overheating CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2006 6.G Owners Manual

Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
The ashtray and cigarette lighter are located on the
instrument panel, in front of the shift lever. To use the
ashtray, press on the indentation at the top of the door.
Notice:If you put papers, pins, or other ammable
items in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other
smoking materials could ignite them and possibly
damage your vehicle. Never put ammable items in
the ashtray.
Loose objects, such as paper clips, can lodge behind
and beneath the ashtray lid and prevent movement
of the lid. You should avoid putting small, loose objects
near the ashtray.
To use the cigarette lighter, push it in all the way and
let go. When it is ready, it will pop back out by itself.
Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while it
is heating will not allow the lighter to back away
from the heating element when it is hot. Damage
from overheating may occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold a
cigarette lighter in while it is heating.
Climate Controls
Dual Automatic Climate
Control System
With this system you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation for your vehicle.
When your vehicle is rst started, the display will show
the driver’s temperature setting, the outside temperature,
the fan speed and the air delivery, for about 10 seconds.
The outside temperature is shown in the center of the
display. The digital display will show the readings
in Fahrenheit or Celsius. See “Personal Options”
underDIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-68for
information on changing your display.
3-25

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 for ve seconds, the
Active Handling System light will come on, a chime
will sound, and the TRACTION SYSTEM AND ACTIVE
HANDLING – OFF message will be displayed in the
DIC. The Traction Control System will also be turned off.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-53for
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
TRACTION SYSTEM AND ACTIVE HANDLING – ON
message, the instrument cluster light will be off, and
a chime will sound. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-53for more information.Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature.
If the gage pointer moves into the shaded area, your
engine is too hot.
This means that your engine coolant has overheated.
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.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-32for more
information.United States
Canada
3-41

BUCKLE SEATBELT:This message reminds you to
buckle the driver’s seat belt.
This message will display and a chime will sound when
the ignition is on, the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled,
and the vehicle is in motion. You should buckle
your seat belt.
If the driver remains unbuckled when the ignition is
on and the vehicle is in motion, the reminder will
be repeated. If the driver’s seat belt is already buckled,
this message and chime will not come on.
This message is an additional reminder to the Safety
Belt Reminder Light in the instrument panel cluster.
SeeSafety Belt Reminder Light on page 3-34for more
information.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL:This message will appear when
the life of the engine oil has expired. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4. After an oil change, the engine
oil life system must be reset. See “Engine Oil Life” under
DIC Controls and Displays on page 3-48. Also, see
Engine Oil on page 5-16andEngine Oil Life System on
page 5-23for more information.
CHECK BRAKE FLUID:This message will appear, a
chime will sound, and the brake system warning light on
the instrument panel cluster will be on if the ignition is
on to inform the driver that the brake uid level is
low. SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-38.
Have the brake system serviced by your GM dealer as
soon as possible. SeeBrakes on page 5-42.CHECK COOLANT LEVEL:This message will appear
when there is a low level of engine coolant. Have
the cooling system serviced by your GM dealer as soon
as possible. SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-29.
CHECK GAS CAP:If the gas cap has not been fully
tightened, this message will appear. You should
check your gas cap to ensure that it is on properly.
Once tightened, it will take at least one overnight park
to reset or clear this message. If there is a CHECK GAS
CAP message and a malfunction indicator lamp on in
the instrument panel cluster, you may need to see your
GM dealer for service. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 3-42for more information.
CHECK OIL LEVEL:Press the RESET button 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. Once
the vehicle senses a change in the engine oil level, the
light will remain off.
You will hear two chimes when this message is
displayed. If this message appears after starting your
engine, your engine oil level may be too low. You
may need to add oil. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-32.
3-55

CLOSE TRUNK TO MOVE TOP:This message will
display and a chime will sound if the trunk is open while
you are trying to operate the convertible top. Make
sure the trunk is closed before operating the convertible
top. SeeConvertible Top (Manual) on page 2-60or
Convertible Top (Power) on page 2-67.
COMPETITIVE DRIVING MODE:When the Competitive
Driving mode is selected, this message will be
displayed in the DIC and a short chime will sound.
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. SeeRacing or Other Competitive
Driving on page 4-18for more information.
COOLANT OVER TEMPERATURE:You will hear a
chime 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 the RESET button,
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 5-32.
CRUISE DISENGAGED:This message will momentarily
appear when you disengage the cruise control system
by stepping on the brake on an automatic transmission
vehicle or the clutch on a manual transmission vehicle
or by turning off the cruise control switch. SeeCruise
Control on page 3-11for more information.
ENGINE DRAG CONTROL ACTIVE:This message
displays when engine drag control is active. When
driving in a lower gear in rainy, snowy or icy conditions,
and then letting up on the accelerator or downshifting,
the rear wheels may begin to slip and this message
appears. This message will stay on for a few seconds
following the engine drag control event.
ENGINE OVERHEATED – STOP ENGINE:This
message will appear along with a continuous chime when
the engine has overheated. Stop and turn the engine off
immediately to avoid severe engine damage. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 5-32.
3-56

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 5-32. 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 5-62and
Ination - Tire Pressure on page 5-64.
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 3-47.
3-57

NO FOB - OFF OR RUN?:When this message
displays, it means that the keyless access transmitter
is not detected inside the vehicle while you are trying
to turn the ignition off. Your vehicle may be near a strong
radio antenna signal causing the keyless access
system to be jammed. The vehicle will remain in
ACCESSORY until OFF or START has been pressed
or ve minutes has expired. If you turn the ignition
off and you cannot nd the keyless access transmitter,
you will not be able to restart the vehicle. The keyless
access transmitter needs to be inside of the vehicle
in order for the vehicle to start. SeeStarting the Engine
on page 2-23for more information.
OPTIONS UNAVAILABLE:This message is displayed
for a few seconds if a keyless access transmitter
that is not labelled 1 or 2 is used and you try to
personalize the features on your vehicle by pressing
the OPTION button. The personalization system will
not recognize the transmitter and the DIC will not display
the current driver number or the menus used to set
personalizations. The personalization features will
then be set to the default states. SeeDIC Vehicle
Personalization on page 3-68for more information.
PRESS BRAKE TO START ENGINE (Automatic
Transmission Only):This message is displayed if you
try to start the engine by pressing the keyless ignition
start button without having the brake pressed. The brake
needs to be pressed when starting the engine. See
Ignition Positions on page 2-22for more information.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.Ifthe
REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is displayed in
combination with the COOLANT OVER TEMPERATURE
message, seeEngine Overheating on page 5-32.
3-60

TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE ENGINE:You will hear
four chimes when this message is displayed. To
acknowledge this warning, press the RESET button.
After you press the RESET button, the message will be
displayed every 10 minutes until the condition changes.
If you do not press the RESET button, the message
remains on the display until the condition changes.
If the transmission uid temperature rises above
270°F (132°C) or rises rapidly, this message is displayed.
The transmission may shift gears or apply the torque
converter clutch to reduce the uid temperature. Driving
aggressively or driving on long hills can cause the
transmission uid temperature to be higher than normal.
If this message appears, you may continue to drive
at a slower speed. You should also monitor the
transmission uid temperature and allow it to cool to at
least 230°F (110°C). The transmission uid temperature
can be monitored with the gages button on the DIC.
SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid on page 5-28. You
should also check the engine coolant temperature. If it is
also hot, seeEngine Overheating on page 5-32.If the TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE ENGINE message is
displayed during normal vehicle operation on at roads,
your vehicle may need service. See your GM dealer for
an inspection.
If driving in a performance or competitive manner, the use
of (S) Sport Automatic Mode or (S) Sport Manual Paddle
Shift gear selection is recommended. SeeAutomatic
Transmission Operation on page 2-26for more
information.
TURN SIGNAL ON:If a turn signal is left on for
three-quarters of a mile (1.2 km), this message will
appear on the display and you will hear a chime. Move
the turn signal/multifunction lever to the off position.
To acknowledge this message, press the RESET button.
UNLATCH HEADER TO MOVE TOP:This message
will display and a chime will sound if you try to lower
the convertible top without rst unlocking the top. Move
the latch handle to unlock the convertible top. See
Convertible Top (Manual) on page 2-60orConvertible
Top (Power) on page 2-67.
3-66

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle...........................................5-4
Fuel................................................................5-4
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.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-16
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-23
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-25
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-28
Manual Transmission Fluid.............................5-28
Hydraulic Clutch...........................................5-28
Engine Coolant.............................................5-29
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-32
Engine Overheating.......................................5-32Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-34
Cooling System............................................5-34
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-40
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-41
Brakes........................................................5-42
Battery........................................................5-45
Jump Starting...............................................5-46
Rear Axle.......................................................5-51
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-52
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting............5-52
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-52
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
and Parking Lamps....................................5-52
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-54
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-54
Windshield Replacement.................................5-54
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-55
Tires..............................................................5-57
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-58
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-60
Extended Mobility Tires..................................5-62
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-64
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-67
Tire Rotation................................................5-69
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

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

Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightly
secured.
The coolant surge tank pressure cap must be fully
installed on the coolant surge tank. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-12for more
information on location.
Engine Overheating
You will nd an engine coolant temperature gage on
the instrument panel cluster and a COOLANT OVER
TEMPERATURE message on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). SeeEngine Coolant Temperature Gage
on page 3-41andDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-53for more information.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you
badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam coming
from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away
from the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until
there is no sign of steam or coolant before you
open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch re.
You or others could be badly burned. Stop your
engine if it overheats, and get out of the vehicle
until the engine is cool.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode on page 5-34for information on driving to
a safe place in an emergency.
Notice:If your engine catches re because you keep
driving with no coolant, your vehicle can be badly
damaged. The costly repairs would not be covered by
your warranty. SeeOverheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode on page 5-34for information on
driving to a safe place in an emergency.
5-32