2021 CHEVROLET CAMARO traction control

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 10/1/20
194 Driving and Operating
.Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains
is different than driving on flat or rolling
terrain. Tips include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in good
shape.
.Check all fluid levels and brakes, tires,
cooling system, and transmission.
.Shift to a lower gear when going down
steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the vehicle on a
long downhill slope can cause brake
overheating, can reduce brake
performance, and could result in a loss of
braking. Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the brakes
on a steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with
the ignition off is dangerous. This can
cause overheating of the brakes and loss
of steering assist. 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, crash).
.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 0214.
.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) 0212.
.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
0 326. To get help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 10/1/20
Driving and Operating 195
.Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the
vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to
get inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
.Clear snow from the base of the
vehicle, especially any blocking the
exhaust pipe.
.Open a window about 5 cm (2 in) on
the vehicle side that is away from the
wind, to bring in fresh air.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to
circulate the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest
setting. See“Climate Control Systems.”
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust 0205. To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then shut
the engine off and partially close the
window. Moving about to keep warm also
helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive, when
running the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than
the idle speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to signal
for help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to
free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud,
ice, or snow.
If stuck too severely for the traction system
to free the vehicle, turn the traction system
off and use the rocking method. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
0
214.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high speed,
they can explode, and you or others
could be injured. The vehicle can
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
overheat, causing an engine compartment
fire or other damage. Spin the wheels as
little as possible and avoid going above
56 km/h (35 mph).
Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right to
clear the area around the front wheels. Turn
off any traction system. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a low forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as possible. To
prevent transmission wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting gears.
Release the accelerator pedal while shifting,
and press lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transmission is in gear. Slowly
spinning the wheels in the forward and
reverse directions causes a rocking motion
that could free the vehicle. If that does not
get the vehicle out after a few tries, it
might need to be towed out. If the vehicle
does need to be towed out, see Towing the
Vehicle 0293.

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 10/1/20
214 Driving and Operating
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or 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
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional braking toactivate the Antilock Brake System (ABS) if
the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough
to activate ABS normally. Minor noise, brake
pedal pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue to
apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist disengages
when the brake pedal is released.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature. HSA does
not replace the need to pay attention
and drive safely. You may not hear or
feel alerts or warnings provided by this
system. Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. See
Defensive Driving
0 182.
When the vehicle is stopped on a grade, Hill
Start Assist (HSA) temporarily prevents the
vehicle from rolling in an unintended
direction during the transition from brake
pedal release to accelerator pedal apply. The
brakes release when the accelerator pedal is
applied or automatically release after a few seconds. The brakes may also release under
other conditions. Do not rely on HSA to hold
the vehicle.
HSA is available when the vehicle is facing
uphill in a forward gear, or when facing
downhill in R (Reverse). The vehicle must
come to a complete stop on a grade for HSA
to activate.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control System
(TCS) and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC). These systems help limit
wheel slip and assist the driver in
maintaining control, especially on slippery
road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any of the
drive wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens, TCS
applies the brakes to the spinning wheels
and reduces engine power to limit
wheel spin.

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 217
Tour Mode
Use for normal city and highway driving to
provide a smooth, soft ride. This setting
provides a balanced setting between comfort
and handling. This is the standard mode.
Sport Mode
Use where road conditions or personal
preference demand a more controlled
response.
When Sport Mode is selected, the
transmission may downshift to a lower gear
for better performance. The transmission
will continue to shift automatically but can
hold a lower gear longer than it would in
the Tour Mode based on braking, throttle
input, and vehicle lateral acceleration. See
Automatic Transmission0206. The steering
will change to provide more precise control.
If the vehicle has Magnetic Ride Control, the
suspension will change to provide better
cornering performance. If the vehicle is
equipped with Active Exhaust, the exhaust
valves will open earlier and more often.
Competitive Driving Mode can be accessed
through this mode by pressing
Yon the
console twice. This Competitive Driving Mode is only on SS,
1LE, and ZL1 vehicles. For example, a vehicle
with a V6 engine and automatic
transmission will have Sport Mode, but will
not be able to access Competitive
Driving Mode.
Snow/Ice Mode
If equipped, use when more traction is
needed during slippery conditions. The
automatic transmission will upshift normally
when the vehicle is moving. The acceleration
will adjust to help provide a smoother
launch. The automatic transmission will also
shift differently to assist in maintaining
traction.
This feature is not intended for use when
the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice, snow,
or gravel. If the vehicle becomes stuck, see
If
the Vehicle Is Stuck 0195.
Track Mode
If equipped, use when maximum vehicle
handling is desired.
When Track Mode is selected, the
transmission may downshift to a lower gear
for better performance. The automatic
transmission and steering will function
similar to Sport Mode.
The accelerator pedal is adjusted to give
maximum control during the highest level of
spirited driving. The Magnetic Ride Control
will be set to the optimum level for vehicle
responsiveness. If the vehicle is equipped
with Active Exhaust, the exhaust valves will
open. Performance Traction Management
(PTM) can be accessed through this mode by
pressing
Yon the console twice.
There are attributes that vary by mode
shown below. Not all vehicles have all
features, depending on the vehicle options.

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).