oil level CHEVROLET CAMARO SS 2010 Owners Manual

When the fuel tank is low on fuel,
a Fuel Level Low message will
appear on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). For more information
seeFuel System Messages on
page 4-33.
Here are some situations that can
occur with the fuel gage. None of
these indicate a problem with
the fuel gage.
•At the gas station, the fuel pump
shuts off before the gage
reads full.
•It takes a little more or less fuel to
fill up than the fuel gage indicated.
For example, the gage may have
indicated the tank was half full,
but it actually took a little more or
less than half the tank’s capacity
to fill the tank.
•The pointer on the fuel gage is on
empty when the ignition is off.
Engine Oil
Pressure Gage
The oil pressure gage, located in
front of the shifter, shows the engine
oil pressure in psi (pounds per
square inch) when the engine is
running. Canadian vehicles indicate
pressure in kPa (kilopascals).
Oil pressure may vary with engine
speed, outside temperature and oil
viscosity, but readings above the low
pressure zone indicate the normal
operating range. When the oil
pressure reaches the low pressure
zone, a message appears in the
Driver Information Center (DIC). United States
Canada
4-12 Instruments and Controls

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

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

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

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

6.2 L V8 Engine Cover
(L99 Engine shown
LS3 similar)
To remove:
1. Remove the engine oil fill
cap (A).
2. Lift the engine cover (B) to
disengage two front attachment
points.
3. Pull engine cover forward to
disengage from horizontal
rear attachments.
4. Reverse Steps 1 through 3 to
reinstall engine cover.
Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the
engine oil level at each fuel fill.
In order to get an accurate reading,
the oil must be warm and the
vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle
is a yellow loop. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 9-6
for the location of the engine oil
dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the
oil several minutes to drain back
into the oil pan. If this is not done,
the oil dipstick might not show the
actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean
it with a paper towel or cloth,
then push it back in all the way.
Remove it again, keeping the tip
down, and check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatched
area at the tip of the dipstick,
add at least one liter/quart of the
recommended oil. This section
explains what kind of oil to use.
For engine oil crankcase capacity,
seeCapacities and Specications
on page 11-2.
Notice:Do not add too much oil.
If the engine has so much oil
that the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that shows
the proper operating range,
the engine could be damaged.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 9-6for the location of the
engine oil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating
range. Push the dipstick all the
way back in when through.
9-10 Vehicle Care

What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
(V8 Engines)
Look for three things:
•GM4718M
This vehicle’s engine requires a
special oil meeting GM Standard
GM4718M. Oils meeting this
standard may be identified as
synthetic. However, not all
synthetic oils will meet this GM
standard. Use only an oil that
meets GM Standard GM4718M.
Notice:Using oils that do not
have the GM4718M Standard
designation can cause engine
damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
•SAE 5W-30
SAE 5W-30 is best for the
vehicle. These numbers on an
oil container show its viscosity,
or thickness. Do not use
other viscosity oils such
as SAE 20W-50.
•American Petroleum Institute
(API) starburst symbol
Oils meeting these requirements
should have the starburst symbol
on the container. This symbol
indicates that the oil has been
certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API).
This vehicle’s engine was filled at
the factory with a Mobil 1
®synthetic
oil meeting all requirements for
this vehicle.
Substitute Engine Oil: When adding
oil to maintain engine oil level, oil
meeting GM Standard GM4718M
might not be available. You can add
substitute oil designated SAE 5W-30
with the starburst symbol at all
temperatures. Substitute oil not
meeting GM Standard GM4718M
should not be used for an oil change.
9-12 Vehicle Care