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Instruments and Controls 103
.The HUD brightness is not too dim or too
bright.
.The HUD is adjusted to the proper height.
.Polarized sunglasses are not worn.
.Windshield and HUD lens are clean.
If the HUD image is not correct, contact
your dealer.
The windshield is part of the HUD system.
See Windshield Replacement 0257.
Vehicle Messages
Messages displayed on the DIC indicate the
status of the vehicle or some action that
may be needed to correct a condition.
Multiple messages may appear one after
another.
The messages that do not require
immediate action can be acknowledged and
cleared by pressing SEL. The messages that
require immediate action cannot be cleared
until that action is performed.
All messages should be taken seriously;
clearing the message does not correct the
problem.
If a SERVICE message appears, see your
dealer. Follow the instructions given in the
messages. The system displays messages
regarding the following topics:
.Service Messages
.Fluid Levels
.Vehicle Security
.Brakes
.Steering
.Ride Control Systems
.Driver Assistance Systems
.Cruise Control
.Lighting and Bulb Replacement
.Wiper/Washer Systems
.Doors and Windows
.Seat Belts
.Airbag Systems
.Engine and Transmission
.Tire Pressure
.Engine Air Filter Life
.Battery
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when the vehicle's
propulsion power is reduced. A reduction in
propulsion power can affect the vehicle'sability to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no observed reduction in
performance, proceed to your destination.
Under certain conditions the performance
may be reduced the next time the vehicle is
driven. The vehicle may be driven while this
message is on, but maximum acceleration
and speed may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, or displays repeatedly,
the vehicle should be taken to your dealer
for service as soon as possible.
Under certain operating conditions,
propulsion will be disabled. Try restarting
after the ignition has been off for
30 seconds.
Vehicle Speed Messages
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX KM/H (MPH)
This message shows that the vehicle speed
has been limited to the speed displayed. The
limited speed is a protection for various
propulsion and vehicle systems, such as
lubrication, thermal, brakes, suspension,
Teen Driver if equipped, or tires.
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184 Driving and Operating
Electric Power Steering
The vehicle has electric power steering.
It does not have power steering fluid.
Regular maintenance is not required.
If power steering assist is lost due to a
system malfunction, the vehicle can be
steered, but may require increased effort.
If the steering assist is used for an extended
period of time while the vehicle is not
moving, power assist may be reduced.
If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel and is held
against that position for an extended period
of time, power steering assist may be
reduced.
Normal use of the power steering assist
should return when the system cools down.
See your dealer if there is a problem.
Curve Tips
.Take curves at a reasonable speed.
.Reduce speed before entering a curve.
.Maintain a reasonable steady speed
through the curve.
.Wait until the vehicle is out of the curve
before accelerating gently into the
straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
.There are some situations when steering
around a problem may be more effective
than braking.
.Holding both sides of the steering wheel
allows you to turn 180 degrees without
removing a hand.
.The Antilock Brake System (ABS) allows
steering while braking.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the
edge of a road onto the shoulder while
driving. Follow these tips:1. Ease off the accelerator and then,
if there is nothing in the way, steer the
vehicle so that it straddles the edge of
the pavement.
2. Turn the steering wheel about one-eighth of a turn, until the right front
tire contacts the pavement edge.
3. Turn the steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three control
systems:
.Braking Skid —wheels are not rolling.
.Steering or Cornering Skid —too much
speed or steering in a curve causes tires
to slip and lose cornering force.
.Acceleration Skid —too much throttle
causes the driving wheels to spin.
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:
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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)
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Driving and Operating 193
8. There are 15 seconds to complete theburnout and exit.
9. To release the brakes and roll out, press
1and SEL at the same time.
If the burnout is not completed in
15 seconds, torque will be reduced to idle,
the parking brake will be applied, Line Lock
releases, and Custom Launch Control will be
disabled.
Ensure the parking brake is disengaged to
re-enter Launch Control.
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle
traction and affect your ability to stop and
accelerate. Always drive slower in these
types of driving conditions and avoid driving
through large puddles and deep-standing or
flowing water.
{Warning
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They
might not work as well in a quick stop
and could cause pulling to one side. You
could lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of
water or a car/vehicle wash, lightly apply
the brake pedal until the brakes work
normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates strong
forces. Driving through flowing water
could cause the vehicle to be carried
away. If this happens, you and other
vehicle occupants could drown. Do not (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
ignore police warnings and be very
cautious about trying to drive through
flowing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build
up under the vehicle's tires so they actually
ride on the water. This can happen if the
road is wet enough and you are going fast
enough. When the vehicle is hydroplaning, it
has little or no contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow
down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet weather
driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
.Pass with caution.
.Keep windshield wiping equipment in
good shape.
.Keep the windshield washer fluid reservoir
filled.
.Have good tires with proper tread depth.
SeeTires 0267.
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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.
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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
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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).
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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