maintenance CHEVROLET CORVETTE 1999 5.G User Guide

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6-19
Change both the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles
(80 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one of
these conditions:

In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90F (32C) or higher.

In hilly or mountainous terrain.

High performance operation.
If you do not use your vehicle under one of these
conditions, change the fluid and filter every
100,000 miles (166 000 km).
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index for
the proper service intervals for the transmission fluid
and filter.
Manual Transmission Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is
changed. However, the fluid in your manual
transmission doesn't require changing.
How to Check
Because this operation can be difficult, you may choose
to have this done at your Chevrolet dealership
Service Department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or you could get a false reading.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transmission. Too much can mean that some
of the fluid could come out and fall on hot
exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Be sure
to get an accurate reading if you check your
transmission fluid.
Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the
vehicle is parked on a level place and the transmission is
cool enough for you to rest your fingers on the
transmission case.

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6-20
Then, follow these steps:
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Check that the lubricant level is up to the bottom of
the filler plug hole.
3. If the fluid level is good, install the plug and be sure
it is fully seated. If the fluid level is low, add more
fluid as described in the next steps.
How to Add Fluid
Here's how to add fluid. Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine what kind of fluid to use. See
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Add fluid at the filler plug hole. Add only enough
fluid to bring the fluid level up to the bottom of the
filler plug hole.
3. Install the filler plug. Be sure the plug is fully seated.
4. Tighten the plug to 20 lb
-ft (27 N´m).
Hydraulic Clutch
The clutch linkage in your vehicle is self-adjusting.
The clutch master cylinder reservoir is filled with
hydraulic clutch fluid.
It is not necessary to regularly check clutch fluid unless
you suspect there is a leak in the system. Adding fluid
won't correct a leak.
A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired.

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6-21 When to Check and What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often you should check the fluid level in your clutch
master cylinder reservoir and for the proper fluid. See
ªOwner Checks and Servicesº and ªRecommended
Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
How to Check and Add Fluid
The clutch master cylinder is on the driver's side of the
engine compartment, near the fender.
To check the fluid, remove the cap and rubber seal.
Fluid should be added if the fluid level is below the step
on the inside of the reservoir. There are additional
instructions on the reservoir cap.
Replace the rubber seal and cap.
Rear Axle
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often to check the lubricant. See ªPeriodic Maintenance
Inspectionsº in the Index.

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6-29
Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder reservoir is on the driver's
side of the engine compartment. It is filled with DOT
-3
brake fluid.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the
reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake fluid
goes down to an acceptable level during normal brake
lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid level
goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is leaking outof the brake system. If it is, you should have your brake
system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later your
brakes won't work well, or won't work at all.
So, it isn't a good idea to ªtop offº your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won't correct a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you'll have too much
fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add
(or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
CAUTION:
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill
on the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine
is hot enough. You or others could be burned,
and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
fluid only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
check your brake fluid. See ªPeriodic Maintenance
Inspectionsº in the Index.

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6-30
Checking Brake Fluid
You can check the brake fluid without taking off the cap.
Just look at the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid level
should be above the MIN mark on the reservoir. If it
isn't, have your brake system checked to see if there
is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system, make
sure the level is between the MIN and MAX marks.
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT
-3 brake
fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only.
Refer to ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the
Maintenance Schedule.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
NOTICE:

Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just a few
drops of mineral
-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts so badly that they'll have to be
replaced. Don't let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.

If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid on
your vehicle. If you do, wash it off immediately.
See ªAppearance Careº in the Index.

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6-31 Brake Wear
Your vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built
-in wear indicators that make a
high
-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn
and new pads are needed. The sound may come and go or
be heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except when
you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly).
CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won't work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See ªBrake System Inspectionº in Section 7 of
this manual under Part C ªPeriodic
Maintenance Inspections.º
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
As you make brake stops, your disc brakes
automatically adjust for wear.

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6-38 Back-Up Lamps
You can access the back-up lamps through the inboard
taillamp opening. See ªRear Turn Signal and Taillampsº
in the Index.
1. Squeeze the tab on the socket while turning it
counterclockwise to remove it from the assembly.
2. Remove the bulb from the socket.
3. Reverse the steps listed previously with a new bulb.
Windshield Wiper
Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear or cracking. See ªWiper Blade
Checkº in Section 7 of this manual under Part B ªOwner
Checks and Servicesº for more information.
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. For the proper type and
length, see ªNormal Maintenance Replacement Partsº in
the Index.
It's a good idea to clean or replace the wiper blade
assembly every six months.
NOTICE:
Use care when removing or installing a blade
assembly. Accidental bumping can cause the arm
to fall back and strike the windshield.

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6-63
Magnesium Wheel Finish
NOTICE:
Improper paint repair or refinishing can cause
corrosion damage to a magnesium wheel. See
your dealer if a magnesium wheel needs paint
repair or refinishing.
Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust
control can collect on the underbody. If these are not
removed, accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur on the
underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame, floor pan and
exhaust system even though they have
corrosion protection.
At least every spring, flush these materials from the
underbody with plain water. Clean any areas where mud
and other debris can collect. Dirt packed in closed areas
of the frame should be loosened before being flushed.
Your dealer or an underbody car washing system can do
this for you.
Fiberglass Springs
NOTICE:
Don't use corrosive or acidic cleaning agents,
engine degreasers, aluminum cleaning agents or
other harsh solvents to clean fiberglass springs;
they'll damage the springs.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create a
chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall upon and
attack painted surfaces on your vehicle. This damage
can take two forms: blotchy, ringlet
-shaped
discolorations, and small irregular dark spots etched into
the paint surface.
Although no defect in the paint job causes this,
Chevrolet will repair, at no charge to the owner, the
surfaces of new vehicles damaged by this fallout
condition within 12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km)
of purchase, whichever occurs first.

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6-76
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same. If the air
conditioning system in your vehicle needs refrigerant, be
sure the proper refrigerant is used. If you're not sure, ask
your dealer.
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Air Cleaner FilterA917C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery78A
-72H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Surge Tank CapGM Part No. 10296465 . . .
15 psi (105 kPa)
Engine Oil FilterPF44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PCV Valve799C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0.060 inch (1.524 mm)
Spark Plug41
-931 (0.60 inch Gap) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ThermostatGM Part No. 12555717 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
or equivalent
Windshield Wiper Blade
Length 22 inches (55.9 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type 9 mm x 3 mm Shepherd's Hook. . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Dimensions
Wheelbase104.5 inches (265.4 cm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tread
Front 62.1 inches (157.7 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear 62.0 inches (157.4 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Length179.7 inches (456.4 cm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Width73.6 inches (186.9 cm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Height47.7 inches (121.1 cm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7-
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7-1
Section 7 Maintenance Schedule
This section covers the maintenance required for your vehicle. Your vehicle needs these services to retain its safety,
dependability and emission control performance.
7
-2 Introduction
7
-3 How This Section is Organized
7
-4 Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
7
-5 Scheduled Maintenance
7
-6 Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance7
-13 Part B: Owner Checks and Services
7
-17 Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
7
-19 Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
7
-21 Part E: Maintenance Record