Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13556304) - 2020 - CRC - 9/3/19
150 Climate Controls
Air Vents
Use the air outlets in the center and
on the side of the instrument panel
to direct the airflow. Turn the center
knobs on the air outlets clockwise or
counterclockwise to open or close
off the airflow.
Operation Tips
.In defog or defrost mode, warm
air flows from side air outlets. To
improve side window defogging
or defrosting, direct side air
outlets toward the side windows. .
Clear away any ice, snow,
or leaves from air inlets at the
base of the windshield that could
block the flow of air into the
vehicle.
. Clear snow off the hood to
improve visibility and help
decrease moisture drawn into
the vehicle.
. Keep the path under the front
seats clear of objects to help
circulate the air inside of the
vehicle more effectively.
. Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors can adversely affect
the performance of the system.
Check with your dealer before
adding equipment to the outside
of the vehicle.
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
The passenger compartment air
filter reduces dust, pollen, and other
airborne irritants from outside air
that is pulled into the vehicle. The
filter will need to be replaced
periodically. See Maintenance
Schedule 0306.
Using the climate control system
without an air filter installed is not
recommended. Water or other
debris could enter the system and
result in leaks or noises. Always
install a new filter when removing
the old filter.
For more information on filter
replacement, see your dealer.
Service
All vehicles have a label underhood
that identifies the refrigerant used in
the vehicle. The refrigerant system
should only be serviced by trained
and certified technicians. The air
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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152 Driving and Operating
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Driving for Better FuelEconomy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Track Events and Competitive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 167
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 167
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 169
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . 174
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178 Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Parking (Manual Transmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Active Fuel Management . . . . . 181
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 183
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Manual Transmission
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . 188
Active Rev Match . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . 192
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . 194
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . 196
Competitive Driving Mode (SS, ZL1 and 1LE
Models Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Limited-Slip Rear Axle . . . . . . . . 202
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . 205
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . 206
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . 211
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Recommended Fuel (3.6L V6 Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Recommended Fuel (2.0L L4 Turbo Engine and 6.2L
V8 Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Recommended Fuel (6.2L V8 Supercharged Engine) . . . . . . 214
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 157
Defensive drivers avoid most skids
by taking reasonable care suited to
existing conditions, and by not
overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow
these suggestions:
.Ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and steer the
way you want the vehicle to go.
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
0196.
{Warning
Prior to each track event and
again before returning to public
roads, tighten the wheel nuts with
a torque wrench to the proper
torque specification. Wheel nuts
that are improperly or incorrectly
tightened can cause the wheels
to become loose or come off,
(Continued)
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 159
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.
Caution
The new vehicle break-in period
should be completed before
performing the brake burnishing(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
procedure or damage may occur
to the powertrain/engine. See
New Vehicle Break-In0174.
When performed as instructed, this
procedure will not damage the
brakes. During the burnishing
procedure, the brake pads will
smoke and produce an odor. The
braking force and pedal travel may
increase. After the procedure is
complete, the brake pads may
appear white at the rotor contact.
Run this procedure in a safe
manner and in compliance with all
local and state ordinances/laws
regarding motor vehicle operation.
Run this procedure only on dry
pavement.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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174 Driving and Operating
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
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
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 beforehand.
See Track Events and Competitive
Driving 0157.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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176 Driving and Operating
{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 0176. 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.
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
0 218.
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.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 181
prevent movement of the shift lever
out of P (Park), unless the ignition is
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 0289.
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
0 192.
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 (Manual
Transmission)
{Warning
If the vehicle has a manual
transmission, never get out of the
vehicle without first moving the
shift lever into 1st or R (Reverse),
setting the parking brake and
turning the ignition off. The
vehicle can roll, which could
cause serious injury or death.
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
demands are required, such as
accelerating from a stop, passing,
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 187
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.
Head-Up Display (HUD)
Vehicles equipped with a Head-Up
Display (HUD) may also have
performance shift timing lights
across the top of the display. The rows of lights get closer
together as the maximum 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) 0120.
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 gear displayed in the
DIC will blink several times,
indicating that the transmission has
not shifted gears. While in the Tap
Shift Mode, the transmission will not
automatically downshift on hard
acceleration.