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Instruments and Controls 89
The engine oil pressure gauge shows the
engine oil pressure in kPa (kilopascals) when
the engine is running.
Oil pressure can vary with engine speed,
outside temperature and oil viscosity.
On some models, the oil pump will vary
engine oil pressure according to engine
needs. Oil pressure may change quickly as
the engine speed or load varies. This is
normal.
If the oil pressure warning light or Driver
Information Center (DIC) message indicates
oil pressure outside the normal operating
range, check the vehicle's oil as soon as
possible. SeeEngine Oil0247.
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil maintenance
can damage the engine. Driving with the
engine oil low can also damage the
engine. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Check the oil
level as soon as possible. Add oil if
required, but if the oil level is within the
operating range and the oil pressure is
still low, have the vehicle serviced.
Always follow the maintenance schedule
for changing engine oil.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge
Metric Base Level Cluster
English Base Level Cluster
Metric Uplevel Cluster
English Uplevel Cluster
This gauge shows the engine coolant
temperature.
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Instruments and Controls 97
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS), this light comes on briefly
when the engine is started. It provides
information about tire pressures and
the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the tires
are significantly underinflated.
A Driver Information Center (DIC) tire
pressure message may also display. Stop as
soon as possible, and inflate the tires to the
pressure value shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeTire Pressure
0 278. When the Light Flashes First and Then Is On
Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute and
then stays on, there may be a problem with
the TPMS. If the problem is not corrected,
the light will come on at every ignition
cycle. See
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
0 281.Engine Oil Pressure Light
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil maintenance
can damage the engine. Driving with the
engine oil low can also damage the
engine. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Check the oil
level as soon as possible. Add oil if
required, but if the oil level is within the
operating range and the oil pressure is
still low, have the vehicle serviced.
Always follow the maintenance schedule
for changing engine oil.
This light should come on briefly as the
engine is started. If it does not come on,
have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the light comes on and stays on, it means
that oil is not flowing through the engine
properly. The vehicle could be low on oil
and might have some other system
problem. See your dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light
This light is near the fuel gauge and comes
on briefly when the ignition is turned on as
a check to show it is working.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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188 Driving and Operating
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow these
suggestions:
.Ease your foot off the accelerator pedal
and steer the way you want the vehicle
to go. The vehicle may straighten out. Be
ready for a second skid if it occurs.
.Slow down and adjust your driving
according to weather conditions. Stopping
distance can be longer and vehicle control
can be affected when traction is reduced
by water, snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to recognize
warning clues—such as enough water,
ice, or packed snow on the road to make
a mirrored surface —and slow down
when you have any doubt.
.Try to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing vehicle
speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause the tires to
slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only
the braking skid.
Track Events and Competitive
Driving
{Danger
High-performance features are intended
for use only on closed tracks by
experienced and qualified drivers and
should not be used on public roads.
High-speed driving, aggressive cornering,
hard braking, and other high-performance
driving can be dangerous. Improper driver
inputs for the conditions may result in
loss of control of the vehicle, which could
injure or kill you or others. Always drive
safely.
If the vehicle is a Camaro High Performance
model, see the additional items in the
Camaro High Performance supplement.
Track events or competitive driving may
affect the vehicle warranty. See the
warranty manual before using the vehicle
for racing or other competitive driving.
The Engine Sound Management setting (if
equipped) should not be set to Stealth Mode
during track events and competitive driving.
See Driver Mode Control 0219.
{Warning
Prior to each track event and again
before returning to public roads, tighten
the wheel nuts with a torque wrench to
the proper torque specification. Wheel
nuts that are improperly or incorrectly
tightened can cause the wheels to
become loose or come off, resulting in a
crash. See Capacities and Specifications
0 323 for wheel nut torque specifications.
Engine Oil
Caution
If you use the vehicle for racing or other
competitive driving, the engine may use
more oil than it would with normal use.
Low oil levels can damage the engine. For
information on how to add oil, see
Engine Oil0247.
Be sure to check the oil level often during
racing or other competitive driving and
keep the level at or near the upper mark
that shows the proper operating range on
the engine oil dipstick.
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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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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
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Vehicle Care 247
If the vehicle has a 6.2L V8 LT4 engine, see
the Camaro High Performance supplement.
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine performance and
long life, careful attention must be paid to
engine oil. Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect your
investment:
.Use engine oil approved to the proper
specification and of the proper viscosity
grade. See“Selecting the Right Engine
Oil” in this section.
.Check the engine oil level regularly and
maintain the proper oil level. See
“Checking Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
.Change the engine oil at the appropriate
time. SeeEngine Oil Life System 0249.
.Always dispose of engine oil properly. See
“What to Do with Used Oil” in this
section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly, every
650 km (400 mi), especially prior to a long
trip. The engine oil dipstick handle is a loop.
See Engine Compartment Overview 0242 for
the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle may be
hot; it could burn you. Use a towel or
glove to touch the dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center (DIC)
message displays, check the oil level.
Follow these guidelines:
.To get an accurate reading, park the
vehicle on level ground. Check the engine
oil level after the engine has been off for
at least two hours. Checking the engine
oil level on steep grades or too soon after
engine shutoff can result in incorrect
readings. Accuracy improves when
checking a cold engine prior to starting.
Remove the dipstick and check the level.
.If unable to wait two hours, the engine
must be off for at least 15 minutes if the
engine is warm, or at least 30 minutes if
the engine is not warm. Pull out the
dipstick, wipe it with a clean paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way.
Remove it again, keeping the tip down,
and check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
LTG 2.0L L4 Engine
LGX 3.6L V6 Engine Shown, 6.2L V8 Engine Similar
If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at
the tip of the dipstick and the engine has
been off for at least 15 minutes, add 1 L (1
qt) of the recommended oil and then
recheck the level. See “Selecting the Right
Engine Oil” later in this section for an
explanation of what kind of oil to use. For
engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacities
and Specifications 0323.
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Vehicle Care 249
Caution
Failure to use the recommended engine
oil or equivalent can result in engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Viscosity Grade
Use SAE 0W-40 viscosity grade engine oil.
When selecting an oil of the appropriate
viscosity grade, it is recommended to select
an oil of the correct specification. See
“Specification” earlier in this section.
If 0W-40 dexos2 oil is not available, SAE
5W-30 dexos1 full synthetic engine oil may
be used for street use.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the dexos
specification are all that is needed for good
performance and engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements
that can be unhealthy for your skin and
could even cause cancer. Do not let used oil
stay on your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water, or a
good hand cleaner. Wash or properly
dispose of clothing or rags containing used
engine oil. See the manufacturer's warnings
about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment.
If you change your own oil, be sure to drain
all the oil from the filter before disposal.
Never dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water.
Recycle it by taking it to a place that
collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that
indicates when to change the engine oil and
filter. This is based on a combination of
factors which include engine revolutions,
engine temperature, and miles driven. Based
on driving conditions, the mileage at which
an oil change is indicated can vary considerably. For the oil life system to work
properly, the system must be reset every
time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life
has been diminished, it indicates that an oil
change is necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message comes on. Change the oil as
soon as possible within the next 1 000 km
(600 mi). It is possible that, if driving under
the best conditions, the oil life system
might indicate that an oil change is not
necessary for up to a year. The engine oil
and filter must be changed at least once a
year and, at this time, the system must be
reset. Your dealer has trained service people
who will perform this work and reset the
system. It is also important to check the oil
regularly over the course of an oil drain
interval and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, the
oil must be changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is
changed.
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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