Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 3/24/20
Climate Controls 181
SYNC :Press to link the passenger climate
temperature settings to the driver setting.
The SYNC indicator light will turn on. When
the passenger settings are adjusted, the
SYNC indicator light turns off.
Manual Operation
O: Press to turn the fan off or on.
hori:Press to increase or decrease the
fan speed.
Air Delivery Mode Controls : Press
X,Y,
or
[to change the direction of the
airflow. Any combination of the three
buttons can be selected. The indicator light
in the button will turn on. The current mode
appears in the display screen. Pressing any
of the three buttons cancels automatic air
delivery control and the direction of the
airflow is controlled manually. Press AUTO
to return to automatic operation.
To change the current mode, select one or
more of the following:
X: Clears the windows of fog or moisture.
Air is directed to the windshield and side
window outlets.
Y: Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
[: Air is directed to the floor outlets.
0:Clears the windshield of fog or frost
more quickly. Air is only directed to the
windshield and side window outlets. The air
conditioning may turn on automatically to
remove fog.
For best results, clear all snow and ice from
the windshield before defrosting.
Do not drive the vehicle until all windows
are clear.
Air Conditioning
A/C : Press to turn the air conditioning on
or off. An indicator light turns on. If the fan
is turned off or the outside temperature
falls below freezing, the air conditioning will
not run, but the indicator light will be lit.
The air conditioning might automatically
come on when
0is selected.
@: Press to turn on recirculation. An
indicator light comes on. Air is recirculated
inside the vehicle. It helps to quickly cool
the air inside the vehicle or reduce the
outside air and odors that may enter.
Operation in the recirculation mode while
the air conditioner is off increases humidity
and may cause the windows to fog. Recirculation is not available in the defrost
or defog modes.
To improve fuel efficiency and to cool the
vehicle faster, recirculation may be
automatically selected in warm weather. The
recirculation light will not come on. Press
@to select recirculation; press it again to
select outside air.
Rear Window Defogger
1: Press to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light on the
button comes on to show that the rear
window defogger is on. The defogger turns
off if the ignition is turned off or to ACC/
ACCESSORY.
The rear window defogger can be set to
automatic operation. See “Climate and Air
Quality” underVehicle Personalization 0105.
When Auto Rear Defog is selected, the rear
window defogger turns on automatically
when the interior temperature is cold and
the outside temperature is about 7 °C (44 °F)
and below.
The heated outside mirrors turn on when
the rear window defogger button is on and
help to clear fog or frost from the surface of
the mirrors.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 3/24/20
184 Driving and Operating
Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 185
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Impaired Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Track Events and CompetitiveDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . 207
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Parking (Manual Transmission) . . . . . . . . 208
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . 208 Active Fuel Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . 209
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Manual Transmission
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Active Rev Match . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Competitive Driving Mode (SS, ZL1 and 1LE Models Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Limited-Slip Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Recommended Fuel (3.6L V6 Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Recommended Fuel (2.0L L4 Turbo Engine and 6.2L V8 Engine) . . . . . . . . . . 234
Recommended Fuel (6.2L V8 Supercharged Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 237
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 185
Driving Information
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here
are some driving tips to get the best fuel
economy possible.
.Set the climate controls to the desired
temperature after the engine is started,
or turn them off when not required.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for long periods
of time.
.When road and weather conditions are
appropriate, use cruise control.
.Always follow posted speed limits or
drive more slowly when conditions
require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.
.Combine several trips into a single trip.
.Replace the vehicle's tires with the same
TPC Spec number molded into the tire's
sidewall near the size.
.Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms and can
take your focus from the task of driving.
Exercise good judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away from
the road. Many local governments have
enacted laws regarding driver distraction.
Become familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, keep your eyes
on the road, keep your hands on the
steering wheel, and focus your attention on
driving.
.Do not use a phone in demanding driving
situations. Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary phone calls.
.Watch the road. Do not read, take notes,
or look up information on phones or
other electronic devices.
.Designate a front seat passenger to
handle potential distractions.
.Become familiar with vehicle features
before driving, such as programming
favorite radio stations and adjusting
climate control and seat settings. Program
all trip information into any navigation
device prior to driving.
.Wait until the vehicle is parked to
retrieve items that have fallen to the
floor.
.Stop or park the vehicle to tend to
children.
.Keep pets in an appropriate carrier or
restraint.
.Avoid stressful conversations while
driving, whether with a passenger or on a
cell phone.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too long or
too often could cause a crash resulting in
injury or death. Focus your attention on
driving.
Refer to the infotainment section for more
information on using that system and the
navigation system, if equipped, including
pairing and using a cell phone.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always expect the
unexpected.” The first step in driving
defensively is to wear the seat belt. See
Seat Belts 042.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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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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198 Driving and Operating
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. SeeTraction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0218.
.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) 0215.
.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
0 329. To get help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the
vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to
get inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
.Clear snow from the base of the
vehicle, especially any blocking the
exhaust pipe.
.Open a window about 5 cm (2 in) on
the vehicle side that is away from the
wind, to bring in fresh air.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to
circulate the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest
setting. See “Climate Control Systems.”
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust 0209. To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then shut
the engine off and partially close the
window. Moving about to keep warm also
helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive, when
running the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than
the idle speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to signal
for help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to
free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud,
ice, or snow.
If stuck too severely for the traction system
to free the vehicle, turn the traction system
off and use the rocking method. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
0
218.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high speed,
they can explode, and you or others
could be injured. The vehicle can
(Continued)
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 201
Example 2
1.Vehicle Capacity Weight for
Example 2 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).
2.Subtract Occupant Weight @
68 kg (150 lbs) × 5 = 340 kg
(750 lbs).
3.Available Cargo Weight = 113 kg
(250 lbs).
Example 3
1.Vehicle Capacity Weight for
Example 3 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).
2.Subtract Occupant Weight @ 91 kg
(200 lbs) × 5 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).
3.Available Cargo Weight =
0 kg (0 lbs).
Refer to the vehicle's Tire and Loading
Information label for specific
information about the vehicle's capacity
weight and seating positions. The
combined weight of the driver,
passengers, and cargo should never
exceed the vehicle's capacity weight. Certification Label
Label Example
A vehicle-specific Certification label is
attached to the vehicle's center pillar
(B-pillar). The label may show the gross
weight capacity of the vehicle, called
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR). The GVWR includes the weight
of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel, and
cargo.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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202 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Things inside the vehicle can strike
and injure people in a sudden stop or
turn, or in a crash.
.Put things in the cargo area of the
vehicle. In the cargo area, put
them as far forward as possible.
Try to spread the weight evenly.
.Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so
that some of them are above the
tops of the seats.
.Do not leave an unsecured child
restraint in the vehicle.
.Secure loose items in the vehicle.
.Do not leave a seat folded down
unless needed.
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
0 188.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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206 Driving and Operating
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.
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord or an
extension cord can damage the cord and
may result in overheating and fire.
.Plug the cord into a three-prong
electrical utility receptacle that is
protected by a ground fault detection
function. An ungrounded outlet could
cause an electric shock.
.Use a weatherproof, heavy-duty,
15 amp-rated extension cord if needed.
Failure to use the recommended
extension cord in good operating
condition, or using a damaged heater
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
or extension cord, could make it
overheat and cause a fire, property
damage, electric shock, and injury.
.Do not operate the vehicle with the
heater cord permanently attached to
the vehicle. Possible heater cord and
thermostat damage could occur.
.While in use, do not let the heater
cord touch vehicle parts or sharp
edges. Never close the hood on the
heater cord.
.Before starting the vehicle, unplug the
cord, reattach the cover to the plug,
and securely fasten the cord. Keep the
cord away from any moving parts.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord as it was
before to keep it away from moving
engine parts. If you do not it could be
damaged.
The length of time the heater should remain
plugged in depends on several factors. Ask a
dealer in the area where you will be parking
the vehicle for the best advice on this.