CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2011 6.G Owner's Manual
Page 21 of 428
Black plate (15,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-15
Transmission
Manual Paddle Shift
(Automatic Transmission)
To operate the Manual Paddle Shift
system, the automatic transmission
shifter must be in S (Sport Mode).
The system is activated by pushing
the paddle, above the steeringwheel spokes, to manually up-shift
to the next gear, or pulling on the
paddle, behind the steering wheel
spokes to manually down-shift.
The current gear will be displayed
in the Driver Information (DIC),
or the Head-Up Display (HUD),
if the vehicle has either of these
features.
The Manual Paddle Shift system
can be deactivated by moving the
shifter from S (Sport Mode) back to
D (Drive), or by holding the up‐shift
button for more than one second.
The Manual Paddle Shift system
will not allow either an up-shift or a
down-shift, if the vehicle speed is
too fast or too slow, nor will it allow
a start from 4 (Fourth) or higher gear
See
Automatic Transmission on
page 9‑28.
One to Four Shift Light
(Manual Transmission)
On vehicles with a manual
transmission, when this light comes
on, you can only shift from 1 (First)
to 4 (Fourth) instead of 1 (First) to
2 (Second).
For more information about shifting
for the best fuel economy, see
Manual Transmission on page 9‑32.
Page 22 of 428
Black plate (16,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
1-16 In Brief
Vehicle Features
Radio(s)
Radio with CD
Top Knob (Power/Volume): Press
to turn the system on and off. Turn
to increase or decrease the volume. BAND:
Press to switch between
FM1, FM2, AM, and if equipped,
XM1 and XM2.
O e:Turn to select radio
stations.
tSEEKu: Press to seek
stations.
tSCANu: Press and hold to
scan stations.
4: Press to change the information
that shows on the display while
listening to the radio.
For more information about these
and other radio features, see
Introduction on page 7‑1 and
Operation on page 7‑2.
Setting Preset Stations
Up to 30 stations (6 FM1, 6 FM2,
and 6 AM, and if equipped, 6 XM1,
and 6 XM2) can be programmed.
To program presets:
1. Turn the radio on.
2. Press BAND to select FM1,
FM2, AM, or XM1 or XM2.
3. Tune in the desired station.
4. Press AUTO EQ to select the equalization.
Page 23 of 428
Black plate (17,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-17
5. Press and hold one of the sixnumbered pushbuttons until the
radio beeps once.
6. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton.
See Operation on page 7‑2.
Setting the Clock
To set the clock:
1. Press and hold H until the
correct hour displays.
2. Press and hold M until the correct minute displays.
See Clock on page 5‑6.
Satellite Radio
XM is a satellite radio service
that is based in the 48 contiguous
United States and 10 Canadian
provinces. XM satellite radio has a
wide variety of programming and
commercial-free music, coast to
coast, and in digital-quality sound.
A fee is required to receive the
XM service.
For more information, refer to:
.www.xmradio.com or call
1-800-929-2100 (U.S.)
.www.xmradio.ca or call
1-877-438-9677 (Canada)
See “XM Satellite Radio Service”
under Satellite Radio on page 7‑8.
Portable Audio Devices
This vehicle may have an auxiliary
input jack, located on the audio
faceplate. External devices such
as iPod
®, MP3 players, etc. can
be connected to the auxiliary input
jack using a 3.5 mm (1/8 in) input
jack cable.
See “Using the Auxiliary Input
Jack” under Auxiliary Devices on
page 7‑17.
Page 24 of 428
Black plate (18,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
1-18 In Brief
Bluetooth®
For vehicles with a Bluetooth
system, it allows users with a
Bluetooth‐enabled cell phone
to make and receive hands-free
calls using the vehicle’s audio
system and controls.
The Bluetooth‐enabled cell phone
must be paired with the Bluetooth
system before it can be used in the
vehicle. Not all phones will support
all functions. For more information,
visit www.gm.com/bluetooth.
For more information, seeBluetooth
on page 7‑18.
Steering Wheel Controls
For vehicles with steering wheel
controls, some audio controls can
be adjusted at the steering wheel.
b g: Press to turn on and off the
vehicle speakers. Press and hold
longer than two seconds to interact
with the OnStar
®or Bluetooth
systems.
c: Press to reject an incoming
call, or to end a call.
e+ /e− : Increases or decreases
volume.
w/x: Press to change radio
stations or select tracks on a CD.
1 to 6 (Preset Pushbuttons):
Press to play stations that are
programmed on the radio preset
pushbuttons.
For more information, see Steering
Wheel Controls on page 5‑3.
Page 25 of 428
Black plate (19,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-19
Cruise Control
The cruise controls are located at
the end of the multifunction lever.
9:Turns the system off.
R:Turns the system on.
+:Use to make the vehicle
accelerate or resume a previously
set speed.
T: Press the button at the end of
the lever to set the speed.
See Cruise Control on page 9‑44.
Navigation System
The vehicle's navigation system
(if equipped) provides detailed maps
of most major freeways and roads
throughout the United States and
Canada. After a destination has
been set, the system provides
turn-by-turn instructions for reaching
the destination. In addition, the
system can help locate a variety
of points of interest (POI), such
as banks, airports, restaurants,
and more.
See the Navigation System manual
for more information.
Driver Information
Center (DIC)
The DIC display is located at the
bottom of the instrument panel
cluster. It shows the status of
many vehicle systems and enables
access to the personalization menu.
The DIC buttons are located on the
instrument panel to the right of the
instrument panel cluster.
.4:Press to display fuel
information such as fuel economy
and range.
2: Press to display gauge
information like oil pressure and
temperature, coolant temperature,
automatic transmission fluid
temperature (if equipped), battery
voltage, and front/rear tire
pressures.
Page 26 of 428
Black plate (20,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
1-20 In Brief
TRIP:Press to display your total
and trip distance driven, the elapsed
time function, your average speed,
and the engine oil life.
OPTION: Press to choose personal
options that are available on your
vehicle, depending on the options
your vehicle is equipped with, such
as door locks, easy entry seats, and
language.
RESET: Press, along with the other
buttons, to reset system functions,
select personal options, and turn
off or acknowledge messages on
the DIC.
For more information, see Driver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5‑25.Vehicle Personalization
Some vehicle features can be
programmed by using the DIC
buttons on the left side of the
steering wheel. The features that
can be programmed include:
.Units
.Memory Features
.Lighting Features
.Lock and Unlock Feedback
.Door Lock and Unlock Settings
.Language
.Personalization Name
See Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑55.
Power Outlets
The accessory power outlet can be
used to plug in electrical equipment,
such as a cell phone or MP3 player.
The accessory power outlet is
located inside the center console
storage compartment, on the
forward left side.
Remove the cover to access and
replace when not in use.
See Power Outlets on page 5‑6.
Roof Panel
On vehicles with a removable
roof panel, there are three release
latches. Two are located on the front
of the roof panel and the other is
located on the back of the roof
panel. See “Removing the Roof
Panel” underRoof Panel on
page 2‑18.
Page 27 of 428
Black plate (21,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-21
Until you are sure you can remove
the roof panel by yourself, have
someone help you. Once removed,
the roof panel should always be
stored properly in the rear storage
compartment.
For more information:
.See“Storing the Roof Panel”
under Roof Panel on page 2‑18.
.See“Installing the Roof Panel”
under Roof Panel on page 2‑18.
Convertible
If equipped, the convertible top can
be lowered and stowed under the
tonneau cover behind the seats.
For step-by-step instructions, see
Convertible Top on page 2‑22.
Performance and
Maintenance
Traction Control
System (TCS)
The traction control system limits
wheel spin. The system turns on
automatically every time the vehicle
is started.
.To turn off traction control,
press and release
don the
console.
dilluminates and
the appropriate DIC message
displays. See Ride Control
System Messages on page 5‑44.
.Press and release the button
again to turn on traction control.
See Traction Control System (TCS)
on page 9‑36. The vehicle has an Active
Handling System that helps
maintain directional control of
the vehicle in difficult driving
conditions. See
Active Handling
System on page 9‑37.
The vehicle may have
Competitive Driving Mode
(except ZR1), Performance
Traction Management (ZR1),
and Launch Control systems
designed to allow increased
performance while accelerating
and cornering. See Competitive
Driving Mode on page 9‑38.
Towing
The vehicle was neither designed
nor intended to be towed with any of
its wheels on the ground.
See Towing the Vehicle on
page 10‑86 andRecreational
Vehicle Towing on page 10‑86.
Page 28 of 428
Black plate (22,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
1-22 In Brief
Tire Pressure Monitor
This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The TPMS warning light alerts you
to a significant loss in pressure of
one of the vehicle's tires. If the
warning light comes on, stop as
soon as possible and inflate the
tires to the recommended pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. SeeVehicle Load
Limits on page 9‑14. The warning
light will remain on until the tire
pressure is corrected.
During cooler conditions, the low tire
pressure warning light may appear
when the vehicle is first started and
then turn off. This may be an early indicator that the tire pressures are
getting low and the tires need to be
inflated to the proper pressure.
The TPMS does not replace normal
monthly tire maintenance. It is the
driver
’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressures.
See Tire Pressure Monitor System
on page 10‑68.Z06, Z16, and ZR1
Features
Checking Engine Oil
ZO6, ZR1, and manual transmission
Z16 (Grand Sport) coupe models
have a high performance dry sump
lubrication system. This system
operates differently than a standard
engine lubrication system.
See Engine Oil on page 10‑15.
You should check the oil level
only after the engine has been
thoroughly warmed up and then
shut off for at least five minutes.
This ensures that the oil level
reading obtained will be accurate. Jump Starting the Battery
The battery of ZO6, ZR1, and
manual transmission Z16 (Grand
Sport) coupe models is in the rear
of the vehicle. You do not need to
access the battery for jump starting.
There are remote positive (+) and
negative (−) terminals under the
hood for this purpose. See
Battery
on page 10‑43 andJump Starting
on page 10‑82.
Brake Noise
Under certain weather or operating
conditions, occasional brake noise
might be heard with the vehicle's
performance braking system.
This brake system is designed
for superior fade resistance and
consistent operation using high
performance brake pads. Brake
noise is normal and does not affect
system performance. See Braking
on page 9‑3.
Page 29 of 428
Black plate (23,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-23
Car Wash Guidelines
Automatic car washes are not
recommended for this vehicle.
Some car washes cause damage
to the vehicle, the wheels, and the
convertible top, if the vehicle is so
equipped.
If you drive the vehicle through an
automatic car wash that does not
have enough clearance for the
undercarriage and/or wide rear tires
and wheels, you could damage the
vehicle. Verify with the manager of
the car wash that the vehicle will fit
before entering the car wash or use
a touchless car wash. See“Washing
Your Vehicle” underExterior Care
on page 10‑86.Engine Oil Life System
The engine oil life system calculates
engine oil life based on vehicle
use and displays a DIC message
when it is necessary to change the
engine oil and filter. The oil life
system should be reset to 100%
only following an oil change.
Resetting the Oil Life System
1. Press the TRIP button so the OIL LIFE percentage is
displayed.
2. Press RESET and hold for two seconds. OIL LIFE
REMAINING 100% will appear.
See Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑22.
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving
tips to get the best fuel economy
possible.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid
abrupt stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
.When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control, if equipped.
.Always follow posted speed
limits or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.
.Combine several trips into a
single trip.
Page 30 of 428
Black plate (24,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
1-24 In Brief
.Replace the vehicle's tires with
the same TPC Spec number
molded into the tire's sidewall
near the size.
.Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Premium Fuel
This vehicle's engine was designed
to use premium unleaded gasoline.
See Recommended Fuel on
page 9‑48.
Battery
This vehicle has a maintenance free
battery. See Battery on page 10‑43
and Jump Starting on page 10‑82.
For ZO6, ZR1, and manual
transmission Z16 (Grand Sport)
coupe models the battery is
located in the rear hatch/trunk
area. Access to the battery is
not necessary to jump start the
vehicle. There are positive (+) and
negative (−) terminals in the engine
compartment.
Roadside Assistance
Program
U.S.: 1-800-243-8872
TTY Users: 1-888-889-2438
Canada: 1-800-268-6800
As the owner of a new Chevrolet,
you are automatically enrolled in
the Roadside Assistance program.
This program provides technically
trained advisors who are available
24 hours a day, 365 days a year,
to give minor repair information or
make towing arrangements.
For more information see Roadside
Assistance Program (United States
and Canada) on page 13‑8 or
Roadside Assistance Program
(Mexico) on page 13‑10. Roadside Assistance and OnStar
If you have a current OnStar
subscription, press theQbutton
and the current GPS location will
be sent to an OnStar advisor who
will assess your problem, contact
Roadside Assistance, and relay
your exact location to get the help
you need.
Online Owner Center
The Online Owner Center is a
complimentary service that includes
online service reminders, vehicle
maintenance tips, online owner
manual, special privileges,
and more.
Sign up today at:
www.chevyownercenter.com
(U.S.) or www.gm.ca (Canada).