Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 10/1/20
210 Driving and Operating
Shift Pattern–L4 and V6 Engines
These are the shift patterns for the 6-speed
manual transmissions.
Caution
The message MANUAL TRANSMISSION —
RELEASE CLUTCH PEDAL displays and a
chime sounds if the manual transmission
clutch pedal is partially applied for an
extended period of time while the vehicle
is being driven. Driving with the clutch
pedal applied can reduce the life of the
clutch and/or damage it. Fully release the
clutch pedal after each gear change.
Caution
The message REDUCED PERFORMANCE —
REDUCE CLUTCH USE displays and engine
torque is momentarily limited if excessive
manual transmission clutch slip is
detected while the clutch pedal is fully
released. This could be caused by a hot
clutch. Apply less pressure on the
accelerator pedal when accelerating from
a stop. Also, fully release the accelerator
pedal during gear changes. This will allow
the clutch to cool and should prevent
further clutch slip while the clutch pedal
is fully released. If this message displays
repeatedly, see your dealer. Repeated
clutch slip could cause permanent
damage.
Caution
The message TRANSMISSION IS HOT —
SLOW DOWN displays and a chime
sounds if the manual transmission fluid is
hot and vehicle speed is high. Driving
with the manual transmission fluid
temperature high can damage the
vehicle. Drive at a slower speed to cool
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
the manual transmission fluid. This
message clears when the vehicle has
slowed sufficiently or if the manual
transmission fluid has cooled sufficiently.
To operate the transmission:
1 : Press the clutch pedal to the floor 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
65 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 to the floor. Then shift into 1 (First).
2 : Press the clutch pedal to the floor 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.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 10/1/20
Driving and Operating 211
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 to the
floor and shift into R (Reverse). Let up on
the clutch pedal slowly while pressing the
accelerator pedal.
One to Four Shift Message (V8 Only)
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.
Once displayed, the message will remain in
the DIC for two seconds, even if the
conditions for skip shift are no longer
satisfied. 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) 0100.
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.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 10/1/20
212 Driving and Operating
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.
.If no gear number is displayed while the
shift lever is in gear, service is required.
ARM will be disabled, and the malfunctionindicator lamp will be on. See
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp 091. The clutch and
manual transmission will continue to
operate normally.
ARM will also:
.Only be active above 25 km/h (16 mph).
.Only 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)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.
ABS performs a system check when the
vehicle is first driven. A momentary motor
or clicking noise may be heard while this
test is going on, and the brake pedal may
move slightly. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 094.
ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot on the brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will
not be enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down firmly. Hearing or feeling ABS
operate is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 10/1/20
Driving and Operating 213
Electric Parking Brake
The Electric Parking Brake (EPB) can always
be applied, even if the vehicle is off. In case
of insufficient electrical power, the EPB
cannot be applied or released. To prevent
draining the battery, avoid unnecessary
repeated cycles of the EPB.
The system has a red parking brake status
light and an amber service parking brake
warning light. SeeElectric Parking Brake
Light 093 and
Service Electric Parking Brake Light 093.
There are also parking brake-related Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages. Before leaving the vehicle, check the red
parking brake status light to ensure that the
parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Pull the EPB switch momentarily.
The red parking brake status light will flash
and then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the red parking brake status light
flashes continuously, the EPB is only
partially applied or there is a problem with
the EPB. A DIC message will display. Release
the EPB and try to apply it again. If the
light does not come on, or keeps flashing,
have the vehicle serviced. Do not drive the
vehicle if the red parking brake status light
is flashing. See your dealer.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, pull the EPB switch. Continue to
hold the switch until the red parking brake
status light remains on. If the amber service
parking brake warning light is on, see your
dealer. If the EPB is applied while the vehicle is
moving, the vehicle will decelerate as long
as the switch is pulled. If the switch is
pulled until the vehicle comes to a stop, the
EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply the EPB
in some situations when the vehicle is not
moving. This is normal, and is done to
periodically check the correct operation of
the EPB system, or at the request of other
safety functions that utilize the EPB.
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 red parking
brake status light is off.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, release the EPB by pressing and
holding the EPB switch. Continue to hold the
switch until the red parking brake status
light is off. If either light stays on after
release is attempted, see your dealer.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 10/1/20
Driving and Operating 215
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the vehicle
senses a difference between the intended
path and the direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak/ESC 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/ESC 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. SeeIf the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0195 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/ESC 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.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 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 light
idisplays in the
instrument cluster.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 10/1/20
216 Driving and Operating
To turn TCS on again, pressY. 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/ESC,
press and hold
Yuntil the traction off
light
iand StabiliTrak/ESC OFF lightg
come on and stay on in the instrument
cluster.
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC on again,
press
Y. The traction off lightiand
StabiliTrak/ESC OFF light
gin the
instrument cluster turn off.
Adding accessories can affect the vehicle
performance. See Accessories and
Modifications 0236.
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 adds a sportier feel,
provides a more comfortable ride, or assists
in different weather conditions or terrain.
This system simultaneously changes the
software calibration of various sub-systems
to optimize driving performance. Depending
on the option package, available features,
and mode selected, the exhaust, suspension,
steering, and powertrain will change
calibrations to achieve the desired mode
characteristics. If the vehicle is equipped
with Magnetic Ride Control, selecting the
various Driver Modes adjusts the ride of the
vehicle to enhance the ride performance for
the road conditions and the selected mode.
While in the Sport and/or Track Modes, the
vehicle monitors driving behavior and
automatically enables Performance Shift
Features in the automatic transmission
when spirited driving is detected. These
features maintain lower transmission gears
to increase available engine braking and
improve acceleration response. The vehicle
will exit these features and return to normal
operation after a short period when no
spirited driving is detected.
Driver Mode Control Switch
The Driver Mode Control has three or four
modes: Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and Track.
Press
yorzon the MODE switch on the
center console to make a mode selection.
Pressing the switch will display the moding
menu in the instrument cluster with all
available ride modes. Every switch press will
select and activate the next available mode.
When Sport, Snow/Ice, or Track Mode is
selected, a unique and persistent indicator
will be displayed in the instrument cluster.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 10/1/20
Driving and Operating 219
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.
For more information, see Track Events and
Competitive Driving 0185.
Competitive Driving Mode (SS,
ZL1 and 1LE Models Only)
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/Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
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/ESC 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.
This optional handling mode can be selected
by pressing the TCS/StabiliTrak/ESC button
on the console two times. The appropriate
message displays in the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 10/1/20
220 Driving and Operating
When the TCS/StabiliTrak/ESC button is
pressed again, the TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC
systems are on. The appropriate message
displays briefly in the DIC.
Launch Control
If the vehicle has the LT1 10 speed
transmission, seeTrack Events and
Competitive Driving 0185 for custom launch
control information.
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 to floor 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
0 209.
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.
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. See
Competitive Driving
Mode (SS, ZL1 and 1LE Models Only) 0219
and
Maintenance Schedule 0304.
Cruise Control
When using 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).