ABS CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2009 6.G Owners Manual

Vehicle Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that use
symbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or information relating
to a specic component, control, message, gage, or
indicator.
M:This symbol is shown when you need to see your
owner manual for additional instructions or information.
*:This symbol is shown when you need to see a
service manual for additional instructions or information.
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may be found on
the vehicle and what they mean. For more information
on the symbol, refer to the index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gage
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
iv

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals (Auto Signal).....3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-9
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-14
Wiper Activated Headlamps............................3-14
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-15
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-15
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-16
Twilight Sentinel
®..........................................3-16
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver........................3-17
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-18
Courtesy Lamps...........................................3-18
Entry/Exit Lighting.........................................3-18
Reading Lamps............................................3-18
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-18
Head-Up Display (HUD).................................3-19
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-23
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-24Climate Controls............................................3-24
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-24
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-29
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-30
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-31
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-32
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-34
Tachometer.................................................3-34
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-34
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-35
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-36
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-37
One-to-Four Shift Light (Manual Transmission) . . .3-38
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-38
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.....3-39
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light. . . .3-40
Active Handling System Light.........................3-40
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-41
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-42
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-42
Engine Oil Pressure Gage.............................3-46
Security Light...............................................3-47
Fog Lamp Light............................................3-47
Lights On Reminder......................................3-47
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-47
Fuel Gage
...................................................3-48
Boost Gage (ZR1 Only).................................3-49
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

{CAUTION:
The brake system might not be working properly if
the brake system warning light is on. Driving with
the brake system warning light on can lead to a
crash. If the light is still on after the vehicle has
been pulled off the road and carefully stopped,
have the vehicle towed for service.
If this warning light stays on after the engine is started,
the parking brake may still be set or there could be
a brake problem. Refer toParking Brake on page 2-32
to see if it is set. If the parking brake is not set, have
the brake system inspected right away.
If the light comes on while driving and a CHECK
BRAKE FLUID message shows on the DIC, pull off the
road and stop carefully. The pedal may be harder to
push or the pedal may go closer to the oor. It may take
longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle
towed for service. SeeTowing Your Vehicle on
page 4-28andDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-54for more information.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
For vehicles with the
Antilock Brake System
(ABS), this light comes on
briey when the engine
is started.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally the
indicator light then goes off.
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 3-38.
For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC),
seeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-54for all
brake related DIC messages.
3-39

Some messages cannot be cleared from the DIC
display because they are more urgent. These messages
require action before they can be cleared. You should
take any messages that appear on the display seriously
and remember that clearing the messages will only
make the messages disappear, not correct the problem.
The following are the possible messages that can be
displayed and some information about them.
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 4-8andBraking on page 4-4.
ACTIVE HANDLING READY
This message displays when the functional check of the
Active Handling System has been completed. SeeActive
Handling System on page 4-8for more information.
ATTACH TRUNK PARTITION
If the vehicle has a power convertible top, this message
displays and a sound will be heard if the trunk partition
is not in place. Open the hatch/trunk and make sure
the trunk partition is secure and no objects are on the
trunk partition. SeeRear Storage Area on page 2-52
for more information.
BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE
This message displays when the vehicle has detected
that the battery voltage is dropping beyond a reasonable
point. The battery saver system starts reducing certain
features of the vehicle that you may 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.
3-55

LOW OIL PRESSURE
This message displays if low oil pressure levels occur.
If this message appears while the engine is running,
stop the engine and do not operate it until the cause of
low oil pressure is corrected. Severe damage to the
engine can result. A sound will be heard when this
message is displayed. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-20.
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 4-8. 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 3-42. 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 5-69,Loading the Vehicle on page 4-22,
Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-70, andTire Pressure
Monitor System on page 5-73. The DIC also shows the
tire pressure values. SeeDIC Operation and Displays
on page 3-49.
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 the vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
3-60

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 5-39.
SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM
This message displays if there is a problem with the
Active Handling System and the vehicle needs service.
The active handling system light on the instrument
panel cluster also turns on and a sound will be heard.
See your dealer/retailer. When this message is
displayed, the system is not working. Adjust your driving
accordingly. SeeActive Handling System on page 4-8
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,
the 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 3-39andBrake System Warning Light on
page 3-38.
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 sound. 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.
3-63

TRACTION SYSTEM AND ACTIVE
HANDLING – OFF
This message displays, the instrument panel cluster
light turns on, and a sound will be heard 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 4-8for
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
sound will be heard 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 4-8for more information.
TRACTION SYSTEM – OFF
This message displays and stays on, a sound will be
heard, 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 3-40. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-6for more information.
To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button.
TRACTION SYSTEM – ON
This message displays and a sound will be heard when
the Traction Control System (TCS) is turned on by
pressing the Active Handling System button on
the console. This message automatically clears from the
DIC display on its own. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) on page 4-6for more information.
TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE ENGINE
This message displays and four chimes sound if the
transmission uid temperature rises above 270°F
(132°C) or rises rapidly. The transmission may shift
gears or apply the torque converter clutch to reduce the
uid temperature. Driving aggressively or driving on
3-68

Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle............4-2
Driving for Better Fuel Economy.......................4-2
Defensive Driving...........................................4-2
Drunk Driving.................................................4-3
Control of a Vehicle........................................4-3
Braking.........................................................4-4
Antilock Brake System (ABS)...........................4-5
Braking in Emergencies...................................4-6
Traction Control System (TCS).........................4-6
Active Handling System...................................4-8
Limited-Slip Rear Axle...................................4-10
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.......................4-17
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.............................................4-21
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................4-22
Loading the Vehicle......................................4-22
Towing..........................................................4-28
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-28
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................4-28
Towing a Trailer...........................................4-28
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
4-1

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
This vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an
advanced electronic braking system that will help
prevent a braking skid.
When the engine is started and the vehicle begins to
drive away, ABS checks itself. A momentary motor
or clicking noise might be heard while this test is going
on, and it might even be noticed that the brake pedal
moves a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
ABS, this warning light
stays on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light on
page 3-39.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 the 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 to each wheel, as
required, faster than any driver could. This can help
the driver steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the computer keeps
receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking
pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time needed to get
a foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping
distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you,
there will not be enough time to apply the brakes if that
vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough
room up ahead to stop, even with ABS.
4-5

Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down rmly and let antilock work. A motor or clicking
noise might be heard and the brake pedal might be felt
to move a little during a stop, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows the driver to steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help more than
even the very best braking.
Traction Control System (TCS)
The vehicle has a Traction Control System (TCS) that
limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system operates only if it senses
that the rear wheels are spinning too much or are
beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the
system works the rear brakes and reduces engine power
(by closing the throttle and managing engine spark) to
limit wheel spin.The TRACTION SYSTEM ACTIVE message displays on
the Driver Information Center (DIC) when TCS is limiting
wheel spin. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-54. The system may be heard or felt while it is
working, but this is normal.
If cruise control is being used when TCS begins to
limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. Cruise control may be reengaged when road
conditions allow. SeeCruise Control on page 3-10.
The SERVICE TRACTION
SYSTEM message and
the TCS warning light will
come on if there is a
problem with TCS. See
DIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-54.
When this light and the SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM
message are on, the system will not limit wheel spin.
Adjust your driving accordingly.
4-6