Vehicle Checks
If doing some of your own service work, use the proper service manual. It tells you much more about how to service the vehicle than this manual can. To order the proper service manual, see Publication Ordering Information
0 346.
This vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting to do your own service work, see Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 0 86.
If equipped with remote vehicle start, open the hood before performing any service work to prevent remote starting the vehicle accidentally. See Remote Vehicle Start 0 34.
Keep a record with all parts receipts and list the mileage and the date of any service work performed. See Maintenance Records 0 332.
To open the hood:
2.0L L4 Engine (LTG)
Engine Oil 0 243.
Engine Oil 0 243.
3.6L V6 Engine (LGX)
Engine Oil 0 243.
Engine Oil 0 243.
6.2L V8 Engine (LT1)
Engine Oil 0 243.
Engine Oil 0 243.
If the vehicle has a 6.2L V8 LT4 engine, see the Camaro High Performance supplement.
To ensure proper engine performance and long life, careful attention must be paid to engine oil. Following these simple, but important steps will help protect your investment:
Check the engine oil level regularly, every 650 km (400 mi), especially prior to a long trip. The engine oil dipstick handle is a loop. See Engine Compartment Overview
0 238 for the location.
If a low oil Driver Information Center (DIC) message displays, check the oil level.
Follow these guidelines:
. To get an accurate reading, park the vehicle on level ground.
Check the engine oil level after the engine has been off for at least two hours. Checking the engine oil level on steep grades or too soon after engine shutoff can result in incorrect readings. Accuracy improves when
checking a cold engine prior to starting. Remove the dipstick and check the level.
LTG 2.0L L4 Engine
LGX 3.6L V6 Engine Shown, 6.2L V8 Engine Similar
If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at the tip of the dipstick and the engine has been off for at least 15 minutes, add 1 L (1 qt) of the recommended oil and then recheck the level. See “Selecting the Right Engine Oil” later in this section for an explanation of what kind of oil to use. For engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacities and Specifications 0 334.
See Engine Compartment Overview 0 238 for 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.
V6 Engines)
Selecting the right engine oil depends on both the proper oil specification and viscosity grade. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0 329.
Specification
Use full synthetic engine oils that meet the dexos1 specification.
Engine oils that have been approved by GM as meeting the dexos1 specification are marked with the dexos1 approved logo. See www.gmdexos.com.
Viscosity Grade
Use SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade engine oil. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below −29°C (−20°F), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide
easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, it is recommended to select an oil of the correct specification. See “Specification” earlier in this section.
Selecting the right engine oil depends on both the proper oil specification and viscosity grade. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0 329.
Specification
Use engine oils that meet the dexos2 specification. Engine oils that have been approved by GM as meeting the dexos2 specification are marked with the dexos2 approved logo. See www.gmdexos.com.
Viscosity Grade
Use SAE 0W-40 viscosity grade engine oil.
When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, it is recommended to select an oil of the correct specification. See “Specification” earlier in this section.
If 0W-40 dexos2 oil is not available, SAE 5W-30 dexos1 full synthetic engine oil may be used for
street use.
Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended oils meeting the dexos specification are all that is needed for good performance and engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not recommended and could cause engine damage not covered by the vehicle warranty.
Used engine oil contains certain elements that can be unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer. Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or rags containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer's warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it in the trash or pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used oil.
This vehicle has a computer system that indicates when to change the engine oil and filter. This is based on a combination of factors which include engine revolutions, engine temperature, and miles driven.
Based on driving conditions, the mileage at which an oil change is indicated can vary considerably. For the oil life system to work properly, the system must be reset every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been diminished, it indicates that an oil change is necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message comes on. Change the oil as soon as possible within the next 1 000 km (600 mi). It is possible that, if driving under the best conditions, the oil life system might indicate that an oil
change is not necessary for up to a year. The engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year and, at this time, the system must
be reset. Your dealer has trained service people who will perform this work and reset the system. It is also important to check the oil regularly over the course of an oil drain interval and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, the oil must be changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi) since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life system whenever the oil is changed.
Reset the system whenever the engine oil is changed so that the system can calculate the next engine oil change. To reset the system:
The oil life system can also be reset as follows:
The system is reset when the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message goes off.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the vehicle is started, the engine oil life system has not been reset. Repeat the procedure.
It is not necessary to check the transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to your dealer and have it repaired as soon as possible.
The vehicle is not equipped with a transmission fluid level dipstick.
There is a special procedure for checking and changing the transmission fluid. Because this procedure is difficult, this should be done at the dealer. Contact the dealer for additional information or the procedure can be found in the service manual. To purchase a service manual, see Publication Ordering Information 0 346.
Change the fluid and filter at the intervals listed in Maintenance Schedule 0 320, and be sure to use the fluid listed in Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0 329.
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 and have it repaired as soon as possible. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0 329 for the proper fluid to use.
For vehicles with a manual transmission, it is not necessary to regularly check brake/clutch fluid unless there is a leak suspected. Adding fluid will not correct a leak. A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired.
The brake/hydraulic clutch fluid reservoir cap has this symbol on it. See Engine Compartment Overview 0 238 for reservoir location. The common hydraulic clutch and brake master cylinder fluid reservoir is filled with brake fluid as indicated on the reservoir cap. See Brake Fluid
0 258 for brake fluid to use.
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.
If equipped, this feature provides an indication of when to change the engine air filter. It is based on driving conditions, which can cause when to change to vary greatly. It is possible an air filter change may not be indicated for up to four years.
When the "Replace at Next Oil Change" message displays, the engine air filter should be replaced at the time of the next engine oil change. When the "Replace Engine Air Filter Now" message displays, the engine air filter should be replaced as soon as possible. Reset the engine air filter life system after
the engine air filter is replaced. See your dealer for service and to reset the system.
Reset the system whenever the engine air filter is replaced so that the system can calculate the next engine air filter change.
To reset:
Reset then press SEL. Then press Yes to confirm the reset.
If the vehicle has a 6.2L V8 LT4 engine, see the Camaro High Performance supplement.
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the engine compartment on the driver side of the vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview 0 238 for location.
0 320.
Do not start the engine or have the engine running with the engine air cleaner/filter housing open. Before removing the engine air cleaner/ filter, make sure that the engine air cleaner/filter housing and nearby components are free of dirt and debris. Remove the engine air cleaner/filter. Lightly tap and shake the engine air cleaner/filter (away from the vehicle), to release loose dust and dirt. Inspect the engine air cleaner/filter for damage, and replace if damaged. Do not clean the engine air cleaner/filter or components with water or compressed air.
To inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter:
2.0L L4 Engine (LTG)
3.6L V6 Engine (LGX)
6.2L V8 Engine (LT1)
Cooling System
If the vehicle has a 6.2L V8 LT4 engine, see the Camaro High Performance supplement.
The cooling system allows the engine to maintain the correct working temperature.
2.0L L4 Engine (LTG)
3.6L V6 Engine (LGX)
6.2L V8 Engine (LT1)
The cooling system in the vehicle is filled with DEX-COOL engine coolant.
See Maintenance Schedule 0 320 and Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0 329.
The following explains the cooling system and how to check and add coolant when it is low. If there is a problem with engine overheating, see Engine Overheating 0 255.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean drinkable water and DEX-COOL coolant. This mixture:
. Helps keep the proper engine temperature
Never dispose of engine coolant by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, or into sewers, streams, or bodies of water. Have the coolant changed by an authorized service center, familiar with legal requirements regarding used coolant disposal. This will help protect the environment and your health.
The vehicle must be on a level surface when checking the coolant level.
It is normal to see coolant moving in the upper coolant hose return line when the engine is running. It is also normal to see bubbles entering the surge tank through the
small hose.
Check to see if coolant is visible in the coolant surge tank. If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is boiling, do not do anything else until it cools down.
If coolant is visible but the coolant level is not at or above the cold fill line, add a 50/50 mixture of clean drinkable water and DEX-COOL coolant.
Be sure the cooling system is cool before this is done.
It is normal for the coolant level in the bottom chamber to rise and fall with operating temperature and ambient conditions. Coolant will evaporate from the bottom chamber in normal operation. This will happen faster when the vehicle is driven for long periods in hot, dry conditions.
If no coolant is visible in the coolant surge tank, add coolant as follows:
If no problem is found, check to see if coolant is visible in the coolant surge tank. If coolant is visible but the coolant level is not at the bottom of the fill neck, add a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL coolant at the coolant surge tank, but be sure the cooling
system, including the coolant surge tank pressure cap, is cool before you do it.
Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise. If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. This will allow any pressure still left to be vented out the
By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant surge tank top chamber may be lower.
If the level is lower, add more of the proper mixture to the surge tank top chamber until the level reaches the bottom of the fill neck.
Check the level in the surge tank top and bottom chambers when the cooling system has cooled down.
If the coolant is not at the proper levels, repeat Steps 1–3 and reinstall the pressure cap and close the service port. If the coolant still is
not at the proper levels when the system cools down again, see your dealer.
The vehicle has several indicators to warn of the engine overheating.
There is an engine coolant temperature gauge on the instrument cluster. See Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge 0 122. The vehicle may also display a message on the Driver Information Center (DIC).
If the decision is made not to lift the hood when this warning appears, get service help right away. See Roadside Assistance Program
0 341.
If the decision is made to lift the hood, make sure the vehicle is parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine cooling fan is running. If the engine is overheating, the fan should be running. If it is not, do not continue to run the engine. Have the vehicle serviced.
If Steam Is Coming from the Engine Compartment with no Overheat Warning
The hood extractor, if equipped, is functional. It will allow water from rain and car washes to enter the engine compartment and contact hot surfaces. If steam is coming from the hood extractor with no accompanying overheat warning, no service is needed.
If an engine overheat warning is displayed but no steam can be seen or heard, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when the vehicle:
If the overheat warning is displayed with no sign of steam:
If the engine coolant temperature gauge is no longer in the overheated area, the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive the vehicle slowly for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe vehicle distance from the vehicle in front. If the warning does not come back on, continue to drive normally and have the cooling system checked for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park the vehicle
right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine for three minutes while parked. If the warning is still displayed, turn off the engine until it cools down.
When windshield washer fluid is needed, be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions before use. If operating the vehicle in an area where the temperature can fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient protection against freezing.
Open the cap with the washer symbol on it. Add washer fluid until the reservoir is full. See Engine Compartment Overview 0 238 for reservoir location.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads are needed. The sound can come and go or can be heard all the time when the vehicle is moving, except when applying the brake pedal firmly.
Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly applied. This does not mean something is wrong with the brakes.
If equipped with high performance brake linings, there could be an increased build-up of brake dust as well as minor noises as compared to standard brake linings.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the proper sequence to torque specifications. See Capacities and Specifications 0 334.
Brake pads should be replaced as complete sets.
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service may be required.
Always replace brake system parts with new, approved replacement parts. If this is not done, the brakes may not work properly. The braking performance expected can change in many other ways if the wrong replacement brake parts are installed or if parts are improperly installed.
High performance brake components may bind and clunk when moving the vehicle. This may be noticeable after parking when the brakes have been wet, such as when driving in the rain or after a car wash. This is normal for brakes with high friction pads and does not affect the operation of the brakes.
Apply the brakes several times until the binding or clunking stops. Drive the vehicle and apply the brakes several times if it is washed before long-term storage.
The brake/clutch master cylinder reservoir is filled with GM approved DOT 3 brake fluid as indicated on
the reservoir cap. See Engine Compartment Overview 0 238 for the location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
Place the vehicle in P (Park) or Neutral with the parking brake applied if equipped with a manual transmission. On a level surface, the brake fluid level should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the brake fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the reservoir may go down:
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area around the cap before removing it.
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 fluid, as necessary, 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. See Brake System Warning Light 0 128.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time which degrades the effectiveness of the brake fluid. Replace brake fluid
at the specified intervals to prevent increased stopping distance. See Maintenance Schedule 0 320.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed container. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0 329.
The original equipment battery is maintenance free. Do not remove the cap and do not add fluid.
The battery is in the trunk, behind the trim panel, on the passenger side of the vehicle. Refer to the replacement number shown on the original battery label when a new battery is needed.
The vehicle has an Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) 12-volt battery.
Installation of a standard 12-volt battery will result in reduced 12-volt battery life. When using a 12-volt battery charger on the 12-volt AGM battery, some chargers have an AGM battery setting on the charger. If available, use the AGM setting on the charger, to limit charge voltage to 14.8 volts.
See California Proposition
65 Warning 0 235 and the back cover.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the black, negative (−) cable from the battery to keep the battery from running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the black, negative (−) cable from the battery or use a battery trickle charger.
It is not necessary to regularly check the rear axle fluid, unless a leak is suspected or an unusual noise is heard. A fluid loss could indicate a problem. Have it inspected and repaired by your dealer.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
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 for service.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the parking brake.
Contact your dealer if service is required.
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected for wear and cracking. See Maintenance Schedule 0 320.
Replacement blades come in different types and are removed in different ways. For proper type and length, see Maintenance Replacement Parts 0 331.
To replace the windshield wiper blade:
The windshield is part of the HUD system. If the windshield must be replaced, get one that is designed for HUD or the HUD image may look out of focus.
If the windshield needs to be replaced and the vehicle is equipped with a front camera sensor for the Driver Assistance Systems, a GM replacement windshield is recommended. The replacement windshield must be installed
according to GM specifications for proper alignment. If it is not, these systems may not work properly, they may display messages, or they may not work at all. See your dealer for proper windshield replacement.
This vehicle is equipped with gas strut(s) to provide assistance in lifting and holding open the hood/ trunk/liftgate system in full open position.
See Maintenance Schedule 0 320.
Hood
Trunk
Liftgate
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