automatic transmission CHEVROLET CAMARO 2020 Get To Know Guide

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13556304) - 2020 - CRC - 9/3/19
184 Driving and Operating
P :This position locks the drive
wheels. Use P (Park) when starting
the engine because the vehicle
cannot move easily.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park).
See Shifting Into Park 0180.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in
P (Park) before starting the engine.
The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control
system. The regular brake must be
fully applied first and then the shift lever button must be pressed before
shifting from P (Park) when the
ignition is on. If you cannot shift out
of P (Park), ease pressure on the
shift lever, then push the shift lever
all the way into P (Park) as you
maintain brake application. Then
press the shift lever button and
move the shift lever into another
gear. See
Shifting out of Park 0180.
R : Use this gear to back up.
Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the
vehicle is moving forward could
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice, or sand without
damaging the transmission, see If
the Vehicle Is Stuck 0169. N :
In this position, the engine does
not connect with the wheels. To
restart the engine when the vehicle
is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift
into a drive gear while the engine
is running at high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
(Continued)

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13556304) - 2020 - CRC - 9/3/19
Driving and Operating 185
Caution (Continued)
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.
Caution
A transmission hot message may
display if the automatic
transmission fluid is too hot.
Driving under this condition can
damage the vehicle. Stop and idle
the engine to cool the automatic
transmission fluid. This message
clears when the transmission fluid
has cooled sufficiently.
D : This position is for normal
driving. If more power is needed for
passing, press the accelerator
pedal down.
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
heavy throttle 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.

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13556304) - 2020 - CRC - 9/3/19
186 Driving and Operating
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.
The transmission will only allow you
to shift into gears appropriate for the
vehicle speed and engine
revolutions per minute (rpm). The
transmission will not automatically
shift to the next lower gear if the
engine rpm is too high, nor to the
next higher gear when the maximum
engine rpm is reached. While in the DSC mode, the
transmission will automatically
downshift as the vehicle comes to a
stop. This will allow for more power
during take-off.
Tap Shift
Tap Shift allows you to manually
control the automatic transmission.
To use Tap Shift, the shift lever must
be in DSC mode. Vehicles with this
feature have indicators on the
steering wheel. The paddles are on
the back of the steering wheel. Tap
the left paddle (−) to downshift, and
the right paddle (+) to upshift. The

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13556304) - 2020 - CRC - 9/3/19
Driving and Operating 187
Driver Information Center (DIC)
display indicates the gear the
vehicle is in.
Holding the left paddle for an
extended time will downshift the
transmission to the lowest
available gear.
While in Manual Mode, the
transmission will prevent shifting to
a lower gear if the engine speed is
too high. If the tap down−(Minus)
paddle is held while the vehicle
slows down, the M in the DIC will
flash, and the downshift will be
allowed when vehicle speed is low
enough. Continuing to hold the tap
down −(Minus) paddle will not
cause the transmission to continue
downshifting. Each downshift must
be requested separately by
releasing and reapplying the tap
down −(Minus) paddle.
Head-Up Display (HUD)
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.
See
Head-Up Display (HUD) 0120.
Temporary Tap Shift Mode allows
brief entry into Tap Shift Mode while
in D (Drive). Tapping either the
upshift or downshift control will
place the transmission in Tap Shift
Mode. Exit Tap Shift Mode by
holding the upshift control for
two seconds. The system will return
to automatic shifting after
seven seconds of driving at a
steady speed, or when the vehicle
comes to a stop.
This may be used for sport driving
or when climbing or descending
hills, to stay in gear longer, or to
downshift for more power or engine
braking. The transmission will only
allow you to shift into gears
appropriate for the vehicle speed
and engine revolutions per minute
(rpm). The transmission will not
automatically shift to the next higher gear if the engine rpm is too high.
If shifting is prevented for any
reason, the gear displayed in the
DIC will blink several times,
indicating that the transmission has
not shifted gears. While in the Tap
Shift Mode, the transmission will not
automatically downshift on hard
acceleration.

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13556304) - 2020 - CRC - 9/3/19
Driving and Operating 193
If the8light is on, pull the EPB
switch and hold it. Continue to hold
the switch until the
Yor PARK
light remains on. If the
8light
remains on, see your dealer.
If the EPB is applied while the
vehicle is moving, the vehicle will
decelerate as long as the switch is
pulled. If the switch is pulled until
the vehicle comes to a stop, the
EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply
the EPB in some situations when
the vehicle is not moving. This is
normal, and is done to periodically
check the correct operation of the
EPB system.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the
rear wheels to prevent vehicle
movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:
1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal. 3. Press the EPB switch
momentarily.
The EPB is released when the
Y
or PARK light is off.
If the
8light is on, release the EPB
by pressing and holding the EPB
switch. Continue to hold the switch
until the
Yor PARK light is off.
If either light stays on after release
is attempted, see your dealer.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system
and cause premature wear or
damage to brake system parts.
Make sure that the parking brake
is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if
the vehicle is running, placed into
gear, and an attempt is made to drive away. Avoid rapid acceleration
when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
The EPB can also be used to
prevent roll back for vehicles with a
manual transmission taking off on a
hill. When no roll back is desired, an
applied EPB will allow both feet to
be used for the clutch and
accelerator pedals in preparation for
starting the vehicle moving in the
intended direction. In this case,
there is no need to press the switch
to release the EPB.
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake
pedal applications due to
emergency braking situations and
provides additional braking to
activate the Antilock Brake System
(ABS) if the brake pedal is not
pushed hard enough to activate
ABS normally. Minor noise, brake
pedal pulsation, and/or pedal
movement during this time may
occur. Continue to apply the brake

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13556304) - 2020 - CRC - 9/3/19
196 Driving and Operating
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or
accelerate heavily when TCS is
off. The vehicle driveline could be
damaged.
To turn off only TCS, press and
release
Y. The traction off lighti
displays in the instrument cluster.
To turn TCS on again, press
Y.
The traction off light
idisplayed in
the instrument cluster will turn off.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
Yis pressed, the system will not
turn off until the wheels stop
spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak/
ESC, press and hold
Yuntil the
traction off light
iand StabiliTrak/
ESC OFF light
gcome on and stay
on in the instrument cluster. To turn TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC on
again, press
Y. The traction off
light
iand StabiliTrak/ESC OFF
light
gin the instrument cluster
turn off.
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle performance. See
Accessories and Modifications
0 221.
Engine Drag Control (EDC)
EDC improves vehicle stability by
sensing if there is a difference in
speed between the free rolling front
wheels and the rear drive wheels
that often occurs when the driver
takes their foot off the accelerator
pedal on slippery surfaces (snow,
ice, etc.). When this is detected,
EDC sends more torque to the rear
wheels to make sure all four wheels
are spinning at similar speeds,
making the vehicle more stable.
Driver Mode Control
Driver Mode Control adds a sportier
feel, provide a more comfortable
ride, or assist in different weather conditions or terrain. This system
simultaneously changes the
software calibration of various
sub-systems to optimize driving
performance. Depending on the
option package, available features,
and mode selected, the exhaust,
suspension, steering, and
powertrain will change calibrations
to achieve the desired mode
characteristics. If the vehicle is
equipped with Magnetic Ride
Control, selecting the various Driver
Modes adjusts the ride of the
vehicle to enhance the ride
performance for the road conditions
and the selected mode.
While in the Sport and/or Track
Modes, the vehicle monitors driving
behavior and automatically enables
Performance Shift Features in the
automatic transmission when
spirited driving is detected. These
features maintain lower
transmission gears to increase
available engine braking and
improve acceleration response. The
vehicle will exit these features and

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13556304) - 2020 - CRC - 9/3/19
Driving and Operating 197
return to normal operation after a
short period when no spirited driving
is detected.
Driver Mode Control Switch
The Driver Mode Control has three
or four modes: Tour, Sport, Snow/
Ice, and Track. Press
yorzon
the MODE switch on the center
console to make a mode selection.
Pressing the switch will display the
moding menu in the instrument
cluster with all available ride modes.
Every switch press will select and
activate the next available mode.
When Sport, Snow/Ice, or Track Mode is selected, a unique and
persistent indicator will be displayed
in the instrument cluster.
Tour Mode
Use for normal city and highway
driving to provide a smooth, soft
ride. This setting provides a
balanced setting between comfort
and handling. This is the
standard mode.
Sport Mode
Use where road conditions or
personal preference demand a more
controlled response.
When Sport Mode is selected, the
transmission may downshift to a
lower gear for better performance.
The transmission will continue to
shift automatically but can hold a
lower gear longer than it would in
the Tour Mode based on braking,
throttle input, and vehicle lateral
acceleration. See
Automatic
Transmission 0183. The steering
will change to provide more precise
control. If the vehicle has Magnetic
Ride Control, the suspension will change to provide better cornering
performance. If the vehicle is
equipped with Active Exhaust, the
exhaust valves will open earlier and
more often. Competitive Driving
Mode can be accessed through this
mode by pressing
Yon the
console twice.
This Competitive Driving Mode is
only on SS, 1LE, and ZL1 vehicles.
For example, a vehicle with a
V6 engine and automatic
transmission will have Sport Mode,
but will not be able to access
Competitive Driving Mode.
Snow/Ice Mode
If equipped, use when more traction
is needed during slippery
conditions. The automatic
transmission will upshift normally
when the vehicle is moving. The
acceleration will adjust to help
provide a smoother launch. The
automatic transmission will also shift
differently to assist in maintaining
traction.

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13556304) - 2020 - CRC - 9/3/19
198 Driving and Operating
This feature is not intended for use
when the vehicle is stuck in sand,
mud, ice, snow, or gravel. If the
vehicle becomes stuck, seeIf the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0169.
Track Mode
If equipped, use when maximum
vehicle handling is desired.
When Track Mode is selected, the
transmission may downshift to a
lower gear for better performance.
The automatic transmission and
steering will function similar to
Sport Mode.
The accelerator pedal is adjusted to
give maximum control during the
highest level of spirited driving. The
Magnetic Ride Control will be set to
the optimum level for vehicle
responsiveness. If the vehicle is
equipped with Active Exhaust, the
exhaust valves will open.
Performance Traction Management
(PTM) can be accessed through this
mode by pressing
Yon the
console twice. There are attributes that vary by
mode shown below. Not all vehicles
have all features, depending on the
vehicle options.

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13556304) - 2020 - CRC - 9/3/19
Driving and Operating 199
Modes:SNOW/ICE TOUR
DefaultSPORT TRACK
Throttle Progression Weather Normal Normal Track
Transmission Shift Mode (Automatic Only) Normal Normal SportTrack
Engine Sound Management (if equipped) Stealth TourSport Track
Steering TourTourSport Track
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Competitive Driving Mode/PTM (if
equipped) N/A
N/A Competitive
Driving ModeAvailable PTM Available
Magnetic Ride Control (if equipped) TourTourSport Track
Launch Control (when in Competitive
Driving Mode) N/A
N/AAvailable Available
Throttle Progression
Adjusts throttle sensitivity by
selecting how quickly or slowly the
throttle reacts to input.
Automatic Transmission Shift
Mode (if equipped)
Adjusts from normal operation to
Sport or Track shifting features. Engine Sound Management (if
equipped)
Changes when variable exhaust
valves open or close.
Engine Sound Enhancement
(turbo 4)
Allows the ability to turn Engine
Sound Enhancement off.
Steering
Adjusts from a lighter steering feel
in Tour Mode to reduced assist for
more steering feel.
StabiliTrak/ESC - Competitive
Driving Mode (if equipped)
Available in Sport and Track Modes.

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13556304) - 2020 - CRC - 9/3/19
Driving and Operating 201
This optional handling mode can be
selected by pressing the TCS/
StabiliTrak/ESC button on the
console two times. The appropriate
message displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
When the TCS/StabiliTrak/ESC
button is pressed again, the TCS
and StabiliTrak/ESC systems are
on. The appropriate message
displays briefly in the DIC.
Launch Control
If the vehicle has the LT1 10 speed
transmission, seeTrack Events and
Competitive Driving 0157 for
custom launch control information. A Launch Control feature is
available, within Competitive Driving
Mode, to allow the driver to achieve
high levels of vehicle acceleration in
a straight line. Launch Control is a
form of traction control that
manages tire spin while launching
the vehicle. This feature is intended
for use during closed course race
events where consistent zero to
sixty and quarter mile times are
desirable.
Launch Control is only available
when the following criteria are met:
.
Competitive Driving Mode is
selected.
. The vehicle is not moving.
. The steering wheel is pointing
straight.
Manual Transmissions
. The clutch is pressed to floor
and the vehicle is in
1 (First) gear.
. The accelerator pedal is rapidly
applied to wide open throttle. The Launch Control feature will
initially limit engine speed as the
driver rapidly applies the accelerator
pedal to wide open throttle. Allow
the engine rpm to stabilize.
A smooth, quick release of the
clutch, while maintaining the fully
pressed accelerator pedal, will
manage wheel slip. Complete shifts
are described in
Manual
Transmission 0188.
Automatic Transmissions
. The brake pedal must be firmly
pressed to the floor, equivalent
to a panic brake event.
. The accelerator pedal is rapidly
applied to wide open throttle. (If
the vehicle rolls due to wide
open throttle, release the
throttle, press the brake pedal
more firmly, and re-apply the
accelerator to wide open
throttle.)
After the vehicle is launched, the
system continues in Competitive
Driving Mode.