light CHEVROLET CAMARO 2001 4.G Manual PDF

6-12
Engine Oil
If the LOW OIL light
appears on the instrument
panel, it means you need to
check your engine oil level
right away. For more
information, see ªLow Oil
Lightº in the Index.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It's a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.The engine oil dipstick handle is the yellow loop located
near the back of the engine. See ªEngine Compartment
Overviewº in the Index for more information on location.
Do not check the 5.7L V8 engine oil level after the engine
has been sitting overnight. A higher than normal reading
might be obtained. Check oil level with the oil warm.

6-17 Engine Oil Additives
Don't add anything to your oil. The recommended oils
with the starburst symbol are all you will need for good
performance and engine protection.
When to Change Engine Oil
Your vehicle has a computer that lets you know when to
change your engine oil. This is not based on mileage, but
on engine revolutions and engine operating temperature.
When the computer has calculated that the oil needs
changing, the GM Oil Life System
will indicate that a
change is necessary. The mileage between oil and filter
changes will vary depending on how you drive your
vehicle
-- usually between 3,000 miles (5 000 km) and
10,000 miles (16 000 km) since your last oil and filter
change. Under severe conditions, the system may come on
before 3,000 miles (5 000 km). Never drive your vehicle
more than 10,000 miles (16 000 km) or 12 months
(whichever occurs first) without an oil change.
The system won't detect dust in the oil. So, if you drive in
a dusty area, be sure to change your oil and filter every
3,000 miles (5 000 km) or sooner. Remember to reset the
OIL CHANGE light whenever the oil is changed.How to Reset the Oil Change Light
After changing the engine oil, the system must be reset.
1. Turn the ignition key to RUN with the engine
turned off.
2. Push the TRIP/OIL RESET button located on the
instrument panel for 12 seconds.The OIL CHANGE
light will start to flash to confirm that the system is
reset. The reset is complete when the OIL CHANGE
light goes out.
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain elements
that may be unhealthy for your skin and could even cause
cancer? Don't 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 throw away 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 real threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all free
-flowing oil
from the filter before disposal. Don't ever dispose of oil by
putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle
it by taking it to a place that collects used oil. If you have
a problem properly disposing of your used oil, ask your
dealer, a service station or a local recycling center for help.

6-27
Limited-Slip Differential
To add lubricant when the level is low, use SAE 75W
-90
Synthetic Gear Lubricant (GM Part No. 12378261) or
equivalent meeting GM Specification 9986115. To
completely refill after draining, add 4 ounces (118 ml) of
Limited
-Slip Differential Lubricant Additive (GM Part
No. 1052358) or equivalent. Then fill to the bottom of the
filler plug hole with the Synthetic Gear Lubricant.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX
-COOL engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX
-COOL extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating or if you need to add coolant to your
radiator, see ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL coolant will:

Give freezing protection down to
-34F (-37C).

Give boiling protection up to 265F (129C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.

Help keep the proper engine temperature.

Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you
use only DEX
-COOL (silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to the
system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the
use of coolant other than DEX
-COOL is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.

6-33
Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder reservoir is on the driver's
side of the engine compartment. See ªEngine
Compartment Overviewº in the Index. It is filled with
DOT
-3 brake fluid.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the
reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake fluid
goes down to an acceptable level during normal brake
lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid levelgoes back up. The other reason is that fluid is leaking out
of the brake system. If it is, you should have your brake
system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later your
brakes won't work well, or won't work at all.
So, it isn't a good idea to ªtop offº your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won't correct a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you'll have too much
fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add
(or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
CAUTION:
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on
the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine is hot
enough. You or others could be burned, and your
vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid only
when work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
See ªChecking Brake Fluidº in this section.
When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. See ªBrake System Warning
Lightº in the Index.

6-35
NOTICE:

Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just a few
drops of mineral
-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts so badly that they'll have to be
replaced. Don't let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.

If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately. See ªAppearance Careº in
the Index.
Brake Wear
Your vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built
-in wear indicators that make a
high
-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn
and new pads are needed. The sound may come and go or
be heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except when
you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly).
CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won't work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly applied.
This does not mean something is wrong with your brakes.
When you have the front or rear brake pads replaced,
have the other brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See ªBrake System Inspectionº in Section 7 of this manual
under Part C ªPeriodic Maintenance Inspections.º

6-38 Headlamps
Before replacing a headlamp bulb that does not light,
check to make sure that the wiring connector is securely
fastened to it.
See ªReplacement Bulbsº in the Index to check the type
of headlamp bulb you need to use before you begin to
replace the headlamp bulb. You must replace a
headlamp bulb with one that is exactly the same.
To replace a headlamp, do the following:
1. Open the hood.
2. Locate the headlamp bulb that needs to be replaced.
3. Press and turn the base of the socket one-quarter turn
counterclockwise. (See arrows).
4. Remove the socket with the burned lamp.
5. Replace the bulb and insert the socket into the headlamp.

6-48
CAUTION:
Mixing tires could cause you to lose control while
driving. If you mix tires of different sizes or types
(radial and bias
-belted tires), the vehicle may not
handle properly, and you could have a crash.
Using tires of different sizes may also cause
damage to your vehicle. Be sure to use the same
size and type tires on all wheels.
It's all right to drive with your compact spare,
though. It was developed for use on your vehicle.
CAUTION:
If you use bias-ply tires on your vehicle, the
wheel rim flanges could develop cracks after
many miles of driving. A tire and/or wheel could
fail suddenly, causing a crash. Use only radial
-ply
tires with the wheels on your vehicle.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire
sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
The following information relates to the system
developed by the United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, which grades tires by
treadwear, traction and temperature performance.
(This applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.)
The grades are molded on the sidewalls of most
passenger car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading
system does not apply to deep tread, winter
-type snow
tires, space
-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with
nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm),
or to some limited
-production tires.
While the tires available on General Motors passenger
cars and light trucks may vary with respect to these
grades, they must also conform to federal safety
requirements and additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) standards.

6-57
NOTICE:
Machine compounding or aggressive polishing on
a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish may dull the
finish or leave swirl marks.
Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other
salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage your vehicle's finish if they remain on painted
surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible. If
necessary, use non
-abrasive cleaners that are marked
safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.
Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather
and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a period
of years. You can help to keep the paint finish looking
new by keeping your vehicle garaged or covered
whenever possible.
Cleaning Your Convertible Top
Your convertible top should be cleaned often. If you use
an automatic car wash, use one with water jets and
hanging cloths. High pressure car washes may cause
water to enter your vehicle.
When you hand wash the top, do it in partial shade.
Use a mild soap, lukewarm water and a soft sponge.
A chamois or cloth may leave lint on the top, and a
brush can chafe the threads in the top fabric. Don't use
detergents, harsh cleaners, solvents or bleaching agents.
Wet the entire vehicle and wash the top evenly to avoid
spots or rings. Let the soap remain on the fabric for a
few minutes. When the top is really dirty, use a mild
foam
-type cleaner. Thoroughly rinse the entire vehicle,
then let the top dry in direct sunlight.
To protect the convertible top:

After you wash the vehicle, make sure the top is
completely dry before you lower it.

Don't get any cleaner on the vehicle's painted finish;
it could leave streaks.

If you decide to go through an automatic car wash,
ask the manager if the equipment could damage
your top.

6-60
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
PART NUMBERSIZEDESCRIPTIONUSAGE
99495423 in. x 25 in.Polishing Cloth ± Wax TreatedExterior polishing cloth
105017216 oz. (0.473 L)Tar and Road Oil RemoverRemoves tar, road oil and asphalt
105017316 oz. (0.473 L)Chrome Cleaner and PolishUse on chrome, stainless steel, nickel, copper and brass
105017416 oz. (0.473 L)White Sidewall Tire CleanerRemoves soil and black marks from whitewalls
105021432 oz. (0.946 L)Vinyl CleanerCleans vinyl tops, upholstery and convertible tops
105042723 oz. (0.680 L)Glass CleanerRemoves dirt, grime, smoke and fingerprints
1052918**8 oz. (0.237 L)Armor All
ProtectantProtects leather, wood, acrylics, Plexiglas
, plastic,
rubber and vinyl
105292516 oz. (0.473 L)Multi-Purpose
Interior CleanerCleans carpets, seats, interior trim, door panels
and floor mats
105292916 oz. (0.473 L)Wheel CleanerSpray on and rinse with water
10529308 oz. (0.237 L)Capture Dry Spot RemoverAttracts, absorbs and removes soils on fabric
123457212.5 sq. ft.Synthetic ChamoisShines vehicle without scratching
1234572512 oz. (0.354 L)Silicone Tire ShineSpray on tire shine
12377964*16 oz. (0.473 L)Finish EnhancerRemoves dust, fingerprints and surface contaminants
12377966*16 oz. (0.473 L)Cleaner WaxRemoves light scratches and oxidation and protects finish
12377984*16 oz. (0.473 L)Surface CleanerRemoves contaminants, blemishes and swirl marks
See your General Motors Parts Department for these products. * For exterior use only.
See ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index. ** Not recommended for use on instrument panels.

6-63 Fuses and Circuit Breakers
The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from
short circuits by a combination of fuses, circuit breakers,
and fusible thermal links in the wiring itself. This greatly
reduces the chance of fires caused by electrical problems.
There are three fuse centers on your vehicle.
The main fuse block is located behind a cover on the
driver's side of the instrument panel.
The other two are located in the engine compartment on
the driver's side. Open the cover on either of the boxes
to expose the fuses.
Look at the silver
-colored band inside the fuse. If the
band is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure you
replace a bad fuse with a new one of the correct size.
If you ever have a problem on the road and don't have a
spare fuse, you can borrow one of the correct value. Just
pick some feature of your vehicle that you can get along
without
-- like the radio or cigarette lighter -- and use
its fuse, if it is the size you need. Replace it as soon as
you can.