engine CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2016 7.G Manual PDF
Page 199 of 351
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9085364) - 2016 - crc - 9/15/15
198 Driving and Operating
Competitive Driving Mode
If equipped, Competitive Driving
Mode, Performance Traction
Management, and Launch Control
are systems designed to allow
increased performance while
accelerating and/or cornering. This
is accomplished by regulating and
optimizing the engine, brakes, and
suspension performance. These
modes are for use at a closed
course race track and are not
intended for use on public roads.
They will not compensate for driver
inexperience or lack of familiarity
with the race track. Drivers who
prefer to allow the system to have
more control of the engine, brake,
and suspension are advised to turn
the normal traction control and
StabiliTrak systems on.
Caution
Attempting to shift when the drive
wheels are spinning and do not
have traction may cause damage
to the transmission. Damage(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
caused by misuse of the vehicle
is not covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not attempt to shift
when the drive wheels do not
have traction.
Competitive Driving Mode
(Except Z51 and Z06 with
Magnetic Ride Control)
Competitive Driving Mode allows full
engine power while StabiliTrak
helps maintain directional control of
the vehicle by selective brake
application. In this mode, TCS is off
and Launch Control is available.
Adjust your driving style to account
for the available engine power. See
“Launch Control”later in this
section.
These lights are on when the
vehicle is in the Competitive
Driving Mode.
In order to select this optional
handling mode, the vehicle mode
must be Track. Then quickly press
the TCS/StabiliTrak
gbutton on the
center console two times.
STABILITRAK COMPETITIVE
Page 200 of 351
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9085364) - 2016 - crc - 9/15/15
Driving and Operating 199
MODE displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). SeeRide
Control System Messages 0125.
When the
gbutton is pressed
again, the traction off light
iand
StabiliTrak OFF light
gwill go out.
Performance Traction
Management (Z51 and Z06 with
Magnetic Ride Control)
Performance Traction Management
(PTM) integrates the Traction
Control, StabiliTrak, and Magnetic
Ride Control systems to provide
improved and consistent
performance when cornering. The
amount of available engine power is
based on the mode selected, track
conditions, driver skill, and the
radius of each corner.
This light is on when the vehicle is
in the PTM mode. To select this optional handling
mode, the vehicle mode must be
Track. Then quickly press the TCS/
StabiliTrak
gbutton on the center
console two times. PERF TRAC 1 -
WET ACTIVE HANDLING ON
displays in the DIC.
To experience the performance
benefit of this system, after entering
a curve and at the point where
normal acceleration occurs, fully
push the accelerator pedal. The
PTM system will modify the level of
engine power for a smooth and
consistent corner exit.
The PTM system contains five
modes. These modes are selected
by turning the Selective Ride
Control/Performance Traction
Management MODE SELECT knob
on the center console. Scroll up or
down through modes 1–5 by turning
the MODE SELECT knob to the
right or left.
The following is a DIC display
description and the recommended
usage of each mode:
PERF TRAC 1 –WET ACTIVE
HANDLING ON
. Intended for all driver skill levels.
. Wet or damp conditions only —
not intended for use in heavy
rain or standing water.
. StabiliTrak is on and engine
power is reduced based on
conditions.
PERF TRAC 2 –DRY ACTIVE
HANDLING ON
. For use by less experienced
drivers or while learning a new
track.
Page 201 of 351
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9085364) - 2016 - crc - 9/15/15
200 Driving and Operating
.Dry conditions only.
. StabiliTrak is on and engine
power is slightly reduced.
PERF TRAC 3 –SPORT
ACTIVE HANDLING ON
. For use by drivers who are
familiar with the track.
. Dry conditions only.
. Requires more driving skill than
mode 2.
. StabiliTrak is on and more
engine power is available than in
mode 2.
PERF TRAC 4 –SPORT
ACTIVE HANDLING OFF
. For use by drivers who are
familiar with the track.
. Dry conditions only.
. Requires more driving skill than
modes 2 or 3.
. StabiliTrak is off and available
engine power is the same as
mode 3.
PERF TRAC 5 –RACE ACTIVE
HANDLING OFF
. For use by experienced drivers
who are familiar with the track.
. Dry conditions only.
. Requires more driving skill than
in other modes.
. StabiliTrak is off and engine
power is available for maximum
cornering speed.
Press and release the TCS/
StabiliTrak
gbutton to turn off PTM
and return to the traction control and
StabiliTrak systems. The traction off
light
iand StabiliTrak OFF lightg
will go out.
Launch Control (Track
Mode Only)
A Launch Control feature is
available, within Competitive Driving
Mode (except Z51 and Z06 with
Magnetic Ride Control) or
Performance Traction Management
(Z51 and Z06 with Magnetic Ride
Control), on all vehicles to allow the
driver to achieve high levels of vehicle acceleration in a straight
line. Launch Control is a form of
traction control that manages tire
spin while launching the vehicle.
This feature is intended for use
during closed course race events
where consistent zero to
60 and quarter mile times are
desirable.
Launch Control is only available
when the following criteria are met:
.
Competitive Driving Mode is
selected (except Z51 and Z06
with Magnetic Ride Control) or
any of the Performance Traction
Management modes are
selected (Z51 and Z06 with
Magnetic Ride Control). The
TCS light comes on the
instrument cluster and the
appropriate DIC message
displays.
. The vehicle is not moving.
. The steering wheel is pointing
straight.
Page 202 of 351
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9085364) - 2016 - crc - 9/15/15
Driving and Operating 201
Manual Transmissions
.The clutch is pressed and the
vehicle is in 1 (First) gear.
. The accelerator pedal is rapidly
applied to wide open throttle.
The Launch Control feature will
initially limit engine speed as the
driver rapidly applies the accelerator
pedal to wide open throttle. Allow
the engine rpm to stabilize.
A smooth, quick release of the
clutch, while maintaining the fully
pressed accelerator pedal, will
manage wheel slip. Complete shifts
as described in Manual
Transmission 0187.
Automatic Transmissions
. The brake pedal must be firmly
pressed to the floor, equivalent
to a panic brake event.
. The accelerator pedal is rapidly
applied to wide open throttle. (If
the vehicle rolls due to wide
open throttle, release the
throttle, press the brake pedal
more firmly, and re-apply the
accelerator to wide open
throttle.) The Launch Control feature will
initially limit engine speed as the
driver rapidly applies the accelerator
pedal to wide open throttle. Allow
the engine rpm to stabilize.
A smooth, quick release of the
brake pedal, while maintaining the
fully pressed accelerator pedal, will
manage wheel slip.
After the vehicle is launched, the
system continues in Competitive
Driving Mode (except Z51 and Z06
with Magnetic Ride Control) or
Performance Traction Management
(Z51 and Z06 with Magnetic Ride
Control).
Competitive Driving Mode, PTM,
and Launch Control are systems
designed for a closed course race
track and not intended for use on
public roads. The systems are not
intended to compensate for lack of
driver experience or familiarity with
the race track.Limited-Slip Differential
(Except Z51 and Z06)
If equipped, the mechanical
limited-slip differential can give more
traction on snow, mud, ice, sand,
or gravel. It works like a standard
axle most of the time, but when
traction is low, this feature allows
the drive wheel with the most
traction to move the vehicle. For
vehicles with limited slip differential,
driven under severe conditions, the
rear axle fluid should be changed.
See
Competitive Driving Mode
0 198 andMaintenance
Schedule 0298.
Page 207 of 351
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9085364) - 2016 - crc - 9/15/15
206 Driving and Operating
Curb View Camera
If equipped, a view of the area in
front of the vehicle displays in the
center stack screen. The display
shows a front, top down view at the
top and left and right front camera
images on the bottom.
The front view shows after shifting
from R (Reverse) to a forward gear,
or by pressing CAMERA in the
center stack, and when the vehicle
is moving forward slower than
8 km/h (5 mph).
The front cameras are on both sides
of the front fascia.
{Warning
The camera(s) do not display
children, pedestrians, bicyclists,
crossing traffic, animals, or any
other object outside of the
cameras’field of view, below the
bumper, or under the vehicle.
Shown distances may be different
from actual distances. Do not
drive or park the vehicle using
only these camera(s). Always
check behind and around the
vehicle before driving. Failure to
use proper care may result in
injury, death, or vehicle damage.
Turning the Features On or Off
To turn off the guidance lines:
1. On the infotainment system, press the Settings screen
button, or turn the MENU knob
to highlight Settings and
press MENU.
2. Select Rear Camera.
3. Select Guidance Lines and then select Off or On.
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an
important part of the proper
maintenance of this vehicle. When
driving in the U.S. and Canada, to
help keep the engine clean and
maintain optimum vehicle
performance, we recommend TOP
TIER Detergent Gasolines. See
www.toptiergas.com for a list of TOP
TIER Detergent Gasolines.
If equipped with the LT1 engine, use
premium unleaded gasoline meeting
ASTM specification D4814 with a
posted octane rating of 91 or higher.
Regular unleaded gasoline rated at
Page 208 of 351
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9085364) - 2016 - crc - 9/15/15
Driving and Operating 207
87 octane or higher can be used,
but acceleration and fuel economy
will be reduced, and an audible
knocking noise may be heard. If this
occurs, use a gasoline rated at
91 octane or higher as soon as
possible. Otherwise, the engine
could be damaged. If heavy
knocking is heard when using
gasoline with a 91 octane rating or
higher, the engine needs service.
If equipped with the LT4
supercharged engine, use premium
unleaded gasoline meeting ASTM
specification D4814 with a posted
octane rating of 91 or higher. If the
octane is less than 91, damage to
the engine may occur and may void
the vehicle warranty. If heavy
knocking is heard when using
gasoline rated at 91 octane or
higher, the engine needs service.
Use of Seasonal Fuels
Use summer and winter fuels in the
appropriate season. The fuels
industry automatically modifies the
fuel for the appropriate season.
If fuel is left in the vehicle tank for
long periods of time, driving orstarting could be affected. Drive the
vehicle until the fuel is at one-half
tank or less, then refuel with the
current seasonal fuel.
Prohibited Fuels
Gasolines containing oxygenates
such as ethers and ethanol, as well
as reformulated gasolines, are
available in some cities. If these
gasolines comply with the
previously described specification,
then they are acceptable to use.
However, E85 (85% ethanol) and
other fuels containing more than
15% ethanol must be used only in
FlexFuel vehicles.
Caution
Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal
parts in the fuel system and also
damage plastic and rubber parts.
That damage would not be
covered under the vehicle
warranty.
Some gasolines, mainly high octane
racing gasolines, can contain an
octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). Do not use
gasolines and/or fuel additives with
MMT as they can reduce spark plug
life and affect emission control
system performance. The
malfunction indicator lamp may turn
on. If this occurs, see your dealer
for service.
California Fuel
Requirements
If the vehicle is certified to meet
California Emissions Standards, it is
designed to operate on fuels that
meet California specifications. See
the underhood emission control
label. If this fuel is not available in
states adopting California Emissions
Standards, the vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting
federal specifications, but emission
control system performance might
be affected. The malfunction
indicator lamp could turn on and the
Page 209 of 351
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9085364) - 2016 - crc - 9/15/15
208 Driving and Operating
vehicle may not pass a smog-check
test. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light) 0106.
If this occurs, return to your
authorized dealer for diagnosis. If it
is determined that the condition is
caused by the type of fuel used,
repairs may not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Fuels in Foreign
Countries
If planning to drive in countries
outside the U.S. or Canada, the
proper fuel might be hard to find.
Check regional auto club or fuel
retail brand websites for availability
in the country where driving. Never
use leaded gasoline, fuel containing
methanol, manganese, or any other
fuel not recommended. Costly
repairs caused by use of improper
fuel would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Fuel Additives
To keep fuel systems clean, TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline is
recommended. See Fuel0206.
If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is
not available, one bottle of Fuel
System Treatment PLUS added to
the fuel tank at every engine oil
change, can help. Fuel System
Treatment PLUS is the only
gasoline additive recommended by
General Motors. It is available at
your dealer.
Filling the Tank
{Warning
Fuel vapors and fuel fires burn
violently and can cause injury or
death. . To help avoid injuries to you
and others, read and follow
all the instructions on the
fuel pump island.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Turn off the engine when
refueling.
. Keep sparks, flames, and
smoking materials away
from fuel.
. Do not leave the fuel pump
unattended.
. Do not use a cell phone
while refueling.
. Do not reenter the vehicle
while pumping fuel.
. Keep children away from
the fuel pump and never let
children pump fuel.
. Fuel can spray out if the
refueling nozzle is inserted
too quickly. This spray can
happen if the tank is nearly
full, and is more likely in hot
weather. Insert the refueling
nozzle slowly and wait for
any hiss noise to stop prior
to beginning to flow fuel
Page 210 of 351
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9085364) - 2016 - crc - 9/15/15
Driving and Operating 209
To open the fuel door, push and
release the rearward center edge of
the door. The fuel door is locked
when the vehicle doors are locked.
Press
Kon the RKE transmitter to
unlock. The driver door must be
opened before the fuel door will
unlock.
The vehicle has a capless refueling
system and does not have a fuel
cap. The filling nozzle must be fully
inserted and latched prior to starting
fuel flow.
{Warning
Overfilling the fuel tank by more
than three clicks of a standard fill
nozzle may cause:
. Vehicle performance issues,
including engine stalling and
damage to the fuel system.
. Fuel spills.
. Potential fuel fires.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Wait a
few seconds before removing the
nozzle. After initial shutoff, do not
partially remove the nozzle to add
more fuel as this will result in fuel
spillage. Clean fuel from painted
surfaces as soon as possible. See
Exterior Care 0288.
{Warning
If a fire starts while you are
refueling, do not remove the
nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel by
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
shutting off the pump or by
notifying the station attendant.
Leave the area immediately.
Filling the Tank With a Portable
Gas Can
If the vehicle runs out of fuel and
must be filled from a portable
gas can:
1. Locate the capless funnel adapter from inside the vehicle.
2. Insert and latch the funnel into the capless fuel system.
Page 212 of 351
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9085364) - 2016 - crc - 9/15/15
Driving and Operating 211
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is
used for vehicle service and
Emission Inspection/Maintenance
testing. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light)
0 106. A device connected to the
DLC —such as an aftermarket
fleet or driver-behavior tracking
device —may interfere with
vehicle systems. This could affect
vehicle operation and cause a
crash. Such devices may also
access information stored in the
vehicle’s systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can
damage the vehicle or cause
components to not work and
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always check
with your dealer before adding
electrical equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain the
vehicle's 12-volt battery, even if the
vehicle is not operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to add anything
electrical to the vehicle, see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 076 and Adding Equipment
to the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 076.
Page 213 of 351
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9085364) - 2016 - crc - 9/15/15
212 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 213
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 213
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Lifting the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 228
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . 229
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 230
Cooling System (Engine) . . . . . 232
Cooling System (Aero Panel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 237 Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Battery - North America . . . . . . 241
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 243
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 244
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 244
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 245Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 246
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 247
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Run-Flat Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Competition Oriented Tires . . . 257
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 258
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 273
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275