maintenance CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2003 5.G Owner's Guide

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.
In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service
Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General
Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(1-800-463-7483).
Owner's Information
Owner publications are written speci®cally 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: $60.00
Without Portfolio: Owner's Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $20.00
Current and 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.
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), visit Helm, Inc. on the
World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com
Or you can write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P. O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are
quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
checks payable in U.S. funds.
7-11

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-20
Accessory Power Plug.....................................5-84
Activating the Theft-Deterrent Feature................3-76
Active Handling System Light...........................3-37
Active Handling System...................................4-10
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-36
Additional Program Information........................... 7-9
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-84
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)......3-65, 3-69
Air Bag System..............................................1-39
Air Bag Off Switch.......................................1-44
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?....................1-42
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle.........1-47
What Makes an Air Bag In¯ate?....................1-42
What Will You See After an
Air Bag In¯ates?......................................1-43
When Should an Air Bag In¯ate?...................1-42
Where Are the Air Bags?..............................1-40
Air Bag .........................................................3-33
Off Light.....................................................3-33
Readiness Light..........................................3-32
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-18
Air Compressor..............................................5-71
Air Dam, Front...............................................2-19
AM ...............................................................3-77
Antenna, Fixed Mast.......................................3-79
Antenna, Power Antenna Mast Care..................3-79Antennas, Integrated Windshield and Rear
Window......................................................3-80
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)............................ 4-7
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-36
Appearance Care............................................5-75
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-77
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-81
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-75
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-78
Fiberglass Springs.......................................5-81
Finish Damage............................................5-81
Titanium Exhaust System..............................5-81
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-81
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-82
Weatherstrips..............................................5-77
Arming the System.........................................2-16
Ashtrays........................................................3-21
Audio System(s).............................................3-62
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-78
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-79
Care of Your CDs........................................3-79
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-79
Integrated Windshield and Rear Window
Antennas................................................3-80
Power Antenna Mast Care............................3-79
Radio with Cassette.....................................3-63
Radio with CD............................................3-67
Setting the Time..........................................3-62
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-75
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer..........................3-71
1

Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Checking Your Restraint Systems......................1-48
Check...........................................................3-38
Engine Light...............................................3-38
Gages Warning Light...................................3-42
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-81
Child Restraints..............................................1-26
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-26
Infants and Young Children...........................1-23
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-31
Older Children.............................................1-21
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
the LATCH System...................................1-33
Securing a Child Restraint in the Passenger
Seat Position...........................................1-34
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-31
Top Strap...................................................1-30
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-21
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels..............................5-80
Cleaning Coated Moldings................................5-76
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-78
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-75
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-77
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-77
Cleaning Leather............................................5-76
Cleaning Removable Roof Panel.......................5-79
Cleaning the Convertible Top............................5-80
Cleaning the Security Shade and
Convenience Net.........................................5-77Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-76
Cleaning Tires................................................5-80
Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades..............5-79
Cleaning........................................................5-81
Fiberglass Springs.......................................5-81
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-75
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-78
Titanium Exhaust System..............................5-81
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-81
Weatherstrips..............................................5-77
Climate Control System...................................3-22
Dual Automatic............................................3-22
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-28
Clutch, Hydraulic.............................................5-22
Compact Disc Messages..........................3-70, 3-75
Competitive Driving Mode................................4-11
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Convenience Net............................................2-42
Convertible Top..............................................2-49
Lowering the Convertible Top........................2-50
Raising the Convertible Top..........................2-53
Coolant.........................................................3-38
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-38
Heater, Engine............................................2-23
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-26
Cooling System..............................................5-29
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-16
Cruise Control.................................................. 3-9
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-39
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-11
3

Electrical System (cont.)
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-85
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-85
Emergency Trunk Release Handle
(Convertible Only)........................................2-13
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-40
Engine Accessory Drive Belt Routing.................5-95
Engine Compartment Fuse Block......................5-89
Engine Coolant Level Check.............................. 6-8
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-16
Engine Oil Level Check..................................... 6-8
Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance..................... 6-5
Engine..........................................................5-18
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-18
Battery.......................................................5-40
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-38
Compartment Overview................................5-12
Coolant Heater............................................2-23
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-38
Coolant......................................................5-23
Cooling System Inspection............................6-13
Exhaust.....................................................2-35
Oil Pressure Gage.......................................3-41
Oil .............................................................5-13
Overheating................................................5-26
Starting......................................................2-21
Exit/Entry Lighting...........................................3-16
Express-Down Window....................................2-15Extended Mobility Tires....................................5-54
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-20
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-12
F
Filter.............................................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-18
Finding a Station....................................3-63, 3-67
Finish Care....................................................5-78
Finish Damage...............................................5-81
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-79
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-7
Flat Tire........................................................5-68
Floor Mats.....................................................2-40
Fluid.............................................................5-20
Automatic Transmission................................5-20
Manual Transmission....................................5-20
Power Steering...........................................5-35
Windshield Washer......................................5-36
FM ...............................................................3-77
Fog Lamps....................................................3-14
Footnotes........................................................ 6-5
Front Air Dam................................................2-19
Fuel............................................................... 5-4
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
5

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-12
Hydraulic Clutch.............................................5-22
Hydroplaning..................................................4-21
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-28
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-27
If the Light Is Flashing.....................................3-39
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-39
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-32
If You're Caught in a Blizzard...........................4-30
Ignition Automatic Transmission
Lock Check................................................6-11
Ignition Positions.............................................2-20
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-23
In¯ation -- Tire Pressure..................................5-56
In¯ator Kit, Tire...............................................5-70
Inspection......................................................6-13
Brake System.............................................6-13
Engine Cooling System................................6-13
Exhaust System..........................................6-12
Fuel System...............................................6-13
Part C - Periodic Maintenance.......................6-12
Steering and Suspension..............................6-12
Tire and Wheel...........................................6-12
Installing the Roof Panel..................................2-47
Instrument Panel Brightness.............................3-15
Instrument Panel Fuse Block............................5-86Instrument Panel.............................................3-30
Cluster.......................................................3-30
Overview..................................................... 3-2
Integrated Windshield and Rear Window
Antennas....................................................3-80
Interior Lamps................................................3-15
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-41
K
Key Lock Cylinders Service................................ 6-9
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-4
Keys............................................................... 2-3
L
Lamps...........................................................3-12
Exterior......................................................3-12
Interior.......................................................3-15
Lap Belt Cinch Feature....................................1-14
Lap-Shoulder Belt...........................................1-13
LATCH System...............................................1-31
Child Restraints...........................................1-31
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-33
7

LATCH System (cont.)
Latches, Seatback............................................ 1-5
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running
(Automatic Transmission)..............................2-32
Leaving Your Vehicle.......................................2-10
Lifting From the Front......................................5-66
Lifting From the Rear......................................5-67
Lifting Your Corvette, Tires...............................5-64
Lighted Visor Vanity Mirrors..............................2-15
Light.............................................................3-37
Active Handling System................................3-37
Air Bag Off .................................................3-33
Air Bag Readiness.......................................3-32
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-36
Brake System Warning.................................3-35
Check Gages Warning.................................3-42
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-38
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-31
Security.....................................................3-42
TCS Warning Light......................................3-36
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning..........3-36
Limited-Slip Rear Axle.....................................4-11
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-33
Lockout Protection..........................................2-10
Locks............................................................. 2-9
Door........................................................... 2-9
Leaving Your Vehicle....................................2-10
Lockout Protection.......................................2-10
Power Door................................................2-10Loss of Control...............................................4-17
Lowering the Convertible Top............................2-50
M
Magnesium Wheel Finish.................................5-81
Magnetic Speed Variable Assist Steering............4-13
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts............5-94
Maintenance Schedule...................................... 6-8
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-8
At Least Once a Month.................................. 6-8
At Least Once a Year.................................... 6-9
At Least Twice a Year................................... 6-9
Brake System Inspection..............................6-13
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-13
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-12
Fuel System Inspection................................6-13
How This Section is Organized....................... 6-3
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services......... 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services............... 6-8
Part C - Periodic MaintenanceInspections......6-12
Part D - Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants...............................................6-14
Part E - Maintenance Record........................6-16
Rear Axle Service........................................6-13
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Steering and Suspension Inspection...............6-12
8

Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Tire and Wheel Inspection............................6-12
Using Your................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-38
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Manual Transmission Check............................... 6-9
Manual Transmission.......................................2-21
Fluid..........................................................5-20
Operation...................................................2-27
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-7
Memory.........................................................2-55
Message.......................................................3-53
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-53
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/
Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin
Islands) ± Customer Assistance....................... 7-5
Mirrors..........................................................2-37
Automatic Dimming Rearview........................2-37
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-37
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror.................2-38
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-38
Outside Power Heated Mirrors.......................2-38
Model Reference................................................ vi
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-19
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............5-94
O
Odometer......................................................3-31
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-15
Oil ................................................................3-41
Engine Oil Pressure Gage............................3-41
Engine.......................................................5-13
Older Children, Restraints................................1-21
One to Four Shift Light
(Manual Transmission)..................................2-29
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
Operating the Trunk-Mounted CD Changer
with the AM-FM Radio with Cassette..............3-73
Operating the Trunk-Mounted CD Changer with
the AM-FM Radio with CD............................3-74
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-4
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-28
Outside.........................................................2-38
Automatic Dimming Mirror.............................2-38
Convex Mirror.............................................2-38
Power Heated Mirrors..................................2-38
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode..........................................5-26
Overseas ± Customer Assistance........................ 7-5
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
Owner's Information........................................7-11
9

P
Park (P)........................................................2-31
Shifting Into................................................2-31
Shifting Out of............................................2-33
Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission
Park (P) Mechanism Check...........................6-11
Parking Your Vehicle.......................................2-34
Parking.........................................................2-30
Brake........................................................2-30
Over Things That Burn.................................2-34
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services............ 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services.................. 6-8
Part C - Periodic MaintenanceInspections..........6-12
Part D - Recommended Fluids and Lubricants....6-14
Part E - Maintenance Record...........................6-16
Passenger Position, Safety Belts.......................1-20
Passing.........................................................4-15
PASS-Key
ž....................................................2-17
Plan Ahead When Possible................................ 7-7
Playing a Cassette Tape..................................3-65
Playing a Compact Disc...................................3-69
Playing the Radio...................................3-63, 3-67
Power Antenna Service..................................... 6-8
Power Steering...............................................4-13
Power...........................................................3-20
Accessory Outlets........................................3-20
Antenna Mast Care......................................3-79
Door Locks.................................................2-10
Electrical System.........................................5-85Power (cont.)
Seat............................................................ 1-2
Steering Fluid.............................................5-35
Windows....................................................2-15
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-11
R
Racing or Other Competitive Driving..................2-22
Radios..........................................................3-62
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-78
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-79
Care of Your CDs........................................3-79
Radio with Cassette.....................................3-63
Radio with CD............................................3-67
Setting the Time..........................................3-62
Theft-Deterrent............................................3-75
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer..........................3-71
Understanding Reception..............................3-77
Raising the Convertible Top..............................2-53
Reading Lamps..............................................3-16
Rear Axle......................................................5-46
Limited-Slip.................................................4-11
Service......................................................6-13
Rear Storage Area..........................................2-41
Rear Window Defogger....................................3-27
10

Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming..................2-37
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-37
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-3
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-33
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-5
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-4
Removing the Roof Panel................................2-43
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-51
Replacing Brake System Parts..........................5-40
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash..............................................1-48
Reporting Safety Defects.................................7-10
Canadian Government..................................7-10
General Motors...........................................7-10
United States Government.............................. 7-9
Restraint System Check.................................... 6-9
Checking Your Restraint Systems...................1-48
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a
Crash.....................................................1-48
Restraint Systems...........................................1-48
Checking....................................................1-48
Replacing Parts...........................................1-48
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-21
Roadside......................................................... 7-6
Assistance Program....................................... 7-6
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out...................4-32
Roof Panel....................................................2-43
Installing the Roof Panel...............................2-47
Removing the Roof Panel.............................2-43Roof Panel (cont.)
Storing the Roof Panel.................................2-46
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked.......2-36
S
Safety Belt.....................................................3-31
Reminder Light............................................3-31
Safety Belts...................................................5-77
Care of......................................................5-77
Driver Position............................................1-13
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-12
Passenger Position......................................1-20
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.....1-11
Safety Belt Extender....................................1-20
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy.................1-20
Safety Belts Are for Everyone......................... 1-7
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iii
Scheduled Maintenance..................................... 6-4
Seatback Latches............................................. 1-5
Seats.............................................................. 1-2
Manual........................................................ 1-2
Power Seats................................................. 1-2
Reclining Seatbacks...................................... 1-3
Seatback Latches.......................................... 1-5
Sport Seat................................................... 1-6
11