CHEVROLET CAMARO SS 2010 Owners Manual

TPMS Malfunction Light and
Message
The TPMS will not function properly
if one or more of the TPMS sensors
are missing or inoperable. When the
system detects a malfunction, the
low tire warning light flashes for
about one minute and then stays
on for the remainder of the ignition
cycle. A DIC warning message is
also displayed. The low tire warning
light and DIC warning message
come on at each ignition cycle until
the problem is corrected. Some of
the conditions that can cause the
malfunction light and DIC message
to come on are:
•One of the road tires has been
replaced with the spare tire, if the
vehicle has one. The spare tire
does not have a TPMS sensor.
The DIC message should go off
once you re-install the road tire
containing the TPMS sensor.
•The TPMS sensor matching
process was not done or not
completed successfully after
rotating the vehicle’s tires.
The DIC message should go
off after successfully completing
the sensor matching process.
See “TPMS Sensor Matching
Process” later in this section.
•One or more TPMS sensors
are missing or damaged.
The DIC message and the
TPMS malfunction light should
go off when the TPMS sensors
are installed and the sensor
matching process is performed
successfully. See your dealer/
retailer for service.
•Replacement tires or wheels do
not match your vehicle’s original
equipment tires or wheels. Tires
and wheels other than those
recommended for your vehicle
could prevent the TPMS from
functioning properly. SeeBuying
New Tires on page 9-63.
•Operating electronic devices or
being near facilities using radio
wave frequencies similar to the
TPMS could cause the TPMS
sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning it
cannot detect or signal a low tire
condition. See your dealer/retailer for
service if the TPMS malfunction light
and DIC message comes on and
stays on.
Vehicle Care 9-59

TPMS Sensor Matching
Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique
identification code. Any time you
replace one or more of the TPMS
sensors or rotate your vehicle’s tires,
the identification codes need to be
matched to the new tire/wheel
position. The sensors are matched
to the tire/wheel positions in the
following order: driver side front tire,
passenger side front tire, passenger
side rear tire, and driver side rear
tire using a TPMS diagnostic tool.
See your dealer/retailer for service.
The TPMS sensors can also be
matched to each tire/wheel position
by increasing or decreasing the
tire’s air pressure. If increasing the
tire’s air pressure, do not exceed
the maximum inflation pressure
indicated on the tire’s sidewall.
To decrease the tire’s air-pressure
use the pointed end of the valve
cap, a pencil-style air pressure
gage, or a key.You have two minutes to match
the first tire/wheel position, and
five minutes overall, to match all
four tire/wheel positions. If it takes
longer than two minutes, to match
the first tire and wheel, or more than
five minutes to match all four tire
and wheel positions, the matching
process stops and you need to
start over.
The TPMS matching process is
outlined below:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition switch to
ON/RUN with the engine off.
3. Go to the TPM vehicle
information screen on the DIC.
SeeDriver Information Center
(DIC) on page 4-27. Press set to
relearn the sensors. The horn
sounds twice to signal the
receiver is in relearn mode and
Tire Learning Active message
displays on the DIC screen.
4. Start with the driver side
front tire.5. Remove the valve cap from
the valve stem. Activate the
TPMS sensor by increasing or
decreasing the tire’s air pressure
for 10 seconds, or until a horn
chirp sounds. The horn chirp,
which can take up to 30 seconds
to sound, confirms that the TPMS
sensor identification code has
been matched to this tire position.
6. Proceed to the passenger
side front tire, and repeat
the procedure in Step 5.
7. Proceed to the passenger
side rear tire, and repeat
the procedure in Step 5.
8. Proceed to the driver side rear
tire, and repeat the procedure
in Step 5.
9. After hearing the confirming horn
chirp, for the driver side rear tire,
the horn sounds two more times
to signal the tire learning mode is
no longer active. Turn the ignition
switch to LOCK/OFF.
9-60 Vehicle Care

10. Set all four tires to the
recommended air pressure
level as indicated on the tire
and loading information label.
11. Put the valve caps back on the
valve stems.
The tires air pressure will not
appear on the screen until you start
driving the vehicle.
Tire Inspection
We recommend that you
regularly inspect your vehicle’s
tires, including the spare tire, if
the vehicle has one, for signs of
wear or damage. SeeWhen It Is
Time for New Tires on page 9-62
for more information.
Tire Rotation
Tire rotation is not
recommended if the vehicle
has different size tires on the
front and rear wheels.
Different tire sizes should not be
rotated front to rear. Each tire
and wheel should only be used in
its original front or rear position.
Tire rotation is recommended if
the vehicle has the same size
tires on all four wheel positions.
These tires should be rotated
every 5,000 to 8,000 miles
(8 000 to 13 000 km). See
Scheduled Maintenance on
page 10-2.
The purpose of a regular tire
rotation is to achieve a uniform
wear for all tires on the vehicle.
This will ensure that your vehicle
continues to perform most like it
did when the tires were new.Any time you notice unusual
wear, rotate the tires as soon
as possible and check wheel
alignment. Also check for
damaged tires or wheels.
SeeWhen It Is Time for
New Tires on page 9-62
andWheel Replacement
on page 9-67.
When rotating the vehicle’s tires,
always use the correct rotation
pattern shown here.
Vehicle Care 9-61

The compact spare tire, if the
vehicle has one, is not included
in the tire rotation.
After the tires have been rotated,
adjust the front and rear inflation
pressures as shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label.
SeeTire Pressure on page 9-54
andVehicle Load Limits on
page 8-12.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor
System. SeeTire Pressure
Monitor Operation on page 9-57.
Make certain that all wheel
nuts are properly tightened.
See “Wheel Nut Torque” under
Capacities and Specications on
page 11-2.{WARNING
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
make wheel nuts become loose
after time. The wheel could come
off and cause an accident. When
changing a wheel, remove any
rust or dirt from places where the
wheel attaches to the vehicle.
In an emergency, use a cloth or
a paper towel to do this; but be
sure to use a scraper or wire
brush later, if needed, to get all
the rust or dirt off. SeeIf a Tire
Goes Flat on page 9-69.
When It Is Time for
New Tires
Various factors, such as
maintenance, temperatures,
driving speeds, vehicle loading,
and road conditions influence
when you need new tires.
One way to tell when it is time for
new tires is to check the treadwear
indicators, which appear when the
tires have only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm)
or less of tread remaining.
9-62 Vehicle Care

The vehicle needs new tires if any
of the following statements are true:
•You can see the indicators at
three or more places around
the tire.
•You can see cord or fabric
showing through the tire’s rubber.
•The tread or sidewall is cracked,
cut, or snagged deep enough to
show cord or fabric.
•The tire has a bump, bulge,
or split.
•The tire has a puncture, cut, or
other damage that cannot be
repaired well because of the size
or location of the damage.
The rubber in tires degrades over
time, even if they are not being used.
This is also true for the spare tire,
if the vehicle has one. Multiple
conditions affect how fast this aging
takes place, including temperatures,
loading conditions, and inflationpressure maintenance. With proper
care and maintenance tires typically
wear out before they degrade due to
age. If you are unsure about the
need to replace the tires as they get
older, consult the tire manufacturer
for more information.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched
specific tires for your vehicle. The
original equipment tires installed
on your vehicle, when it was new,
were designed to meet General
Motors Tire Performance Criteria
Specification (TPC Spec) system
rating. If you need replacement
tires, GM strongly recommends
that you get tires with the same
TPC Spec rating. This way, your
vehicle will continue to have tires
that are designed to give the
same performance and vehicle
safety, during normal use, as the
original tires.GM’s exclusive TPC Spec
system considers over a dozen
critical specifications that impact
the overall performance of your
vehicle, including brake system
performance, ride and handling,
traction control, and tire pressure
monitoring performance. GM’s
TPC Spec number is molded
onto the tire’s sidewall near the
tire size. If the tires have an
all-season tread design, the TPC
Spec number will be followed
by an MS for mud and snow.
SeeTire Sidewall Labeling
on page 9-49for additional
information.
GM recommends replacing tires
in sets of four. This is because
uniform tread depth on all tires
will help keep your vehicle
performing most like it did
when the tires were new.
Vehicle Care 9-63

Replacing less than a full set of
tires can affect the braking and
handling performance of your
vehicle. SeeTire Inspection on
page 9-61andTire Rotation on
page 9-61for information on
proper tire rotation.
{WARNING
Mixing tires could cause you
to lose control while driving.
If you mix tires of different
sizes, brands, or types
(radial and bias-belted tires),
the vehicle may not handle
properly, and you could have a
crash. Using tires of different
sizes, brands, or types may
also cause damage to your
vehicle. Be sure to use the
correct size, brand, and type
of tires on all wheels. It is all
right to drive with your compact
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
spare temporarily, as it was
developed for use on your
vehicle. SeeCompact Spare
Tire on page 9-83.
{WARNING
If you use bias-ply tires on the
vehicle, the wheel rim flanges
could develop cracks after
many miles of driving. A tire
and/or wheel could fail
suddenly, causing a crash.
Use only radial-ply tires with
the wheels on the vehicle.
If you must replace your
vehicle’s tires with those that do
not have a TPC Spec number,
make sure they are the same
size, load range, speed rating,
and construction type (radial
and bias-belted tires) as your
vehicle’s original tires.Vehicles that have a tire
pressure monitoring system
could give an inaccurate
low-pressure warning if
non-TPC Spec rated tires
are installed on your vehicle.
Non-TPC Spec rated tires may
give a low-pressure warning that
is higher or lower than the proper
warning level you would get with
TPC Spec rated tires. SeeTire
Pressure Monitor System on
page 9-56.
Your vehicle’s original equipment
tires are listed on the Tire and
Loading Information Label.
SeeVehicle Load Limits on
page 8-12, for more information
about the Tire and Loading
Information Label and its location
on your vehicle.
9-64 Vehicle Care

Different Size Tires and
Wheels
If you add wheels or tires that are
a different size than your original
equipment wheels and tires, this
could affect the way your vehicle
performs, including its braking,
ride and handling characteristics,
stability, and resistance to rollover.
Additionally, if your vehicle has
electronic systems such as anti-lock
brakes, rollover airbags, traction
control, and electronic stability
control, the performance of these
systems can be affected.
{WARNING
If you add different sized
wheels, your vehicle may not
provide an acceptable level of
performance and safety if tires not
recommended for those wheels
are selected. You may increase
the chance that you will crash and
suffer serious injury. Only use GM
specific wheel and tire systems
developed for your vehicle, and
have them properly installed by
a GM certified technician.
SeeBuying New Tires on page 9-63
andAccessories and Modications
on page 9-3for additional
information.
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading
Quality grades can be found
where applicable on the tire
sidewall between tread shoulder
and maximum section width.
For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
The following information relates
to the system developed by the
United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA), which grades tires
by treadwear, traction, and
temperature performance.
This applies only to vehicles sold
in the United States. The grades
are molded on the sidewalls
of most passenger car tires.
Vehicle Care 9-65

The Uniform Tire Quality Grading
(UTQG) system does not apply
to deep tread, winter-type snow
tires, space-saver, or temporary
use spare tires, tires with nominal
rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches
(25 to 30 cm), or to some
limited-production tires.
While the tires available on
General Motors passenger cars
and light trucks may vary with
respect to these grades, they
must also conform to federal
safety requirements and
additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC)
standards.Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a
comparative rating based
on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified
government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150
would wear one and a half (1.5)
times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of
tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however,
and may depart significantly from
the norm due to variations in
driving habits, service practices,
and differences in road
characteristics and climate.Traction – AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from
highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. Those grades represent
the tire’s ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction
performance.
Temperature – A, B, C
The temperature grades
are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance
to the generation of heat and
its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified
indoor laboratory test wheel.
9-66 Vehicle Care

Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to
degenerate and reduce tire life,
and excessive temperature can
lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger
car tires must meet under the
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and
A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum
required by law. It should be
noted that the temperature grade
for this tire is established for a tire
that is properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.Wheel Alignment and
Tire Balance
The tires and wheels on the vehicle
were aligned and balanced carefully
at the factory to give the longest tire
life and best overall performance.
Adjustments to wheel alignment and
tire balancing will not be necessary
on a regular basis. However, if there
is unusual tire wear or the vehicle
pulls to one side or the other, the
alignment should be checked. If the
vehicle vibrates when driving on a
smooth road, the tires and wheels
might need to be rebalanced.
See your dealer/retailer for proper
diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent,
cracked, or badly rusted or corroded.
If wheel nuts keep coming loose,
the wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel
nuts should be replaced. If the wheel
leaks air, replace it (except some
aluminum wheels, which can
sometimes be repaired). See your
dealer/retailer if any of these
conditions exist.
Your dealer/retailer will know the
kind of wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have
the same load-carrying capacity,
diameter, width, offset, and be
mounted the same way as the
one it replaces.
Vehicle Care 9-67

If you need to replace any of the
wheels, wheel bolts, wheel nuts,
or Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) sensors, replace them only
with new GM original equipment
parts. This way, you will be sure to
have the right wheel, wheel bolts,
wheel nuts, and TPMS sensors for
the vehicle.
{WARNING
Using the wrong replacement
wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel
nuts on your vehicle can be
dangerous. It could affect the
braking and handling of your
vehicle, make your tires lose
air and make you lose control.
You could have a collision in
which you or others could be
injured. Always use the correct
wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel
nuts for replacement.Notice:The wrong wheel can
also cause problems with bearing
life, brake cooling, speedometer
or odometer calibration, headlamp
aim, rear differential, bumper
height, vehicle ground clearance,
and tire or tire chain clearance to
the body and chassis.
SeeIf a Tire Goes Flat on page 9-69
for more information.
Used Replacement Wheels
{WARNING
Putting a used wheel on the
vehicle is dangerous. You cannot
know how it has been used or how
far it has been driven. It could fail
suddenly and cause a crash. If you
have to replace a wheel, use a
new GM original equipment wheel.
Tire Chains
{WARNING
Do not use tire chains. There is
not enough clearance. Tire chains
used on a vehicle without the
proper amount of clearance can
cause damage to the brakes,
suspension, or other vehicle parts.
The area damaged by the tire
chains could cause you to lose
control of the vehicle and you or
others may be injured in a crash.
Use another type of traction
device only if its manufacturer
recommends it for use on the
vehicle and tire size combination
and road conditions. Follow that
manufacturer’s instructions.
(Continued)
9-68 Vehicle Care