parking brake CHEVROLET CAMARO 2002 4.G User Guide

2-48
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission Only)
Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock
control system. You have to fully apply your regular
brake before you can shift from PARK (P) when the
ignition is in RUN. See ªAutomatic Transmission
Operationº in the Index.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever
-- push the shift lever all the way into
PARK (P) and release the shift lever button as you
maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever
button and move the shift lever into the gear you wish.
If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can't
shift out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4.
3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the engine and then shift to the drive gear
you want.
5. Have the vehicle fixed as soon as you can.
Parking Your Vehicle
(Manual Transmission Models Only)
Before you get out of your vehicle, move the shift lever
into REVERSE (R) and firmly apply the parking brake.
Once the shift lever has been placed into REVERSE (R)
with the clutch pedal pressed in, you can turn the
ignition key to OFF, remove the key and release
the clutch.
If your vehicle is equipped to tow a trailer, see ªTowing
a Trailerº in the Index.

2-50
Running Your Engine While You're
Parked (Automatic Transmission)
It's better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust into
your vehicle. See the earlier Caution under
ªEngine Exhaust.º
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even
if the fan is at the highest setting. One place
this can happen is a garage. Exhaust
-- with
CO
-- can come in easily. NEVER park in a
garage with the engine running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard.
See ªBlizzardº in the Index.
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you've left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle won't move, even when you're on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to PARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle won't
move. See ªShifting Into PARK (P)º in the Index.
If you are parking on a hill and if you're pulling a
trailer, also see ªTowing a Trailerº in the Index.

2-59
Daytime Running Lamps / Automatic
Headlamp Control
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the
short periods after dawn and before sunset. Fully
functional daytime running lamps are required on all
vehicles first sold in Canada.
A light sensor on top of the instrument panel
automatically turns the headlamps on, so be sure it
isn't covered.
The DRL system will not activate if the parking brake is
engaged prior to turning the ignition on.The DRL system will make your front turn signal lamps
come on when the following conditions are met:

The ignition is on,

the exterior lamp control is off,

the parking brake is released, and

it is bright enough outside.
When the DRL are on, only your front turn signal lamps
will be on. The taillamps, sidemarker and other lamps
won't be on. Your instrument panel won't be lit up
either. When you use your turn signals, the front turn
signal and the taillamp on the desired side will flash.
When it's dark enough outside, your front turn signal
lamps will go out and your headlamps will come on.
The other lamps will also come on.
When it's bright enough outside, the regular lamps will
go off, and your front turn signal lamps will come on.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.

2-67
Accessory Power Outlet
The accessory power outlet can be used to connect
electrical equipment such as a cellular phone or
CB radio.
The accessory power outlet is located behind a closed
cover in front of the parking brake on the console.
NOTICE:
When using the accessory power outlet:

The maximum load of any electrical
equipment should not exceed three amps.

Be sure to turn off any electrical equipment
when not in use. Leaving electrical
equipment on for extended periods can
drain your battery.
Certain electrical accessories may not be compatible
with the accessory power outlet and could result in
blown vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a
problem, see your dealer for additional information on
the accessory power outlet.
NOTICE:
Adding some electrical equipment to your vehicle
can damage it or keep other things from working
as they should. This wouldn't be covered by
your warranty.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow the
installation instructions included with the equipment.
We recommend that you see a qualified technician or
your dealer for the proper installation of your equipment.
NOTICE:
Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs
only. Do not hang any type of accessory or
accessory bracket from the plug. Improper use of
the power outlet can cause damage not covered
by your warranty.

2-75
Convertible Top (If Equipped)
The following procedures explain the proper operation
of your convertible top.
Lowering Your Convertible Top
NOTICE:
Don't leave your convertible out with the top
down for any long periods of time. The sun and
the rain can damage your seat material and other
things inside your vehicle.
1. It is recommended that you park on a level surface.
Set the parking brake firmly. Shift an automatic
transmission into PARK (P) or a manual
transmission into REVERSE (R).
2. Turn the ignition to ACCESSORY or RUN.
3. Lower both sun visors.
NOTICE:
Raising or lowering the top while the vehicle
is in motion can cause damage to the top or
top mechanism.
NOTICE:
Don't lower the top if it is damp or wet. When
the top is down, trapped water can cause stains,
mildew and damage to the inside of your vehicle.
Be sure to dry off the top before you lower it.

2-80 Raising Your Convertible Top
1. Park on a level surface and set the parking brake
firmly. If you have an automatic transmission, shift
into PARK (P). If you have a manual transmission,
shift into REVERSE (R).
2. Turn the ignition to ACCESSORY or RUN (or RAP
must be active).
3. Lower both sun visors and lower both windows at
least 3 inches (8 cm). If the boot cover is in place, it
must be removed first.
NOTICE:
Raising or lowering the top while the vehicle is in
motion can cause serious damage to the top or
top mechanism.
4. Push and hold the
up arrow on the top
part of the convertible
TOP switch.
5. Pull down on the latches and align the top so the pins
are aligned with the holes in the windshield header.

2-83
The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Vents
B. Exterior Lamp Control
C. Instrument Panel Cluster
D. Horn
E. Fog Lamp Switch (Option)
F. Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR) Button (Option)
G. Audio System
H. Comfort Control System
I. Glove Box
J. Remote Hatch Release (If Equipped)K. Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)
L. Rear Window Defogger Button
M. Convertible Top Switch (If Equipped)
N. Ashtray
O. Shift Lever (Automatic Transmission Shown)
P. Cupholders
Q. Storage Console
R. Parking Brake Lever
S. Cigarette Lighter
T. Accessory Power Outlet

2-89
If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the floor.
It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the
vehicle towed for service. See ªTowing Your Vehicleº in
the Index.
CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working properly
if the brake system warning light is on. Driving
with the brake system warning light on can lead
to an accident. If the light is still on after you've
pulled off the road and stopped carefully, have
the vehicle towed for service.
When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will also come on when you set your parking brake. The
light will stay on if your parking brake doesn't release
fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is fully
released, it means you have a brake problem.
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
United States Canada
With the anti
-lock brake system, the light will come on
when your engine is started and may stay on for several
seconds. That's normal.
If the anti
-lock brake system warning light stays on longer
than normal after you've started your engine, turn the
ignition off. Or, if the light comes on and stays on when
you're driving, stop as soon as possible and turn the
ignition off. Then start the engine again to reset the
system. If the light still stays on, or comes on again while
you're driving, your vehicle needs service. If the light is
on and the regular brake system warning light isn't on, you
still have brakes, but you don't have anti
-lock brakes.
The anti
-lock brake system warning light should come
on briefly when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the
light doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.

4-38 Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you don't shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much
that they would get hot and no longer work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce your
speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce the
possibility of engine and transmission overheating.
If you are towing a trailer and you have an automatic
transmission with overdrive, you may prefer to drive in
DRIVE (D) instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (
)
or, as you need to, a lower gear. Or, if you have a
manual transmission with FIFTH (5) gear and you are
towing a trailer, it is better not to use FIFTH (5) gear.
Just drive in FOURTH (4) or, as you need to, a lower
gear. If you have a manual transmission with SIXTH (6)
gear, drive in FIFTH (5) or, as you need to, a lower gear.
Parking on Hills
CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle, with
a trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People can
be injured, and both your vehicle and the trailer
can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill,
here's how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don't shift into
PARK (P) yet, or into gear for a manual transmission.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your parking
brake and then shift to PARK (P) or REVERSE (R)
for a manual transmission.
5. Release the regular brakes.

4-39 When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:

start your engine,

shift into a gear, and

release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you're
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for
more on this. Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic transmission fluid
(don't overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, drive belts,
cooling system and brake system. Each of these is
covered in this manual, and the Index will help you
find them quickly. If you're trailering, it's a good idea
to review this information before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and
bolts are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. See ªEngine Overheatingº
in the Index.