A/T - Driver Info For Shift Controls (Paddle-Shift)
INFORMATIONBulletin No.: 11-07-30-004A
Date: February 15, 2012
Subject: Information on Operation of Driver Automatic Transmission Shift Controls (Paddle-Shift)
Models:
2011-2012 Chevrolet Camaro
Equipped with Automatic Transmission
Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to add the 2012 model year. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 11-07-30-004 (Section 07 - Transmission/Transaxle).
Automatic Transmission
Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, in addition to the usual P, R, N and D quadrants feature an M or Manual position. This position is used to access the Driver Shift Control functions as outlined below.
Driver Shift Control
Camaro models offer additional driver shift controls in the form of a (M) Manual position on the floor mounted transmission shifter and two "paddle" switches on the steering wheel. While all trim levels and powertrains offer these controls, the way they function is different based on the way the vehicle is equipped.
6.2L V8, 3.6L V6 (with GW6 3.27 axle)
Vehicles equipped with these powertrains feature in addition to full automatic shifting, a selectable sport and manual mode.
To use these modes, place the floor mounted transmission selector in the "M" position.
Transmission Selector Lever in "M" Position
- When the floor mounted transmission selector is put in the M position:
Sport Shift Mode Engaged
- The DIC will display "S." This indicates Sport Mode has been selected.
- When you are in the Sport Shift Mode, the vehicle will still shift automatically. The transmission may remain in a gear longer than it would in the normal driving mode based on braking, throttle input, and vehicle lateral acceleration.
- Tapping either steering wheel paddle control places the transmission in Manual mode.
Important
The driver can return to sport mode from manual by holding either paddle for more than two seconds.
Manual Shift Mode Engaged
- When going from sport to manual mode, the DIC will display "M" and the selected gear. At rest if you tap the right paddle M2 will be selected if you touch the left paddle M1 will be selected.
- The vehicle can be commanded to start from 0 mph in second gear "M2" for easier starting on low traction surfaces. 6.2L V8 equipped models may also be started from 0 mph in third gear "M3."
- Each time a paddle control is activated, the transmission will shift up or down one gear and indicate the current gear selected in the DIC. The transmission will hold this gear until the driver taps up or down again, or the vehicle slows to the point that the transmission must downshift to avoid bogging the engine.
Shift Denied Message
- If the driver requests an upshift or downshift that would overspeed the engine or cause the engine to bog, a "Shift Denied" message will be displayed.
3.6L V6 (with GW8 2.92 axle)
Vehicles equipped with the 3.6L V6 and RPO GW8 have paddle shift controls on the steering wheel however they function differently than the controls as explained above.
Transmission Selector Lever in "M" Position
When the floor mounted transmission selector is placed in the M position, the DIC will immediately indicate "M6." This indicates that the highest gear the transmission will be allowed to automatically select is 6th gear. This effectively allows full automatic operation to be maintained in case the control is accidentally engaged.
Tapping on the down (-) paddle will result in the highest gear allowable to be reduced by one. (i.e.:M5, M4, etc)
Manual Mode 4th Gear Selected
Example: Selecting M4 as shown above will result in full-automatic shifting up to 4th gear being the highest allowable gear reached.
This system allows the driver to initiate a downshift to a lower gear for increased engine braking or pulling power.
Note
The paddle controls on RPO GW8 vehicles are not designed for sport driving, but are set up to enhance driver control while maintaining fully automatic operation.
Important
Only first gear starts are available with this system. If a gear range is selected that will overspeed the engine, the shift request will be ignored without indication until the vehicle reaches a low enough speed that the shift may safely be accommodated.
Disclaimer