Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 10/1/20
186 Driving and Operating
3.6L (LGX) V6 Engine
Change the engine oil to 0W-40 or 5W-40
that meets the dexos2 specification. If this
oil is not available, the following oil can be
used as an alternative: Valvoline SYNPOWER
MST 5W-40.
For LS/LT 1LE, add 0.9 L (1.0 qt) of oil over
the nominal fill level for a track event. After
the competitive driving, remove the excess
oil so that the level on the dipstick is not
above the upper mark that shows the
proper operating range.
During track usage, do not follow the Engine
Oil Life System status. Change the engine oil
after four hours of accumulative track usage.
Fuel
Use premium unleaded gasoline with a
posted octane rating of 93 at a track event.
Unleaded gasoline with a posted octane
rating of 91 may be used, but performance
will be degraded.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Have the transmission fluid set to the track
specific oil level prior to track usage.
Transmission fluid should be changed afterevery 15 hours of track usage. Any
transmission level set or change should be
performed at your dealer.
Manual Transmission Fluid
Manual transmission fluid should be
changed after every 15 hours of track usage.
Rear Axle Fluid
Axles must have 2 400 km (1,500 mi) before
being used in track driving.
The rear axle fluid temperatures may be
higher than when driving in severe
conditions. Drain and refill with new fluid
after the first racing or competitive driving
event, and then after every 24 hours of
racing or competitive driving. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0313.
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 LT with Y4Q Heavy Duty Cooling
System and J55 brakes, SS, ZL1, and
models equipped with the 1LE track
package. This procedure should not be
run on other Camaro models equipped
(Continued)
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
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).
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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234 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . 235
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 236
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . 236
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 238
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . 245
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Engine Air Filter Life System (2.0L LTG and 3.6L LGX Engines Only) . . . . . . . . . 246
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256 Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
High Intensity Discharge (HID)
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 261
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 265
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268 Run-Flat Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 271
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Tire Pressure for High-Speed
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 275
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . 276
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 280
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 282
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . 282
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 284
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . 286
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 291
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 245
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System
Reset the system whenever the engine oil is
changed so that the system can calculate
the next engine oil change. To reset the
system:1. Display the REMAINING OIL LIFE on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
0 97.
2. Press and hold SEL on the DIC while the Oil Life display is active. The oil life will
change to 100%.
The oil life system can also be reset as
follows: 1. Display the REMAINING OIL LIFE on the DIC with the engine off. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) 097.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal three times within five seconds.
The system is reset when the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message goes off.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
comes back on when the vehicle is started,
the engine oil life system has not been
reset. Repeat the procedure.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission
fluid level. A transmission fluid leak is the
only reason for fluid loss. If a leak occurs,
take the vehicle to your dealer and have it
repaired as soon as possible.
The vehicle is not equipped with a
transmission fluid level dipstick. There is a
special procedure for checking and changing
the transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, this should be done at
the dealer. Contact the dealer for additional
information or the procedure can be found
in the service manual. To purchase a service
manual, see Publication Ordering
Information 0330.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage the
vehicle, and the damage may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always
use the correct automatic transmission
fluid. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0313. Change the fluid and filter at the intervals
listed in
Maintenance Schedule 0304, and
be sure to use the fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0313.
Manual Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the manual
transmission fluid level. A transmission fluid
leak is the only reason for fluid loss. If a
leak occurs, take the vehicle to your dealer
and have it repaired as soon as possible. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0313
for the proper fluid to use.
Hydraulic Clutch
For vehicles with a manual transmission, it
is not necessary to regularly check brake/
clutch fluid unless there is a leak suspected.
Adding fluid will not correct a leak. A fluid
loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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256 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
cancer.WASH HANDS AFTER HANDLING.
For more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition 65 Warning 0235
and the back cover.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn you and
gas that can explode. You can be badly
hurt if you are not careful. See Jump
Starting - North America 0291 for tips on
working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery to keep
the battery from running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery or use a
battery trickle charger.
Rear Axle
When to Check Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check the
rear axle fluid, unless a leak is suspected or
an unusual noise is heard. A fluid loss could
indicate a problem. Have it inspected and
repaired by your dealer.
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control Function Check
{Warning
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the
vehicle moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room around the vehicle.
It should be parked on a level surface.
2. Apply the parking brake. Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition on, but do not start the engine. Without
applying the regular brake, try to move
the shift lever out of P (Park) with normal effort. If the shift lever moves
out of P (Park), contact your dealer for
service.
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{Warning
When you are doing this check, the
vehicle could begin to move. You or
others could be injured and property
could be damaged. Make sure there is
room in front of the vehicle in case it
begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle
begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle
facing downhill. Keeping your foot on the
regular brake, set the parking brake.
.To check the parking brake's holding
ability: With the engine running and the
transmission in N (Neutral), slowly remove
foot pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by
the parking brake only.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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308 Service and Maintenance
Footnotes—Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services - Normal
(1) Or every two years, whichever comes
first. More frequent passenger compartment
air filter replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic, poor air
quality, high dust levels, or environmental
allergens. Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if there is
reduced airflow, window fogging, or odors.
Your GM dealer can help determine when to
replace the filter.
(2) Visually check all fuel and vapor lines
and hoses for proper attachment,
connection, routing, and condition.
(3) Or every four years, whichever comes
first. If driving in dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each oil change or more often
as needed. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 246.
(4) Or every five years, whichever comes
first. See Cooling System 0248. (5)
Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
Inspect for fraying, excessive cracking,
or damage; replace, if needed.
(6) Do not directly power wash the rear axle
output seals. High pressure water can
overcome the seals and contaminate the
rear axle fluid. Contaminated fluid will
decrease the life of the axle and should be
replaced.
(7) If equipped with an automatic
transmission, replace brake fluid every five
years. If equipped with a manual
transmission, replace brake/clutch fluid
every three years. See Brake Fluid0254.
(8) Or every 12 months, whichever comes
first. See Wiper Blade Replacement 0257.
(9) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
See Gas Strut(s) 0258.
(10) Replace air conditioning desiccant every
seven years.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Service and Maintenance 309
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Severe12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi 60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi 120 000 km/75,000 mi 132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi 156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi 204 000 km/127,500 mi 216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services. Check engine oil
level and oil life percentage. Change engine oil and filter,
if needed. Check engine air filter life percentage and status.
Change engine air filter, if needed.@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@ @@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (2)@ @@
If the vehicle is not equipped with the engine air filter life
system, replace engine air cleaner filter. (3)@@@
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter.@@@
Change manual transmission fluid.@@@
Except 2.0L LTG and 6.2L LT1 Engines: Replace spark plugs.
Inspect spark plug wiresInspect spark plug wires and/or
boots..@
Only 2.0L LTG and 6.2L LT1 Engines: Replace spark plugs.
Inspect spark plug wires and/or boots.@ @
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (4)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (5)@
Replace rear axle fluid. (6)@@@
Replace brake fluid. (7)
Replace windshield wiper blades. (8)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace hood and/or body lift support gas struts. (9)@ @
Replace air conditioning desiccant. (10)