmission. This happens when
parking on a hill and shifting the
transmission into P (Park) is not
done properly and then it is difficult
to shift out of P (Park). To prevent
torque lock, set the parking brake
and then shift into P (Park). To find
out how, see “Shifting Into Park”
previously in this section.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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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