traction control CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2004 5.G Owners Manual

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-2
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-4
Other Warning Devices...................................3-5
Horn.............................................................3-5
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-5
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-6
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-13
Interior Lamps..............................................3-17
Head-Up Display (HUD).................................3-18
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-22
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-23
Climate Controls............................................3-23
Dual Automatic Climate
Control System.........................................3-23
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-31
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-32
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-33
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-34
Tachometer.................................................3-34
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-34
Air Bag Readiness Light................................3-35
Air Bag Off Light..........................................3-36
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-37
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-38
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-39
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light . . .3-39Active Handling System Light.........................3-40
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-41
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-41
Engine Oil Pressure Gage.............................3-44
Security Light...............................................3-45
Check Gages Warning Light...........................3-46
Fuel Gage...................................................3-46
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-48
DIC Controls and Displays.............................3-49
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-58
Other Messages...........................................3-68
Audio System(s).............................................3-69
Setting the Time...........................................3-69
Radio with Cassette......................................3-70
Radio with CD..............................................3-76
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer...........................3-81
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................3-86
Radio Reception...........................................3-88
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player.................3-88
Care of Your CDs.........................................3-89
Care of Your CD Player................................3-89
Fixed Mast Antenna (Z06)..............................3-89
Power Antenna Mast Care (Convertible)...........3-90
Integrated Windshield and Rear Window
Antennas (Coupe).....................................3-90
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Cruise Control
With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of about
25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your foot
on the accelerator. This can really help on long
trips. Cruise control does not work at speeds below
about 25 mph (40 km/h).
When using cruise control, the accelerator pedal will
return to its fully-released position and will not
move while cruise control is engaged.
The Driver Information Center (DIC) will display the
cruise set speed in a digital number. For example, the
DIC will say CRUISE SET 60 mph (97 km/h).The cruise set speed and the speedometer indicated
speed may not always be exactly the same. When you
apply the brakes or push the clutch pedal, the cruise
control disengages. The DIC will show CRUISE
DISENGAGED. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-58.
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where you
can not drive safely at a steady speed. So, do
not use your cruise control on winding roads
or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery
roads. On such roads, fast changes in tire
traction can cause needless wheel spinning,
and you could lose control. Do not use cruise
control on slippery roads.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the Traction
Control System begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise
control will automatically disengage. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-9. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may turn
the cruise control back on.
3-10

Anti-Lock Brake System
Warning Light
With the anti-lock brake
system, the light will come
on when your engine is
started and may stay on for
several seconds. That is
normal.
If the light stays on, turn the ignition to OFF. Or, if the
light comes on when you are driving, stop as soon
as possible and turn the ignition off. Then start
the engine again to reset the system. If the light still
stays on, or comes on again while you are driving, your
vehicle needs service. If the regular brake system
warning light is not on, you still have brakes, but you do
not have anti-lock brakes. If the regular brake system
warning light is also on, you do not have anti-lock brakes
and there is a problem with your regular brakes. See
Brake System Warning Light on page 3-38. Also
see “Service ABS” underDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-58.
The anti-lock brake system warning light will come on
briefly when you turn the ignition key to ON. This is
normal. If the light does not come on then, have it fixed
so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
This light should come on
briefly as you start the
engine. If the light does not
come on then, have it
fixed so it will be ready to
warn you if there is a
problem.
If it stays on, or comes on and the DIC shows a
SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM message when you are
driving, there is a problem with your TCS system and
your vehicle needs service. When this light is on,
the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving
accordingly. If the driver turns off the Traction Control
System by pressing the button on the console, the TCS
system light will come on and the TRACTION SYSTEM
OFF message will show on the DIC.
3-39

Active Handling System Light
The Active Handling System light will come on briefly as
you start the engine. If the light does not come on
then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there
is a problem. The light will also come on while the
system warms up and the ACT HNDLING WARMING
UP message will be displayed in the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
If the light stays on or
comes on while you are
driving, a chime sounds
and a SERVICE ACTIVE
HNDLG message appears
on the DIC, there is a
problem with your Active
Handling System and
your vehicle needs service.The driver can acknowledge this message by pressing
the RESET button. When the SERVICE ACTIVE
HNDLG message is displayed, the Active Handling
System will not assist you in controlling the vehicle. You
should have the system serviced as soon as possible.
Adjust your driving accordingly.
When the system is working, you will see the ACTIVE
HANDLING message displayed in the DIC. You may also
feel or hear the system working. This is normal.
If the driver turns off the Active Handling System by
pressing the button on the console, the Active Handling
System light will come on, a chime will sound, and
the TRAC/ACT HNDLG OFF message will be displayed
in the DIC. The Traction Control System will also be
turned off. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-58for more information.
If the Active Handling System and the Traction Control
System are off, pressing the console button momentarily
will turn both systems on. The DIC will display the
TRAC/ACT HNDLG ON message, the instrument cluster
light will be off, and a chime will sound. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-58for more
information.
3-40

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.
COMPETITIVE DRIVING:When the Competitive
Driving mode is selected, this message will be displayed
in the DIC. The instrument panel cluster light will not
be on when the Competitive Driving mode is selected.
The Traction Control System will not be operating
while in the Competitive Driving mode. You should
adjust your driving accordingly.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 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.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-26.
3-59

If the SERVICE ABS message is being displayed, your
Traction Control System and the Active Handling
System will also be disabled. The Driver Information
Center will scroll three messages: SERVICE ABS,
SERVICE TRACTION SYS and SERVICE ACTIVE
HNDLG, and the instrument cluster car icon will
be illuminated. The driver can acknowledge these
messages by pressing the reset button three times.
When the service message is displayed the computer
controlled systems will not assist the driver and you
should have the system repaired as soon as possible.
Adjust your driving accordingly.
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.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.
SERVICE RIDE CONTROL:This message is used to
indicate to the driver that the Selective Ride Control
system has detected a malfunction and that the system
must be serviced. The SERVICE RIDE CONTROL
message will always come on when a failure is detected
by the Selective Ride Control system. If a fault is
present in the Selective Ride Control system which
causes the shocks to be in their full soft condition, the
SERVICE RIDE CONTROL, SHOCKS INOPERATIVE
and MAXIMUM SPEED 80 MPH (129 km/h) will
display together. You will never get a SHOCKS
INOPERATIVE and MAXIMUM SPEED 80 MPH
(129 km/h) message without a SERVICE RIDE
CONTROL message.
3-65

SERVICE TIRE MON SYS (Except Z06):If this
message comes on, a part on the Tire Pressure
Monitor (TPM) is not working properly. If you drive your
vehicle while any of the four sensors are missing or
inoperable, the warning will come on in about
10 minutes. If all four sensors are missing, the warning
will come on in about 15 to 20 minutes. All the
sensors would be missing, for example, if you put
different wheels on your vehicle without transferring the
sensors. If the warning comes on and stays on, there
may be a problem with the TPM. See your dealer.
SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM:If the SERVICE
TRACTION SYS message is displayed when you are
driving, there is a problem with your Traction Control
System and your vehicle is in need of service. When this
message is displayed, the system will not limit wheel
spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
The SERVICE ACTIVE HNDLG message will also be
displayed and the instrument cluster car icon will also be
illuminated. The driver can acknowledge both messages
by pressing the reset button two times which will alsoturn off the instrument cluster icon. When the service
messages are displayed, the computer controlled
systems will not assist the driver in controlling the
vehicle. Have the system repaired as soon as possible.
Adjust your driving accordingly.
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.
SHOCKS INOPERATIVE:You will hear four chimes
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 10 minutes until this condition changes.
This message indicates that a malfunction is present in
the Selective Ride Control system which is causing
the shocks to be in their full soft mode. This is a warning
to the driver that the vehicle handling may be affected.
Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
3-66

TRAC/ACT HNDLG – OFF:By pressing the Active
Handling System console button briefly, the driver can
turn the Traction Control and Active Handling Systems
off. The message TRAC/ACT HNDLG – OFF will be
displayed in the DIC, the instrument panel cluster light
will be on and a chime will sound. You can acknowledge
this message by pressing the RESET button. The
anti-lock brake systems remains on with the Traction
Control and Active Handling Systems off. You should
adjust your driving accordingly.
TRAC/ACT HNDLG – ON:If the Traction Control and
Active Handling Systems are off, pressing the Active
Handling System console button momentarily will
turn both systems on. The message TRAC/ACT
HNDLG – ON will be displayed temporarily in the DIC,
the instrument panel cluster light will be off and a
chime will sound.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.
TRACTION SYSTEM – OFF:You will hear a single
quick tone when this message is displayed. This
message comes on and stays on when the Traction
Control System button on the console is pressed to turn
the system off. To acknowledge this message, press
RESET.
TRACTION SYSTEM – ON:This message is displayed
when you decide to turn on the Traction Control
System by pressing the switch on the console. This
message will shut off automatically on its own.
WARM UP COMPLETE:If you receive this message
and hear a chime, the system has completed the
functional check of the Active Handling System.
3-67

Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle..........4-2
Defensive Driving...........................................4-2
Drunken Driving.............................................4-3
Control of a Vehicle........................................4-6
Braking.........................................................4-6
Traction Control System (TCS).........................4-9
Active Handling System.................................4-10
Limited-Slip Rear Axle...................................4-12
Selective Ride Control...................................4-12
Steering......................................................4-14
Off-Road Recovery.......................................4-16
Passing.......................................................4-16
Loss of Control.............................................4-18
Driving at Night............................................4-19Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................4-20
City Driving..................................................4-23
Freeway Driving...........................................4-24
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................4-25
Highway Hypnosis........................................4-26
Hill and Mountain Roads................................4-26
Winter Driving..............................................4-28
If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud,
Ice or Snow..............................................4-32
Towing..........................................................4-33
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-33
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................4-33
Loading Your Vehicle....................................4-33
Towing a Trailer...........................................4-38
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
4-1

Control of a Vehicle
You have three systems that make your vehicle go
where you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering
and the accelerator. All three systems have to do their
work at the places where the tires meet the road.
Sometimes, as when you are driving on snow or ice, it
is easy to ask more of those control systems than
the tires and road can provide. That means you can lose
control of your vehicle. Also seeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-9andActive Handling System
on page 4-10.
Braking
Braking action involvesperception timeand
reaction time.
First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal.
That isperception time.Then you have to bring up your
foot and do it. That isreaction time.
Averagereaction timeis about 3/4 of a second. But that
is only an average. It might be less with one driver
and as long as two or three seconds or more with
another. Age, physical condition, alertness, coordination
and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol, drugs and
frustration. But even in 3/4 of a second, a vehicle moving
at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels 66 feet (20 m). That
could be a lot of distance in an emergency, so keeping
enough space between your vehicle and others is
important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road (whether it is pavement
or gravel); the condition of the road (wet, dry, icy); tire
tread; the condition of your brakes; the weight of
the vehicle and the amount of brake force applied.
4-6