check oil CHEVROLET CAMARO SS 2010 Owners Manual

SeeEngine Oil Messages on
page 4-32andEngine Oil on
page 9-10for more information.
{WARNING
Do not keep driving if the oil
pressure is low. The engine can
become so hot that it catches fire.
Someone could be burned.
Check the oil as soon as possible
and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil
maintenance can damage the
engine. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always follow the maintenance
schedule in this manual for
changing engine oil.
A reading in the low pressure zone
can be caused by a dangerously
low oil level or some other problem
causing low oil pressure. Check
the oil as soon as possible.
Engine Oil
Temperature Gage
This gage, located in front of the
shifter, shows the engine oil
temperature.
If the gage pointer moves into the
red area, it means that the engine oil
has overheated. If the vehicle has
been operated under normal driving
conditions, pull off the road, stop
the vehicle and turn off the engine
as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Oil on page 9-10for
more information. United States
Canada
Instruments and Controls 4-13

This gage, located in front of the
shifter, shows the transmission
oil temperature when the ignition is
on. If the gage is reading in the
red area and/or a message appears
in the DIC, the vehicle must be
stopped and the cause checked.
One possible cause is a low level in
the transmission.For information on the DIC
messages seeTransmission
Messages on page 4-36.
Notice:If the vehicle is driven
with the transmission temperature
gage above the normal operating
range, the transmission can be
damaged. This could lead to
costly repairs that would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Do not drive the vehicle while the
transmission temperature gage
reading is above normal. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
Voltmeter Gage
This gage, located in front of the
shifter, shows the battery’s state of
charge in DC volts.
When the engine is running, but the
ignition is on, this gage shows
the condition of the charging system.
The vehicle’s charging system
regulates voltage based on the state
of charge of the battery. It is normal
for the voltmeter to fluctuate. Canada
United States Version Shown,
Canada Similar
Instruments and Controls 4-15

When the Light is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the
tires are significantly underinflated.
A tire pressure message in the
Driver Information Center (DIC),
can accompany the light. SeeTire
Messages on page 4-36for more
information. Stop and check the tires
as soon as it is safe to do so.
If underinflated, inflate to the proper
pressure. SeeTire Pressure on
page 9-54for more information.
When the Light Flashes First and
Then is On Steady
This indicates that there may be a
problem with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System. The light flashes
for about a minute and stays
on steady for the remainder of the
ignition cycle. This sequence
repeats with every ignition cycle.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor
Operation on page 9-57for more
information.Engine Oil Pressure
Light
{WARNING
Do not keep driving if the oil
pressure is low. The engine can
become so hot that it catches fire.
Someone could be burned. Check
the oil as soon as possible and
have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil
maintenance can damage the
engine. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always follow the maintenance
schedule in this manual for
changing engine oil.The oil pressure light should
come on briefly as the engine is
started. If it does not come on
have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
If the light comes on and stays on,
it means that oil is not flowing
through the engine properly.
The vehicle could be low on oil and
might have some other system
problem. See your dealer/retailer.
Instruments and Controls 4-25

Engine Cooling System
Messages
A/C Off Due to High
Engine Temp
This message displays when the
engine coolant becomes hotter than
the normal operating temperature.
To avoid added strain on a hot
engine, the air conditioning
compressor automatically turns off.
When the coolant temperature
returns to normal, the air conditioning
compressor turns back on. You can
continue to drive your vehicle.
If this message continues to appear,
have the system repaired by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible
to avoid damage to the engine.
Coolant Level Low Add
Coolant
This message will display if the
coolant is low, seeEngine Coolant
on page 9-19.
Engine Overheated — Idle
Engine
This message displays when the
engine coolant temperature is
too hot. Stop and allow the vehicle
to idle until it cools down.
Engine Overheated — Stop
Engine
This message displays and a
continuous chime sounds if the
engine cooling system reaches
unsafe temperatures for operation.
Stop and turn off the vehicle as
soon as it is safe to do so to avoid
severe damage. This message
clears when the engine has cooled
to a safe operating temperature.
High Coolant Temperature
This message displays if the coolant
temperature is hot, seeEngine
Overheating on page 9-24.
Engine Oil Messages
Change Engine Oil Soon
This message displays when the
engine oil needs to be changed.
When you change the engine oil,
be sure to reset the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message.
SeeEngine Oil Life System
on page 9-13andDriver Information
Center (DIC) on page 4-27for
information on how to reset
the message. SeeEngine Oil
on page 9-10andScheduled
Maintenance on page 10-2for
more information.
Engine Oil Hot, Idle Engine
This message displays when
the engine oil temperature is too
hot. Stop and allow the vehicle
to idle until it cools down.
Engine Oil Low – Add Oil
This message displays when
the engine oil level is too low.
Check the oil level. SeeEngine Oil
on page 9-10.
4-32 Instruments and Controls

Oil Pressure Low – Stop
Engine
This message displays if low oil
pressure levels occur. Stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible
and do not operate it until the cause
of the low oil pressure has been
corrected. Check the oil as soon as
possible and have your vehicle
serviced by your dealer/retailer.
Engine Power Messages
Engine Power Is Reduced
This message displays when the
vehicle’s engine power is reduced.
Reduced engine power can affect the
vehicle’s ability to accelerate. If this
message is on, but there is no
reduction in performance, proceed to
your destination. The performance
may be reduced the next time the
vehicle is driven. The vehicle may
be driven at a reduced speed whilethis message is on, but maximum
acceleration and speed may be
reduced. Anytime this message
stays on, the vehicle should be taken
to your dealer/retailer for service as
soon as possible.
Fuel System Messages
Fuel Level Low
This message displays when the
vehicle is low on fuel. Refuel
as soon as possible
Tighten Gas Cap
This message displays when the
fuel cap is not on tight. Tighten the
fuel cap.
Change Fuel Filter
This message displays when the
fuel needs to be replaced. Take the
vehicle to your dealer/retailer for
service.
Key and Lock Messages
Number Of Keys Programmed
This message displays when
programming new keys to the
vehicle.
Replace Battery In Remote Key
This message displays when the
battery in the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter needs to be
replaced.
Lamp Messages
Automatic Light Control On
This message is displayed when the
automatic light control has been
turned on. SeeAutomatic Headlamp
System on page 5-3.
Instruments and Controls 4-33

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

Avoid downshifting to brake
or slow the vehicle when the
engine speed will exceed
4000 RPM.
Do not let the engine labor.
Never lug the engine in high
gear at low speeds. With a
manual transmission, shift to
the next lower gear. This rule
applies at all times, not just
during the break-in period.
Do not participate in racing
events, sport driving schools,
or similar activities during this
break-in period.
Check engine oil with every
refueling and add if necessary.
Oil and fuel consumption may
be higher than normal during
the rst 2 414 km/1,500 miles.
To break in new tires, drive at
moderate speeds and avoid
hard cornering for the rst
322 km/200 miles. New tires do
not have maximum traction and
may tend to slip.
New brake linings also need a
break-in period. Avoid making
hard stops during the rst
322 km/200 miles. This is
recommended every time
brake linings are replaced.
Should the vehicle be used for
racing or competitive driving
(after break-in), the rear axle
lubricant must be replaced
beforehand.
Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has four different
positions.
Notice:Using a tool to force the
key to turn in the ignition could
cause damage to the switch or
break the key. Use the correct key,
make sure it is all the way in, and
turn it only with your hand. If the
key cannot be turned by hand,
see your dealer/retailer.
To shift out of P (Park), turn the
ignition to ON/RUN and apply
the brake pedal.
Driving and Operating 8-17

To prevent gear damage, this
system also prevents cranking if
the engine is already running.
Engine cranking can be stopped
by turning the ignition switch
to ACC/ACCESSORY or
LOCK/OFF.
Notice:Cranking the engine for
long periods of time, by returning
the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start
after 5-10 seconds, especially in
very cold weather (below 0°F or
−18°C), it could be flooded with
too much gasoline. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and holding it there as
you hold the key in START for a
maximum of 15 seconds. Wait atleast 15 seconds between each
try, to allow the cranking motor to
cool. When the engine starts, let
go of the key and accelerator.
If the vehicle starts briefly but
then stops again, repeat the
procedure. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine. Do not
race the engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the engine and
transmission gently until the oil
warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.
Notice:The engine is designed
to work with the electronics in the
vehicle. If you add electrical parts
or accessories, you could change
the way the engine operates.
Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your
dealer/retailer. If you do not,
the engine might not perform
properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.Engine Heater
The engine coolant heater, if
available, can help in cold weather
conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C)
for easier starting and better fuel
economy during engine warm-up.
Plug in the coolant heater at least
four hours before starting the vehicle.
An internal thermostat in the
plug-end of the cord will prevent
engine coolant heater operation at
temperatures above 0°F (−18°C).
8-20 Driving and Operating

California Fuel
Requirements
If the vehicle is certified to meet
California Emissions Standards, it is
designed to operate on fuels that
meet California specifications.
See the underhood emission control
label. If this fuel is not available in
states adopting California emissions
standards, the vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal
specifications, but emission control
system performance might be
affected. The malfunction indicator
lamp could turn on and the vehicle
might fail a smog-check test.
SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 4-19. If this occurs, return
to your authorized dealer/retailer for
diagnosis. If it is determined that the
condition is caused by the type of
fuel used, repairs might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Fuels in Foreign
Countries
If you plan on driving in another
country outside the United States
or Canada, the proper fuel might
be hard to find. Never use leaded
gasoline or any other fuel not
recommended in the previous text
on fuel. Costly repairs caused by
use of improper fuel would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
To check the fuel availability, ask
an auto club, or contact a major oil
company that does business in the
country where you will be driving.
Fuel Additives
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines
in the United States are now required
to contain additives that help prevent
engine and fuel system deposits
from forming, allowing the emission
control system to work properly.
In most cases, you should not have
to add anything to the fuel. However,
some gasolines contain only theminimum amount of additive
required to meet U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency regulations.
To help keep fuel injectors and
intake valves clean, or if the vehicle
experiences problems due to dirty
injectors or valves, look for gasoline
that is 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 the auto companies. A list of
marketers providing TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline can be found
at www.toptiergas.com.
For customers who do not use
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline
regularly, one bottle of GM Fuel
System Treatment PLUS, added
to the fuel tank at every engine oil
change, can help clean deposits
from fuel injectors and intake valves.
GM Fuel System Treatment PLUS
is the only gasoline additive
recommended by General Motors.
It is available at your dealer/retailer.
Driving and Operating 8-45

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