Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 3/24/20
Driving and Operating 189
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
0318.
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 SS, or LT with Y4Q Heavy Duty
Cooling System that is equipped with J55
brakes. This procedure should not be run
on other Camaro models as damage may
result.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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210 Driving and Operating
{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). SeeShifting
Into Park 0207.
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 0207. 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
0 198.
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.
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Driving and Operating 213
While in the Tap Shift Mode, the
transmission will not automatically
downshift on hard acceleration.
Manual Transmission
Shift Pattern–V8 Engine
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)
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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224 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 0188 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
0 213.
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) 0223
and
Maintenance Schedule 0310.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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238 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . 239
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 240
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . 240
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 242
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . 250
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Engine Air Filter Life System (2.0L LTG and 3.6L LGX Engines Only) . . . . . . . . . . 251
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258 Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . 266
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 270
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Run-Flat Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 276
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 280
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . 281
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 285
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 287
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . 288
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 289
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . 291
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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250 Vehicle Care
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 99.
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) 099.
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 0333.
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 0318. Change the fluid and filter at the intervals
listed in
Maintenance Schedule 0310, and
be sure to use the fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0318.
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 0318
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.
When to Check and What to Use
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Vehicle Care 261
Warning (Continued)
cancer.WASH HANDS AFTER HANDLING.
For more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition 65 Warning 0239
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 0297 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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298 Vehicle Care
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a12-volt battery with a negative ground
system.
Caution
If the other vehicle does not have a
12-volt system with a negative ground,
both vehicles can be damaged. Only use
a vehicle that has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump starting.
2. Position the two vehicles so that they are not touching.
3. Set the parking brake firmly and put the shift lever in P (Park) with an automatic
transmission, or Neutral with a manual
transmission. See Shifting Into Park
0 207 with an automatic transmission,
or Parking (Manual Transmission) 0208
with a manual transmission.
Caution
If any accessories are left on or plugged
in during the jump starting procedure,
they could be damaged. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
warranty. Whenever possible, turn off or
unplug all accessories on either vehicle
when jump starting.
4. Turn the ignition off. Turn off all lights and accessories in both vehicles, except
the hazard warning flashers if needed.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even when
the engine is not running and can injure
you. Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can cause
battery gas to explode. People have been
hurt doing this, and some have been
blinded. Use a flashlight if you need
more light.
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn
you. Do not get it on you. If you
accidentally get it in your eyes or on
your skin, flush the place with water and
get medical help immediately.
{Warning
Fans or other moving engine parts can
injure you badly. Keep your hands away
from moving parts once the engine is
running.
5. Connect one end of the red positive (+) cable to the underhood remote
positive (+) terminal on the discharged
battery.
6. Connect the other end of the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the good battery.
7. Connect one end of the black negative (–) cable to the negative (–)
terminal of the good battery.
8. Connect the other end of the black negative (–) cable to the underhood
negative (–) grounding point for the
discharged battery.
9. Start the engine in the vehicle with the good battery and run the engine at idle
speed for at least four minutes.
10. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery. If it will not start after a
few tries, it probably needs service.