check engine light CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2008 6.G User Guide

Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have or
might begin programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this
inspection could prevent you from getting a vehicle
registration.
Here are some things you need to know to help your
vehicle pass an inspection:
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the check
engine light is on or not working properly.
To perform a check engine light bulb check with the
keyless ignition, make sure the transmitter fob is in the
passenger compartment. SeeIgnition Positions on
page 2-22. Press the bottom of the Acc. button on
the instrument panel and hold the button down
for ve seconds. The instrument panel, including the
check engine light, will light up and the ignition will
be on, but the engine will not start — if you press the
bottom of the Acc. button only briey, less than
ve seconds, the accessory power mode will be turned
on, but not the ignition. After the bulb check, be sure
to press and release the Acc. button again to turn
the ignition off and avoid draining the vehicle’s battery.Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the OBD
(on-board diagnostic) system determines that critical
emission control systems have not been completely
diagnosed by the system. The vehicle would be
considered not ready for inspection. This can happen
if you have recently replaced the battery or if the battery
has run down. The diagnostic system is designed to
evaluate critical emission control systems during normal
driving. This may take several days of routine driving.
If you have done this and your vehicle still does not pass
the inspection for lack of OBD system readiness, your
dealer/retailer can prepare the vehicle for inspection.
3-47

{CAUTION:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low.
If you do, your engine can become so hot that
it catches re. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have
your vehicle serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance may
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.
Security Light
For information regarding
this light and the vehicle’s
security system, see
Theft-Deterrent System
on page 2-18.
Fog Lamp Light
The fog lamp light will
come on when the fog
lamps are in use.
The light will go out when the fog lamps are turned off.
SeeFog Lamps on page 3-17for more information.
3-49

If the driver remains unbuckled when the ignition is on
and the vehicle is in motion, the reminder will be
repeated. If the driver’s safety belt is already buckled,
this message and chime will not come on.
This message is an additional reminder to the safety
belt reminder light in the instrument panel cluster.
SeeSafety Belt Reminders on page 3-36for more
information.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL
This message displays when the life of the engine oil
has expired. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
After an oil change, the engine oil life system must
be reset. See “Engine Oil Life” underDIC Operation
and Displays on page 3-52. Also, seeEngine Oil on
page 5-17andEngine Oil Life System on page 5-23for
more information.
CHECK BRAKE FLUID
This message displays, a chime sounds, and the brake
system warning light on the instrument panel cluster
turns on if the ignition is on to inform the driver that the
brake uid level is low. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 3-41. Have the brake system serviced by
your dealer/retailer as soon as possible. SeeBrakes
on page 5-42.
CHECK COOLANT LEVEL
This message displays when the engine coolant level
is low. Have the cooling system serviced by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-28.
CHECK GAS CAP
This message displays if the fuel cap has not been fully
tightened. Check the fuel cap to make sure that it is
on properly. Once tightened, it takes at least one
overnight park to reset or clear this message. If both the
CHECK GAS CAP message and the malfunction
indicator lamp in the instrument panel cluster are on,
you may need to see your dealer/retailer for service.
SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on page 3-45for more
information.
CHECK OIL LEVEL
On some vehicles, this message displays and two
chimes sound if the oil level in the vehicle is low.
Once the vehicle senses a change in the engine oil
level, the light remains off.
If this message appears after starting the engine,
the engine oil level may be too low. You may need to
add oil. SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-31.
3-60

CRUISE DISENGAGED
This message displays briey 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 displays. This message stays on for a
few seconds following the engine drag control event.
ENGINE OVERHEATED – STOP ENGINE
This message displays and a continuous chime sounds
when the engine has overheated. Stop and turn the
engine off immediately to avoid severe engine damage.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-31.
ENGINE PROTECTION REDUCE
ENGINE RPM
This message displays if the engine oil temperature
exceeds 320°F (160°C). Check the engine coolant
temperature and engine oil level. If the engine is
too hot, seeEngine Overheating on page 5-31.
Your vehicle may need service, so see your
dealer/retailer.
You can monitor the oil temperature with the gages
button on the DIC. SeeDIC Operation and Displays
on page 3-52.
Multiple chimes sound when this message is displayed.
This message remains displayed and active until the
issue is resolved.
HEADLAMPS SUGGESTED
This message displays if it is dark enough outside and
the headlamps and the Twilight Sentinel®controls
are off. 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.
3-62

NO FOB - OFF OR RUN?
This message displays when the keyless access
transmitter is not detected inside the vehicle while you
are trying to turn the ignition off. Your vehicle may
be near a strong radio antenna signal causing
the keyless access system to be jammed. The vehicle
will remain in ACCESSORY until the vehicle is turned off
or is restarted, or ve minutes has expired. If you turn
the ignition off and you cannot nd the keyless access
transmitter, you will not be able to restart the vehicle.
The keyless access transmitter needs to be inside of the
vehicle in order for the vehicle to start. SeeStarting
the Engine on page 2-23for more information.
OPTIONS UNAVAILABLE
This message displays for a few seconds if a keyless
access transmitter that is not labelled 1 or 2 is used and
you try to personalize the features on your vehicle by
pressing the OPTION button. The personalization
system will not recognize the transmitter and the
DIC will not display the current driver number or the
menus used to set personalizations. The personalization
features will then be set to the default states. SeeDIC
Vehicle Personalization on page 3-75for more
information.
PRESS BRAKE TO START ENGINE
(Automatic Transmission Only)
This message displays if you try to start the engine by
pressing the keyless ignition start button without
having the brake pressed. The brake needs to be
pressed when starting the engine. SeeIgnition Positions
on page 2-22for more information.
REDUCED ENGINE POWER
If this message displays 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 dealer/retailer as soon as possible for
diagnosis and repair. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 3-45for more information.
Multiple chimes sound when this message is displayed.
3-66

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an
advanced electronic braking system that will help
prevent a braking skid.
When you start the engine and begin to drive away,
ABS will check itself. You might hear a momentary
motor or clicking noise while this test is going on, and
you might even notice that the brake pedal moves
a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
ABS, this warning light will
stay on. SeeAntilock Brake
System (ABS) Warning
Light on page 3-42.
Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If
one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each wheel.ABS can change the brake pressure faster than any
driver could. The computer is programmed to make the
most of available tire and road conditions. This can
help you steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As you brake, the computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls braking pressure
accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time you need to
get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in
front of you, you will not have time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave
enough room up ahead to stop, even though you
have ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down rmly and let antilock work for you. You might hear
a motor or clicking noise and feel the brake pedal
move a little during a stop, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With ABS, you can steer and brake at the same time.
In many emergencies, steering can help you more than
even the very best braking.
4-5

You can run the engine to keep warm, but be careful.
{CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your
vehicle. This can cause deadly CO (carbon
monoxide) gas to get inside. CO could
overcome you and kill you. You cannot see it
or smell it, so you might not know it is in your
vehicle. Clear away snow from around the
base of your vehicle, especially any that is
blocking the exhaust pipe. And check around
again from time to time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of the
vehicle that is away from the wind. This will
help keep CO out.
Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little faster
than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly.
This uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it keeps
the battery charged. You will need a well-charged battery
to restart the vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on
with the headlamps. Let the heater run for a while.
4-22

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-4
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the
Vehicle......................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-8
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-11
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-12
Hood Release..............................................5-13
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-14
Engine Oil...................................................5-17
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-23
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-25
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-27
Manual Transmission Fluid.............................5-27
Hydraulic Clutch...........................................5-27
Engine Coolant.............................................5-28
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-31Engine Overheating.......................................5-31
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-33
Cooling System............................................5-34
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-39
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-41
Brakes........................................................5-42
Battery........................................................5-45
Jump Starting...............................................5-46
Rear Axle.......................................................5-51
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-51
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-52
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting............5-52
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-52
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, and
Parking Lamps..........................................5-53
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-54
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-55
Windshield Replacement.................................5-55
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-55
Tires..............................................................5-58
Winter Tires.................................................5-59
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-60
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-62
Run-Flat Tires..............................................5-64
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

Your vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting
to do your own service work, seeServicing Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-56.
You should keep a record with all parts receipts and list
the mileage and the date of any service work you
perform. SeeMaintenance Record on page 6-16.
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
the Vehicle
Things you might add to the outside of your vehicle can
affect the airow around it. This can cause wind noise
and can affect fuel economy and windshield washer
performance. Check with your dealer/retailer before
adding equipment to the outside of your vehicle.
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part of
the proper maintenance of your vehicle. To help
keep the engine clean and maintain optimum vehicle
performance, we recommend the use of gasoline
advertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.The 8th digit of the Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)
shows the code letter or number that identies your
vehicle’s engine. The VIN is at the top left of the
instrument panel. SeeVehicle Identification Number
(VIN) on page 5-98.
Gasoline Octane
If your vehicle has the 6.2L V8 engine (VIN Code W),
use premium unleaded gasoline with a posted
octane rating of 91 or higher. You can also use regular
unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher, but
your vehicle’s acceleration could be slightly reduced,
and you might notice a slight audible knocking
noise, commonly referred to as spark knock. If the
octane is less than 87, you might notice a heavy
knocking noise when you drive. If this occurs, use a
gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as
possible. Otherwise, you could damage the engine.
If you are using gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher
and you hear heavy knocking, the engine needs service.
5-5

When to Check and What to Use
The hydraulic clutch uid
reservoir cap has this
symbol on it. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 5-14for reservoir
location.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule for the proper uid
to use. SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-12. The uid requires changing every
two years. SeeAdditional Required Services on
page 6-6.
How to Check and Add Fluid
Visually check the clutch uid reservoir to make sure
the uid level is at the MIN (Minimum) line on the side of
the reservoir. The hydraulic clutch uid system should
be kept closed and sealed. Do not remove the cap
to check the uid level or to top-off the uid level.
Remove the cap only when necessary to 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 5-31.
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
®can
cause premature engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at the rst maintenance
service after each 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or
24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in the vehicle.
5-28