service CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2004 5.G Workshop Manual

When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more.
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire
pressure. You can’t tell if your tires are properly inflated
simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they are underinflated.
Remove the valve cap from the tire valve stem. Press
the tire gage firmly onto the valve to get a pressure
measurement. If the cold tire inflation pressure matches
the recommended pressure on the tire and loading
information label, no further adjustment is necessary. If
the inflation pressure is low, add air until you reach
the recommended amount.
If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the
metal stem in the center of the tire valve. Recheck the
tire pressure with the tire gage.Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve stems.
They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and
moisture.
If your vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure
Monitor, you can check tire inflation pressures while
driving. After you’ve reached a speed of 15 mph
(24 kmh) or more, press and release the GAGES button
on the Driver Information Center (DIC) until the front
tire pressures are displayed. Then, press and release
the GAGES button for the rear tire pressures. If the
display doesn’t show tire pressure, or if the SERVICE
TIRE MON SYS message appears see your dealer
for service. For more information, seeTire Pressure
Monitor Operation (Except Z06) on page 5-64andDriver
Information Center (DIC) on page 3-48.
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Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
(Except Z06)
The Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) has a sensor on each
road wheel that transmits to a receiver on the
instrument panel.
The system operates on a radio frequency subject to
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and
with Industry and Science Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
This device complies with RSS–210 of Industry and
Science Canada. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: (1) this device may not cause
interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.Changes or modifications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
If a tire’s inflation pressure is between 5 psi (35 kPa)
and 25 psi (170 kPa), you will see a message on
the Driver Information Center. This message will show
which tire is underinflated and two chimes will sound. An
example would be LOW TIRE PRESSURE-LR. This
would mean that the inflation pressure in your left rear
tire is between 5 psi (35 kPa) and 25 psi (170 kPa).
If the inflation pressure in the tire drops below
5 psi (35 kPa), the message would read FLAT TIRE-LR
and four chimes will sound. SeeDriver Information
Center (DIC) on page 3-48.
The TPM will also alert you if a tire’s pressure is higher
than 42 psi (290 kPa). The message will show which
tire is overinflated and two chimes will sound. An
example would be HIGH PRESSURE-LR. This would
mean that the inflation pressure in your left rear tire
is higher than 42 psi (290 kPa). SeeDriver Information
Center (DIC) on page 3-48.
5-64

Buying New Tires
To find out what kind and size of tires your vehicle
needs, look at the Tire and Loading Information label.
SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-33, for an example
of the label and where it is located on your vehicle.
The tires installed on your vehicle when it was new had
a Tire Performance Criteria Specification (TPC Spec)
number on each tire’s sidewall. When you get new tires,
GM recommends that you get tires with that same
TPC Spec number. That way your vehicle will continue
to have tires that are designed to give proper
endurance, handling, load range, speed rating, traction,
ride, tire pressure monitoring system performance
and other things during normal service on your vehicle.
If your tires have an all-season tread design, the
TPC number will be followed by an “MS” (for mud
and snow).
If you ever replace your tires with those not having a
TPC Spec number, make sure they are the same size,
load range, speed rating and construction type (bias,
bias-belted or radial) as your original tires.{CAUTION:
Mixing tires could cause you to lose control
while driving. If you mix tires of different sizes
(other than those originally installed on your
vehicle) or types (radial and bias-belted tires),
the vehicle may not handle properly, and you
could have a crash. Using tires of different
sizes (other than those originally installed on
your vehicle) may also cause damage to your
vehicle. Be sure to use the correct size and
type tires on all four wheels.
If your vehicle is equipped with Extended Mobility Tires
and you feel that winter tires are needed, see
Extended Mobility Tires (Except Z06) on page 5-61.
{CAUTION:
If you use bias-ply tires on your vehicle, the
wheel rim anges could develop cracks after
many miles of driving. A tire and/or wheel
could fail suddenly, causing a crash. Use only
radial-ply tires with the wheels on your vehicle.
5-66

Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the
tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum
section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
The following information relates to the system
developed by the United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, which grades tires by
treadwear, traction and temperature performance. (This
applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.)
The grades are molded on the sidewalls of most
passenger car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading
system does not apply to deep tread, winter-type
snow tires, space-saver or temporary use spare tires,
tires with nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches
(25 to 30 cm), or to some limited-production tires.
While the tires available on General Motors passenger
cars and light trucks may vary with respect to these
grades, they must also conform to federal safety
requirements and additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) standards.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and
a half (1.5) times as well on the government course as
a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction – AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A,
B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance. Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
5-67

{CAUTION:
Getting under a vehicle when it is jacked up is
dangerous. If the vehicle slips off the jack, you
could be badly injured or killed. Never get
under a vehicle when it is supported only
by a jack.
{CAUTION:
Raising your vehicle with the jack improperly
positioned can damage the vehicle and even
make the vehicle fall. To help avoid personal
injury and vehicle damage, be sure to place
the jack in the proper location before raising
the vehicle.If you ever use a jack to lift your Corvette, such as to
display it at a show, follow the instructions that
came with the jack, and be sure to use the correct lifting
points to avoid damaging your vehicle.
Notice:Lifting your vehicle improperly can damage
your vehicle and result in costly repairs not
covered by your warranty. To lift your vehicle
properly, follow the advice in this part.
To help prevent vehicle damage:
Be sure to place a block or pad between the
jack and the vehicle.
Make sure the jack you’re using spans at least
two crossmember ribs.
Lift only in the areas shown in the following
pictures.
For additional information, see your dealer and the
Chevrolet Corvette service manual.
5-72

Lifting From the Rear
The rear lifting point can be accessed from the rear of
the vehicle, on either the driver’s or passenger’s side.
1. Locate the lifting point to jack your vehicle according
to the illustration shown.
2. Be sure to place a block or pad between the jack
and the vehicle.
3. Lift the vehicle with the jack, making sure the jack
spans at least two of the crossmember ribs.
For more information, seeDoing Your Own Service
Work on page 5-4.
5-74

If a Tire Goes Flat
Your Corvette has no spare tire, no tire changing
equipment and no place to store a tire.
It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while you’re driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. See
Tires on page 5-55. If air goes out of a tire, it’s much
more likely to leak out slowly.
If your vehicle has Extended Mobility Tires (EMT), you
won’t need to stop on the side of the road to change
a flat tire. EMT tires can operate effectively with no air
pressure. If you drive on a deflated EMT for 50 miles
(80 km) or less and at speeds of 55 mph (90 km/h) or
less, there is a good chance that the tire can be
repaired. Contact the nearest authorized Chevrolet or
Goodyear EMT servicing facility, as soon as possible, to
have the flat tire inspected and repaired or replaced.
For more information, seeExtended Mobility Tires
(Except Z06) on page 5-61.{CAUTION:
Special tools and procedures are required to
service an Extended Mobility Tire (EMT). If
these special tools and procedures aren’t used
you or others could be injured and your
vehicle could be damaged. Always be sure the
proper tools and procedures, as described in
the service manual, are used.
To order a service manual, seeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-11.
5-75

Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the
finish should be repaired right away.
Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch-up
materials avaliable from your dealer or other service
outlets. Larger areas of finish damage can be corrected
in your dealer’s body and paint shop.
Carbon Fiber Hood
(Z06 Commemorative Edition
Model Only)
The hood on the Z06 Commemorative Edition model is
made from an advanced carbon fiber composite.
Under certain lighting conditions, the carbon fiber has a
faint woven appearance and can be seen through
the paint, but not felt. It is most obvious when viewing
the reflection of an object in the surface of the hood. The
edges of the object in the reflection will appear slightly
jagged, due to the woven carbon fiber material. This
is normal. No special care is needed.
Magnesium Wheel Finish
Notice:Improper paint repair or renishing can
cause corrosion damage to a magnesium wheel. See
your dealer if a magnesium wheel needs paint
repair or renishing.
Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust
control can collect on the underbody. If these are not
removed, corrosion and rust can develop 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 debris can collect. Dirt packed in close areas of
the frame should be loosened before being flushed.
Your dealer or an underbody car washing system can
do this for you.
Titanium Exhaust System
(Z06 Only)
Time and high performance driving conditions can
cause a color change in titanium exhaust system parts.
This is normal for a titanium surface.
5-89

Description Usage
Swirl Remover PolishRemoves swirl marks, fine
scratches and other light
surface contamination.
Cleaner WaxRemoves light scratches
and protects finish.
Foaming Tire Shine Low
GlossCleans, shines and
protects in one easy step,
no wiping necessary.
Wash Wax ConcentrateMedium foaming
shampoo. Cleans and
lightly waxes.
Biodegradable and
phosphate free.
Spot LifterQuickly and easily
removes spots and stains
from carpets, vinyl and
cloth upholstery.
Odor EliminatorOdorless spray odor
eliminator used on fabrics,
vinyl, leather and carpet.
See your General Motors parts department for these
products. SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-11.Vehicle Identication
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)
This is the legal identifier for your vehicle. It appears on
a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on
the driver’s side. You can see it if you look through the
windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also
appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts
labels and the certificates of title and registration.
Engine Identication
The 8th character in your VIN is the engine code. This
code will help you identify your engine, specifications
and replacement parts.
5-91

Service Parts Identication Label
You will find this label located inside the glovebox. It is
very helpful if you ever need to order parts. On this
label is:
•your VIN,
•the model designation,
•paint information and
•a list of all production options and special equipment
Be sure that this label is not removed from the
vehicle.
Electrical System
Add-On Electrical Equipment
Notice:Don’t add anything electrical to your vehicle
unless you check with your dealer rst. Some
electrical equipment can damage your vehicle and
the damage wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.
Some add-on electrical equipment can keep other
components from working as they should.
Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting
to add anything electrical to your vehicle, see
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-49.
Headlamp Wiring
The headlamp wiring is protected by a circuit breaker.
An electrical overload will cause the lamps to go on and
off, or in some cases to remain off. If this happens,
have your headlamp wiring checked right away.
Windshield Wiper Fuses
The windshield wiper motor is protected by a fuse and
an internal circuit breaker. If the motor overheats
due to heavy snow, etc., the wiper will stop until the
motor cools. If the overload is caused by some electrical
problem and not snow, etc., be sure to get it fixed.
Power Windows and Other Power
Options
Circuit breakers protect the power seats and other
power accessories. When the current load is too heavy,
the circuit breaker opens and closes, protecting the
circuit until the problem is fixed or goes away.
5-92