brake fluid CHEVROLET CAMARO SS 2010 Owners Manual

Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. For more
information on the symbol, refer to
the index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel
Controls or OnStar®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gage
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
Introduction v

Low Battery
This message is displayed when the
battery voltage is low. SeeBattery
on page 9-29for more information.
Service Battery Charging
System
This message is displayed when
there is a fault in the battery
charging system. Take the vehicle
to your dealer/retailer for service.
Brake System Messages
Brake Fluid Low
This message is displayed when the
brake fluid level is low, seeBrake
Fluid on page 9-28.
Release Parking Brake
This message is displayed as a
reminder that the parking brake is
on. Release it before you attempt
to drive.
Compass Messages
Service Compass
This message is displayed when the
compass needs service. Take the
vehicle to your dealer/retailer for
service.
Cruise Control Messages
Apply Brakes Before Cruise
If this message displays when
attempting to activate cruise control,
apply the brake and then try again.
Cruise Set to XXX
This message will display when the
cruise control is set and it will
show the speed it was set to.
SeeCruise Control on page 8-38
for more information.
Door Ajar Messages
Driver Door Open
This message will display when the
driver door is open. Close the door
completely.
Hood Open
This message will display when
the hood is open. Close the hood
completely.
Passenger Door Open
This message will display when the
passenger door is open. Close the
door completely.
Trunk Open
This message will display when
the trunk is open. Close the trunk
completely.
Instruments and Controls 4-31

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

Vehicle Care
General InformationGeneral Information...............9-2
California Proposition 65
Warning.............................9-2
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements........9-3
Accessories and
Modifications.......................9-3
Vehicle ChecksDoing Your Own
Service Work......................9-4
Hood...................................9-5
Engine Compartment
Overview............................9-6
Engine Cover.......................9-9
Engine Oil..........................9-10
Engine Oil Life System.........9-13
Automatic Transmission
Fluid................................9-14
Manual Transmission Fluid. . . .9-15
Hydraulic Clutch..................9-15
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.......9-16
Cooling System...................9-17
Engine Coolant...................9-19
Engine Overheating.............9-24
Power Steering Fluid............9-25Washer Fluid......................9-26
Brakes...............................9-27
Brake Fluid.........................9-28
Battery...............................9-29
Rear Axle...........................9-30
Starter Switch Check............9-31
Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control
System Check...................9-32
Ignition Transmission
Lock Check.......................9-32
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check..............9-32
Wiper Blade Replacement......9-33Headlamp AimingHeadlamp Aiming................9-34
Bulb ReplacementBulb Replacement...............9-37
Halogen Bulbs....................9-37
High Intensity Discharge
(HID) Lighting....................9-37
Headlamps, Front Turn
Signal and Parking Lamps
(Base Vehicle)...................9-37
Headlamps, Front Turn
Signal and Parking Lamps
(Up-Level Vehicle)..............9-38
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL)....................9-39
Fog Lamps.........................9-40Taillamps, Turn Signal, and
Stoplamps.........................9-40
License Plate Lamp.............9-40
Replacement Bulbs..............9-41
Electrical SystemElectrical System
Overload...........................9-41
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers...........................9-42
Engine Compartment
Fuse Block.......................9-42
Instrument Panel
Fuse Block.......................9-45
Rear Compartment
Fuse Block.......................9-46
Wheels and TiresTires..................................9-48
Winter Tires........................9-48
Tire Sidewall Labeling..........9-49
Tire Designations.................9-51
Tire Terminology and
Definitions.........................9-52
Tire Pressure......................9-54
Tire Pressure for
High-Speed Operation........9-56
Tire Pressure Monitor
System.............................9-56
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation..........................9-57
Tire Inspection....................9-61
Vehicle Care 9-1

A. Underhood Electrical Center.
SeeEngine Compartment
Fuse Block on page 9-42.
B. Engine Coolant Recovery Bottle
and Cap. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 9-19.
C.Engine Cover on page 9-9.
D. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of
View). SeeCooling System
on page 9-17.
E. Radiator Fill Cap (Out of View).
SeeEngine Coolant on
page 9-19.
F. Power Steering Reservoir and
Cap (Out of View). SeePower
Steering Fluid on page 9-25.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. SeeEngine
Oil on page 9-10.H. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of
View). SeeEngine Oil on
page 9-10.
I. Brake Master Cylinder and
Hydraulic Clutch (if equipped with
manual transmission) Reservoir.
SeeBrakes on page 9-27or
Hydraulic Clutch on page 9-15.
J. Remote Positive (+) Terminal.
SeeBattery on page 9-29.
K.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 9-16.
L. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. SeeWasher
Fluid on page 9-26.
Vehicle Care 9-7

A. Underhood Electrical Center.
SeeEngine Compartment
Fuse Block on page 9-42.
B. Engine Coolant Recovery Bottle
and Cap. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 9-19.
C. Engine Oil Dipstick. SeeEngine
Oil on page 9-10.
D. Engine Oil Fill Cap (Out of
View). SeeEngine Oil on
page 9-10.
E.Engine Cover on page 9-9.
F. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of
View). SeeCooling System
on page 9-17.
G. Power Steering Reservoir and
Cap (Under Engine Cover).
SeePower Steering Fluid
on page 9-25.H. Brake Master Cylinder and
Hydraulic Clutch (if equipped
with manual transmission)
Reservoir. SeeBrakes on
page 9-27orHydraulic Clutch
on page 9-15.
I. Remote Positive (+) Terminal.
SeeBattery on page 9-29.
J.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 9-16.
K. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. SeeWasher Fluid
on page 9-26.
L. Radiator Fill Cap. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 9-19.Engine Cover
3.6 L V6 Engine Cover
To remove:
1. Remove the engine oil fill
cap (B).
2. Lift the engine cover (A) to
disengage one front attachment
point.
3. Pull engine cover forward to
disengage from two rear tabs.
4. Reverse Steps 1 through 3 to
reinstall engine cover.
Vehicle Care 9-9

Manual Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
manual transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak occurs,
take the vehicle to your dealer/
retailer service department and
have it repaired as soon as possible.
SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 10-7for the
proper fluid to use.
Hydraulic Clutch
It is not necessary to regularly
check brake/clutch fluid unless
you suspect there is a leak in the
system. Adding fluid will not correct
a leak. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
When to Check and What
to Use
The brake/hydraulic clutch fluid
reservoir cap has this symbol
on it. The common hydraulic clutch
and brake master cylinder fluid
reservoir is filled with DOT 3 brake
fluid as indicated on the reservoir
cap. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 9-6for reservoir
location.
How to Check and Add Fluid
Visually check the brake/clutch
fluid reservoir to make sure the
fluid level is at the MIN (minimum)
line on the side of the reservoir.
The brake/hydraulic clutch fluid
system should be closed and
sealed.
Do not remove the cap to check
the fluid level or to top-off the fluid
level. Remove the cap only when
necessary to add the proper fluid
until the level reaches the MIN line.
Vehicle Care 9-15

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

What to Add
Use only new DOT 3 brake
fluid from a sealed container.
SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 10-7.
Always clean the brake/clutch
fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it.
This helps keep dirt from entering
the reservoir.
{WARNING
With the wrong kind of fluid in the
brake/clutch hydraulic system,
the brakes might not work well.
This could cause a crash. Always
use the proper brake/clutch fluid.Notice:
Using the wrong uid can
badly damage brake/clutch
hydraulic system parts.
For example, just a few drops
of mineral-based oil, such
as engine oil, in the brake
hydraulic system can damage
brake hydraulic system parts so
badly that they will have to be
replaced. Do not let someone
put in the wrong kind of uid.
If brake uid is spilled on the
vehicle’s painted surfaces, the
paint nish can be damaged.
Be careful not to spill brake
uid on the vehicle. If you do,
wash it off immediately.
Battery
This vehicle has a maintenance
free battery. When it is time for a
new battery, see your dealer/retailer
for one that has the replacement
number shown on the original
battery’s label. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 9-6for battery location.
{WARNING
Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California
to cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
Vehicle Care 9-29

What to Use
For 218 mm rear drive module
(RDM) V6 manual, V8 automatic
and V8 manual:
To add lubricant when the level
is low, use 75W-90 LS gear oil
(GM Part No. US 89021677
and 1052358, in Canada
Part No. 89021678 and 992694)
meeting GM Specification 9986226.
To completely refill after draining,
seeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 10-7. Then fill
to the bottom of the filler plug hole
with the Synthetic Gear Lubricant.
For 195 mm RDM V6 automatic:
To add lubricant when the level
is low, use 75W-90 gear Oil
(GM Part No. US 89021677,
in Canada Part No. 89021678)
meeting GM Specification 9986115.
To completely refill after draining,
seeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 10-7. Then fill
to the bottom of the filler plug hole
with the Synthetic Gear Lubricant.
Starter Switch Check
{WARNING
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could move
suddenly. If the vehicle moves,
you or others could be injured.
1. Before starting this check,
be sure there is enough
room around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking
brake and the regular brake.
SeeParking Brake on page 8-32.
Do not use the accelerator
pedal, and be ready to turn off
the engine immediately if it starts.3. For automatic transmission
vehicles, try to start the engine
in each gear. The vehicle
should start only in P (Park) or
N (Neutral). If the vehicle starts
in any other position, contact your
dealer/retailer for service.
For manual transmission
vehicles, put the shift lever in
Neutral, push the clutch pedal
down halfway, and try to start the
engine. The vehicle should start
only when the clutch pedal is
pushed down all the way to the
floor. If the vehicle starts when
the clutch pedal is not pushed
all the way down, contact your
dealer/retailer for service.
Vehicle Care 9-31