CHEVROLET CAMARO SS 2010 Owners Manual

Notice:Using coolant other
than DEX-COOL®can cause
premature engine, heater core,
or radiator corrosion. In addition,
the engine coolant could require
changing sooner, at 50 000 km
(30,000 miles) or 24 months,
whichever occurs rst. Any
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant
in the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle
is filled with DEX-COOL®engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in the vehicle for five years
or 240 000 km (150,000 miles),
whichever occurs first.
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,
seeEngine Overheating on
page 9-24.
What to Use
{WARNING
Adding only plain water to the
cooling system can be dangerous.
Plain water, or some other liquid
such as alcohol, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The vehicle’s coolant warning
system is set for the proper
coolant mixture. With plain water
or the wrong mixture, the engine
could get too hot but you would
not get the 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.Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®
coolant. If using this mixture,
nothing else needs to be added.
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.
Notice:If an improper coolant
mixture is used, the engine could
overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Too much water in the mixture
can freeze and crack the engine,
radiator, heater core, and other
parts.
Vehicle Care 9-19

Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
Check coolant as follows:
1. Turn the ignition OFF.
2. Locate the coolant recovery
bottle. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 9-6.
3. Turn the coolant dipstick cap
counterclockwise and slowly
pull out the dipstick.4. There are maximum and
minimum markings on the
dipstick. When the engine is
cold, the coolant level should
be at or above the MIN mark on
the dipstick. After the vehicle has
been driven and the engine is at
normal operating temperature,
the level should be somewhere
between half full and the
maximum mark.
5. If the coolant level is correct,
replace the dipstick and turn
the cap clockwise to secure.
How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Recovery Bottle
{WARNING
You can be burned if you spill
coolant on hot engine parts.
Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.
Notice:This vehicle has a
specic coolant ll procedure.
Failure to follow this procedure
could cause the engine to
overheat and be severely
damaged.
Notice:If an improper coolant
mixture is used, the engine could
overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Too much water in the mixture
can freeze and crack the engine,
radiator, heater core, and other
parts.
9-20 Vehicle Care

Add coolant as follows:
1. Turn the coolant overflow bottle
dipstick cap counterclockwise
and slowly pull out the dipstick.
2. Pour the coolant into the coolant
recovery bottle.
3. When the level is correct,
replace the dipstick and turn
the cap clockwise to secure.
How to Add Coolant to the
Radiator
{WARNING
You can be burned if you spill
coolant on hot engine parts.
Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.Notice:This vehicle has a
specic coolant ll procedure.
Failure to follow this procedure
could cause the engine to
overheat and be severely
damaged.
{WARNING
An electric engine cooling fan
under the hood 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
Steam and scalding liquids from
a hot cooling system can blow
out and burn you badly. They are
under pressure, and if you turn the
surge tank pressure cap — even a
little — they can come out at high
speed. Never turn the cap when
the cooling system, including the
surge tank pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
surge tank pressure cap to cool
if you ever have to turn the
pressure cap.
If coolant is needed, add the proper
mixture directly to the radiator,
but be sure the cooling system
is cool before this is done.
Vehicle Care 9-21

If no coolant is visible in the coolant
overflow bottle, add coolant as
follows:
3.6 L V6 Engine Fill Procedure
1. Locate the radiator cap.
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 9-6.
2. Remove engine cover to access
the radiator cap. SeeEngine
Cover on page 9-9.
3. Cover the radiator cap with a
thick cloth and turn it slowly
counterclockwise and remove.
4. If there is no coolant visible or
the level is low, slowly fill the
system through the radiator cap
opening with a 50/50 mixture
of DEX-COOL
®and clean
drinkable water.Wait 30 seconds for coolant to
settle and continue filling if
the level drops.
Do not spill coolant on the
accessory drive belts.
If a spill occurs, rinse the belt
with fresh water.
5. Start the engine.
6. With the engine idling, continue
to add coolant through the
radiator cap opening until full.
Wait 30 seconds for the coolant
to settle and top off, if the level
drops.
7. Once the system is full, put the
radiator cap back on by turning
clockwise.
8. With the engine still running,
raise the engine to 2500 RPM
for 30–40 seconds.
9. Turn the engine OFF.
10. Repeat steps 2–7 then turn the
engine off.11. Allow engine to cool for
45 minutes. Top off coolant
through the radiator cap
opening and re-install the
radiator cap.
12. Re-install the engine cover.
SeeEngine Cover on
page 9-9.
13. Check the coolant level in the
coolant recovery bottle and fill
it until the level is at the top
symbol on the dipstick.
9-22 Vehicle Care

6.2 L V8 Engine Fill Procedure
1. Locate the radiator cap.
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 9-6.
2. Cover the radiator cap with a
thick cloth and turn it slowly
counterclockwise and remove.
3. If there is no coolant visible or
the level is low, slowly fill the
system through the radiator cap
opening with a 50/50 mixture
of clean, drinkable water and a
DEX-COOL
®coolant until full.Wait 30 seconds for coolant to
settle and top off if the level
drops.
Do not spill coolant on the
accessory drive belts.
If a spill occurs, rinse the belt
with fresh water.
4. Start the engine.
5. With the engine idling, top off the
coolant through the radiator cap
opening until full.
Wait 30 seconds for the coolant
to settle and top off, if the level
drops.
6. Once the system is full, put the
radiator cap back on by turning
clockwise.
7. Turn the engine OFF.8. Check the coolant level in the
coolant recovery bottle and fill
it until the level is at the top mark
on the dipstick.
Notice:If the pressure cap is
not tightly installed, coolant loss
and possible engine damage
may occur. Be sure the cap is
properly and tightly secured.
Vehicle Care 9-23

Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an indicator to warn
of engine overheating.
There is an engine coolant
temperature warning light on
your vehicle’s instrument panel.
SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Gage on page 4-14.
You may decide not to lift the hood
when this warning appears, but
instead get service help right away.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program
on page 12-6.
If you do decide to lift the hood,
make sure the vehicle is parked
on a level surface.Then check to see if the engine
cooling fans are running. If the
engine is overheating, both fans
should be running. If they are
not, do not continue to run the
engine and have the vehicle
serviced.
Notice:Engine damage from
running the engine without
coolant is not covered by the
warranty.
Notice:If the engine catches
re because of being driven with
no coolant, your vehicle can be
badly damaged. The costly repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
If Steam Is Coming From The
Engine Compartment
{WARNING
Steam from an overheated engine
can burn you badly, even if you
just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Just turn it
off and get everyone away from
the vehicle until it cools down. Wait
until there is no sign of steam or
coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when your
engine is overheated, the liquids
in it can catch fire. You or others
could be badly burned. Stop your
engine if it overheats, and get out
of the vehicle until the engine
is cool.
9-24 Vehicle Care

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.
•Tows a trailer.
If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam:
1. Turn the air off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest
temperature and to the highest
fan speed. Open the windows
as necessary.3. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle
in N (Neutral) while stopped. If it
is safe to do so, pull off the road,
shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral) and
let the engine idle.
If the temperature overheat gage is
no longer in the overheat zone or an
overheat warning no longer displays,
the vehicle can be driven. Continue
to drive the vehicle slow for about
10 minutes. Keep a safe vehicle
distance from the car in front of you.
If the warning does not come back
on, continue to drive normally.
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. Also, see “Overheated
Engine Protection Operating Mode”
later in this section.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid reservoir is
located under the engine cover on
the driver side toward the front of the
engine compartment. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 9-6.
When to Check Power
Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless
you suspect there is a leak in
the system or an unusual noise is
heard. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
Vehicle Care 9-25

How to Check Power Steering
Fluid
Check the level after the vehicle
has been driven for at least
twenty minutes so the fluid
is warm.
To check the power steering fluid:
1. Turn the ignition key to
LOCK/OFF and let the engine
compartment cool down.
2. Remove the engine cover. Refer
toEngine Cover on page 9-9.
3. Wipe the cap and the top of the
reservoir clean.
4. Turn the cap counterclockwise
and pull it straight up.
5. Wipe the dipstick with a
clean rag.6. Replace the cap and completely
tighten it.
7. Remove the cap again and look
at the fluid level on the dipstick.
When the engine is hot, the
level should be at the hot MAX
level. When the engine is
cold, the fluid level should be
between MIN and MAX on
the dipstick.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to
use, seeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 10-7. Always
use the proper fluid.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid
is needed, be sure to read the
manufacturer’s instructions before
use. If operating 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 on page 9-6
for reservoir location.
9-26 Vehicle Care

Notice:
When using concentrated
washer uid, follow the
manufacturer’s instructions
for adding water.
Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer uid.
Water can cause the solution
to freeze and damage your
washer uid tank and other
parts of the washer system.
Also, water does not clean
as well as washer uid.
Fill the washer uid tank only
three-quarters full when it is
very cold. This allows for uid
expansion if freezing occurs,
which could damage the tank
if it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in your windshield
washer. It can damage the
vehicle’s windshield washer
system and paint.
Brakes
This vehicle has 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 can come and go or be
heard all the time 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
an accident. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with
worn-out brake pads could result
in costly brake repair.Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when
the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications inCapacities and
Specications on page 11-2.
Brake linings should always be
replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer 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 might be required.
Vehicle Care 9-27

Brake Adjustment
Every time the brakes are applied,
with or without the vehicle moving,
the brakes adjust for wear.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is
complex. Its many parts have to be
of top quality and work well together
if the vehicle is to have really good
braking. The vehicle was designed
and tested with top-quality brake
parts. When parts of the braking
system are replaced, be sure to get
new, approved replacement parts.
If this is not done, the brakes might
not work properly. For example,
installing disc brake pads that are
wrong for the vehicle, can change
the balance between the front
and rear brakes —for the worse.
The braking performance expected
can change in many other ways if
the wrong replacement brake parts
are installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake/clutch master cylinder
reservoir is filled with DOT 3 brake
fluid as indicated on the reservoir
cap. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 9-6for the
location of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why
the fluid level in the reservoir might
go down:
•The fluid level goes down
because of normal brake lining
wear. When new linings are
installed, the fluid level goes
back up.
•A fluid leak in the brake/clutch
hydraulic system can also cause
a low fluid level. Have the
brake/clutch hydraulic system
fixed, since a leak means that
sooner or later the brakes and/or
clutch will not work well.Do not top off the brake/clutch fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are installed.
Add or remove brake fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done
on the brake/clutch hydraulic system.
{WARNING
If too much brake fluid is added,
it can spill on the engine and
burn, if the engine is hot enough.
You or others could be burned,
and the vehicle could be
damaged. Add brake fluid
only when work is done on the
brake/clutch hydraulic system.
When the brake/clutch fluid falls to a
low level, the brake warning light
comes on. SeeBrake System
Warning Light on page 4-22.
9-28 Vehicle Care