check engine light CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2005 6.G User Guide

ENGINE PROTECTION REDUCE ENGINE RPM:You
will hear multiple chimes when this message is
displayed. This message will remain displayed and
active until the issue is resolved.
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, seeEngine Overheating on page 5-24.
Your vehicle may need service, so see your GM dealer.
You can monitor the oil temperature with the gages
button on the DIC.
HEADLAMPS SUGGESTED:If it is dark enough
outside and the headlamps and Twilight
Sentinel
®controls are off, this message will display.
This message informs the driver that turning on
the exterior lamps is recommended. It has become dark
enough outside to require the headlamps and/or
other exterior lamps.
HIGH TIRE PRESSURE:To acknowledge the warning,
press the RESET button. After you press the RESET
button, a message will reappear every 10 minutes until
this condition changes. This message indicates that
the pressure in one of your tires is higher than 42 psi
(290 kPa). Next to the HIGH TIRE PRESSURE
message, you can see either LEFT FRONT, RIGHT
FRONT, LEFT REAR or RIGHT REAR to indicate to you
which tire is higher than 42 psi (290 kPa). You can
receive more than one tire pressure message at a time.To read other messages that may have been sent at
the same time, press the RESET button. If a tire
pressure message appears on the DIC, stop as soon as
you can. Have the tire pressures checked and set to
those shown on your Tire Loading Information
Label. SeeExtended Mobility Tires on page 5-56and
Ination - Tire Pressure on page 5-58.
HOT ENGINE AIR CONDITIONING OFF:This
message displays when the engine coolant becomes
hotter than the normal operating temperature. To avoid
added strain on a hot engine, the air conditioning
compressor is automatically turned off. When the coolant
temperature returns to normal, the A/C operation will
automatically resume. You can continue to drive
your vehicle. If this message continues to appear, have
the system repaired by your GM dealer as soon as
possible to avoid compressor damage.
ICE POSSIBLE:This message displays when the
outside air temperature is cold enough to create icy
road conditions.
LOW FUEL:This message displays when the fuel tank
is less than 10 percent full and the display is turned
off. A multiple chime will also sound when this message
is displayed. SeeFuel Gage on page 3-48.
3-58

LOW OIL PRESSURE:If this message appears while
the engine is running, stop the engine and do not
operate it until the cause of low oil pressure is corrected.
Severe damage to the engine can result. A multiple
chime will sound when this message is displayed. See
Engine Oil on page 5-13.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE:You will hear multiple chimes
and the tire pressure light on the instrument panel
cluster will come on when this message is displayed.
SeeTire Pressure Light on page 3-42. To acknowledge
the warning, press the RESET button. After you
press the RESET button, a message will appear every
10 minutes until this condition changes. This message
indicates that the pressure in one of your tires is
less than 24 psi (164 kPa). Next to the LOW TIRE
PRESSURE message, you can see either LEFT
FRONT, RIGHT FRONT, LEFT REAR or RIGHT REAR
to indicate to you which tire is low on pressure. You
can receive more than one tire pressure message at a
time. To read other messages that may have been
sent at the same time, press the RESET button. If a tire
pressure message appears on the DIC, stop as soon
as you can. Have the tire pressures checked and set to
those shown on your Tire Loading Information Label.
SeeExtended Mobility Tires on page 5-56andTire
Pressure Monitor System on page 5-60.
{CAUTION:
When the LOW TIRE PRESSURE or TIRE FLAT
message is displayed on the Driver Information
Center, your vehicle’s handling capabilities will
be reduced during severe maneuvers. The
active handling system will be affected. See
Active Handling System on page 4-10.Ifyou
drive too fast, you could lose control of your
vehicle. You or others could be injured. Do not
drive over 55 mph (90 km/h) when the LOW
TIRE PRESSURE or TIRE FLAT message is
displayed. Drive cautiously and check your tire
pressures as soon as you can.
MAXIMUM SPEED 80 MPH (129 km/h):To
acknowledge the warning, press the RESET button.
After you press the RESET button, 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 a value determined by the
vehicle when the shock absorber system has failed and
the shocks are in their full soft mode. Have your
vehicle serviced by your GM dealer as soon as possible.
3-59

REDUCED ENGINE POWER:You will hear multiple
chimes when this message is displayed. To
acknowledge that you have read the message and to
remove it from the display, press the RESET button. The
message will reappear every ve minutes 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 your GM dealer as soon as possible
for diagnosis and repair.
Also, seeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on page 3-42.If
the REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is displayed
in combination with the COOLANT OVER
TEMPERATURE message, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-24.SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM:If the
SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM message is
displayed, there is a problem with your Active Handling
System and your vehicle needs service. See your
GM dealer. 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. SeeActive Handling System on page 4-10
for more information.
SERVICE AIR CONDITIONING:This message displays
when the electronic sensors that control the air
conditioning and heating systems are no longer working.
Have the climate control system serviced by your
GM dealer if you notice a drop in heating and air
conditioning efficiency.
SERVICE ANTILOCK BRAKES:If the SERVICE
ANTILOCK BRAKES message is displayed 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 message stays on, or comes back
on again while you are driving, your vehicle is in need
of service. See your GM dealer. If the anti-lock
brake system warning light is on and the regular brake
system warning light is not on, you still have brakes,
but do not have anti-lock brakes. If the regular
brake system light is also on, you do not have anti-lock
brakes and there is a problem with your brakes. See
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light on page 3-39
andBrake System Warning Light on page 3-38.
3-61

Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in
spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is
a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool
between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much
faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace
with the traffic and allow realistic following distances,
you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking.
That means better braking and longer brake life.
If your engine ever stops while you are driving, brake
normally but do not pump your brakes. If you do,
the pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine
stops, you will still have some power brake assist.
But you will use it when you brake. Once the power
assist is used up, it may take longer to stop and
the brake pedal will be harder to push.Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes. ABS is an advanced
electronic braking system that will help prevent a
braking skid.
When you start your engine and begin to drive away,
your anti-lock brake system will check itself. You
may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while
this test is going on, and you may even notice that your
brake pedal moves a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system,
this warning light will
stay on. SeeAnti-Lock
Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-39.
4-6

You can run the engine to keep warm, but be careful.
{CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your
vehicle. This can cause deadly CO (carbon
monoxide) gas to get inside. CO could
overcome you and kill you. You cannot see it
or smell it, so you might not know it is in your
vehicle. Clear away snow from around the
base of your vehicle, especially any that is
blocking your exhaust pipe. And check around
again from time to time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of the
vehicle that is away from the wind. This will
help keep CO out.
Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little
faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator
slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that you get and
it keeps the battery charged. You will need a
well-charged battery to restart the vehicle, and possibly
for signaling later on with your headlamps. Let the
heater run for a while.
4-29

Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle..............................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-5
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-6
Filling the Tank..............................................5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.......................5-9
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-10
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-13
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-16
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-18
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-20
Manual Transmission Fluid.............................5-20
Hydraulic Clutch...........................................5-20
Engine Coolant.............................................5-21Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-24
Engine Overheating.......................................5-24
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-26
Cooling System............................................5-26
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-32
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-33
Brakes........................................................5-34
Battery........................................................5-37
Jump Starting...............................................5-38
Rear Axle.......................................................5-43
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-44
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting............5-44
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-45
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, and
Parking Lamps..........................................5-45
Sidemarker Lamps........................................5-47
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-48
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-48
Windshield Replacement.................................5-48
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-49
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle
Things you might add to the outside of your vehicle can
affect the airow around it. This may cause wind
noise and affect windshield washer performance. Check
with your dealer before adding equipment to the
outside of your vehicle.
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part of the
proper maintenance of your vehicle.
Gasoline Octane
Use premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane of
91 or higher for best performance. You may also use
middle grade or regular unleaded gasoline rated at
87 octane or higher, but your vehicle’s acceleration may
be slightly reduced. If the octane is less than 87, you
may get a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If this
occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher
as soon as possible. Otherwise, you might damage your
engine.
Gasoline Specications
It is recommended that gasoline meet specications
which were developed by automobile manufacturers
around the world and contained in the World-Wide Fuel
Charter which is available from the Alliance of Automobile
Manufacturers at www.autoalliance.org/fuel_charter.htm.
Gasoline meeting these specications could provide
improved driveability and emission control system
performance compared to other gasoline.
California Fuel
If your vehicle is certied to meet California Emission
Standards, it is designed to operate on fuels that
meet California specications. See the underhood
emission control label. If this fuel is not available
in states adopting California emissions standards, your
vehicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting
federal specications, but emission control system
performance may be affected. The malfunction indicator
lamp may turn on and your vehicle may fail a
smog-check test. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 3-42. If this occurs, return to your authorized GM
dealer for diagnosis. If it is determined that the
condition is caused by the type of fuel used, repairs
may not be covered by your warranty.
5-5

When to Check and What to Use
The hydraulic clutch uid
reservoir cap has this
symbol on it. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for reservoir
location.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often you should check the uid level in your clutch
master cylinder reservoir and for the proper uid to use.
SeeOwner Checks and Services on page 6-8and
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
How to Check and Add Fluid
Make sure the uid level is at the MIN (Minimum) line
on the side of the reservoir. If it is not, remove the
cap and add the proper uid until the level reaches the
MIN line.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for ve years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add only
DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-24.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-21

Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition exists and the
messages COOLANT OVER TEMPERATURE and
REDUCED ENGINE POWER are displayed, along with
the Check Engine light, an overheat protection mode
which alternates ring 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. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-13.
Cooling System
When you decide it is safe to lift the hood, here is what
you will see:
A. Electric Engine Cooling Fan
B. Coolant Surge Tank with Pressure Cap
5-26

{CAUTION:
Using a match near a battery can cause battery
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing
this, and some have been blinded. Use a
ashlight if you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water. You do
not need to add water to the battery installed
in your new vehicle. But if a battery has ller
caps, be sure the right amount of uid is there.
If it is low, add water to take care of that rst.
If you do not, explosive gas could be present.
Battery uid contains acid that can burn you.
Do not get it on you. If you accidentally get it
in your eyes or on your skin, ush the place
with water and get medical help immediately.
{CAUTION:
Fans or other moving engine parts can injure
you badly. Keep your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.
5. Check that the jumper cables do not have loose or
missing insulation. If they do, you could get a
shock. The vehicles could be damaged too.
Before you connect the cables, here are some
basic things you should know. Positive (+) will go to
positive (+) or to a remote positive (+) terminal if
the vehicle has one. Negative (−) will go to a heavy,
unpainted metal engine part or to a remote
negative (−) terminal if the vehicle has one.
Do not connect positive (+) to negative (−)oryou
will get a short that would damage the battery
and maybe other parts too. And do not connect the
negative (−) cable to the negative (−) terminal on
the dead battery because this can cause sparks.
5-40