engine coolant CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2005 6.G User Guide

BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE:When the vehicle has
detected that the battery voltage is dropping beyond a
reasonable point, the BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE
message will display. The battery saver system will start
reducing certain features of the vehicle that you may
not be able to notice. At the point that features are
disabled, this message is displayed. It means that the
vehicle is trying to save the charge in the battery.
Turn off unnecessary accessories to allow the battery to
recharge.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL:This message will appear
when the life of the engine oil has expired. See
Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4. After an oil
change, the engine oil life system must be reset. See
“Engine Oil Life” underDIC Controls and Displays
on page 3-49. Also, seeEngine Oil on page 5-13and
Engine Oil Life System on page 5-16for more
information.
CHECK BRAKE FLUID:This message will appear, a
chime will sound and the brake system warning light on
the instrument panel cluster will be on if the ignition is
on to inform the driver that the brake uid level is
low. SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-38.
Have the brake system serviced by your GM dealer as
soon as possible. SeeBrakes on page 5-34.CHECK COOLANT LEVEL:This message will appear
when there is a low level of engine coolant. Have
the cooling system serviced by your GM dealer as soon
as possible. SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-21.
CHECK GAS CAP:If the gas cap has not been fully
tightened, this message will appear. You should
check your gas cap to ensure that it is on properly.
Once tightened, it will take at least one overnight park
to reset or clear this message. If there is a CHECK GAS
CAP message and a malfunction indicator lamp on in
the instrument panel cluster, you may need to see your
GM dealer for service. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 3-42for more information.
CHECK OIL LEVEL:Press the RESET button to
acknowledge that you have read the message and to
remove it from the display. The message will reappear
every 10 minutes until this condition changes. Once
the vehicle senses a change in the engine oil level, the
light will remain off.
You will hear two chimes when this message is
displayed. If this message appears after starting your
engine, your engine oil level may be too low. You
may need to add oil. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-24.
3-56

CLOSE TRUNK TO MOVE TOP:This message will
display and a chime will sound if the trunk is open while
you are trying to operate the convertible top. Make
sure the trunk is closed before operating the convertible
top. SeeConvertible Top (Manual) on page 2-57or
Convertible Top (Power) on page 2-64.
COMPETITIVE DRIVING MODE:When the Competitive
Driving mode is selected, this message will be displayed
in the DIC and a short chime will sound. The instrument
panel cluster light will not be on when the Competitive
Driving mode is selected. The Traction Control System
will not be operating while in the Competitive Driving
mode. You should adjust your driving accordingly.
COOLANT OVER TEMPERATURE:You will hear a
chime when this message is displayed. To acknowledge
the warning, press the RESET button. After you press the
RESET button, a message will be displayed and you will
hear a chime every minute until this condition changes. If
you do not press the RESET button, the message will
remain on the digital display until the condition changes.
If the engine coolant exceeds 255°F (124°C), this
message is displayed. If you have been operating your
vehicle under normal driving conditions, you should pull
off the road, stop your vehicle and turn off the engine as
soon as possible. You can monitor the coolant
temperature with the GAGES button on the DIC or the
engine coolant gage on the instrument panel cluster. See
Engine Overheating on page 5-24.CRUISE DISENGAGED:This message will
momentarily appear when you disengage the cruise
control system by stepping on the brake on an automatic
transmission vehicle or the clutch on a manual
transmission vehicle or by turning off the cruise control
switch. SeeCruise Control on page 3-11for more
information.
ENGINE DRAG CONTROL ACTIVE:This message
displays when engine drag control is active. When
driving in a lower gear in rainy, snowy or icy conditions,
and then letting up on the accelerator or downshifting,
the rear wheels may begin to slip and this message
appears. This message will stay on for a few seconds
following the engine drag control event.
ENGINE OVERHEATED – STOP ENGINE:This
message will appear along with a continuous chime
when the engine has overheated. Stop and turn
the engine off immediately to avoid severe engine
damage. SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-24.
3-57

ENGINE PROTECTION REDUCE ENGINE RPM:You
will hear multiple chimes when this message is
displayed. This message will remain displayed and
active until the issue is resolved.
If the engine oil temperature exceeds 320°F (160°C),
this message is displayed. You should check the engine
coolant temperature and engine oil level. If your
engine is too hot, seeEngine Overheating on page 5-24.
Your vehicle may need service, so see your GM dealer.
You can monitor the oil temperature with the gages
button on the DIC.
HEADLAMPS SUGGESTED:If it is dark enough
outside and the headlamps and Twilight
Sentinel
®controls are off, this message will display.
This message informs the driver that turning on
the exterior lamps is recommended. It has become dark
enough outside to require the headlamps and/or
other exterior lamps.
HIGH TIRE PRESSURE:To acknowledge the warning,
press the RESET button. After you press the RESET
button, a message will reappear every 10 minutes until
this condition changes. This message indicates that
the pressure in one of your tires is higher than 42 psi
(290 kPa). Next to the HIGH TIRE PRESSURE
message, you can see either LEFT FRONT, RIGHT
FRONT, LEFT REAR or RIGHT REAR to indicate to you
which tire is higher than 42 psi (290 kPa). You can
receive more than one tire pressure message at a time.To read other messages that may have been sent at
the same time, press the RESET button. If a tire
pressure message appears on the DIC, stop as soon as
you can. Have the tire pressures checked and set to
those shown on your Tire Loading Information
Label. SeeExtended Mobility Tires on page 5-56and
Ination - Tire Pressure on page 5-58.
HOT ENGINE AIR CONDITIONING OFF: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 is automatically turned off. When the coolant
temperature returns to normal, the A/C operation will
automatically resume. You can continue to drive
your vehicle. If this message continues to appear, have
the system repaired by your GM dealer as soon as
possible to avoid compressor damage.
ICE POSSIBLE:This message displays when the
outside air temperature is cold enough to create icy
road conditions.
LOW FUEL:This message displays when the fuel tank
is less than 10 percent full and the display is turned
off. A multiple chime will also sound when this message
is displayed. SeeFuel Gage on page 3-48.
3-58

REDUCED ENGINE POWER:You will hear multiple
chimes when this message is displayed. To
acknowledge that you have read the message and to
remove it from the display, press the RESET button. The
message will reappear every ve minutes until this
condition changes.
If the Driver Information Center (DIC) displays the
REDUCED ENGINE POWER message and the CHECK
ENGINE light comes on, a noticeable reduction in the
vehicle’s performance may occur. If the REDUCED
ENGINE POWER message is displayed 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 while the
REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is displayed,
but acceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime
the CHECK ENGINE light stays on, the vehicle
should be taken to your GM dealer as soon as possible
for diagnosis and repair.
Also, seeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on page 3-42.If
the REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is displayed
in combination with the COOLANT OVER
TEMPERATURE message, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-24.SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM:If the
SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM message is
displayed, there is a problem with your Active Handling
System and your vehicle needs service. See your
GM dealer. The instrument cluster light will also be on
and a chime will sound. When this message is
displayed, the system is not working. Adjust your driving
accordingly. SeeActive Handling System on page 4-10
for more information.
SERVICE AIR CONDITIONING:This message displays
when the electronic sensors that control the air
conditioning and heating systems are no longer working.
Have the climate control system serviced by your
GM dealer if you notice a drop in heating and air
conditioning efficiency.
SERVICE ANTILOCK BRAKES:If the SERVICE
ANTILOCK BRAKES message is displayed when you
are driving, stop as soon as possible and turn the
ignition off. Then start the engine again to reset the
system. If the message stays on, or comes back
on again while you are driving, your vehicle is in need
of service. See your GM dealer. If the anti-lock
brake system warning light is on and the regular brake
system warning light is not on, you still have brakes,
but do not have anti-lock brakes. If the regular
brake system light is also on, you do not have anti-lock
brakes and there is a problem with your brakes. See
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light on page 3-39
andBrake System Warning Light on page 3-38.
3-61

TRACTION SYSTEM – ON:You will hear a single
quick tone when this message is displayed. This
message is displayed when you decide to turn on the
Traction Control System by pressing the Active Handling
System console button on the console. This message
will shut off automatically on its own.
TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE ENGINE:You will hear
four chimes when this message is displayed. To
acknowledge this warning, press the RESET button.
After you press the RESET button, the message will be
displayed every 10 minutes until the condition changes.
If you do not press the RESET button, the message
remains on the display until the condition changes.
If the transmission uid temperature rises above 270°F
(132°C) or rises rapidly, this message is displayed.
The transmission may shift gears or apply the torque
converter clutch to reduce the uid temperature. Driving
aggressively or driving on long hills can cause the
transmission uid temperature to be higher than normal.
If this message appears, you may continue to drive at
a slower speed. You should also monitor the
transmission uid temperature and allow it to cool to at
least 230°F (110°C). The transmission uid temperature
can be monitored with the gages button on the DIC.SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid on page 5-20. You
should also check the engine coolant temperature. If it is
also hot, seeEngine Overheating on page 5-24.
If the TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE ENGINE message is
displayed during normal vehicle operation on at
roads, your vehicle may need service. See your
GM dealer for an inspection.
TURN SIGNAL ON:If a turn signal is left on for
three-quarters of a mile (1.2 km), this message will
appear on the display and you will hear a chime. Move
the turn signal/multifunction lever to the off position.
To acknowledge this message, press the RESET button.
UNLATCH HEADER TO MOVE TOP:This message
will display and a chime will sound if you try to lower the
convertible top without rst unlocking the top. Move
the latch handle to unlock the convertible top. See
Convertible Top (Manual) on page 2-57orConvertible
Top (Power) on page 2-64.
3-67

Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle..............................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-5
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-6
Filling the Tank..............................................5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.......................5-9
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-10
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-13
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-16
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-18
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-20
Manual Transmission Fluid.............................5-20
Hydraulic Clutch...........................................5-20
Engine Coolant.............................................5-21Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-24
Engine Overheating.......................................5-24
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-26
Cooling System............................................5-26
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-32
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-33
Brakes........................................................5-34
Battery........................................................5-37
Jump Starting...............................................5-38
Rear Axle.......................................................5-43
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-44
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting............5-44
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-45
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, and
Parking Lamps..........................................5-45
Sidemarker Lamps........................................5-47
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-48
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-48
Windshield Replacement.................................5-48
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-49
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

Checking Things Under
the Hood
{CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up
and injure you even when the engine is not
running. Keep hands, clothing and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.
{CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts
and start a re. These include liquids like fuel,
oil, coolant, brake uid, windshield washer and
other uids, and plastic or rubber. You or
others could be burned. Be careful not to drop
or spill things that will burn onto a hot engine.
Hood Release
To open the hood, do the following:
1. Pull the hood
release lever with this
symbol on it. It is
located inside the
vehicle below
the instrument panel
on the driver’s side.
5-10

A. Clutch Master Cylinder Reservoir (If Equipped). See
Hydraulic Clutch on page 5-20.
B. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-33.
C. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 5-34.
D. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-21.
E. Engine Air Cleaner/Filters. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18.
F. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-31.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-13.
H. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-13.
I. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. SeeEngine
Compartment Fuse Block on page 5-89.
J. Passenger Compartment Air Filter (Out of View).
SeePassenger Compartment Air Filter on page 3-31.
K. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-37.Engine Oil
If the LOW OIL LEVEL message on the Driver
Information Center (DIC) comes on, it means you need
to check your engine oil level right away. For more
information, seeDriver Information Center (DIC)
on page 3-49.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check your engine oil level every
time you get fuel. 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. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil a few minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or a cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove
it again, keeping the tip down.
5-13

When to Check and What to Use
The hydraulic clutch uid
reservoir cap has this
symbol on it. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for reservoir
location.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often you should check the uid level in your clutch
master cylinder reservoir and for the proper uid to use.
SeeOwner Checks and Services on page 6-8and
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
How to Check and Add Fluid
Make sure the uid level is at the MIN (Minimum) line
on the side of the reservoir. If it is not, remove the
cap and add the proper uid until the level reaches the
MIN line.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for ve years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add only
DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-24.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-21

What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one-half DEX-COOL®coolant which will not damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you do
not need to add anything else.
{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil
before the proper coolant mixture will. Your
vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the
proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the
wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot
but you would not get the overheat warning.
Your engine could catch re and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.Notice:If you use an improper coolant mixture,
your engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and
other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
Notice:If you use the proper coolant, you do not
have to add extra inhibitors or additives which claim
to improve the system. These can be harmful.
5-22