2021 CHEVROLET CAMARO manual transmission

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 10/1/20
Driving and Operating 199
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.
.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.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.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 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
0 185.
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 07.
To shift out of P (Park), the vehicle must be
on and the brake pedal must be applied.

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 10/1/20
200 Driving and Operating
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) 0203.
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) 0203.
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 Neutral with a manual transmission.
Turn the ignition off.
4. Set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0213.
{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 0201.
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

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 10/1/20
Driving and Operating 201
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.
SeeAdd-On Electrical Equipment 0233.
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. Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in Neutral and the
parking brake engaged. Hold the clutch
pedal down to the floor, press the brake
pedal, and start the engine.
Starting the Vehicle
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 a manual
transmission, place the shift lever in
Neutral with the parking brake engaged.
Hold the clutch pedal down to the floor,
press the brake pedal, 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” underRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation 07
. 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.
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

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 10/1/20
202 Driving and Operating
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 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,
before getting out of the vehicle, shift to
1 (First) or R (Reverse) and apply the parkingbrake. Then turn off the ignition off by
pressing ENGINE START/STOP and release
the clutch pedal when the engine has
stopped.
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.
The electrical cord is on the passenger
side of the engine compartment, next to
the engine compartment fuse block.
Check the heater cord for damage. If it is
damaged, do not use it. See your dealer
for a replacement. Inspect the cord for
damage yearly.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 10/1/20
204 Driving and Operating
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,
always set the parking brake and move
the shift lever to P (Park). SeeShifting
Into Park 0203.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the
engine running, be sure the vehicle is in
P (Park) and the parking brake is set before
you leave it. After you have moved the shift
lever into P (Park), hold the brake pedal down. Then, see if you can move the shift
lever away from P (Park) without first
pressing the button on the shift lever.
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.
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 release system. The shift lock
release is designed to 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. See
Jump Starting
- North America 0291 for more information.
To shift out of P (Park): 1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Release the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0213.
3. Press the shift lever button.
4. Move the shift lever.
If unable to shift out of P (Park): 1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press the shift lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever.
If the shift lever will not move from P (Park),
consult your dealer or a professional towing
service.

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 10/1/20
Driving and Operating 205
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, or merging onto a freeway, the
system will maintain full-cylinder operation.
Extended Parking
It is best not to park with the vehicle
running. If the vehicle is left running, be
sure it will not move and there is adequate
ventilation. See
Shifting Into Park 0203 and
Engine Exhaust 0205.
If the vehicle is left parked and running with
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
outside the vehicle, it will continue to run
for up to half an hour.
If the vehicle is left parked and running with
the RKE transmitter inside the vehicle, it will
continue to run for up to an hour.
The vehicle could turn off sooner if it is
parked on a hill, due to lack of
available fuel.
Automatic Transmission
The timer will reset if the vehicle is taken
out of P (Park) while it is running. Manual Transmission
The timer will reset if vehicle speed exceeds
4 km/h (2.5 mph).
Engine Exhaust
{
Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide
(CO), which cannot be seen or smelled.
Exposure to CO can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
.The vehicle idles in areas with poor
ventilation (parking garages, tunnels,
deep snow that may block underbody
airflow or tail pipes).
.The exhaust smells or sounds strange
or different.
.The exhaust system leaks due to
corrosion or damage.
.The vehicle exhaust system has been
modified, damaged, or improperly
repaired. (Continued)

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 10/1/20
206 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
.There are holes or openings in the
vehicle body from damage or
aftermarket modifications that are not
completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or if it is
suspected that exhaust is coming into the
vehicle:
.Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
.Have the vehicle repaired immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the engine
running in an enclosed area such as a
garage or a building that has no fresh air
ventilation.
Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine
running.
If the vehicle is left with the engine running,
follow the proper steps to be sure the
vehicle will not move. See Shifting Into Park
0 203 and
Engine Exhaust 0205. If the vehicle has a
manual transmission, see Parking (Manual
Transmission) 0205.
Automatic Transmission
The Driver Information Center (DIC) displays
the current range selected in the lower right
corner. If Manual Mode is active, M and the
current gear selected is displayed. The DIC
also displays the currently selected Drive
Mode. When Tour Mode is selected, T is
displayed. When Sport Mode is selected, S is
displayed and if equipped Track Mode, Tr
will be displayed.
P : This position locks the drive wheels. Use
P (Park) when starting the engine because
the vehicle cannot move easily.
{Warning
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,
always set the parking brake and move
the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting
Into Park 0203.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park)
before starting the engine. The vehicle has
an automatic transmission shift lock control
system. The regular brake must be fully
applied first and then the shift lever button
must be pressed before shifting from
P (Park) when the ignition is on. If you
cannot shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on
the shift lever, then push the shift lever all
the way into P (Park) as you maintain brake
application. Then press the shift lever button
and move the shift lever into another gear.
See Shifting out of Park 0204.

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 10/1/20
Driving and Operating 207
R :Use this gear to back up.
Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the
transmission. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is
stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get
out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging
the transmission, see If the Vehicle Is Stuck
0 195.
N : In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart the
engine when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on
the brake pedal, the vehicle could move
very rapidly. You could lose control and
hit people or objects. Do not shift into a
drive gear while the engine is running at
high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting the
vehicle.
Caution
A transmission hot message may display
if the automatic transmission fluid is too
hot. Driving under this condition can
damage the vehicle. Stop and idle the
engine to cool the automatic
transmission fluid. This message clears
when the transmission fluid has cooled
sufficiently.
D : This position is for normal driving.
If more power is needed for passing, press
the accelerator pedal down.
Powertrain Braking
When driving on steep descents with the
shift lever in D (Drive) where frequent
braking is required, the transmission will
shift down a gear to help hold vehicle speed and reduce brake wear. If the brake
continues to be pressed, the transmission
will downshift until the correct gear for
optimal braking is reached.
If the road levels out and the accelerator
pedal is pressed, the transmission will
upshift until the appropriate gear is reached.
Caution
If the vehicle does not shift gears, the
transmission could be damaged. Have the
vehicle serviced right away.
Performance Shifting
While driving in Sport Mode (L4, if equipped
or V6, if equipped), or Sport Mode and Track
Mode (V8, if equipped), if Tap Shift has not
been activated, the transmission determines
when the vehicle is being driven in a
competitive manner. The transmission may
remain in a gear longer than it would in the
normal driving mode based on throttle input
and vehicle lateral acceleration. If there is a
rapid reduction in throttle from a heavy
throttle position at high rpm, the
transmission will maintain the current gear
up to near redline rpm. While braking, the
transmission will automatically downshift to
the next lower gear keeping engine speed