check engine CHEVROLET CAMARO 2021 Owner's Guide

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 10/1/20
242 Vehicle Care
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 0244.
.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 0238 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 0318.

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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244 Vehicle Care
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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Vehicle Care 245
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 97.
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) 097.
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 0330.
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 0313. Change the fluid and filter at the intervals
listed in
Maintenance Schedule 0304, and
be sure to use the fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0313.
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 0313
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.

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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246 Vehicle Care
When to Check and What to Use
The brake/hydraulic clutch fluid reservoir cap
has this symbol on it. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview 0238 for reservoir
location. The common hydraulic clutch and
brake master cylinder fluid reservoir is filled
with brake fluid as indicated on the reservoir
cap. See Brake Fluid 0254 for brake fluid
to use.
How to Check and Add Fluid
Visually check the brake/clutch fluid
reservoir to make sure the fluid level is at
the MIN (minimum) line on the side of the
reservoir. The brake/hydraulic clutch fluid
system should be closed and sealed.
Do not remove the cap to check the fluid
level or to top-off the fluid level. Remove
the cap only when necessary to add the
proper fluid until the level reaches the
MIN line.
Engine Air Filter Life System (2.0L
LTG and 3.6L LGX Engines Only)
When to Change Engine Air Filter
If equipped, this feature provides an
indication of when to change the engine air
filter. It is based on driving conditions,
which can cause when to change to vary
greatly. It is possible an air filter change
may not be indicated for up to four years.
When the "Replace at Next Oil Change"
message displays, the engine air filter
should be replaced at the time of the next
engine oil change. When the "Replace
Engine Air Filter Now" message displays, the
engine air filter should be replaced as soon
as possible. Reset the engine air filter life
system after the engine air filter is replaced.
See your dealer for service and to reset the
system.
How to Reset Engine Air Filter Life
System
Reset the system whenever the engine air
filter is replaced so that the system can
calculate the next engine air filter change.
To reset:
1. Place the vehicle in P (Park). 2. Select Engine Air Filter Life on the DIC
menu. See Driver Information Center
(DIC) 097.
3. Press
pto move to the Reset/Disable
display area. Select Reset then press SEL.
Then press Yes to confirm the reset.
4. 100% Air Filter Life will be displayed when the Engine Air Filter Life System is
successfully reset.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
If the vehicle has a 6.2L V8 LT4 engine, see
the Camaro High Performance supplement.
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the engine
compartment on the driver side of the
vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview
0 238 for location.
When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter
.For intervals on changing and inspecting
the engine air filter, see Maintenance
Schedule 0304.
.If equipped with Engine Air Filter Life
System, see Engine Air Filter Life System
(2.0L LTG and 3.6L LGX Engines Only)
0 246.

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Vehicle Care 249
6.2L V8 Engine (LT1)
1. Engine Coolant Surge Tank andPressure Cap
2. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
{Warning
An underhood electric fan can start up
even when the engine is not running and
can cause injury. Keep hands, clothing,
and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
{Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator hoses,
or other engine parts. They can be very
hot and can burn you. Do not run the
engine if there is a leak; all coolant could
leak out. That could cause an engine fire
and can burn you. Fix any leak before
driving the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is filled
with DEX-COOL engine coolant. See
Maintenance Schedule 0304 and
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0313.
The following explains the cooling system
and how to check and add coolant when it
is low. If there is a problem with engine
overheating, see Engine Overheating 0252.
What to Use
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such as
alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. With plain water or
the wrong mixture, the engine could get
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
too hot but there would not be an
overheat warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant. This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection down to −37 °C
(−34 °F), outside temperature
.Gives boiling protection up to 129 °C
(265 °F), engine temperature
.Protects against rust and corrosion
.Will not damage aluminum parts
.Helps keep the proper engine
temperature
Caution
Do not use anything other than a mix of
DEX-COOL coolant that meets GM
Standard GMW3420 and clean, drinkable
water. Anything else can cause damage
to the engine cooling system and the
vehicle, which would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Never dispose of engine coolant by putting
it in the trash, pouring it on the ground,
or into sewers, streams, or bodies of water.

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 10/1/20
250 Vehicle Care
Have the coolant changed by an authorized
service center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used coolant
disposal. This will help protect the
environment and your health.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface when
checking the coolant level.
It is normal to see coolant moving in the
upper coolant hose return line when the
engine is running. It is also normal to see
bubbles entering the surge tank through the
small hose.Check to see if coolant is visible in the
coolant surge tank. If the coolant inside the
coolant surge tank is boiling, do not do
anything else until it cools down.
If coolant is visible but the coolant level is
not at or above the cold fill line, add a
50/50 mixture of clean drinkable water and
DEX-COOL coolant.
Be sure the cooling system is cool before
this is done.
It is normal for the coolant level in the
bottom chamber to rise and fall with
operating temperature and ambient
conditions. Coolant will evaporate from the
bottom chamber in normal operation. This
will happen faster when the vehicle is driven
for long periods in hot, dry conditions.
If no coolant is visible in the coolant surge
tank, add coolant as follows:
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
If no problem is found, check to see if
coolant is visible in the coolant surge tank.
If coolant is visible but the coolant level is
not at the bottom of the fill neck, add a 50/
50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL coolant at the coolant surge tank,but be sure the cooling system, including
the coolant surge tank pressure cap, is cool
before you do it.
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot
cooling system are under pressure.
Turning the pressure cap, even a little,
can cause them to come out at high
speed and you could be burned. Never
turn the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot. Wait
for the cooling system and pressure cap
to cool.
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such as
alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. With plain water or
the wrong mixture, the engine could get
too hot but there would not be an
overheat warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be burned.

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 251
{Warning
Spilling coolant on hot engine parts can
burn you. Coolant contains ethylene
glycol and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough.
Caution
Failure to follow the specific coolant fill
procedure could cause the engine to
overheat and could cause system
damage. If coolant is not visible in the
surge tank, contact your dealer.
1. Remove the coolant surge tank pressurecap from the top chamber when the
cooling system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap and upper
radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise. If you hear a hiss, wait
for that to stop. This will allow any
pressure still left to be vented out the
discharge hose.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap slowly and remove it. Open the surge tank service
port cap to the lower chamber.3. Fill the surge tank top chamber with theproper mixture to the bottom of the fill
neck. The top chamber needs to be
completely full. Fill the surge tank
bottom chamber through the service port
to approximately half. 4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap
off and the surge tank service port cap
open, start the engine and let it run
until you can feel the upper radiator
hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level inside the
coolant surge tank top chamber may be
lower. If the level is lower, add more of
the proper mixture to the surge tank top
chamber until the level reaches the
bottom of the fill neck.
5. Replace the surge tank pressure cap tightly and close the surge tank service
port cap.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and
tightly secured.
Check the level in the surge tank top and
bottom chambers when the cooling system
has cooled down. If the coolant is not at the
proper levels, repeat Steps 1–3 and reinstall
the pressure cap and close the service port.

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252 Vehicle Care
If the coolant still is not at the proper levels
when the system cools down again, see
your dealer.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators to warn of
the engine overheating.
There is an engine coolant temperature
gauge on the instrument cluster. SeeEngine
Coolant Temperature Gauge 088. The
vehicle may also display a message on the
Driver Information Center (DIC).
If the decision is made not to lift the hood
when this warning appears, get service help
right away. See Roadside Assistance Program
0 326.
If the decision is made to lift the hood,
make sure the vehicle is parked on a level
surface.
Then check to see if the engine cooling fan
is running. If the engine is overheating, the
fan should be running. If it is not, do not
continue to run the engine. Have the vehicle
serviced.
Caution
Do not run the engine if there is a leak
in the engine cooling system. This can
cause a loss of all coolant and can
damage the system and vehicle. Have
any leaks fixed right away.
If Steam Is Coming from the Engine
Compartment
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot
cooling system are under pressure.
Turning the pressure cap, even a little,
can cause them to come out at high
speed and you could be burned. Never
turn the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot. Wait
for the cooling system and pressure cap
to cool.
If Steam Is Coming from the Engine
Compartment with no Overheat Warning
The hood extractor, if equipped, is
functional. It will allow water from rain and
car washes to enter the engine
compartment and contact hot surfaces. If steam is coming from the hood extractor
with no accompanying overheat warning, no
service is needed.
If No Steam Is Coming from the Engine
Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is displayed
but no steam can be seen or heard, the
problem may not be too serious. Sometimes
the engine can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day
.Stops after high-speed driving
.Idles for long periods in traffic
If the overheat warning is displayed with no
sign of steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the highest fan
speed. Open the windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral) for
an automatic transmission or Neutral for
a manual transmission, and let the
engine idle.
If the engine coolant temperature gauge is
no longer in the overheated area, the
vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive the

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Vehicle Care 253
vehicle slowly for about 10 minutes. Keep a
safe vehicle distance from the vehicle in
front. If the warning does not come back on,
continue to drive normally and have the
cooling system checked for proper fill and
function.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and
park the vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine
for three minutes while parked. If the
warning is still displayed, turn off the
engine until it cools down.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid is needed, be
sure to read the manufacturer's instructions
before use. If operating the vehicle in an
area where the temperature can fall below
freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer symbol on it.
Add washer fluid until the reservoir is full.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview 0238 for
reservoir location.
Caution
.Do not use washer fluid that contains
any type of water repellent coating.
This can cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
.Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze)
in the windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield washer system
and paint.
.Do not mix water with ready-to-use
washer fluid. Water can cause the
solution to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other parts of
the washer system.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer instructions
for adding water.
.Fill the washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it is very cold.
This allows for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could damage
the tank if it is completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake linings have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake linings are worn and
new linings are needed. The sound can come
and go or can be heard all the time when
the vehicle is moving, except when applying
the brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound means
that soon the brakes will not work well.
That could lead to a crash. When the
brake wear warning sound is heard, have
the vehicle serviced.

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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254 Vehicle Care
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
linings could result in costly brake
repairs.
Some driving conditions or climates can
cause a brake squeal when the brakes are
first applied, clearing up following several
applies. This does not mean something is
wrong with the brakes.
If equipped with high performance brake
linings, there could be an increased build-up
of brake dust as well as minor noises as
compared to standard brake linings.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary
to help prevent brake pulsation. When tires
are rotated, inspect brake linings for wear
and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the proper
sequence to torque specifications. See
Capacities and Specifications 0318.
Brake pads should be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not
return to normal height, or if there is a
rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be
a sign that brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts with
new, approved replacement parts. If this is
not done, the brakes may not work
properly. The braking performance can
change in many ways if the wrong brake
parts are installed or if parts are improperly
installed.
High Performance Brake Lining Cold
Weather Performance
If equipped with high performance brake
components, binding or clunking may be
noticeable when first moving the vehicle
after parking in cold weather when the
brakes have been wet, such as when driving
in the rain or after a car wash. This is
normal for brakes with high friction linings
and does not affect the operation of the
brakes. Apply the brakes several times until
the binding or clunking stops. If the vehicle
is washed before long term storage, drive it
and apply the brakes several times to
thoroughly dry the brakes before storing.
Brake Fluid
The brake/clutch master cylinder reservoir is
filled with GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid
as indicated on the reservoir cap. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0238 for the
location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
Place the vehicle in P (Park) or Neutral with
the parking brake applied if equipped with a
manual transmission. On a level surface, the
brake fluid level should be between the
minimum and maximum marks on the brake
fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake
fluid level in the reservoir may go down:
.Normal brake lining wear. When new
linings are installed, the fluid level goes
back up.