engine CHEVROLET CAMARO SS 2010 Owner's Guide

Tire Messages
Check XXX Tire Pressure
This message displays if the vehicle
detects low pressure in one or
more tires. The tire with the
low pressure will be shown in the
message. Check the tire pressures.
Service Tire Monitor System
This message displays if there
is a problem with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS). SeeTire
Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 9-57for more information.
Tire Learning Active
This message displays when the
system is learning new tires. See
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 9-57for more information.
Tire Pressure System Reset
This message displays when
resetting the TPMS. SeeTire
Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 9-57for more information.
Transmission Messages
1 – 4 Shift
This message displays when you
can only shift from 1 (First) to
4 (Fourth) instead of 1 (First)
to 2 (Second). SeeManual
Transmission on page 8-30for
more information.
Press Clutch To Start
This message displays when
attempting to start a vehicle with
a manual transmission without
pressing on the clutch pedal.
Service Transmission
This message displays if there is
a problem with the transmission.
See your dealer/retailer.
Shift Denied
This message displays when
attempting to use the automatic
transmission manual mode to
shift to too low of a gear.
SeeManual Mode on page 8-29
for more information.
Shift To Park
This message displays when the
transmission needs to be shifted
to park. This may appear when
attempting to remove the key from
the ignition if the vehicle is not
in P (Park).
Transmission Hot – Idle
Engine
This message displays and a chime
sounds if the transmission fluid in the
vehicle gets hot. Driving with the
transmission fluid temperature high
can cause damage to the vehicle.
Stop the vehicle and let it idle to
allow the transmission to cool.
This message clears when the fluid
temperature reaches a safe level.
4-36 Instruments and Controls

Flash-to-Pass
The flash-to-pass feature works with
the low-beams or daytime running
lamps (DRL) on or off.
To flash the high beams, pull the turn
signal/lane change lever all the way
towards you. Then release it.
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can
make it easier for others to see
the front of your vehicle during
the day. Fully functional daytime
running lamps are required on
all vehicles first sold in Canada.
A light sensor on top of the
instrument panel makes the DRL
work, so be sure it is not covered.
The DRL system will make the
low-beam headlamps come on at a
reduced brightness or for vehicles
with High Intensity Discharge(HID) headlamps, the dedicated
DRL lights will come on when
the following conditions are met:
•The ignition is in the ON/RUN
position.
•The exterior lamps control is
in AUTO, or has been briefly
turned to OFF to turn the
automatic light control on again.
•The engine is running.
When the DRL are on, the
headlamps, taillamps, sidemarker,
instrument panel and other
lamps will not be on.
The headlamps automatically
change from DRL to the regular
headlamps depending on the
darkness of the surroundings.
The other lamps that come on with
the headlamps will also come on.
When it is bright enough outside,
the headlamps will go off and
the DRL will come on.To turn the DRL lamps off or on
again, turn the exterior lamps control
to the off position and then release.
For vehicles first sold in Canada, the
DRL lamps cannot be turned off.
The regular headlamp system should
be turned on when needed.
Automatic Headlamp
System
When it is dark enough outside and
the headlamp switch is in AUTO, the
automatic headlamp system will turn
on the headlamps at the normal
brightness along with other lamps
such as the taillamps, sidemarker,
parking lamps, license plate lamps,
and the instrument panel lights.
The radio lights will also be dim.
To turn off the automatic headlamp
system, turn the exterior lamps
switch to the off position and then
release. For vehicles first sold in
Canada, the transmission must be in
the P (Park) position, before the
automatic headlamp system can be
turned off.
Lighting 5-3

A high electrical load occurs when
several of the following are on, such
as: headlamps, high beams, fog
lamps, rear window defogger,
climate control fan at high speed,
heated seats, engine cooling fans,
trailer loads, and loads plugged into
accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive
discharge of the battery. It does
this by balancing the generator’s
output and the vehicle’s electrical
needs. It can increase engine
idle speed to generate more power,
whenever needed. It can temporarily
reduce the power demands of
some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in
steps or levels, without being
noticeable. In rare cases at thehighest levels of corrective action,
this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a Driver Information
Center (DIC) message might be
displayed, such as BATTERY
SAVER ACTIVE, BATTERY
VOLTAGE LOW, or LOW BATTERY.
If one of these messages display, it
is recommended that the driver
reduce the electrical loads as much
as possible. SeeDriver Information
Center (DIC) on page 4-27.
Battery Power Protection
This feature shuts off the dome
lamps if they are left on for more than
10 minutes when the ignition is in
LOCK/OFF. This helps to prevent the
battery from running down.
Lighting 5-7

Infotainment
System
IntroductionIntroduction..........................6-1
Theft-Deterrent Feature..........6-2
Overview..............................6-2
Operation.............................6-4
RadioAM-FM Radio.......................6-8
Satellite Radio.....................6-10
Radio Reception..................6-13
Backglass Antenna..............6-13
Satellite Radio Antenna........6-14
Audio PlayersCD Player..........................6-14
Auxiliary Devices.................6-16
PhoneBluetooth (Overview)............6-22
Bluetooth
(Infotainment Controls)........6-23
Bluetooth
(Voice Recognition)............6-26
Introduction
Read the following pages to
become familiar with the
infotainment system features.
{WARNING
Taking your eyes off the road
for extended periods could cause
a crash resulting in injury or
death to you or others. Do not
give extended attention to
entertainment tasks while driving.
This system provides access to
many audio and non audio listings.
To minimize taking your eyes off
the road while driving, do the
following while the vehicle is parked:
•Become familiar with the
operation and controls of
the audio system.
•Set up the tone, speaker
adjustments, and preset radio
stations.For more information, seeDefensive
Driving on page 8-2.
Notice:Contact your
dealer/retailer before adding any
equipment.
Adding audio or communication
equipment could interfere
with the operation of the vehicle’s
engine, radio, or other systems,
and could damage them.
Follow federal rules covering
mobile radio and telephone
equipment.
The vehicle has Retained Accessory
Power (RAP). With RAP, the
infotainment system can play even
after the ignition is turned off.
SeeRetained Accessory Power
(RAP) on page 8-19for more
information.
Infotainment System 6-1

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

Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on
page 4-22.
Braking action involves perception
time and reaction time. Deciding
to push the brake pedal is
perception time. Actually doing
it is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about
three-fourths of a second. But that
is only an average. It might be less
with one driver and as long as two or
three seconds or more with another.
Age, physical condition, alertness,
coordination, and eyesight all play
a part. So do alcohol, drugs,
and frustration. But even in
three-fourths of a second, a vehicle
moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels
20 m (66 ft). That could be a lot of
distance in an emergency, so
keeping enough space between
the vehicle and others is important.And, of course, actual stopping
distances vary greatly with the
surface of the road, whether it is
pavement or gravel; the condition of
the road, whether it is wet, dry, or icy;
tire tread; the condition of the brakes;
the weight of the vehicle; and the
amount of brake force applied.
Avoid needless heavy
braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration
followed by heavy braking — rather
than keeping pace with traffic. This
is a mistake. The brakes might not
have time to cool between hard
stops. The brakes will wear out much
faster with a lot of heavy braking.
Keeping pace with the traffic and
allowing realistic following distances
eliminates a lot of unnecessary
braking. That means better braking
and longer brake life.If the engine ever stops while
the vehicle is being driven, brake
normally but do not pump the brakes.
If the brakes are pumped, the pedal
could get harder to push down. If the
engine stops, there will still be some
power brake assist but it will be used
when the brake is applied. Once the
power assist is used up, it can take
longer to stop and the brake pedal
will be harder to push.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer
accessories can affect vehicle
performance. SeeAccessories
and Modications on page 9-3.
8-4 Driving and Operating

Steering
Power Steering
If power steering assist is lost
because the engine stops or the
power steering system is not
functioning, the vehicle can be
steered but it will take more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a
reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the
condition of the tires and the road
surface, the angle at which the curve
is banked, and vehicle speed. While
in a curve, speed is the one factor
that can be controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed,
do it before entering the curve,
while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you can
drive through the curve. Maintain a
reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until out of the curve,
and then accelerate gently into the
straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering
can be more effective than braking.
For example, you come over a hill
and find a truck stopped in your lane,
or a car suddenly pulls out from
nowhere, or a child darts out from
between parked cars and stops right
in front of you. These problems can
be avoided by braking — if you can
stop in time. But sometimes you
cannot stop in time because there
is no room. That is the time for
evasive action — steering around
the problem.
The vehicle can perform very well
in emergencies like these. First
apply the brakes. SeeBraking on
page 8-4. It is better to remove as
much speed as possible from a
collision. Then steer around the
problem, to the left or right
depending on the space available.An emergency like this requires
close attention and a quick decision.
If holding the steering wheel at the
recommended 9 and 3 o’clock
positions, it can be turned a full
180 degrees very quickly without
removing either hand. But you have
to act fast, steer quickly, and just as
quickly straighten the wheel once
you have avoided the object.
The fact that such emergency
situations are always possible is a
good reason to practice defensive
driving at all times and wear safety
belts properly.
Driving and Operating 8-5

Of course, traction is reduced when
water, snow, ice, gravel, or other
material is on the road. For safety,
slow down and adjust your driving
to these conditions. It is important
to slow down on slippery surfaces
because stopping distance is longer
and vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with
reduced traction, try your best to
avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing vehicle
speed by shifting to a lower gear.
Any sudden changes could cause
the tires to slide. You might not
realize the surface is slippery until
the vehicle is skidding. Learn to
recognize warning clues — such as
enough water, ice, or packed snow
on the road to make a mirrored
surface — and slow down when
you have any doubt.
Remember: Any Antilock Brake
System (ABS) helps avoid only
the braking skid.Competitive Driving
Competitive driving may affect the
vehicle warranty. See the warranty
book before using the vehicle for
racing or other competitive driving.
The new vehicle break-in must be
performed before the vehicle is used
for competitive driving. SeeNew
Vehicle Break-In on page 8-16.
Notice:If you use your vehicle
for competitive driving, the engine
may use more oil than it would
with normal use. Low oil levels
can damage the engine. Be sure
to check the oil level often during
competitive driving and keep the
level at or near the upper mark
that shows the proper operating
range on the engine oil dipstick.
For information on how to add oil,
seeEngine Oil on page 9-10.For competitive driving, it is
recommended that the brake fluid be
replaced with a high performance
brake fluid that has a dry boiling point
greater than 279°C (534°F). After
conversion to the high performance
brake fluid, follow the brake fluid
service recommendations outlined
by the fluid manufacturer. Do not
use silicone or DOT-5 brake fluids.
If the vehicle is used for racing,
competitive driving, sustained high
speed, or events that generate
excessive wheel slip, the rear axle
fluid temperatures will be higher
than would occur in normal driving.
We recommend that the rear axle
fluid be drained and refilled with
new fluid after every six hours of
racing or competitive driving.
SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 10-7for what
fluid to use.
Driving and Operating 8-7

Highway Hypnosis
Always be alert and pay attention
to your surroundings while driving.
If you become tired or sleepy, find
a safe place to park your vehicle
and rest.
Other driving tips include:
•Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
•Keep interior temperature cool.
•Keep your eyes moving — scan
the road ahead and to the sides.
•Check the rearview mirror and
vehicle instruments often.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for
driving in these conditions include:
•Keep the vehicle serviced
and in good shape.
•Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
•Going down steep or long hills,
shift to a lower gear.
{WARNING
If you do not shift down, the
brakes could get so hot that they
would not work well. You would
then have poor braking or even
none going down a hill. You could
crash. Shift down to let the engine
assist the brakes on a steep
downhill slope.
{WARNING
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or
with the ignition off is dangerous.
The brakes will have to do all the
work of slowing down and they
could get so hot that they would
not work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none
going down a hill. You could crash.
Always have the engine running
and the vehicle in gear when going
downhill.
•Stay in your own lane. Do not
swing wide or cut across the
center of the road. Drive at
speeds that let you stay in your
own lane.
•Top of hills: Be alert — something
could be in your lane (stalled car,
accident).
•Pay attention to special road
signs (falling rocks area, winding
roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take
appropriate action.
Driving and Operating 8-9