ABS CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2008 6.G Owners Manual

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-7
Horn .............................................................3-7
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-8
Turn and Lane-Change Signals (Auto Signal).....3-9
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-9
Flash-to-Pass...............................................3-10
Windshield Wipers........................................3-10
Windshield Washer.......................................3-11
Cruise Control..............................................3-11
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-15
Wiper Activated Headlamps............................3-16
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-16
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-16
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-17
Twilight Sentinel
®..........................................3-18
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver........................3-19
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-19
Courtesy Lamps...........................................3-19
Entry/Exit Lighting.........................................3-19
Reading Lamps............................................3-20Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-20
Head-Up Display (HUD).................................3-20
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-24
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-25
Climate Controls............................................3-26
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-26
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-32
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-32
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-34
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-35
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-36
Tachometer.................................................3-36
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-36
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-37
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-38
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-40
One-to-Four Shift Light
(Manual Transmission)...............................3-40
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-41
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light........3-42
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light......3-42
Active Handling System Light.........................3-43
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-44
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
For vehicles with the
Antilock Brake System
(ABS), this light comes on
briey when the engine
is started.
That is normal. If the light does not come on then,
have it xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a
problem.
If the ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off. If the light
comes on while driving, stop as soon as it is safely
possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine
again to reset the system. If the ABS light stays on,
or comes on again while driving, the vehicle needs
service. If the regular brake system warning light is
not on, the vehicle still has brakes, but not antilock
brakes. If the regular brake system warning light is also
on, the vehicle does not have antilock brakes and
there is a problem with the regular brakes. SeeBrake
System Warning Light on page 3-41.
For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC),
seeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-57for all
brake related DIC messages.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
This light should come on
briey as you start the
engine. If the light does not
come on then, have it
xed so it will be ready to
warn you if there is a
problem.
If it stays on, or comes on and the Driver Information
Center (DIC) shows a SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM
message when you are driving, there is a problem
with your Traction Control System (TCS) and your
vehicle needs service. When this light is on, the system
will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
If the driver turns off the TCS by pressing the button
on the console, the TCS light will come on and the
TRACTION SYSTEM OFF message will show on the
DIC. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-57
for more information.
3-42

ABS (Antilock Brake System) ACTIVE
This message displays when the Antilock Brake System
(ABS) is adjusting brake pressure to help avoid a
braking skid.
Slippery road conditions may exist if this message is
displayed, so adjust your driving accordingly. The
message stays on for a few seconds after the system
stops adjusting brake pressure. SeeAntilock Brake
System (ABS) on page 4-5for more information.
ACTIVE HANDLING
This message displays when the Active Handling
System is operating. The Active Handling System is a
computer controlled system that assists the driver
in controlling the vehicle in difficult driving conditions.
You may feel or hear the system working and see
the ACTIVE HANDLING message displayed in the DIC.
This message stays on for a few seconds following
the active handling event. This is normal when the
system is operating. SeeActive Handling System on
page 4-7andBraking on page 4-4.
ACTIVE HANDLING CALIBRATING
This message displays and the active handling system
light on the instrument panel cluster turns on while the
system is calibrating after exceeding 19 mph (30 km/h)
for 10 seconds. SeeActive Handling System Light on
page 3-43. The Active Handling System is not functional
yet. The Active Handling System performance is affected
until the next message ACTIVE HANDLING READY is
displayed. The Active Handling System is off until the
ACTIVE HANDLING READY message is displayed.
SeeActive Handling System on page 4-7for more
information.
ACTIVE HANDLING READY
This message displays when the functional check of
the Active Handling System has been completed.
SeeActive Handling System on page 4-7for more
information.
ACTIVE HANDLING WARMING UP
This message may display when you rst start your
vehicle during cold winter weather, and begin to
drive away, up to 6 mph (10 km/h). This is normal.
3-58

LOW TIRE PRESSURE
{CAUTION:
When the LOW TIRE PRESSURE or TIRE FLAT
message is displayed on the Driver Information
Center, your vehicle’s handling capabilities
will be reduced during severe maneuvers.
The active handling system will be affected.
SeeActive Handling System on page 4-7.
If you drive too fast, you could lose control of
your vehicle. You or others could be injured.
Do not drive over 55 mph (90 km/h) when the
LOW TIRE PRESSURE or TIRE FLAT message
is displayed. Drive cautiously and check your
tire pressures as soon as you can.
This message displays when one or more of the tires
is under-inated. This message also displays LEFT
FRONT, RIGHT FRONT, LEFT REAR, or RIGHT REAR
to indicate which tire is affected. Multiple chimes
sound and the tire pressure light on the instrument
panel cluster turns on when this message is displayed.SeeTire Pressure Light on page 3-44. 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 the Tire Loading Information label.
SeeRun-Flat Tires on page 5-64,Loading the Vehicle
on page 4-24,Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-66,
andTire Pressure Monitor System on page 5-68.
The DIC also shows the tire pressure values.
SeeDIC Operation and Displays on page 3-52.
To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button.
A message reappears every 10 minutes until the
condition is corrected.
MAXIMUM SPEED 80 MPH (129 km/h)
This message displays when a malfunction is present in
the Selective Ride Control system. The vehicle speed
will be limited to a value determined by the vehicle when
the shock absorber system has failed and the shocks
are in their full soft mode. Have your vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button.
The message reappears every 10 minutes until this
condition changes.
3-64

To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button.
The message reappears every ve minutes until this
condition changes.
If the REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is
displayed in combination with the COOLANT OVER
TEMPERATURE message, seeEngine Overheating
on page 5-31.
SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM
This message displays if there is a problem with the
Active Handling System and your vehicle needs service.
The active handling system light on the instrument
panel cluster also turns on and a chime sounds.
See your dealer/retailer. When this message is
displayed, the system is not working. Adjust your driving
accordingly. SeeActive Handling System on page 4-7
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 dealer/retailer if you notice a drop in
heating and air conditioning efficiency.
SERVICE ANTILOCK BRAKES
If this message displays while 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 dealer/retailer.
If the antilock brake system (ABS) warning light is on and
the regular brake system warning light is not on, you still
have brakes, but do not have ABS. If the regular brake
system warning light is also on, you do not have ABS and
there is a problem with the brakes. SeeAntilock Brake
System (ABS) Warning Light on page 3-42andBrake
System Warning Light on page 3-41.
If this message is displayed, the Traction Control
System (TCS) and the Active Handling System will also
be disabled. The DIC will scroll three messages:
SERVICE ANTILOCK BRAKES, SERVICE TRACTION
SYSTEM, and SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING, and
the instrument panel cluster lights will come on along
with a chime. When the service message is displayed,
the computer controlled systems will not assist the
driver. Have the system repaired by your dealer/retailer
as soon as possible. Adjust your driving accordingly.
To acknowledge these messages, press the RESET
button.
3-67

TRACTION SYSTEM ACTIVE
This message displays when the Traction Control
System (TCS) is limiting wheel spin. Slippery road
conditions may exist if this message is displayed, so
adjust your driving accordingly. The message stays on
for a few seconds after the TCS stops limiting wheel
spin. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6
for more information.
TRACTION SYSTEM AND ACTIVE
HANDLING – OFF
This message displays, the instrument panel cluster
light turns on, and a chime sounds when the Traction
Control System (TCS) and Active Handling System
are turned off by pressing the Active Handling System
button on the console for ve seconds. The Antilock
Brake System (ABS) remains on with the TCS and
Active Handling System off. Adjust your driving
accordingly. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-6andActive Handling System on page 4-7
for more information.
To acknowledge this message, press the RESET
button.
TRACTION SYSTEM AND ACTIVE
HANDLING – ON
If the Traction Control System (TCS) and Active
Handling System are off, this message displays briey,
the instrument panel cluster light turns off, and a
chime sounds when the TCS and Active Handling
System are turned on by briey pressing the Active
Handling System button on the console. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-6andActive Handling
System on page 4-7for more information.
TRACTION SYSTEM – OFF
This message displays and stays on, a single, quick
tone sounds, and the traction control system (TCS)
warning light on the instrument panel cluster turns on
when the TCS is turned off by pressing the Active
Handling System button on the console. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) Warning Light on page 3-42.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6
for more information.
To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button.
3-72

Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle............4-2
Defensive Driving...........................................4-2
Drunk Driving.................................................4-2
Control of a Vehicle........................................4-3
Braking.........................................................4-4
Antilock Brake System (ABS)...........................4-5
Braking in Emergencies...................................4-5
Traction Control System (TCS).........................4-6
Active Handling System...................................4-7
Limited-Slip Rear Axle.....................................4-9
Selective Ride Control...................................4-10
Steering......................................................4-11
Off-Road Recovery.......................................4-13
Passing.......................................................4-13
Loss of Control.............................................4-13Racing or Other Competitive Driving................4-15
Driving at Night............................................4-16
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................4-16
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................4-18
Highway Hypnosis........................................4-18
Hill and Mountain Roads................................4-18
Winter Driving..............................................4-19
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice,
or Snow...................................................4-23
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................4-24
Loading the Vehicle......................................4-24
Towing..........................................................4-29
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-29
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................4-29
Towing a Trailer...........................................4-29
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
4-1

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

Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving
those conditions. But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle’s
three control systems. In the braking skid, the wheels are
not rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much
speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose
cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too much
throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid only
the acceleration skid. If your traction control system is
off, then an acceleration skid is also best handled
by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal.
If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready
for a second skid if it occurs.Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety,
you will want to slow down and adjust your driving to
these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or
braking, including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to a
lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires to
slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery until
your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow on
the road to make a mirrored surface — and slow down
when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
4-14

The Antilock Brake System (ABS) improves your
vehicle’s stability when you make a hard stop on a
slippery road. Even though you have ABS, begin
stopping sooner than you would on dry pavement.
SeeAntilock Brake System (ABS) on page 4-5.
Allow greater following distance on any
slippery road.
Watch for slippery spots. The road might be ne
until you hit a spot that is covered with ice. On an
otherwise clear road, ice patches can appear in
shaded areas where the sun cannot reach, such as
around clumps of trees, behind buildings, or under
bridges. Sometimes the surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when the surrounding roads
are clear. If you see a patch of ice ahead of you,
brake before you are on it. Try not to brake while you
are actually on the ice, and avoid sudden steering
maneuvers.
If You Are Caught in a Blizzard
If you are stopped by heavy snow, you could be in a
serious situation. You should probably stay with
your vehicle unless you know for sure that you are near
help and you can hike through the snow. Here are
some things to do to summon help and keep yourself
and your passengers safe:
Turn on the hazard warning ashers.
Tie a red cloth to your vehicle to alert police that
you have been stopped by the snow.
Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you.
If you do not have blankets or extra clothing, make
body insulators from newspapers, burlap bags,
rags, oor mats — anything you can wrap around
yourself or tuck under your clothing to keep warm.
4-21