Fuel CHEVROLET CAMARO SS 2010 User Guide

Oil Pressure Low – Stop
Engine
This message displays if low oil
pressure levels occur. Stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible
and do not operate it until the cause
of the low oil pressure has been
corrected. Check the oil as soon as
possible and have your vehicle
serviced by your dealer/retailer.
Engine Power Messages
Engine Power Is Reduced
This message displays when the
vehicle’s engine power is reduced.
Reduced engine power can affect the
vehicle’s ability to accelerate. If this
message is on, but there is no
reduction in performance, proceed to
your destination. The performance
may be reduced the next time the
vehicle is driven. The vehicle may
be driven at a reduced speed whilethis message is on, but maximum
acceleration and speed may be
reduced. Anytime this message
stays on, the vehicle should be taken
to your dealer/retailer for service as
soon as possible.
Fuel System Messages
Fuel Level Low
This message displays when the
vehicle is low on fuel. Refuel
as soon as possible
Tighten Gas Cap
This message displays when the
fuel cap is not on tight. Tighten the
fuel cap.
Change Fuel Filter
This message displays when the
fuel needs to be replaced. Take the
vehicle to your dealer/retailer for
service.
Key and Lock Messages
Number Of Keys Programmed
This message displays when
programming new keys to the
vehicle.
Replace Battery In Remote Key
This message displays when the
battery in the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter needs to be
replaced.
Lamp Messages
Automatic Light Control On
This message is displayed when the
automatic light control has been
turned on. SeeAutomatic Headlamp
System on page 5-3.
Instruments and Controls 4-33

Driving and
Operating
Driving InformationDriving for Better Fuel
Economy............................8-2
Defensive Driving..................8-2
Drunk Driving.......................8-3
Control of a Vehicle...............8-3
Braking................................8-4
Steering...............................8-5
Off-Road Recovery................8-6
Loss of Control.....................8-6
Competitive Driving................8-7
Driving on Wet Roads............8-8
Highway Hypnosis.................8-9
Hill and Mountain Roads........8-9
Winter Driving.....................8-10
If the Vehicle is Stuck..........8-11
Vehicle Load Limits..............8-12
Starting and OperatingNew Vehicle Break-In...........8-16
Ignition Positions.................8-17
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP).....................8-19
Starting the Engine..............8-19Engine Heater.....................8-20
Shifting Into Park.................8-21
Shifting Out of Park.............8-22
Parking..............................8-24
Parking Over Things
That Burn.........................8-24
Active Fuel Management™. . . .8-25
Engine ExhaustEngine Exhaust...................8-25
Running the Vehicle While
Parked.............................8-26
Automatic TransmissionAutomatic Transmission........8-26
Manual Mode......................8-29
Manual TransmissionManual Transmission...........8-30
BrakesAntilock Brake
System (ABS)...................8-31
Parking Brake.....................8-32
Brake Assist.......................8-33
Ride Control SystemsTraction Control
System (TCS)...................8-34
StabiliTrak System...............8-36
Competitive
Driving Mode.....................8-37
Limited-Slip Rear Axle..........8-38
Cruise ControlCruise Control.....................8-38
Object Detection SystemsUltrasonic Parking Assist......8-41
FuelFuel...................................8-43
Recommended Fuel.............8-44
Gasoline Specifications.........8-44
California Fuel
Requirements....................8-45
Fuels in Foreign Countries.....8-45
Fuel Additives.....................8-45
Filling the Tank...................8-46
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container..........................8-48
TowingGeneral Towing Information. . . .8-48
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips......................8-49
Trailer Towing.....................8-53
Towing Equipment...............8-55
Conversions and Add-OnsAdd-On Electrical
Equipment........................8-55
Driving and Operating 8-1

Driving Information
Driving for Better
Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving tips
to get the best fuel economy
possible.
•Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
•Brake gradually and avoid abrupt
stops.
•Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
•When road and weather
conditions are appropriate,
use cruise control, if equipped.
•Always follow posted speed limits
or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
•Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.
•Combine several trips into a
single trip.
•Replace the vehicle’s tires with
the same TPC Spec number
molded into the tire’s sidewall
near the size.
•Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always
expect the unexpected.” The first
step in driving defensively is to wear
your safety belt, seeSafety Belts on
page 2-6.
{WARNING
Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and other
drivers) are going to be careless
and make mistakes. Anticipate
what they might do and be ready.
In addition:
•Allow enough following
distance between you and
the driver in front of you.
•Focus on the task of driving.
Driver distraction can cause
collisions resulting in injury or
possible death. These simple
defensive driving techniques
could save your life.
8-2 Driving and Operating

WARNING (Continued)
•Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument panel.
•Adjust the Climate Control
system to a setting that
circulates the air inside
the vehicle and set the fan
speed to the highest setting.
See Climate Control System
in the Index.
For more information about carbon
monoxide, seeEngine Exhaust on
page 8-25.
Snow can trap exhaust gases
under your vehicle. This can cause
deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas
to get inside. CO could overcome
you and kill you. You cannot see it
or smell it, so you might not know
it is in your vehicle. Clear away
snow from around the base of
your vehicle, especially any that
is blocking the exhaust.Run the engine for short periods
only as needed to keep warm,
but be careful.
To save fuel, run the engine for only
short periods as needed to warm the
vehicle and then shut the engine off
and close the window most of the
way to save heat. Repeat this until
help arrives but only when you feel
really uncomfortable from the cold.
Moving about to keep warm also
helps.
If it takes some time for help to
arrive, now and then when you run
the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs
faster than the idle speed. This
keeps the battery charged to restart
the vehicle and to signal for help with
the headlamps. Do this as little as
possible to save fuel.
If the Vehicle is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the
wheels to free the vehicle when
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn
the traction system off and use
the rocking method.
{WARNING
If you let your vehicle’s tires spin
at high speed, they can explode,
and you or others could be injured.
The vehicle can overheat, causing
an engine compartment fire or
other damage. Spin the wheels as
little as possible and avoid going
above 55 km/h (35 mph) as shown
on the speedometer.
For information about using tire
chains on the vehicle, seeTire
Chains on page 9-68.
Driving and Operating 8-11

A.Vehicle Capacity Weight
for Example 3=453 kg
(1,000 lbs).
B.Subtract Occupant Weight
91 kg (200 lbs)×5=453 kg
(1,000 lbs).
C.Available Cargo
Weight=0 kg (0 lbs).
Refer to the vehicle’s Tire and
Loading Information label for
specific information about the
vehicle’s capacity weight andseating positions. The combined
weight of the driver, passengers,
and cargo should never exceed
the vehicle’s capacity weight.
Certication Label
A vehicle specific Certification
label is attached to the driver side
center pillar. The label tells you
the gross weight capacity of the
vehicle, called the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR).The GVWR includes the weight
of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel,
and cargo. Never exceed the
GVWR for the vehicle, or the
Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) for either the front
or rear axle.
And, if you do have a heavy
load, you should spread it out.
See “Steps for Determining
Correct Load Limit” earlier in
this section.
{WARNING
Do not load the vehicle any
heavier than the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR), or
either the maximum front or
rear Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR). If you do, parts on
the vehicle can break, and it
can change the way your
vehicle handles. These could
cause you to lose control and
crash. Also, overloading can
shorten the life of the vehicle.
Example 3
Label Example
Driving and Operating 8-15

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.
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 rst 2 414 km/1,500 miles.
To break in new tires, drive at
moderate speeds and avoid
hard cornering for the rst
322 km/200 miles. 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 rst
322 km/200 miles. 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.
Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has four different
positions.
Notice:Using a tool to force the
key to turn in the ignition could
cause damage to the switch or
break the key. Use the correct key,
make sure it is all the way in, and
turn it only with your hand. If the
key cannot be turned by hand,
see your dealer/retailer.
To shift out of P (Park), turn the
ignition to ON/RUN and apply
the brake pedal.
Driving and Operating 8-17

To prevent gear damage, this
system also prevents cranking if
the engine is already running.
Engine cranking can be stopped
by turning the ignition switch
to ACC/ACCESSORY or
LOCK/OFF.
Notice:Cranking the engine for
long periods of time, by returning
the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start
after 5-10 seconds, especially in
very cold weather (below 0°F or
−18°C), it could be flooded with
too much gasoline. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and holding it there as
you hold the key in START for a
maximum of 15 seconds. Wait atleast 15 seconds between each
try, to allow the cranking motor to
cool. When the engine starts, let
go of the key and accelerator.
If the vehicle starts briefly but
then stops again, repeat the
procedure. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine. Do not
race the engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the engine and
transmission gently until the oil
warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.
Notice:The engine is designed
to work with the electronics in the
vehicle. If you add electrical parts
or accessories, you could change
the way the engine operates.
Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your
dealer/retailer. If you do not,
the engine might not perform
properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.Engine Heater
The engine coolant heater, if
available, can help in cold weather
conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C)
for easier starting and better fuel
economy during engine warm-up.
Plug in the coolant heater at least
four hours before starting the vehicle.
An internal thermostat in the
plug-end of the cord will prevent
engine coolant heater operation at
temperatures above 0°F (−18°C).
8-20 Driving and Operating

Active Fuel
Management™
Vehicles with V8 engines and an
automatic transmission have Active
Fuel Management™. This system
allows the engine to operate on
either all or half of its cylinders,
depending on the driving conditions.
When less power is required, such
as cruising at a constant vehicle
speed, the system will operate in
the half cylinder mode, allowing
the vehicle to achieve better fuel
economy. When greater power
demands are required, such as
accelerating from a stop, passing, or
merging onto a freeway, the system
will maintain full-cylinder operation.
Engine Exhaust
{WARNING
Engine exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which cannot be
seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and
even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
•The vehicle idles in areas
with poor ventilation (parking
garages, tunnels, deep snow
that may block underbody
airflow or tail pipes).
•The exhaust smells or
sounds strange or different.
•The exhaust system leaks
due to corrosion or damage.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
•The vehicle’s exhaust system
has been modified, damaged
or improperly repaired.
•There are holes or openings
in the vehicle body from
damage or after-market
modifications that are not
completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or
if it is suspected that exhaust is
coming into the vehicle:
•Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
•Have the vehicle repaired
immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed
area such as a garage or a
building that has no fresh air
ventilation.
Driving and Operating 8-25

D (Drive):This position is for
normal driving. It provides the
best fuel economy. If more power
is needed for passing, and the
vehicle is:
•Going less than 35 mph
(56 km/h), push the accelerator
pedal about halfway down.
•Going about 35 mph (56 km/h) or
more, push the accelerator all the
way down.
Powertrain Braking
(V8 and V6 Engines)
When driving on steep descents
in D (Drive) or M (Manual Mode)
where frequent braking is required,
the transmission will shift down a
gear to help hold vehicle speed and
reduce brake wear. If the driver
continues to press the brake, the
transmission will downshift until
3 (Third) gear is reached.
If the brake is released for some
time, the transmission will upshift a
gear. If the road levels out and theaccelerator pedal is pressed, the
transmission will upshift until the
appropriate gear is reached.
4 (Fourth) Gear Hold (V6 Engine)
If, during highway driving, you
wish to pass another vehicle, but
then change your mind (quickly
pushing the accelerator pedal
all the way to the floor and then
immediately releasing the pedal),
the transmission will shift to a lower
gear and then upshift to 4 (Fourth).
This leaves the transmission
prepared with increased
responsiveness for additional driver
input. The passing maneuver can
then be resumed from 4 (Fourth)
gear, or 4 (Fourth) gear hold can
be canceled by lightly pressing
on the accelerator pedal.
Notice:If the vehicle seems
to accelerate slowly or not shift
gears when you go faster, and you
continue to drive the vehicle that
way, you could damage the
transmission. Have the vehicle
serviced right away.M (Manual Mode):This position
engages Sport Mode and allows
the driver to select the range
of gears appropriate for current
driving conditions.
In M (Manual Mode) the
transmission will shift as an
automatic until the Tap Shift
controls are used. Tap Shift
activates driver manual gear
selection.
While driving in M (Manual Mode),
if Tap Shift has not been activated,
the transmission determines when
the vehicle is being driven in a
competitive manner and will select
and hold the transmission in lower
gears and have more noticeable
upshifts for sportier vehicle
performance.
SeeManual Mode on page 8-29
for more information.
8-28 Driving and Operating

One to Four Shift Light
Message (V8 Only)
When this message comes on,
you can only shift from 1 (First) to
4 (Fourth) instead of 1 (First) to
2 (Second). The message will be
displayed in the Driver Information
Center.You must complete the shift into
4 (Fourth) to turn off this feature.
This helps you get the best possible
fuel economy.
After shifting to 4 (Fourth), you may
downshift to a lower gear if you
prefer.
Notice:Forcing the shift lever
into any gear except 4 (Fourth)
when the 1 TO 4 SHIFT message
comes on may damage the
transmission. Shift only from
1 (First) to 4 (Fourth) when the
message comes on.
This message will come on when:•The engine coolant temperature
is higher than 76°C (169°F),
•The vehicle is going 24 to
31 km/h (15 to 19 mph) and
•The vehicle is at 21 percent
throttle or less.
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has the Antilock
Brake System (ABS), an advanced
electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
When the engine is started and the
vehicle begins to drive away, ABS
checks itself. A momentary motor or
clicking noise might be heard while
this test is going on, and it might
even be noticed that the brake pedal
moves a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
on page 4-23. Driver Information Center
Driving and Operating 8-31