transmission CHEVROLET CORVETTE 1998 5.G Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine CORVETTE: THE AMERICAN
DREAM MACHINE
In the early O OS, it was only a designer’s dream. Today
the Corvette stands alone as America’s dream car
-- a
testament to its unmistakable charisma and the
excitement it inspires. Unique styling, powerful
performance and an undeniable panache have made
Corvette one
of the most celebrated sports cars in
the world.
In
1953, Corvette produced 300 new lightweight
fiberglass roadsters.
A handful went to project
engineers, General Motors managers, and a select group
of movie stars and celebrities. With a two-speed
Powerglide automatic transmission, Blue Flame
six-cylinder engine, and gleaming Polo White exterior,
the Corvette began its drive into the heart
of America.
Designers freshened up the ’Vette in
1956 by adding a
removable hardtop and the famous Corvette “coves.”
The sculptured body enhanced its sporty look, and a
standard 210-horsepower Chevy V8 engine solidified
Corvette’s reputation as a production race car.
iii

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine In 1984, the fourth generation of America’s favorite
sports car anticipated the future with a sleek look and
advanced technology that provided superior handling
and performance. Windshield angle was the sheerest of
any domestic vehicle, cornering ability the tightest of
any production car. In short, the 1984 redesign enhanced
the Corvette’s reputation as a leader in the world sports
car market. After
44 years
of production, Corvette only got better.
The fifth-generation Corvette arrived in 1997, featuring
a completely restyled body and a new, all-aluminum,
5.7 Liter, 345-horsepower LS1 V8 engine. The
structure of the fifth-generation redesign is the stiffest
ever developed in 44 years of Corvette production,
resulting in unparalleled ride quality and outstanding
handling. Also unique to the new Corvette is a
rear-mounted transmission.
Available as a Coupe for 1997, the new Corvette offered
such standard features as extended-mobility tires, a
Bose audio system, and
a new, latch-operated roof
designed for easy removal.
With many design cues inspired by the classic models
of the 1960s, the new fifth-generation Corvette is an
impressive combination of sleek styling and world-class
sports car performance. For 1998, in addition to the
Coupe, a convertible is reintroduced.
vi

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you
if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2-4
2-5
2-6
2-
14
2- 17 2-18
2-20
2-2 1
2-22
2-24
2-26
2-29
2-32
2-34
2-36
2-36 Door Locks
Memory (Option)
Remote Function Actuation
System
Remote Hatch/Trunk Lid Release
Universal Theft-Deterrent System
PASS-Key@
New Vehicle “Break-In”
Ignition Switch Starting Your Engine
Engine Coolant Heater (Canada Only)
Automatic Transmission Operation
Manual Transmission Operation
Parking Brake Shifting Into PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission Models Only)
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission)
Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission) 2-37
2-37
2-38
2-39 2-39
2-40
2-42
2-50
2-52
2-53
2-54
2-60
2-68
2-74
2-77
2-87 Parking Over
Things That Burn
Engine Exhaust
Running Your Engine While You’re Parked
(Automatic Transmission)
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Selective Real Time Damping (Option)
Windows
Turn SignalMultifunction Lever
Exterior Lamps
Interior Lamps
Mirrors
Storage Compartments
Roof Panel (Coupe)
Convertible Top (Option)
Instrument Panel
Warning Lights, Gages and Messages
Driver Information Center (DIC)
2-1

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Remote Hatch/Trunk Lid Release
To use the remote hatcWtrunk lid release on automatic
transmission vehicles, your vehicle must be in PARK (P)
or NUETRAL
(N). For manual transmissions, set the
parking brake. See “Parking Brake” in the Index.
Press the button with the trunk symbol on it, located
at the left side of the steering column
on the
instrument panel, to release the hatchhunk lid
from inside your vehicle. The
key fob transmitter will also release the
hatcWtrunk lid. See “Remote Function Actuation
System” in the Index.
If your vehicle
is equipped with a hatch and you have
lost battery power, use the manual release cables to
open the hatch.
To access the cables, remove the two
access panels located in the rear of the trunk area.
There is one cable located underneath each access
panel. (See “Storage Compartments” in the Index for
more information.)
Pull each cable straight down for each latch to release
the hatch.
2-14

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTICE:
If you put things in the hatcldtrunk area, be sure
they won’t break the glass when you close it.
Never slam the hatcldtrunk lid down. You could
break the glass or damage the defogger grid.
When you close the hatchhrunk lid, make sure
you pull down from the center, not the sides.
If
you pull the hatcldtrunk lid down from the side
too often, the weatherstrip can be damaged.
NOTICE:
Do not store heavy or sharp objects in the three
storage compartments located in the hatcldtrunk
area.
If you do, the objects could damage
the underbody.
Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent features, we
know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal. However,
there are ways you can help.
Key in the Ignition
If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves
-- so
don’t do it.
When you park your vehicle and open the driver’s door,
you’ll hear a tone reminding you to remove your key
from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this.
Your steering wheel will be locked, and
so will your
ignition.
If you have an automatic transmission, taking
your key out also locks your transmission. And
remember to lock the doors.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine OFF: The only position from which you can remove the
key. Removing the key locks your steering wheel,
ignition and automatic transmission.
If you have an automatic transmission, the ignition
switch can’t be turned to
OFF unless the shift lever is in
PARK (P).
ACC: The position in which you can operate your
electrical power accessories. With the key in this
position, the automatic transmission and steering
column will unlock.
ON: The position to which the switch returns after you
start the engine and release the switch. The switch stays
in the
ON position when the engine is running. But even
when the engine is not running, you can use
ON to
operate your electrical power accessories and to display
some instrument panel messages and telltales.
START Starts the engine. When the engine starts,
release the key. The ignition switch will return to
ON for
normal driving.
When the engine is not running,
ACC and ON allow you
to operate your electrical accessories, such as the radio.
A warning tone will sound if you open the driver’s door
when the ignition is in
OFF or ACC and the key is in
the ignition.
Removing the key from the ignition switch will
lock the steering column and result in a loss of
ability to steer the vehicle. This could cause a
collision.
If you need to turn the engine off while
the vehicle
is moving, turn the key to ACC.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in OFF and you can’t
turn
it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it all the way in? Turn the key only with
your hand. Using a tool to force
it could break
the key or the ignition switch.
If none of this
works, then your vehicle needs service.
2-21

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
With RAP, your power windows and the audio system
will continue to work for up to
15 minutes after the
ignition key is turned to
OFF and neither door is opened.
If a door is opened, the audio system and power
windows will shut off.
Starting Your Engine
This vehicle has a computer system that monitors engine
speed, throttle and pedal position, and records the
current status.
Automatic Transmission
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won’t start in any other position -- that’s a
safety feature. To restart when you’re already moving,
use NEUTRAL
(N) only.
NOTICE:
Don’t try to shift to PARK (P) if your Corvette is
moving.
If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
The gear selector should be in NEUTRAL (N). Hold the
clutch pedal to the floor and start the engine. Your
vehicle won’t start if the clutch pedal is not all the way
down
-- that’s a safety feature.
Starting Your Engine
1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your
engine gets warm.
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be
drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage your starter motor.
2-22

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Automatic Transmission Operation
There are several different positions for your shift lever.
PARK (P): This locks your rear wheels. It’s the best
position to use when you
start your engine because your
vehicle can’t move easily.
c I
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to.
If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured.
To be sure your
vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to
PARK (P).
See “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Be sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) range
before starting the engine. Your vehicle has a
brake-transmission shift interlock. You have to fully
apply your regular brakes before you can shift from
PARK
(P) when the ignition key is in the ON position. If
you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the
shift lever
-- push the shift lever all the way into
PARK
(P) and release the shift lever button as you
maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever
button and move the shift lever into the gear you wish.
(If you do not apply the brake after
15 seconds once the
ignition is turned on, you will receive a
PRESS BRAKE
BEFORE SHIFT message in the Driver Information
Center.) See “Shifting Out
of PARK (P)” in the Index.
REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.
I 1
I NOTICE:
r
Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage your
transmission. Shift to REVERSE (R) only
after your vehicle is stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transmission,
see
“Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow” in the Index.
NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine
doesn’t connect with the wheels. To restart when you’re
already moving, use NEUTRAL
(N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL
(N) when your vehicle is being towed.
Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while
your engine is “racing” (running at high speed)
is
dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the
brake pedal, your vehicle could move very
rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or
objects. Don’t shift out
of PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL
(N) while your engine is racing.
2-27

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTICE:
Damage to your transmission caused by shifting
out
of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the
engine racing isn’t covered by your warranty.
1
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (0): This position is for
normal driving.
THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal
driving, however, it offers more power and lower fuel
economy
than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (0).
Here are some times you might choose THIRD (3)
instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (a):
0 When driving on hilly, winding roads.
0 When going down a steep hill.
SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but
lower fuel economy. You can use SECOND
(2) on hills.
It can help control your speed as you go down steep
mountain roads, but then you would also want to use
your brakes off and on.
FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power
(but lower fuel economy) than SECOND
(2). You can
use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow
or mud. If the
selector lever is put in FIRST
(l), the transmission
won’t shift into first gear until the vehicle is going
slowly enough.
NOTICE:
If your rear wheels can’t rotate, don’t try to
drive. This might happen if you were stuck in
very deep sand
or mud or were up against a solid
object.
You could damage your transmission.
Also,
if you stop when going uphill, don’t hold
your vehicle there with only the accelerator
pedal. This could overheat and damage the
transmission. Use your brakes or shift into
PARK (P) to hold your vehicle in position on
a hill.
Maximum engine speed is limited to protect driveline
components from improper operation.