Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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190 Driving and Operating
Caution
The new vehicle break-in period should be
completed before performing the brake
burnishing procedure or damage may
occur to the powertrain/engine. SeeNew
Vehicle Break-In 0202.
When performed as instructed, this
procedure will not damage the brakes.
During the burnishing procedure, the brake
pads will smoke and produce an odor. The
braking force and pedal travel may increase.
After the procedure is complete, the brake
pads may appear white at the rotor contact.
Run this procedure in a safe manner and in
compliance with all local and state
ordinances/laws regarding motor vehicle
operation. Run this procedure only on dry
pavement. Racing/Track Brake Burnishing ProcedureCaution
Brake fade will occur during this track
burnish procedure and can cause brake
pedal travel and force to increase. This
could extend stopping distance until the
brakes are fully burnished.
1. Apply the brakes 25 times starting at 100 km/h (60 mph) to 50 km/h (30 mph)
while decelerating at 0.4 g. This is a
medium brake application. Drive for at
least 1 km (0.6 mi) between applying the
brakes. This first step may be skipped if
there are more than 320 km (200 mi) on
the brake pads.
2. Repeatedly apply the brakes from 100 km/h (60 mph) to 25 km/h (15 mph)
while decelerating at 0.8 g. This is a hard
brake application, without activating the
Antilock Brake System (ABS). Drive for at
least 1 km (0.6 mi) between stops. Repeat
until the brake pedal travel starts to
increase. Depending on conditions, this
should take no longer than 25 brake
applications. 3. Cool down: Drive at 100 km/h (60 mph)
for approximately 15 km (10 mi) without
using the brakes.
4. Apply the brakes 25 times from 100 km/h (60 mph) to 50 km/h (30 mph)
while decelerating at 0.4 g. This is a
medium brake application. Drive for at
least 1 km (0.6 mi) between applications.
Front Tire Deflectors, Lower Control Arm
Deflectors, and Disc Splash Shields
(SS Only)
Before any racing event, remove the tire
deflectors in the front of the vehicle, and
replace the original deflector and splash
shield with the tall deflector and small
splash shield.
Caution
Race track driving with the original front
disc brake splash shield and front tire
deflector may result in brake pedal fade
due to high rotor temperatures.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 197
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 0272.
.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.
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)
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Driving and Operating 199
Warning (Continued)
overheat, causing an engine compartment
fire or other damage. Spin the wheels as
little as possible and avoid going above
56 km/h (35 mph).
Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right to
clear the area around the front wheels. Turn
off any traction system. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a low forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as possible. To
prevent transmission wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting gears.
Release the accelerator pedal while shifting,
and press lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transmission is in gear. Slowly
spinning the wheels in the forward and
reverse directions causes a rocking motion
that could free the vehicle. If that does not
get the vehicle out after a few tries, it
might need to be towed out. If the vehicle
does need to be towed out, seeTowing the
Vehicle 0299.
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how much
weight the vehicle can carry. This
weight is called the vehicle capacity
weight and includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo, and all
nonfactory-installed options. Two labels
on the vehicle may show how much
weight it may properly carry: the Tire
and Loading Information label and the
Certification label.
{Warning
Do not load the vehicle any heavier
than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the maximum
front or rear Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). This can cause
systems to break and change the
way the vehicle handles. This could
cause loss of control and a crash.
Overloading can also reduce stopping
distance, damage the tires, and
shorten the life of the vehicle. Tire and Loading Information LabelLabel Example
A vehicle-specific Tire and Loading
Information label is attached to the
vehicle's center pillar (B-pillar). The Tire
and Loading Information label shows
the number of occupant seating
positions (1), and the maximum vehicle
capacity weight (2) in kilograms and
pounds.
The Tire and Loading Information label
also shows the tire size of the original
equipment tires (3) and the
recommended cold tire inflation
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.
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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-
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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.
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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.