maintenance CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2006 6.G User Guide

Care of the CD Player
The use of CD lens cleaners for CD players is not
advised, due to the risk of contaminating the internal
lens of the CD optics with lubricants.
Diversity Antenna System
The AM-FM antenna is a hidden self tuning system. It
optimizes the AM and FM signals relative to the vehicle’s
position and radio station source. No maintenance or
adjustments are needed.
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna
System (Roof or Trunk Mounted)
The XM™ Satellite Radio antenna is located on the roof
or on the trunk lid of your vehicle. Keep this antenna
clear of snow and ice build up for clear radio reception.
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna
System (Diversity System)
Your vehicle may have the XM™ Satellite Radio
antennas that are located in the outside rear view
mirrors. These antennas are hidden from view and are
not accessible.
Chime Level Adjustment
The radio is used to adjust the vehicle’s chime level.
To change the volume level of the chime, press and hold
pushbutton 6 with the ignition on and the radio power off.
The volume level will change from the normal level to
loud, and LOUD will appear on the radio display. To
change back to the default or normal setting, press and
hold pushbutton 6 again. The volume level will change
from the loud level to normal, and NORMAL will appear
on the radio display. Only one chime will be heard when
changing from the normal to the loud setting. Each time
the chime volume is changed, three chimes will sound as
an example of the new volume selected. Removing the
radio and not replacing it with a factory radio or chime
module will disable vehicle chimes.
3-101

Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, you
will want to slow down and adjust your driving to
these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or
braking, including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to
a lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires
to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery until
your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow on
the road to make a mirrored surface — and slow down
when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
Racing or Other Competitive Driving
See your warranty book before using your vehicle for
racing or other competitive driving.
Notice:If you use your vehicle for racing or other
competitive driving, the engine may use more oil than
it would with normal use. Low oil levels can damage
the engine. For information on how to add oil, see
Engine Oil on page 5-16.Z06 Only: Be sure to check the oil level often during
racing or other competitive driving and keep the
level at or near the upper mark that shows the
proper operating range on the engine oil dipstick.
Except Z06: Be sure to check the oil level often
during racing or other competitive driving and keep
the level at or near 1 quart (1 L) above the upper
mark that shows the proper operating range on the
engine oil dipstick. After the competitive driving,
remove excess oil so that the level on the dipstick is
not above the upper mark that shows the proper
operating range.
Vehicles with the Z51 performance package have
greaseable outer ends on both of the rear toe-links.
Under normal use, lubrication should be performed as
described in the maintenance schedule. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4andRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-12. If you use the vehicle for
racing, lubrication should be performed at the end of
each racing day. See your dealer for lubrication
and make sure any needed repairs are made at once.
Proper procedures for performing these services can be
found in the service manual. SeeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-14.
4-18

When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-69
Buying New Tires.........................................5-70
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................5-71
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-72
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-73
Wheel Replacement......................................5-73
Tire Chains..................................................5-76
Lifting Your Vehicle.......................................5-76
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-81
Appearance Care............................................5-82
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle.................5-82
Fabric/Carpet...............................................5-83
Coated Moldings...........................................5-84
Leather.......................................................5-84
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces........................................5-85
Cargo Cover and Convenience Net.................5-85
Care of Safety Belts......................................5-85
Weatherstrips...............................................5-85
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-86
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.....................5-86
Finish Care..................................................5-86Windshield and Wiper Blades.........................5-87
Removable Roof Panel..................................5-88
Convertible Top............................................5-88
Aluminum Wheels.........................................5-89
Tires...........................................................5-89
Finish Damage.............................................5-90
Underbody Maintenance................................5-90
Fiberglass Springs........................................5-90
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-90
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials..................5-91
Vehicle Identication......................................5-92
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN).................5-92
Service Parts Identication Label.....................5-92
Electrical System............................................5-92
Add-On Electrical Equipment..........................5-92
Headlamp Wiring..........................................5-93
Windshield Wiper Fuses................................5-93
Power Windows and Other Power Options.......5-93
Fuses and Circuit Breakers............................5-93
Instrument Panel Fuse Block..........................5-94
Engine Compartment Fuse Block....................5-98
Capacities and Specications........................5-101
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2

Doing Your Own Service Work
{CAUTION:
You can be injured and your vehicle could be
damaged if you try to do service work on a
vehicle without knowing enough about it.
Be sure you have sufficient knowledge,
experience, the proper replacement parts,
and tools before you attempt any vehicle
maintenance task.
Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts,
and other fasteners. English and metric
fasteners can be easily confused. If you
use the wrong fasteners, parts can later
break or fall off. You could be hurt.
If you want to do some of your own service work, you will
want to use the proper service manual. It tells you much
more about how to service your vehicle than this manual
can. To order the proper service manual, seeService
Publications Ordering Information on page 7-14.Your vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting
to do your own service work, seeServicing Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-52.
You should keep a record with all parts receipts and list
the mileage and the date of any service work you
perform. SeeMaintenance Record on page 6-16.
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
The 8th digit of your vehicle identication number (VIN)
shows the code letter or number that identies your
engine. You will nd the VIN at the top left of the
instrument panel. SeeVehicle Identication Number
(VIN) on page 5-92.
5-4

2. Once the oil has been drained from the engine,
remove the engine oil lter and allow the oil
to drain.
3. Re-install both drain plugs and tighten them to
18 lb ft (25Y).
4. Replace the oil lter and tighten it to 18 lb ft
(25Y). SeeNormal Maintenance Replacement
Parts on page 6-14for the correct lter.
5. Oil is lled through the opening in the top of the
external engine oil tank. Remove the oil ll cap.6. Add eight quarts (7.6 L) of oil to the oil tank.
SeeCapacities and Specications on page 5-101.
7. Install the oil ll cap and insert the dipstick, if
removed.
8. Start the engine and let it run at idle for at least
15 seconds. This will circulate the fresh engine
oil through the lubrication system.
9. Shut off the engine and check the oil level as
described under “Checking Engine Oil (Z06 Only).”
5-21

When to Inspect the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filters
Inspect the air cleaner/lters at the MaintenanceII
intervals and replace them at the rst oil change after
each 50,000 mile (83 000 km) interval. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4for more information.
If you are driving in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the
lters at each engine oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filters (6.0L V8 Engine)
To inspect the air cleaner/lters, remove the lters from
the vehicle and lightly shake the lters to release
loose dust and dirt. If the lters remain caked with dirt,
new lters are required.To inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/lters,
do the following:
1. Pull the latches on each side of the cover to open,
then move the latches up and out of the way.
2. Push the air cleaner/lter cover toward the front of
the vehicle and then pull it up and away.
3. Inspect or replace the lter. SeeNormal
Maintenance Replacement Parts on page 6-14.
4. Reverse Steps 1 and 2 to replace the air
cleaner/lter cover.
5. Repeat the procedure for the second air
cleaner/lter.
5-26

How to Inspect the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filters (7.0L V8 Engine)
To inspect the air cleaner/lters, remove the lters from
the vehicle and lightly shake the lters to release loose
dust and dirt. If the lters remain caked with dirt, new
lters are required.
To inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/lters,
do the following:
1. Remove the screws holding the lter element
in place.
2. Pull on latches found on either side of the lter.3. Inspect or replace the lter. SeeNormal
Maintenance Replacement Parts on page 6-14.
4. Reverse Steps 1 and 2 to replace the air
cleaner/lter cover.
{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/lter
off can cause you or others to be burned.
The air cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps
to stop ames if the engine backres. If it is
not there and the engine backres, you could
be burned. Do not drive with it off, and be
careful working on the engine with the air
cleaner/lter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/lter is off, a backre can
cause a damaging engine re. And, dirt can easily get
into your engine, which will damage it. Always have
the air cleaner/lter in place when you are driving.
5-27

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 5-32.
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 the rst maintenance
service after each 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.
5-29

Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder
reservoir is lled with
DOT-3 brake uid.
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12
for the location of the
reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake uid level
in the reservoir might go down. The rst is that the brake
uid goes down to an acceptable level during normal
brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the uid
level goes back up. The other reason is that uid is
leaking out of the brake system. If it is, you should have
your brake system xed, since a leak means that
sooner or later your brakes will not work well, or will not
work at all.So, it is not a good idea to top off your brake uid.
Adding brake uid will not correct a leak. If you add uid
when your linings are worn, then you will have too
much uid when you get new brake linings. You should
add or remove brake uid, as necessary, only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
{CAUTION:
If you have too much brake uid, it can spill on
the engine. The uid will burn if the engine is
hot enough. You or others could be burned,
and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
uid only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system. See “Checking Brake Fluid”
in this section.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to check your brake uid. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4.
5-42

Battery
Your vehicle has a maintenance free battery. When it
is time for a new battery, get one that has the
replacement number shown on the original battery’s
label. We recommend an ACDelco
®replacement
battery.
For battery replacement, see your dealer or the service
manual. To purchase a service manual, seeService
and Owner PublicationsinService Publications Ordering
Information on page 7-14.
Warning:Battery posts, terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.
Vehicle Storage
If you are not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days
or more, remove the black, negative (−) cable from
the battery. This will help keep your battery from
running down.
{CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
are not careful. SeeJump Starting on page 5-46
for tips on working around a battery without
getting hurt.
5-45