steering CHEVROLET CORVETTE 1999 5.G Owner's Guide

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5-19
NOTICE:
Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your
vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels
too fast while shifting your transmission back
and forth, you can destroy your transmission.
For information about using tire chains on your vehicle,
see ªTire Chainsº in the Index.
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will
clear the area around your front wheels. You should turn
your TCS System off. (See ªTraction Control Systemº
in the Index.) Then shift back and forth between
REVERSE (R) and a forward gear, spinning the wheels
as little as possible. For a manual transmission, shift
slowly between either FIRST (1) or SECOND (2) and
REVERSE (R), allowing the wheels to stop before
shifting into gear. Release the accelerator pedal while
you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transmission is in gear. By slowly spinning
your wheels in the forward and reverse directions, you
will cause a rocking motion that may free your vehicle.
If that doesn't get you out after a few tries, you may
need to be towed out. If you do need to be towed out,
see ªTowing Your Vehicleº in the Index.

6-
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6-1
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-3 Fuel
6
-6 Filling Your Tank
6
-9 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-12 Engine Oil
6
-16 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-18 Automatic Transmission Fluid
6
-19 Manual Transmission Fluid
6
-20 Hydraulic Clutch
6
-21 Rear Axle
6
-22 Surge Tank Pressure Cap
6
-23 Engine Coolant
6
-26 Power Steering Fluid
6
-27 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-29 Brakes
6
-32 Battery
6
-33 Bulb Replacement
6
-38 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
6
-41 Tires6
-52 Lifting Your Corvette
6-56 Appearance Care
6
-56 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-59 Cleaning a Removable Roof Panel
6
-60 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-61 Cleaning Your Convertible Top
6
-62 Cleaning Aluminum Wheels
6
-62 Cleaning Tires
6
-62 Finish Damage
6
-63 Underbody Maintenance
6
-64 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-65 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-65 Service Parts Identification Label
6
-66 Electrical System
6
-74 Replacement Bulbs
6
-74 Capacities and Specifications
6
-76 Air Conditioning Refrigerants
6
-76 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

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6-11
When you open the hood, you'll see the following:
A. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap
B. Battery
C. Engine Oil Dipstick
D. Engine Oil Fill Cap
E. Engine Air Cleaner/FilterF. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
G. Brake Fluid Reservoir
H. Hydraulic Clutch Fluid Reservoir (If Equipped)
I. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir

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6-26
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX
-COOL

coolant mixture at the surge tank, but only when the
engine is cool.
CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don't spill coolant on a hot engine.
When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it
is hand
-tight.
Power Steering Fluid
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.

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6-27 How to Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and
the top of the reservoir clean, then unscrew the cap and
wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap and
completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again and
look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark. If
necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the level up to
the mark.

When the engine
compartment is hot, the
level should be at the
HOT mark.

When the engine
compartment is cool, the
level should be at the
FULL COLD mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer's instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.

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7-17
Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall). You should let your dealer's
service department or other qualified service center do
these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. See ªService and Owner
Publicationsº in the Index.
Steering and Suspension Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook
-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.
Tire and Wheel Inspection
Inspect the tires for uneven wear or damage. If there is
irregular or premature wear, check the wheel alignment.
Inspect for damaged wheels.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out
-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which could
cause a heat build
-up in the floor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See ªEngine Exhaustº in
the Index.

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7-19
Part D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from
your dealer.
USAGE
FLUID/LUBRICANT
Engine OilThe engine requires a special
Engine Oil meeting GM Standard
GM4718M. Oils meeting this
Standard may be identified as
synthetic, and should also be
identified with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified For
Gasoline Engines ªStarburstº
symbol. However, not all
Synthetic API oils with the
Starburst symbol will meet this
GM Standard. You should look for
and use only an oil that meets GM
Standard GM4718M. For the
proper viscosity, see ªEngine Oilº
in the Index.
USAGEFLUID/LUBRICANT
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only GM
Goodwrench

DEX-COOL
or
Havoline
DEX-COOL

Coolant. See ªEngine Coolantº in
the Index.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11
Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. 12377967 or
equivalent DOT
-3 Brake Fluid).
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
Washer Solvent
(GM Part No. 1051515)
or equivalent.
Hydraulic Clutch
SystemHydraulic Clutch Fluid (GM Part
No. 12345347 or equivalent
DOT
-3 Brake Fluid).
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid (GM
Part No. 1052884
- 1 pint,
1050017
- 1 quart, or equivalent).
Manual
TransmissionDEXRON
-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.

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8-12
CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1999 CHEVROLET
SERVICE MANUALS
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information
on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes,
electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $90.00
TRANSMISSION, TRANSAXLE, TRANSFER CASE
UNIT REPAIR MANUAL
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments and specifications for the
1999 GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
SERVICE BULLETINS
Service Bulletins give technical service information needed
to knowledgeably service General Motors cars and trucks.
Each bulletin contains instructions to assist in the
diagnosis and service of your vehicle.OWNER'S INFORMATION
Owner publications are written directly for Owners and
intended to provide basic operational information about the
vehicle. The owner's manual will include the Maintenance
Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner's Manual and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $15.00
Without Portfolio: Owner's Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $10.00
CURRENT & PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS
Service Publications are available for current and past
model GM vehicles. To request an order form, please
specify year and model name of the vehicle.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE ORDER FORM SHOWN ON
THE FOLLOWING PAGE AND MAIL TO:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207OR ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM ± 6:00 PM Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only (VISA±MasterCard±Discover)
1999 CHEVROLET SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION
The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out
the Service Publication Order Form in this book and mailing it in with your check, money order,
or credit card information to Helm, Incorporated (address below.)

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9-7
Radiator and Heater Hose 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness Control 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cluster 2-76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cupholder 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Integrated Windshield and Rear Window Antennas 3-32 . . . .
Interior Lamps 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacking Your Vehicle 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key in the Ignition 2-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinders Service 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys 2-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Labels 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Parts Identification 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire-Loading Information 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Identification Number 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamps 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Courtesy 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exit and Entry 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior 2-44, 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Sidemarkers 6-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Turn Signal 6-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Headlamp/High
-Beams 6-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Turn Signal and Taillamps 6-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Twilight Sentinel 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lap Belt Cinch Feature 1-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Latches, Seatback 1-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running 2-36 . . . . . . .
Lifting Your Corvette 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
From the Front 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
From the Rear 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lighted Visor Vanity Mirrors 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lighter 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights
Air Bag Readiness 1
-21, 2-78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning 2-80, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System Warning 2-79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Engine 2-83 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Gages 2-86 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Reminder 1-8, 2-78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Security 2-86 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Limited-Slip Rear Axle 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading Your Vehicle 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locks 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cylinders 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Automatic Transmission Check 7-16 . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinders Service 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Door 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the Wheel Lock Key 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss of Control 4-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubricants and Fluids 7-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubrication Service, Body 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-9
Pass-Key
2-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Portable Fuel Container, Filling a 6-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power
Accessory Outlet 2
-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessory Plug 6-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna Service 7-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Locks 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mast Antenna 3-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Control Mirrors 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote/Heated Control Mirrors 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 4-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Fluid 6-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Steering Fluid 6-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to Check 6-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What to Use 6-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Check 6-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts 1-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Problems on the Road 5-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publications, Service and Owner 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Racing or Other Competitive Driving 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio Reception 3-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radios 3-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rain, Driving In 4-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reading Lamps 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear
Axle Service 7
-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage Compartments 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal and Taillamp Bulb Replacement 6-36 . . . . . . .
Window Defogger 3-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rear Axle, Limited
-Slip 2-39, 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Window Defogger 3-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rearview Mirror, Inside Day/Night 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reclining Seatbacks 1-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 7-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Function Actuation System 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery Replacement 2-12, 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 2-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Panic Alarm 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Resynchronizing Your Transmitter 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RFA Settings 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmitter Range 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turning the System Off 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Hatch/Trunk Lid Release 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement
Bulbs 6
-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts 6-76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield Wiper Blades 6-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reporting Safety Defects 8-10, 8-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Resetting the Oil Life Monitor 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restraints
Checking 1
-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing Parts After a Crash 1-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Check 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Resynchronizing Your Transmitter 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reverse
Automatic Transmission 2
-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Transmission 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ride Control 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .