Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 3/24/20
Climate Controls 183
system and result in leaks or noises. Always
install a new filter when removing the old
filter.
For more information on filter replacement,
see your dealer.
Service
All vehicles have a label underhood that
identifies the refrigerant used in the vehicle.
The refrigerant system should only be
serviced by trained and certified technicians.
The air conditioning evaporator should never
be repaired or replaced by one from a
salvage vehicle. It should only be replaced
by a new evaporator to ensure proper and
safe operation.
During service, all refrigerants should be
reclaimed with proper equipment. Venting
refrigerants directly to the atmosphere is
harmful to the environment and may also
create unsafe conditions based on
inhalation, combustion, frostbite, or other
health-based concerns.
The air conditioning system requires periodic
maintenance. SeeMaintenance Schedule
0 310.
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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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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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-
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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.
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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.
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Driving and Operating 215
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.
SeeHead-Up Display (HUD) 0101.
Active Rev Match
Vehicles equipped with a V8 engine and a
manual transmission have Active Rev Match
(ARM). ARM aids in smoother shifting by
matching the engine speed to the next
selected gear. By monitoring shift lever and
clutch operation, ARM adjusts engine speed
to match a calibrated value based on gear
selection. On upshifts and downshifts,
engine speed will be decreased and
increased to match vehicle road speed and
transmission gear position. ARM is
maintained while the clutch pedal is pressed,
but will deactivate if the shift lever is left in
the Neutral position.The system is activated and deactivated by
pressing either of the paddles marked REV
MATCH on the steering wheel. The system
must be activated with each new ignition
cycle.
A gear indicator in the instrument cluster
displays the current gear selected:
.When ARM is activated, the gear number
is amber.
.When ARM is deactivated, the gear
number is white.
.If no gear number is displayed while the
shift lever is in gear, service is required.
ARM will be disabled, and the malfunction indicator lamp will be on. See
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp 092. The clutch and
manual transmission will continue to
operate normally.
ARM will also:
.Only be active above 25 km/h (16 mph).
.Only match engine speed up to
5400 rpm.
.Not operate when the accelerator pedal is
applied.
.Be disabled when the coolant
temperature is below 0 °C (32 °F).
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.
ABS performs a system check when the
vehicle is first driven. A momentary motor
or clicking noise may be heard while this
test is going on, and the brake pedal may
move slightly. This is normal.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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216 Driving and Operating
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. SeeAntilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 095.
ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot on the brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will
not be enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down firmly. Hearing or feeling ABS
operate is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.
Electric Parking Brake
The Electric Parking Brake (EPB) can always
be applied, even if the vehicle is off. In case
of insufficient electrical power, the EPB
cannot be applied or released. To prevent
draining the battery, avoid unnecessary
repeated cycles of the EPB.
The system has a red parking brake status
light and an amber service parking brake
warning light. See Electric Parking Brake
Light 094 and
Service Electric Parking Brake Light 095.
There are also parking brake-related Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages. Before leaving the vehicle, check the red
parking brake status light to ensure that the
parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Pull the EPB switch momentarily.
The red parking brake status light will flash
and then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the red parking brake status light
flashes continuously, the EPB is only
partially applied or there is a problem with
the EPB. A DIC message will display. Release
the EPB and try to apply it again. If the
light does not come on, or keeps flashing,
have the vehicle serviced. Do not drive the
vehicle if the red parking brake status light
is flashing. See your dealer.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, pull the EPB switch. Continue to
hold the switch until the red parking brake
status light remains on. If the amber service
parking brake warning light is on, see your
dealer.