transmission CHEVROLET CAMARO SS 2010 Owner's Manual

3. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key.
Leaving the Vehicle With the
Engine Running
{WARNING
It can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
The vehicle could move suddenly
if the shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. And, if you leave the
vehicle with the engine running,
it could overheat and even catch
fire. You or others could be injured.
Do not leave the vehicle with the
engine running.
If you have to leave the vehicle
with the engine running, the vehicle
must be in P (Park) and the parking
brake set.
Release the button and check that
the shift lever cannot be moved
out of P (Park).
Torque Lock
Torque lock is when the weight of
the vehicle puts too much force on
the parking pawl in the transmission.
This happens when parking on a hill
and shifting the transmission into
P (Park) is not done properly and
then it is difficult to shift out of
P (Park). To prevent torque lock,
set the parking brake and then
shift into P (Park). To find out how,
see “Shifting Into P (Park)” listed
previously.
If torque lock does occur, the
vehicle may need to be pushed
uphill by another vehicle to relieve
the parking pawl pressure, so
you can shift out of P (Park).
Shifting Out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with an
electronic shift lock release system.
The shift lock release is designed to:
•Prevent ignition key removal
unless the shift lever is in P (Park)
with the shift lever button fully
released.
•Prevent movement of the shift
lever out of P (Park), unless the
ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY and the brake
pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is always
functional except in the case of
an uncharged or low voltage
(less than 9 volt) battery.
8-22 Driving and Operating

If the vehicle has an uncharged
battery or a battery with low voltage,
try charging or jump starting the
battery. SeeJump Starting on
page 9-84
To shift out of P (Park):
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the
desired position.
If still unable to shift out of P (Park):
1. Fully release the shift lever
button.
2. Hold the brake pedal down and
press the shift lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the
desired position.
If the shift lever still cannot be
moved from P (Park), see Shift
Lock Manual Release.Shift Lock Manual Release
The transmission has an electric
park lock called a shift lock manual
release. The key must be in the
ON/RUN position, and the brake
pedal pressed so the transmission
gear selector can be moved from the
P (Park) position. If the battery has
lost power, the selector cannot be
moved from P (Park) unless the shift
lock manual release is disengaged
manually.To access the shift lock manual
release:
1. Apply the park brake.
2. Pull the passenger side console
trim away from the front half of
the console to expose the shifter
mechanism.
Driving and Operating 8-23

3. Remove the retainer and the shift
lock manual release cover.
4. Push and hold the manual
release lever toward the rear
of the vehicle.
5. Press the select button and
move the transmission gear
selector to the N (Neutral)
position.6. Release the lever.
7. After the vehicle has been
moved, align the shift lock
manual release cover plate
and install the retainer so the
automatic transmission can
operate properly.
8. Place the console trim panel in
the original position, aligning
the fasteners on the trim panel
with the slots in the console.
Press in the side trim until
it clicks in place.
The transmission selector locks
if it is moved back to the P (Park)
position.
Parking
If the vehicle has a manual
transmission, before getting out of
the vehicle, move the shift lever into
R (Reverse), and firmly apply the
parking brake. Once the shift lever
has been placed into R (Reverse)
with the clutch pedal pressed in,
turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF,
remove the key and release the
clutch.
If parking on a hill, or if the vehicle
is pulling a trailer, seeDriving
Characteristics and Towing Tips
on page 8-49.
Parking Over Things
That Burn
{WARNING
Things that can burn could
touch hot exhaust parts under
the vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass,
or other things that can burn.
8-24 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

Running the Vehicle
While Parked
It is better not to park with the
engine running. But if you ever have
to, here are some things to know.
{WARNING
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed
area with poor ventilation is
dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust
contains Carbon Monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness
and even death. Never run the
engine in an enclosed area
that has no fresh air ventilation.
For more information, seeEngine
Exhaust on page 8-25.
{WARNING
It can be dangerous to get out
of the vehicle if the automatic
transmission 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 unless you
have to. 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).
Follow the proper steps to be
sure the vehicle will not move.
SeeShifting Into Park on page 8-21.
If parking on a hill and pulling a
trailer, seeDriving Characteristics
and Towing Tips on page 8-49.
Automatic
Transmission
The automatic transmission has a
shift lever located on the console
between the seats.
P (Park):This position locks the
rear wheels. It is the best position
to use when starting the engine
because the vehicle cannot move
easily.
8-26 Driving and Operating

{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 unless you
have to. 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). SeeShifting
Into Park on page 8-21.Ifyou
are pulling a trailer, seeDriving
Characteristics and Towing Tips
on page 8-49.
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 brakemust be fully applied first and then
the shift lever button pressed before
shifting from P (Park) when the
ignition key is in ON/RUN. 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. SeeShifting Out
of Park on page 8-22.
R (Reverse):Use this gear to
back up.
Notice: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,
seeIf the Vehicle is Stuck on
page 8-11.N (Neutral):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. Also, use
N (Neutral) when the vehicle is
being towed.
{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.
Notice: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
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.
Driving and Operating 8-27

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

Manual Mode
Tap Shift
Tap Shift allows the driver to
manually control the automatic
transmission. To use Tap Shift, the
shift lever must be in M (Manual
Mode). Vehicles with this feature
have flags on the top of the steering
wheel to indicate to the driver the
location of the switches on the back
of the steering wheel. Tap the leftswitch to downshift, and the right
switch to upshift. A display in the
Driver Information Center will show
which gear the vehicle is in.
SeeDriver Information Center (DIC)
on page 4-27for more information.
While using the Tap Shift feature,
the vehicle will have firmer, quicker
shifting for increased performance.
You can use this for sport driving or
when climbing or descending hills, to
stay in gear longer, or to down shift
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 message Shift Denied
will appear in the DIC, indicating
that the transmission has notshifted gears. While in the Tap
Shift mode, the transmission will
not automatically downshift on
hard acceleration.
When coasting to a stop, the
V6 transmission will automatically
downshift to 1 (First) gear, and the
V8 transmission will automatically
downshift to 2 (Second) gear.
A 1 (first) gear start can be selected
using the Tap Shift controls on
V8 models When accelerating from
a stop the transmissions will hold
these gears until the driver manually
selects higher gears using the Tap
Shift controls.
When accelerating the vehicle from
a stop in snowy and icy conditions,
you may want to shift into second
gear. A higher gear ratio allows you
to gain more traction on slippery
surfaces.
Driving and Operating 8-29

Manual Transmission
Shift Pattern (V8 Engines)
Shift Pattern (V6 Engine)
These are the shift patterns for the
six-speed manual transmissions.To operate the transmission:
1 (First):Press the clutch pedal and
shift into 1 (First). Then slowly let up
on the clutch pedal as you press the
accelerator pedal.
You can shift into 1 (First) when
you are going less than 64 km/h
(40 mph). If you come to a complete
stop and it is hard to shift into
1 (First), put the shift lever in Neutral
and let up on the clutch. Press the
clutch pedal back down. Then shift
into 1 (First).
2 (Second):Press the clutch pedal
as you let up on the accelerator
pedal and shift into 2 (Second).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch
pedal as you press the accelerator
pedal.3 (Third), 4 (Fourth), 5 (Fifth)
and 6 (Sixth):Shift into 3 (Third),
4 (Fourth), 5 (Fifth) and 6 (Sixth) the
same way you do for 2 (Second).
Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as
you press the accelerator pedal.
To stop, let up on the accelerator
pedal and press the brake pedal.
Just before the vehicle stops, press
the clutch pedal and the brake pedal,
and shift to Neutral.
Neutral:Use this position when
you start or idle the engine. The shift
lever is in Neutral when it is centered
in the shift pattern, not in any gear.
R (Reverse):To back up, press
down the clutch pedal and shift
into R (Reverse). On V8 models,
apply pressure to get the lever
past 5 (Fifth) and 6 (Sixth) into
R (Reverse). Let up on the clutch
pedal slowly while pressing the
accelerator pedal.
8-30 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