CHEVROLET CORVETTE 1997 5.G Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Surge Tank Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
The surge tank pressure cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa)
pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating.
When you replace the surge tank pressure cap, a GM cap
is recommended.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow
of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a pre-set temperature.
When you replace the thermostat, a
GM thermostat is
recommended.
Power Steering Fluid
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there
is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and
the top of the reservoir clean, then unscrew the cap and
wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap and
completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again and
look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the
FULL COLD mark. If necessary,
add
only enough fluid to bring the level up to the mark.
When the engine compartment is hot, the level
should be at the
HOT mark.
When the engine compartment is cool, the level
should be at the
FULL COLD mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
,
protection against freezing.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap labeled WASHER FLUID ONLY. Add
washer
fluid until the tank is full.
NOTICE:
When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
adding water.
0 Don’t mix water with ready-to-use washer
fluid. Water can cause the solution
to freeze
and damage your washer fluid tank and
other parts of the washer system. Also,
water doesn’t clean as well as washer fluid.
three-quarters full when it’s very cold. This
allows for expansion
if freezing occurs,
which could damage the tank
if it is
completely full.
windshield washer.
It can damage your
washer system and paint.
Fill your washer fluid tank only
0 Don’t use radiator antifreeze in your

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Brakes
Brake Fluid
6
Your brake master cylinder reservoir is here. It is filled
with
DOT-3 brake fluid.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the
reservoir might
go down. The first is that the brake fluid
goes down to
an acceptable level during normal brake
lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid level
goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is leaking out
of the brake system. If it is, you should have your brake system fixed, since a leak means that
sooner or later your
brakes won't work well, or won't work at all.
So, it isn't a good idea to "top off' your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won't correct a
leak. If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you'll have too much
fluid when
you get new brake linings. You should add
(or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is
done
on the brake hydraulic system.
A CAUTION:
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill
on the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine
is hot enough. You
or others could be burned,
and
your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
fluid only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
check your brake fluid. See "Periodic Maintenance
Inspections" in the Index.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Checking Brake Fluid
You can check the brake fluid without taking off the cap. NOTICE:
Just look at the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid level
should be above the MIN mark on the reservoir.
If it
isn’t, have your brake system checked to see if there
is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system, make
sure the level is between the MIN and MAX marks.
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake
fluid
-- such as Delco Supreme ll@ (GM Part
No. 12377967). Use new brake fluid from a sealed
container only.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
With the wrong kind of fluid in your b,,ke
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause
a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
0 Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just
a few
drops
of mineral-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts
so badly that they’ll have to be
replaced. Don’t let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.
0 If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle’s
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle.
If you do, wash it off
immediately. See “Appearance Care”
in the Index.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Brake Wear
Your Corvette has four-wheel disc brakes.
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 may
come and go or be heard all the time your vehicle is
moving (except when you
are pushing on the brake
pedal firmly).
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won’t work well. That could lead
to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See “Brake System Inspection” in Section
7 of this
manual under Part
C “Periodic Maintenance
Inspections.”
Brake Pedal Travel
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 of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
As you make brake stops, your disc brakes
automatically adjust for wear.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a modern 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.
Your vehicle was designed and tested with top-quality
GM brake parts. When you replace parts of your braking
system
-- for example, when your brake linings wear
down and you have to have new ones put
in -- be sure
you get new approved GM replacement parts. If you
don’t, your brakes may no longer work properly. For
example, if someone puts in brake linings that
are wrong
for your vehicle, the balance between your front and
rear brakes can change
-- for the worse. The braking
performance you’ve come to expect can change in many
other ways if someone puts in the wrong replacement
brake parts.
Battery
Every new Corvette has a Delco Freedom@ battery. You
never have to add water to one of these. When it’s time for
a new battery, we recommend a Delco Freedom battery.
Get one that has the replacement number shown on the
original battery’s label. For battery replacement, see your
dealer or the Corvette Service Manual. To purchase
a
service manual, see “Service and Owner Publications” in
the Index. After the battery has been replaced, refer to the “Remote Function Actuation System” in
the Index to
resynchronize your transmitter(s).
Vehicle Storage
If you’re not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or
more, take
off the black, negative (-) cable from
the battery.
This will help keep your battery from
running down.
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt
if you
aren’t careful. See “Jump Starting” in the Index
for tips
on working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your vehicle
for longer storage periods.
Also, for your audio system, see “Theft-Deterrent
Feature” in the Index.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Bulb Replacement
For the proper type of replacement bulb, see
“Replacement
Bulbs” in the Index.
Halogen Bulbs
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and
can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb. You or
others could be injured.
Be sure to read and
follow the instructions on the bulb package.
HeadlampsLHighbeam
1. The headlamps need to be halfway open. Turn the
headlamp switch on, then quickly back to the
parking lamps setting. You may have to
do this a few
times to get the half-open position.
2. You can also open the headlamps manually by
turning the adjuster to the left.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 3.
4.
5.
Remove the screws on each side of the headlamp
bezel.
Open the hood.
To remove the bezel, pull the sides slightly outward
and
tilt the bezel forward. Pull the clip centered
above the lens outward. Be careful not to scratch
the paint.
6. Reach behind the lamp and turn the bulb to the
left
to remove it. Don’t touch the halogen bulbs.
The inner bulb is the high beam and the outer bulb
is the low beam.
7. Disconnect the desired bulb from the wiring harness.
8. Reverse the steps with a new bulb.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Front Turn Signal Lamps
1. Remove the front fascia close out panel
attaching bolts.
2. Remove the front fascia close out panel.
3. Grasp the cooling duct and pull to release it from the
front fascia, then reposition it. This will give you
better access to the bulb.
4. Squeeze the tab on the socket and turn it to the left to
5. Remove the bulb from the socket.
6. Reverse the steps with a new bulb.
remove the
socket with the bulb.
Front Sidemarker Lamps
Lamps” described previously.
1. Follow the first three steps in “Front Turn Signal
2. Turn the socket to the left one-quarter of a turn and
pull it out.
3. Pull the bulb straight out of the socket.
4. Reverse the steps with a new bulb.
Rear Turn Signal and Taillamps
A. Back-up Lamp
B. Inboard Taillamp
C. Outboard Taillamp
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