Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 3/24/20
Driving and Operating 203
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. SeeRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation 07.
To shift out of P (Park), the vehicle must be
on and the brake pedal must be applied. 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) 0207.
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) 0207.
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 0216.
{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.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 3/24/20
204 Driving and Operating
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 0204.
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
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.
See
Add-On Electrical Equipment 0237.
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.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 3/24/20
Driving and Operating 205
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
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 parking
brake. 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.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 3/24/20
208 Driving and Operating
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. SeeJump Starting
- North America 0297 for more information.
To shift out of P (Park): 1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Release the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0216.
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.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 0207 and
Engine Exhaust 0209.
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.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 3/24/20
Driving and Operating 209
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)
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
0 207 and
Engine Exhaust 0209. If the vehicle has a
manual transmission, see Parking (Manual
Transmission) 0208.
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.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 3/24/20
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.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 3/24/20
Driving and Operating 211
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 heavythrottle 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
above approximately 3000 rpm. If the
vehicle is then driven for a short time at a
steady speed, and without high cornering
loads, the transmission will upshift one gear
at a time until the highest available gear is
reached. After shifting to the highest
available gear, the transmission will return
to normal Sport Mode shifting.
Manual Mode
Driver Shift Control (DSC)
Caution
Driving with the engine at a high rpm
without upshifting while using Driver
Shift Control (DSC), could damage the
vehicle. Always upshift when necessary
while using DSC.
DSC allows shifting an automatic
transmission similar to a manual
transmission. To use the DSC feature:1. Move the shift lever to the left from D (Drive) into the side gate marked
with +/−.
2. Press the shift lever forward to upshift or rearward to downshift.
While using the DSC feature, the vehicle will
have firmer, quicker shifting. You can use
this for sport driving or when climbing or
descending hills, to stay in gear longer,
or to downshift for more power or engine
braking.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 3/24/20
212 Driving and Operating
The transmission will only allow you to shift
into gears appropriate for the vehicle speed
and engine revolutions per minute (rpm).
The transmission will not automatically shift
to the next lower gear if the engine rpm is
too high, nor to the next higher gear when
the maximum engine rpm is reached.
While in the DSC mode, the transmission
will automatically downshift as the vehicle
comes to a stop. This will allow for more
power during take-off.
Tap Shift
Tap Shift allows you to manually control the
automatic transmission. To use Tap Shift,
the shift lever must be in DSC mode.
Vehicles with this feature have indicators onthe steering wheel. The paddles are on the
back of the steering wheel. Tap the left
paddle (−) to downshift, and the right
paddle (+) to upshift. The Driver Information
Center (DIC) display indicates the gear the
vehicle is in.
Holding the left paddle for an extended time
will downshift the transmission to the
lowest available gear.
While in Manual Mode, the transmission will
prevent shifting to a lower gear if the
engine speed is too high. If the tap down
−
(Minus) paddle is held while the vehicle
slows down, the M in the DIC will flash, and
the downshift will be allowed when vehicle
speed is low enough. Continuing to hold the
tap down −(Minus) paddle will not cause
the transmission to continue downshifting.
Each downshift must be requested
separately by releasing and reapplying the
tap down −(Minus) paddle.
Head-Up Display (HUD)
Vehicles equipped with a Head-Up Display
(HUD) may also have performance shift
timing lights across the top of the display. The rows of lights get closer together as the
maximum shift point gets closer. Shift the
transmission before the lights come together
in the display. Shift immediately if the lights
are flashing.
See
Head-Up Display (HUD) 0101.
Temporary Tap Shift Mode allows brief
entry into Tap Shift Mode while in D (Drive).
Tapping either the upshift or downshift
control will place the transmission in Tap
Shift Mode. Exit Tap Shift Mode by holding
the upshift control for two seconds. The
system will return to automatic shifting
after seven seconds of driving at a steady
speed, or when the vehicle comes to a stop.
This may be used for sport driving or when
climbing or descending hills, to stay in gear
longer, or to downshift for more power or
engine braking. The transmission will only
allow you to shift into gears appropriate for
the vehicle speed and engine revolutions per
minute (rpm). The transmission will not
automatically shift to the next higher gear if
the engine rpm is too high. If shifting is
prevented for any reason, the gear displayed
in the DIC will blink several times, indicating
that the transmission has not shifted gears.