engine overheat CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2002 5.G Owners Manual

2-27 To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The electrical cord is attached to the generator
bracket assembly, between the generator and the
windshield washer fluid tank.With the headlamps
closed, route the cord in the opening between the
headlamp door and the fender panel on the driver's
side of the vehicle. Do not pinch the cord when
closing the hood.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110
-volt AC outlet.
CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong
kind of extension cord could overheat and cause
a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the
cord into a properly grounded three
-prong
11 0
-volt AC outlet. If the cord won't reach,
use a heavy
-duty three-prong extension cord
rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug
and store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts. If you don't, it could
be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in?
The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of
trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you'll be parking your
vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that
particular area.

2-30
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (
): 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 (
).
Here are some times you might choose THIRD (3)
instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (
):

When driving on hilly, winding roads.

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.
If you manually select SECOND (2) when you start the
vehicle, the transmission will drive (and stay) in second
gear. You may use this feature for reducing torque to
the rear wheels when you are trying to start your vehicle
from a stop on slippery road surfaces, or for preventing
the transmission from downshifting into FIRST (1) in
situations where a downshift would be undesirable.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 (1), 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.

2-37 Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running (Automatic Transmission Only)
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P)
with the parking brake firmly set. And, if you
leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could
overheat and even catch fire. You or others could
be injured. Don't leave your vehicle with the
engine running unless you have to.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and
your parking brake is firmly set before you leave it.
After you've moved the shift lever into PARK (P),
hold down the regular brake pedal. See if you can
move the shift lever away from PARK (P) without
first pulling it toward you. If you can, it means that
the shift lever wasn't fully locked into PARK (P).
Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)
If you are parking on a hill and you don't shift your
transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in
the transmission. You may find it difficult to pull the
shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called ªtorque lock.º
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then
shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the
driver's seat. To find out how, see ªShifting Into
PARK (P)º in the Index.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out
of PARK (P) before you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission,
so you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).

2-87 Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
United States Canada
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. If the
gage pointer moves into the shaded area, your engine
is too hot.
This means that your engine coolant has overheated.
If you have been operating your vehicle under normal
driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop
your vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
(The larger tic marks are in increments of 30
below
220
F (104
C) and in increments of 10
above
220
F (104
C).)
See ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index for
more information.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light)
Your vehicle is equipped
with a computer which
monitors operation of the
fuel, ignition and emission
control systems.
This system is called OBD II (On
-Board
Diagnostics
-Second Generation) and is intended
to assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for
the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment. The CHECK ENGINE light comes on to
indicate that there is a problem and service is required.
Malfunctions often will be indicated by the system
before any problem is apparent. This may prevent
more serious damage to your vehicle. This system
is also designed to assist your service technician in
correctly diagnosing any malfunction.

2-106
SERVICE COLUMN LOCK (Manual Transmission
Only): If the system that controls the locking and
unlocking of the steering column does not work
properly, have the vehicle towed to a dealer for service.
PULL KEY
- WAIT 10 SEC (Manual Transmission
Only): If this message comes on, the steering column
lock system has detected a problem while engaging the
steering column lock. This message may occur when
the ignition key is removed and reinserted before the
steering column lock system fully locks or unlocks the
steering column. To acknowledge that you have read
this message, and to clear it from the display, remove
the ignition key and wait 10 seconds before reinserting
the key into the ignition. If you attempt to operate
your vehicle without removing the key for 10 seconds,
the vehicle's fuel system will shut off when you reach
1.5 mph (2.4 km/h). If the message stays on after
removing the key and waiting 10 seconds, have your
vehicle taken to an authorized dealer as soon as possible
for diagnosis and repair.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. As soon as possible, 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. Once the vehicle senses
a temperature change in the engine oil, the light will
remain off.
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.

2-107
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.SERVICE VEHICLE SOON: If this message appears
on the DIC, there may be an electrical or another system
problem with your vehicle. Have your vehicle checked
by your dealer if this message keeps appearing.
CHARGE SYSTEM FAULT: 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 comes on while you are driving, you
may have a problem with the electrical charging system.
It could indicate that you have a loose or broken drive
belt or another electrical problem. Have it checked
right away. Driving while this light is on could drain
your battery.
If you must drive a short distance with the message on,
be certain to turn off your accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.
TRACTION SYS ACTIVE: When your Traction
Control System is limiting wheel spin, the TRACTION
SYS ACTIVE message will be displayed. Slippery road
conditions may exist if this message is displayed, so
adjust your driving accordingly. The message will stay
on for a few seconds after the traction control system
stops limiting wheel spin.

2-109
MAXIMUM SPEED 80 MPH (129 km/h): You will
hear four chimes when this message is displayed.
To acknowledge the warning, press RESET. After you
press RESET, a message will reappear every 10 minutes
until this condition changes.
This message indicates that a malfunction is present
in the selective real time damping system. The vehicle
speed will be limited to 80 mph (129 km/h) when the
shock absorber system has failed and the shocks are in
their full soft mode. Have your vehicle serviced as soon
as possible.
COOLANT OVER TEMP: 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 this condition changes. If you
do not press RESET, the message will remain on the
digital display until the condition changes.If the engine coolant exceeds 255
F (124
C), this
message is displayed. If you have been operating your
vehicle under normal driving conditions, you should
pull off from the road, stop your vehicle and turn off the
engine as soon as possible. You can monitor the coolant
temperature with the GAGES button on the DIC or the
engine coolant gage on the instrument panel cluster.
See ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index.
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.

2-110
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 HANDLING: 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.
ACTIVE HANDLING: Your vehicle is equipped with
a computer controlled system to assist the driver in
controlling the vehicle in difficult driving conditions.
You may feel or hear the system working and see the
ACTIVE HANDLING message displayed in the DIC.
This is normal when the system is operating. Also see
ªAnti
-Lock Brakesº in the Index.

5-
5-1
Section 5 Problems on the Road
Here you'll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road.
5
-2 Hazard Warning Flashers
5
-2 Other Warning Devices
5
-3 Jump Starting
5
-8 Towing Your Vehicle5
-9 Engine Overheating
5
-12 Cooling System
5
-19 If a Tire Goes Flat
5
-21 Tire Inflator Kit (Z06 Models Only)
5
-27 If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow

5-9
Engine Overheating
You will find an engine coolant temperature gage on the
instrument panel cluster and a COOLANT OVER
TEMP message on the Driver Information Center (DIC).
See ªEngine Coolant Temperature Gageº and ªCoolant
Over Temp DIC Messageº in the Index.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition exists and the messages
COOLANT OVER TEMP and REDUCED ENGINE
POWER are displayed, along with the Check Engine
light, an overheat protection mode which alternates
firing groups of cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode, you will notice a loss in power and engine
performance. This operating mode allows your vehicle to
be driven to a safe place in an emergency; you may drive
up to 50 miles (80 km).
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 system. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index.