engine oil CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2000 5.G User Guide

2-100
LOW OIL PRESSURE: You will hear four chimes
and the CHECK GAGES telltale will come on when
this message is displayed. To acknowledge the warning,
press the RESET button. After you press the RESET
button, a message will be displayed and you will hear a
chime every minute until the vehicle is serviced. If you
do not press RESET, the message will remain on the
digital display until the vehicle is serviced.
Low oil pressure may be the result of a combination
of low oil level and abrupt changes in the vehicle's
direction. When this warning is displayed, you should
not operate the engine at high RPM or make fast abrupt
moves. When it is convenient, you should check the oil
level. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
LOW OIL LEVEL: Press RESET to acknowledge that
you have read the message and to remove it from the
display. The message will reappear every 10 minutes
until this condition changes.
You will hear two chimes when this message is
displayed. If this message appears after starting your
engine, your engine oil level may be too low. You may
need to add oil. See ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index.REDUCED ENGINE POWER: You will hear chimes
continuously when this message is displayed. To
acknowledge that you have read the message and to
remove it from the display, press RESET. The
message will reappear every 15 seconds until this
condition changes.
If the Driver Information Center (DIC) displays the
REDUCED ENGINE POWER message and the
CHECK ENGINE light comes on, a noticeable
reduction in the vehicle's performance may occur.
If the REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is
displayed but there is no reduction in performance,
proceed to your destination. The performance may be
reduced the next time the vehicle is driven.
The vehicle may be driven at a reduced speed while the
REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is displayed,
but acceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime the
CHECK ENGINE light stays on, the vehicle should be
taken to an authorized Chevrolet dealer as soon as
possible for diagnosis and repair.
Also, refer to ªMalfunction Indicator Lampº (Check
Engine Light) in the Index. If the REDUCED ENGINE
POWER message is displayed in combination with the
COOLANT OVER TEMP message, see ªEngine
Overheatingº in the Index.

2-103
REDUCE ENGINE RPM: You will hear four chimes
when this message is displayed. To acknowledge the
warning, press the RESET button. After you press the
RESET button, a message will be displayed and you
will hear a chime every minute until this condition
changes. If you do not press RESET, the message will
remain on the digital display until the condition changes.
If the engine oil temperature exceeds 320
F (160
C),
this message is displayed. You should check the engine
coolant temperature and engine oil level. If your engine
is too hot, see ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index.
Your vehicle may need service, so see your dealer.
You can monitor the oil temperature with the GAGES
button on the DIC.
HIGH TRANS TEMP (Automatic Transmission
Only): You will hear four chimes when this message is
displayed. To acknowledge this warning, press the
RESET button. After you press the RESET button,
the message will be displayed every 10 minutes until
the condition changes. If you do not press RESET,
the message remains on the display until the
condition changes.If the transmission fluid temperature rises above
270
F (132
C) or rises rapidly, this message is
displayed. The transmission may shift gears or apply the
torque converter clutch to reduce the fluid temperature.
Driving aggressively or driving on long hills can cause
the transmission fluid temperature to be higher than
normal. If this message appears, you may continue to
drive at a slower speed. You should also monitor the
transmission fluid temperature and allow it to cool to at
least 230
F (110
C). The transmission fluid temperature
can be monitored with the GAGES button on the DIC.
See ªAutomatic Transmission Fluidº in the Index.
You should also check the engine coolant temperature.
If it is also hot, see ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index.
If the HIGH TRANS TEMP message is displayed
during normal vehicle operation on flat roads, your
vehicle may need service. See your dealer for
an inspection.
SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLG: If the SERVICE
ACTIVE HNDLG message is displayed, there is a
problem with your Active Handling System and your
vehicle needs service. The instrument cluster light will
also be on and a chime will sound. When this message is
displayed, the system is not working. Adjust your
driving accordingly.

2-107 Other Messages
Here are more messages that you can receive on your
Driver Information Center (DIC). To acknowledge a
message and read another message that may have come
on at the same time, press the RESET button.

BRAKE BEFORE SHIFT (Automatic
Transmissions Only)

CHANGE OIL NOW (See ªGM Oil Life Systemº
in the Index.)

CHANGE OIL SOON (See ªGM Oil Life Systemº
in the Index.)

CRUISE DISENGAGED (See ªCruise Controlº in
the Index.)

CRUISE SET __ MPH (__ km/h) (See ªCruise
Controlº in the Index.)

DOOR AJAR
ENGINE PROTECTION REDUCE ENGINE RPM

HATCH AJAR (Coupe)

TONNEAU AJAR

HIGH VOLTAGE (See ªVoltmeterº in the Index.)

LOW BRAKE FLUID (See ªBrake Fluidº in
the Index.)

LOW FUEL (See ªFuel Gageº in the Index.)

LOW VOLTAGE (See ªVoltmeterº in the Index.)

LOW WASHER FLUID (See ªWindshield Washer
Fluidº in the Index.)

RESERVE FUEL (See ªFuel Gageº in the Index.)

TRUNK AJAR (Convertible/Hardtop)

UPSHIFT NOW (See ªManual Transmissionº in
the Index.)

3-3
DEFOG: This setting divides the air between the
windshield and lower outlets with a small amount of air
directed toward the side window vents. This is useful
when fog appears on the windshield or side glass due to
rain or snowy conditions.
DEFROST: Use this setting to quickly remove fog
or frost from the windshield. This setting directs most of
the airflow to the windshield with a small amount of air
directed toward the lower and side window outlets.
Mode Buttons
These buttons control the air intake, the air conditioning
and the rear window defogger operation.
FRESH AIR: Press this button and it will bring
outside air into the vehicle. The light on the button will
come on when operating. Use this setting while trying to
defrost or defog windows to help clear moisture.
RECIRCULATE: Press this button to limit the
amount of fresh air entering the vehicle by recirculating
most of the air inside the vehicle. The light on the button
will come on when operating. This setting is helpful
when you are trying to cool the air quickly or to limit
odors entering the vehicle. Recirculate cannot be used
while in the DEFROST or DEFOG modes.Operating the system in the recirculation mode may
cause fogging of the vehicle's windows when the
weather is cold and damp. To clear the fog, switch the
system to either the DEFOG or DEFROST mode and
increase the fan speed. To avoid re
-fogging of the
windows, operate the system in the OUTSIDE
AIR mode.
A/C: This button turns the air conditioning
compressor off or on under most conditions. The light
on the A/C button comes on when the compressor is
operating. The air conditioning does not operate at
temperatures below approximately 35
F to 40
F
(2
C to 4
C). The air conditioning cools and
dehumidifies the air coming into the vehicle. The air
conditioning cannot be turned off in DEFROST, as it
helps to remove moisture from the vehicle. It also helps
to keep the windows clear.
The air conditioning may be forced off at high engine
speeds or high engine oil or coolant temperatures.
See ªRear Window Defoggerº later in this section for
more information.

3-8
A/C: This button turns the air conditioning
compressor off or on under most conditions. The light
on the A/C button will come on when the compressor is
operating in either the automatic or manual mode. The
air conditioning does not operate at temperatures below
approximately 35
F to 40
D (2
C to 4
C).
The light on the A/C button will flash if pressed when
air conditioning is not allowed. The air conditioning
cools and dehumidifies the air coming into the vehicle.
The air conditioning cannot be turned off in DEFROST
and DEFOG, as it helps to remove moisture from the
vehicle. It also helps to keep the windows clear.
If the system is operating in the AUTO mode, turning
the air conditioning off will delete AUTO from the
digital display and show current mode and fan settings.
The AUTO button must be pressed to return to the
automatic mode operation.
The air conditioning may be forced off at high engine
speeds or high engine oil or coolant temperatures. FRESH AIR: Press this button to provide fresh
air from the outside. The light on this air intake button
will come on to show when it is operating. When in the
AUTO mode, the system automatically selects FRESH
AIR instead of recirculate, as required, to control the
temperature in the vehicle. By pressing FRESH AIR, the
system will lock into the fresh air mode. Any adjustment
to the air intake must then be made manually. FRESH
AIR should be used when trying to defrost or defog
windows to help reduce moisture inside the vehicle.
RECIRCULATE: Press this button to limit the
amount of fresh air entering the vehicle. The light on
this air intake button will come on to show when it is
operating. Recirculate is helpful when you are trying to
cool the air quickly or trying to limit odors and dust
from entering the vehicle. When in the AUTO mode,
the system automatically selects recirculate to cool the
vehicle's temperature. By pressing this button, the
system will lock into the recirculated air mode.
Any adjustment to the air intake must then be made
manually. The recirculated air mode is not allowed in
the front defrost or defog modes as fresh air helps
reduce moisture inside the vehicle.

4-24
Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain you
allow a reasonable following distance. Expect to move
slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the
proper lane well in advance. If you miss your exit,
do not, under any circumstances, stop and back up.
Drive on to the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance
at higher speeds, you may tend to think you are going
slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you're ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you're not fresh
-- such as after a day's
work
-- don't plan to make too many miles that first part
of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you
can easily drive in.Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it's ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course,
you'll find experienced and able service experts in
Chevrolet dealerships all across North America.
They'll be ready and willing to help if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:

Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full?
Are all windows clean inside and outside?

Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?

Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?

Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?

Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble
-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long
-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to
the recommended pressure?

Weather Forecasts: What's the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a
short time to avoid a major storm system?

Maps: Do you have up
-to-date maps?

5-9
NOTICE:
After driving in the overheated engine protection
operating mode, to avoid engine damage, allow
the engine to cool before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely degraded. Repair
the cause of coolant loss, change the oil and reset
the oil life monitor. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you
badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam coming
from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away
from the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until
there is no sign of steam or coolant before you
open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire. You or
others could be badly burned. Stop your engine
if it overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the
engine is cool. See ªOverheated Engine Protection
Operating Modeº in the Index.

5-11
Cooling System
When you decide it's safe to lift the hood, here's what
you'll see:
A. Electric Engine Cooling Fans
B. Coolant Surge Tank
CAUTION:
An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can
start up even when the engine is not running and
can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools
away from any underhood electric fan.
If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is boiling,
don't do anything else until it cools down.

5-14
CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. Your vehicle's coolant
warning system is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture,
your engine could get too hot but you wouldn't
get the overheat warning. Your engine could
catch fire and you or others could be burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water
and DEX
-COOL
coolant.
NOTICE:
In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the
engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.
So use the recommended coolant.
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.

6-
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
-5 Filling Your Tank
6
-9 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-12 Engine Oil
6
-17 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-19 Automatic Transmission Fluid
6
-19 Manual Transmission Fluid
6
-21 Hydraulic Clutch
6
-22 Rear Axle
6
-23 Engine Coolant
6
-26 Surge Tank Pressure Cap
6
-26 Power Steering Fluid
6
-27 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-29 Brakes
6
-32 Battery
6
-33 Bulb Replacement
6
-37 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement6
-40 Tires
6
-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
-73 Replacement Bulbs
6
-74 Capacities and Specifications
6
-75 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts