CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2008 6.G Owners Manual

Instrument Panel Cluster
Your instrument panel cluster and Driver Information Center (DIC) are designed to let you know at a glance how the
vehicle is running. You will know how fast you are going, about how much fuel you have left and many other
things you will need to know to drive safely and economically. The instrument panel cluster indicator warning lights,
gages and DIC messages are explained on the following pages.
United States Manual Transmission shown, Canada, Automatic Transmission and Z06 Model similar
3-35

Speedometer and Odometer
Your speedometer lets you see your speed in either
miles per hour (mph) or kilometers per hour (km/h).
For more information see “Personal Options” under
DIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-75.
To read the odometer with the ignition off, turn on the
parking lamps.
If your vehicle needs a new odometer installed, the
mileage total of the new odometer will be set to
the original miles (kilometers) of the old odometer.
See your dealer/retailer if the odometer must be
replaced in your vehicle.
Tachometer
The tachometer displays the engine speed in thousands
of revolutions per minute (rpm).
Notice:Fuel will shut off at about 6500 rpm for the
base model and 7000 rpm for the Z06 model. If you
continue to drive your vehicle at the fuel shut off rpm,
you could damage your engine. Be sure to operate
your vehicle below the fuel shut off rpm or reduce
your rpm quickly when the fuel shuts off.
Safety Belt Reminders
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the engine is started, a chime will come on for
several seconds to remind people to fasten their safety
belts, unless the driver’s safety belt is already buckled.
The safety belt light will
also come on and stay on
for several seconds,
then it will ash for
several more.
This chime and light is repeated if the driver remains
unbuckled and the vehicle is in motion. If the driver’s belt
is already buckled, neither the chime nor the light will
come on.
3-36

Airbag Readiness Light
There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument
panel cluster, which shows the airbag symbol. The
system checks the airbag’s electrical system for
malfunctions. The light indicates if there is an electrical
problem. The system check includes the airbag
sensor, the pretensioners, the airbag modules, the
wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module.
For more information on the airbag system, seeAirbag
System on page 1-43.
This light comes on when
the vehicle is started,
and ashes for a
few seconds. The light
should go out when
the system is ready.
If the airbag readiness light stays on after the vehicle is
started or comes on while driving, the airbag system
may not work properly. Have your vehicle serviced
right away.{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you
start your vehicle, it means the airbag system
may not be working properly. The airbags in
your vehicle may not inate in a crash, or they
could even inate without a crash. To help
avoid injury to yourself or others, have your
vehicle serviced right away.
The airbag readiness light should ash for a few seconds
when the engine is started. If the light does not come on
then, have it xed immediately. If there is a problem with
the airbag system, an airbag Driver Information Center
(DIC) message may also come on. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-57for more information.
3-37

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
The vehicle has the passenger sensing system.
The rearview mirror has a passenger airbag status
indicator.
When you start the vehicle, the passenger airbag status
indicator will light ON and OFF, or the symbol for on
and off, for several seconds as a system check.Then, after several more seconds, the status indicator
will light either ON or OFF, or either the on or off symbol,
to let you know the status to let you know the status
of the right front passenger frontal and seat-mounted
side impact airbags (if equipped).
If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on the passenger
airbag status indicator, it means that the right front
passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact
airbag (if equipped) are enabled (may inate).
{CAUTION:
If the on indicator comes on when you have a
rear-facing child restraint installed in the right
front passenger’s seat, it means that the
passenger sensing system has not turned
off the passenger’s frontal airbag and
seat-mounted side impact airbag (if equipped).
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be
seriously injured or killed if the right front
passenger’s airbag inates. This is because the
back of the rear-facing child restraint would be
very close to the inating airbag. Do not use a
rear-facing child restraint in the right front
passenger’s seat if the airbag is turned on. United States
Canada
3-38

{CAUTION:
Even though the passenger sensing system is
designed to turn off the right front passenger’s
frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact
airbag (if equipped) if the system detects a
rear-facing child restraint, no system is
fail-safe, and no one can guarantee that an
airbag will not deploy under some unusual
circumstance, even though it is turned off.
We recommend that rear-facing child restraints
be secured in a rear seat, even if the airbag is
or airbags are off.
If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on the passenger
airbag status indicator, it means that the passenger
sensing system has turned off the right front passenger
frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag
(if equipped). SeePassenger Sensing System on
page 1-51for more on this, including important safety
information.If, after several seconds, both status indicator lights
remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there may be
a problem with the lights or the passenger sensing
system. See your dealer/retailer for service.
{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light in the instrument
panel cluster ever comes on and stays on, it
means that something may be wrong with the
airbag system. If this ever happens, have the
vehicle serviced promptly, because an
adult-size person sitting in the right front
passenger’s seat may not have the protection
of the airbag(s). SeeAirbag Readiness Light
on page 3-37for more on this, including
important safety information.
3-39

Voltmeter Gage
The voltmeter shows the
voltage output of your
battery. When the engine
is running, it shows
the voltage output of the
charging system.
The reading will change as the rate of charge changes
(with engine speed, for example), but if the voltmeter
reads at 9 volts or below, your instrument panel
cluster and other systems may shut down. The Driver
Information Center (DIC) will read BATTERY VOLTAGE
LOW when your vehicle is at 10 volts or below.
Have it checked right away. Driving with the voltmeter
reading at 10 volts or below could drain your battery
and disable your vehicle.
One-to-Four Shift Light
(Manual Transmission)
When this light comes on,
you can only shift from
FIRST (1) to FOURTH (4)
instead of FIRST (1) to
SECOND (2).
You must complete the shift into FOURTH (4) to turn off
this feature. This helps you get the best possible fuel
economy.
After shifting to FOURTH (4), you may downshift to a
lower gear if you prefer.
Notice:Forcing the shift lever into any gear except
FOURTH (4) when the 1 TO 4 SHIFT light comes
on may damage the transmission. Shift only from
FIRST (1) to FOURTH (4) when the light comes on.
This light will come on when:
The engine coolant temperature is higher than
169°F (76°C),
the vehicle is going 15 to 19 mph (24 to 31 km/h) and
the vehicle 21 percent throttle or less.
3-40

Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part is not working, the other part can
still work and stop you. For good braking, though,
you need both parts working well.
This light should come on when you start the engine.
If it does not come on then, have it xed so it will
be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If this warning light stays on after you start the engine,
the parking brake may still be set or there could be
a brake problem. Refer toParking Brake on page 2-32
to see if it is set. If the parking brake is not set, have
your brake system inspected right away.If the light comes on while you are driving and you have
a CHECK BRAKE FLUID message showing on the
DIC, pull off the road and stop carefully. You may notice
that the pedal is harder to push or the pedal may go
closer to the oor. It may take longer to stop. If the light
is still on, have the vehicle towed for service. See
Towing Your Vehicle on page 4-29andDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-57for more information.
{CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working
properly if the brake system warning light is
on. Driving with the brake system warning light
on can lead to an accident. If the light is still
on after you have pulled off the road and
stopped carefully, have the vehicle towed for
service. United States
Canada
3-41

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
For vehicles with the
Antilock Brake System
(ABS), this light comes on
briey when the engine
is started.
That is normal. If the light does not come on then,
have it xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a
problem.
If the ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off. If the light
comes on while driving, stop as soon as it is safely
possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine
again to reset the system. If the ABS light stays on,
or comes on again while driving, the vehicle needs
service. If the regular brake system warning light is
not on, the vehicle still has brakes, but not antilock
brakes. If the regular brake system warning light is also
on, the vehicle does not have antilock brakes and
there is a problem with the regular brakes. SeeBrake
System Warning Light on page 3-41.
For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC),
seeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-57for all
brake related DIC messages.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
This light should come on
briey as you start the
engine. If the light does not
come on then, have it
xed so it will be ready to
warn you if there is a
problem.
If it stays on, or comes on and the Driver Information
Center (DIC) shows a SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM
message when you are driving, there is a problem
with your Traction Control System (TCS) 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 TCS by pressing the button
on the console, the TCS light will come on and the
TRACTION SYSTEM OFF message will show on the
DIC. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-57
for more information.
3-42

Active Handling System Light
The Active Handling System light will come on briey
as you start the engine. If the light does not come
on then, have it xed so it will be ready to warn you if
there is a problem. This light will also come on when
the ACTIVE HANDLING CALIBRATING message
is 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
HANDLING SYSTEM
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
HANDLING SYSTEM message is displayed in the DIC,
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 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 3-57for 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 3-57for more information.
3-43

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 5-31for more
information.
Tire Pressure Light
This light comes on briey
when the engine is started.
This light also comes on when one or more of the tires
are signicantly underinated.
A tire pressure message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC), can accompany the light. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-57for more
information.
Stop and check the tires as soon as it is safe to do so.
If underinated, inate to the proper pressure.
SeeTires on page 5-58for more information.
If a problem is detected with the Tire Pressure Monitor
System, this light ashes for approximately 60 seconds
and then stays on for the remainder of the ignition
cycle. SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on page 5-68
for more information. United States
Canada
3-44