Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348325) - 2018 - crc - 4/11/17
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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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-
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Driving and Operating 223
Shift Pattern–L4 and V6 Engines
These are the shift patterns for the
6-speed manual transmissions.
Caution
A transmission hot message may
display if the manual transmission
fluid is too hot. Driving at high
speed under this condition can
damage the vehicle. Drive at a
slower speed, or stop and idle the
engine to cool the manual
transmission fluid. The message
clears when the vehicle has
slowed and the transmission fluid
has cooled sufficiently. To operate the transmission:
1 :
Press the clutch pedal and shift
into 1 (First). Then slowly let up on
the clutch pedal while pressing the
accelerator pedal.
Shift into 1 (First) when going less
than 64 km/h (40 mph). If the vehicle
comes to a complete stop and it is
hard to shift into 1 (First), put the
shift lever in Neutral and let up on
the clutch. Press the clutch pedal
back down. Then shift into 1 (First).
2 : Press the clutch pedal while
letting up on the accelerator pedal
and shift into 2 (Second). Then,
slowly let up on the clutch pedal
while pressing the accelerator
pedal.
3, 4, 5, and 6 : Shift into 3 (Third),
4 (Fourth), 5 (Fifth), and 6 (Sixth) the
same way as for 2 (Second). Slowly
let up on the clutch pedal while
pressing the accelerator pedal.
To stop, let up on the accelerator
pedal and press the brake pedal.
Just before the vehicle stops, press
the clutch pedal and the brake
pedal, and shift to Neutral. Neutral :
Use this position when
starting or idling the engine. The
shift lever is in Neutral when it is
centered in the shift pattern, not in
any gear.
R : To back up, press the clutch
pedal and shift into R (Reverse). On
V8 models, apply pressure to get
the lever past 5 (Fifth) and 6 (Sixth)
into R (Reverse). Let up on the
clutch pedal slowly while pressing
the accelerator pedal.
One to Four Shift Message
(V8 Only)
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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224 Driving and Operating
When this message comes on, the
vehicle can only be shifted from
1 (First) to 4 (Fourth) instead of
1 (First) to 2 (Second). The message
will display in the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
Complete the shift into 4 (Fourth) to
turn off this feature. This helps to
get the best possible fuel economy.
After shifting to 4 (Fourth), downshift
to a lower gear, if desired.
Caution
Forcing the shift lever into any
gear except 4 (Fourth) when the
1-4 SHIFT message comes on
may damage the transmission.
Shift only from 1 (First) to
4 (Fourth) when the message
comes on.
This message will come on when:
. The engine coolant temperature
is higher than 76 °C (169 °F).
. The vehicle is accelerating from
a stop and going 24 to 31 km/h
(15 to 19 mph). .
The vehicle is at 33% throttle
or less.
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.
See Head-Up Display (HUD) 0132.Active Rev Match
Vehicles equipped with a V8 engine
and a manual transmission have
Active Rev Match (ARM). ARM aids
in smoother shifting by matching the
engine speed to the next selected
gear. By monitoring shift lever and
clutch operation, ARM adjusts
engine speed to match a calibrated
value based on gear selection. On
upshifts and downshifts, engine
speed will be decreased and
increased to match vehicle road
speed and transmission gear
position. ARM is maintained while the clutch pedal is pressed, but will
deactivate if the shift lever is left in
the Neutral position.The system is activated and
deactivated by pressing either of the
paddles marked REV MATCH on
the steering wheel. The system
must be activated with each new
ignition cycle.
A gear indicator in the instrument
cluster displays the current gear
selected:
.
When ARM is activated, the
gear number is amber.
. When ARM is deactivated, the
gear number is white.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 225
.If no gear number is displayed
while the shift lever is in gear,
service is required. ARM will be
disabled, and the malfunction
indicator lamp will be on. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
0123. The clutch and manual
transmission will continue to
operate normally.
ARM will also:
. Be active above 25 km/h
(16 mph).
. Match engine speed up to
5400 rpm.
. Not operate when the
accelerator pedal is applied.
. Be disabled when the coolant
temperature is below
0 °C (32 °F).Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has an Antilock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced
electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to drive
away, ABS checks itself.
A momentary motor or clicking noise
may be heard while this test is going
on, and it may even be noticed that
the brake pedal moves a little. This
is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
0 126. 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 vehicle
suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room up ahead to
stop, even with ABS.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 227
If the EPB fails to apply, block the
rear wheels to prevent vehicle
movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the
Y
or PARK light is off.
If the
8light is on, release the EPB
by pressing and holding the EPB
switch. Continue to hold the switch
until the
Yor PARK light is off.
If either light stays on after release
is attempted, see your dealer.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system
and cause premature wear or
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
damage to brake system parts.
Make sure that the parking brake
is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if
the vehicle is running, placed into
gear, and an attempt is made to
drive away. Avoid rapid acceleration
when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
The EPB can also be used to
prevent roll back for vehicles with a
manual transmission taking off on a
hill. When no roll back is desired, an
applied EPB will allow both feet to
be used for the clutch and
accelerator pedals in preparation for
starting the vehicle moving in the
intended direction. In this case,
there is no need to press the switch
to release the EPB.
Brake Assist
This vehicle has a brake assist
feature designed to assist the driver
in stopping or decreasing vehicle
speed in emergency driving
conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake
control module to supplement the
power brake system under
conditions where the driver has
quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly
stop or slow down the vehicle. The
stability system hydraulic brake
control module increases brake
pressure at each corner of the
vehicle until the ABS activates.
Minor brake pedal pulsation or
pedal movement during this time is
normal and the driver should
continue to apply the brake pedal as
the driving situation dictates. The
brake assist feature will
automatically disengage when the
brake pedal is released or brake
pedal pressure is quickly
decreased.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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234 Driving and Operating
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).
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 ina 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 0222.
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-
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Driving and Operating 235
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
0 233 andMaintenance Schedule
0 330.
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 0228. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it
again, cruise control can be turned
back on.
Cruise control will disengage if
either TCS or StabiliTrak is
turned off.
Cruise control is not available when
using Competitive Driving Mode,
if equipped. See Competitive Driving
Mode 0233.
If the brakes are applied, cruise
control disengages.