brake CHEVROLET CAMARO SS 2010 Owner's Guide

StabiliTrak System
The vehicle has an electronic
stability control system called
StabiliTrak. It is an advanced
computer controlled system that
assists with directional control of the
vehicle in difficult driving conditions.
StabiliTrak activates when the
computer senses a discrepancy
between the intended path and
the direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak selectively
applies braking pressure at any
one of the vehicle’s brakes to help
steer the vehicle in the direction
which you are steering.
If cruise control is being used when
StabiliTrak activates, the cruise
control will automatically disengage.
Press the cruise control button to
reengage when road conditions
allow. SeeCruise Control on
page 8-38for more information.The StabiliTrak/TCS button is
located in front of the shift lever.
When the system activates,
the StabiliTrak/Traction Control
System (TCS) warning light flashes
on the instrument panel cluster.
You may also hear a noise or feel
vibration in the brake pedal. This is
normal. Continue to steer the vehicle
in the intended direction.If there is a problem detected with
StabiliTrak, a Service StabiliTrak
message displays on the DIC and
the StabiliTrak/TCS warning light on
the instrument panel cluster comes
on. When this message and warning
light displays, the system is not
operational. Driving should be
adjusted accordingly. SeeRide
Control System Messages on
page 4-34andTraction Control
System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
®Light
on page 4-24for more information.
8-36 Driving and Operating

Competitive Driving Mode is
designed and recommended for
use only during closed track events
and at competitive driving venues.
The TCS system uses engine and
brake systems to control wheel spin
during acceleration and cornering
while the StabiliTrak system helps
maintain directional control of
the vehicle by selective brake
application.
When the StabiliTrak button is
pressed again, or the vehicle is
restarted, the StabiliTrak and TCS
will be turned back on to normal
operation.
Notice:When traction control
is turned off, or Competitive
Driving Mode is active, it is
possible to lose traction. If youattempt to shift with the drive
wheels spinning with a loss of
traction, it is possible to cause
damage to the transmission.
Do not attempt to shift when the
drive wheels do not have traction.
Damage caused by misuse of the
vehicle is not covered. See the
warranty book for additional
information.
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Vehicles with a limited-slip rear
axle can give more traction on snow,
mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works
like a standard axle most of the time,
but when traction is low, this feature
allows the drive wheel with the most
traction to move the vehicle.
Cruise Control
With cruise control, the vehicle
can maintain a speed of about
40 km/h (25 mph) or more without
keeping your foot on the accelerator.
Cruise control does not work at
speeds below 40 km/h (25 mph).
{WARNING
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
a steady speed. So, do not use
the cruise control on winding
roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous
on slippery roads. On such roads,
fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use
cruise control on slippery roads.
8-38 Driving and Operating

Setting Cruise Control
{WARNING
If you leave your cruise control
on when you are not using cruise,
you might hit a button and go into
cruise when you do not want to.
You could be startled and even
lose control. Keep the cruise
control switch off until you want
to use cruise control.
The cruise control buttons are
located on the outboard side of the
steering wheel.
5(On/Off):Press to turn the
cruise control system on and off.
An indicator light comes on in
the instrument panel cluster.
\(Cancel):Press to cancel cruise
control without erasing the set
speed from memory.
RES/+ (Resume/Accel):Move
the thumbwheel up to resume a set
speed or to accelerate to a higher
speed.
SET/−(Set/Coast):Move the
thumbwheel down to set a speed
or to decrease the speed.
To set a speed:
1. Press
5to turn cruise control
on. The indicator light in the
instrument panel cluster
comes on.
2. Get to the speed desired.3. Press the thumbwheel toward
SET/−and release it.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator
pedal.
When the brakes are applied, the
cruise control shuts off.
Resuming a Set Speed
If the cruise control is set at a
desired speed and then the brakes
are applied, the cruise control is
disengaged. The indicator light
on the instrument panel cluster goes
out when the cruise is no longer
engaged. To return to the previously
set speed, press the thumbwheel
up toward RES/+ briefly when the
vehicle has reached a speed of
about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more.
This accelerates the vehicle to the
previously selected speed.
Driving and Operating 8-39

Increasing Speed While Using
Cruise Control
There are two ways to go to a
higher speed.
•Disengage the cruise control,
but do not turn it off.
•If the cruise control system is
already engaged, press the
thumbwheel up toward RES/+
and hold it until the vehicle
accelerates to the desired speed,
and then release the switch.
To increase the speed in small
amounts, press the thumbwheel
up toward RES/+ briefly and then
release it. Each time this is done,
the vehicle goes about 1.6 km/h
(1 mph) faster.
Reducing Speed While Using
Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is
already engaged,
•Push the thumbwheel toward
SET/−and hold until the desired
lower speed is reached, then
release it.
•To slow down in very small
amounts, push the thumbwheel
toward SET/−briefly. Each time
this is done, the vehicle goes
about 1.6 km/h (1 mph) slower.
Passing Another Vehicle While
Using Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to
increase the vehicle’s speed.
When you take your foot off the
pedal, the vehicle will slow down
to the previously set cruise control
speed.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control works
on hills depends upon the vehicle’s
speed, load, and the steepness of
the hills. When going up steep hills,
you might have to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain the
vehicle’s speed. When going
downhill, you might have to brake
or shift to a lower gear to maintain
the vehicle’s speed. When the
brakes are applied the cruise
control shuts off.Ending Cruise Control
There are three ways to end the
cruise control:
•Step lightly on the brake pedal
or clutch; when cruise control
disengages, the indicator light
on the instrument panel cluster
goes out.
•Press5to turn off the cruise
control system.
•Press\to disengage the cruise
control.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed
memory is erased when the cruise
control or the ignition is turned off.
8-40 Driving and Operating

When the System Does Not
Seem to Work Properly
If the URPA system does not
activate due to a temporary
condition, the message PARK
ASSIST OFF displays on the DIC
and a red light comes on the rear
URPA display when the shift lever is
moved into R (Reverse). This can
occur under the following conditions:
•The ultrasonic sensors are not
clean. Keep the vehicle’s rear
bumper free of mud, dirt, snow,
ice and slush. For cleaning
instructions, seeExterior Care
on page 9-88.
•A trailer was attached to the
vehicle, or an object was hanging
out of the trunk during the last
drive cycle, making the red light
come on in the rear display.
Once the attached object is
removed, URPA will return
to normal operation.
•A tow bar is attached to the
vehicle.
•The vehicle’s bumper is
damaged. Take the vehicle to
your dealer/retailer to repair the
system.
•Other conditions may affect
system performance, such as
vibrations from a jackhammer or
the compression of air brakes on
a very large truck that is near the
vehicle.
If the system is still disabled, after
driving forward at least 25 km/h
(15 mph), take the vehicle to your
dealer/retailer.
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel
is an important part of the proper
maintenance of this vehicle. To help
keep the engine clean and maintain
optimum vehicle performance, we
recommend the use of gasoline
advertised as TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline.
Look for the TOP TIER label on the
fuel pump to ensure gasoline meets
enhanced detergency standards
developed by auto companies. A list
of marketers providing TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline can be found
at www.toptiergas.com.
Driving and Operating 8-43

Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips
{WARNING
The driver can lose control
when pulling a trailer if the correct
equipment is not used or the
vehicle is not driven properly.
For example, if the trailer is too
heavy, the brakes may not work
well — or even at all. The driver
and passengers could be seriously
injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged; the resulting repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Pull a trailer only
if all the steps in this section have
been followed. Ask your dealer/
retailer for advice and information
about towing a trailer with the
vehicle.The vehicle can tow a trailer if it
is equipped with the proper trailer
towing equipment. To identify the
trailering capacity of the vehicle,
seeTrailer Towing on page 8-53.
Trailering changes handling,
acceleration, braking, durability
and fuel economy. With the added
weight, the engine, transmission,
wheel assemblies and tires are
forced to work harder and under
greater loads. The trailer also adds
wind resistance, increasing the
pulling requirements. For safe
trailering, correctly use the proper
trailering equipment.
The following information has
important trailering tips and rules
for your safety and that of your
passengers. Read this section
carefully before pulling a trailer.
Pulling A Trailer
Here are some important points:
•There are many laws, including
speed limit restrictions that apply
to trailering. Check for legal
requirements with state or
provincial police.
•Do not tow a trailer at all during
the first 1 600 km (1,000 miles)
the new vehicle is driven.
The engine, axle or other
parts could be damaged.
•During the first 800 km
(500 miles) that a trailer is
towed, do not drive over 80 km/h
(50 mph) and do not make starts
at full throttle. This reduces wear
on the vehicle.
Driving and Operating 8-49

•Vehicles with automatic
transmissions can tow in D (Drive)
but M (Manual Mode) is
recommended. See “Manual
Mode” inAutomatic Transmission
on page 8-26for more
information. Use a lower gear if
the transmission shifts too often.
For vehicles with a manual
transmission, it is better not
to use the highest gear.
•Use the cruise control when
towing.
•Obey speed limit restrictions.
Do not drive faster than the
maximum posted speed for
trailers, or no more than 90 km/h
(55 mph), to reduce wear on the
vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires experience.
Get familiar with handling and
braking with the added trailer weight.
The vehicle is now longer and not as
responsive as the vehicle is by itself.
Check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical
connectors, lamps, tires and mirror
adjustments. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start the vehicle and trailer
moving and then apply the trailer
brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working.
During the trip, check regularly to
be sure that the load is secure, and
the lamps and trailer brakes are
working properly.
Towing with a Stability
Control System
When towing, the sound of the
stability control system might be
heard. The system is reacting to the
vehicle movement caused by the
trailer, which mainly occurs during
cornering. This is normal when
towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid situations that
require heavy braking and sudden
turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. Because the
rig is longer, it is necessary to go
much farther beyond the passed
vehicle before returning to the lane.
8-50 Driving and Operating

Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. Then, to move
the trailer to the left, move that
hand to the left. To move the trailer
to the right, move your hand to
the right. Always back up slowly
and, if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns
while trailering could cause the
trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. The vehicle could be
damaged. Avoid making very
sharp turns while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal. Do this so
the trailer won’t strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees or other
objects. Avoid jerky or sudden
maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
The arrows on the instrument panel
flash whenever signaling a turn
or lane change. Properly hooked up,
the trailer lamps also flash, telling
other drivers the vehicle is turning,
changing lanes or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on
the instrument panel flash for turns
even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. For this reason you
may think other drivers are seeing
the signal when they are not. It is
important to check occasionally to be
sure the trailer bulbs are still working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear before starting down a long or
steep downgrade. If the transmission
is not shifted down, the brakes might
have to be used so much that they
would get hot and no longer
work well.Vehicles with an automatic
transmission can tow in D (Drive).
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear if the transmission shifts
too often under heavy loads and/or
hilly conditions. For vehicles with
a manual transmission, it is
better not to use the highest gear.
When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, consider the
following: Engine coolant will boil at
a lower temperature than at normal
altitudes. If the engine is turned off
immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades,
the vehicle may show signs similar
to engine overheating. To avoid
this, let the engine run while
parked, preferably on level ground,
with the automatic transmission
in P (Park) for a few minutes
before turning the engine off.
Driving and Operating 8-51

For vehicles with manual
transmissions, let the engine run
while parked, preferably on level
ground, with the transmission out of
gear and the parking brake applied,
for a few minutes before turning the
engine off. If the overheat warning
comes on, seeEngine Overheating
on page 9-24.
Parking on Hills
{WARNING
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not
shift into P (Park) yet for vehicles
with an automatic transmission,
or into gear for vehicles with a
manual transmission. Turn the
wheels into the curb if facing
downhill or into traffic if facing
uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks
under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in
place, release the brake pedal
until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then
apply the parking brake and shift
into P (Park) for vehicles with an
automatic transmission or into
gear for vehicles with a manual
transmission.
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on
a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal
while you:
•start the engine,
•shift into a gear, and
•release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is
clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up
and store the chocks.
8-52 Driving and Operating

Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See this
manual’s Maintenance Schedule or
Index for more information. Things
that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transmission
fluid, engine oil, axle lubricant, belts,
cooling system and brake system.
It is a good idea to inspect these
before and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 9-24.
Trailer Towing
Before pulling a trailer, there are
three important considerations that
have to do with weight:
•The weight of the trailer.
•The weight of the trailer tongue.
•The total weight on your
vehicle’s tires.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It should never weigh more than
1,000 lbs (454 kg). But even
that can be too heavy.
It depends on how the rig is used.
For example, speed, altitude, road
grades, outside temperature and
how much the vehicle is used to pull
a trailer are all important. It candepend on any special equipment
on the vehicle, and the amount of
tongue weight the vehicle can carry.
See “Weight of the Trailer Tongue”
later in this section for more
information.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated
assuming only the driver is in the tow
vehicle and it has all the required
trailering equipment. The weight
of additional optional equipment,
passengers and cargo in the tow
vehicle must be subtracted from
the maximum trailer weight.
Ask your dealer/retailer for our
trailering information or advice, or
you can write us at our Customer
Assistance Offices. SeeCustomer
Assistance Offices on page 12-3
for more information.
Driving and Operating 8-53