CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2009 6.G Owners Manual

Airbag Readiness Light
The system checks the airbag’s electrical system for
possible malfunctions. If the light stays on it indicates
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 1-44.
The airbag readiness light
ashes for a few seconds
when the engine is
started. If the light does
not come on then, have it
xed immediately.{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light stays on after the
vehicle is started or comes on while driving, it
means the airbag system might not be working
properly. The airbags in the vehicle might not
inate in a crash, or they could even inate
without a crash. To help avoid injury, have the
vehicle serviced right away.
If there is a problem with the airbag system, an airbag
Driver Information Center (DIC) message can also come
on. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-54
for more information.
3-35

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
The vehicle has the passenger sensing system.
SeePassenger Sensing System on page 1-53for
important safety information. The rearview mirror has a
passenger airbag status indicator.When the vehicle is started, 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).
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 1-53for more on this, including important safety
information. United States
Canada
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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 ever comes on and
stays on, it means that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help avoid injury to
yourself or others, have the vehicle serviced right
away. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 3-35
for more information, including important safety
information.
Voltmeter Gage
The voltmeter shows the
voltage output of the
battery. It shows the
voltage output of the
charging system while the
engine is running.
The reading changes as the rate of charge changes
(with engine speed, for example), but if the voltmeter
reads at 9 volts or below, the instrument panel cluster
and other systems may shut down. The Driver
Information Center (DIC) reads BATTERY VOLTAGE
LOW when the vehicle is at 10 volts or below. Have it
checked right away. Driving with the voltmeter reading at
10 volts or below could drain the battery and disable
the vehicle.Base and Z06
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One-to-Four Shift Light
(Manual Transmission)
When this light comes on,
the vehicle can only be
shifted from 1 (First)
to 4 (Fourth) instead of
1 (First) to 2 (Second).
The shift must be completed into 4 (Fourth) to turn off
this feature. This helps the vehicle get the best possible
fuel economy.
After shifting to 4 (Fourth), the vehicle can be
downshifted to a lower gear.
Notice:Forcing the shift lever into any gear except
4 (Fourth) when the 1 TO 4 SHIFT light comes on
may damage the transmission. Shift only from
1 (First) to 4 (Fourth) when the light comes on.
This light comes 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.
Brake System Warning Light
The vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part is not working, the other part can
still work and stop the vehicle. For good braking both
parts need to be working well.
This light comes on briey while starting the engine. If it
does not come on, have it xed so it is ready to warn
if there is a problem.
United StatesCanada
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{CAUTION:
The brake system might not be working properly if
the brake system warning light is on. Driving with
the brake system warning light on can lead to a
crash. If the light is still on after the vehicle has
been pulled off the road and carefully stopped,
have the vehicle towed for service.
If this warning light stays on after the engine is started,
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
the brake system inspected right away.
If the light comes on while driving and a CHECK
BRAKE FLUID message shows on the DIC, pull off the
road and stop carefully. The pedal may be 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. SeeTowing Your Vehicle on
page 4-28andDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-54for more information.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
For vehicles with the
Antilock Brake System
(ABS), this light comes on
briey when the engine
is started.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally the
indicator light then goes off.
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 3-38.
For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC),
seeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-54for all
brake related DIC messages.
3-39

Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
The Traction Control
System (TCS) Warning
light comes on briey while
starting the engine.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally the
indicator light then goes off.
If the light stays on, or comes on while driving and a
SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM message displays in
the Driver Information Center (DIC), the vehicle
needs service.
This light comes on when the TCS is turned off and a
TRACTION SYSTEM OFF message displays on the
DIC. When this light is on, the TCS system does not limit
wheel spin.This light turns off when the TCS is turned back on
and a TRACTION SYSTEM ON message displays on
the DIC.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6and
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-54for more
information.
This light also comes on while the vehicle is in the
Competitive Mode. SeeActive Handling System
on page 4-8.
Active Handling System Light
The Active Handling
System light comes on
briey as the engine
is started. If the light
does not, have the
vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer. If the
system is working normally
the light goes off.
If the light stays on or comes on while driving, a chime
sounds and a SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM
message appears on the DIC and the vehicle need
service.
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The system is not working properly and the vehicle
needs service.
This light also comes on when the Competitive Drive
mode is selected.
When the Active Handling System is turned off, the light
comes on, a chime sounds, and the TRACTION
SYSTEM AND ACTIVE HANDLING – OFF message
displays in the DIC. The Traction Control System is off
and the Active Handling System does not assist
with controlling the vehicle.
When the Active Handling System is turned back on,
the light turns off, a chime sounds and the TRACTION
SYSTEM AND ACTIVE HANDLING – ON message
displays in the DIC.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-54for
more information.Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. If the
gage pointer moves into the shaded area, the engine
is too hot.
This means that the engine coolant has overheated.
If the vehicle has been operating under normal driving
conditions, pull off the road, stop the vehicle and
turn off the engine as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-39for more
information.United States
Canada
3-41

Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with a tire
pressure light, this light
comes on briey when the
engine is started and
provides information about
tire pressures and the
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System.
When the Light is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the tires is signicantly
underinated.
A tire pressure message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC), can accompany the light. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-54for more
information. Stop and check the tires as soon as it is
safe to do so. If a tire is underinated, inate to the
proper pressure. SeeTires on page 5-62for more
information.
When the Light Flashes First and Then is
On Steady
This indicates that there could be a problem with the
Tire Pressure Monitor System. The light ashes
for about a minute and stays on steady for the remainder
of the ignition cycle. This sequence repeats with every
ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on
page 5-73for more information.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
A computer system called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) monitors operation of
the fuel, ignition, and emission control systems. It makes
sure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the
life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment.
This comes on briey
while starting the engine.
If it does not come on,
have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer/retailer.
3-42

If the check engine light comes on and stays on, while
the engine is running, this indicates that there is an
OBD II problem and service is required.
Malfunctions often are indicated by the system before
any problem is apparent. Being aware of the light
can prevent more serious damage to the vehicle.
This system assists the service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.
Notice:If the vehicle is continually driven with
this light on, after a while, the emission controls
might not work as well, the vehicle’s fuel economy
might not be as good, and the engine might not
run as smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs
that might not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Notice:Modications made to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of
the vehicle or the replacement of the original tires
with other than those of the same Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) can affect the vehicle’s emission
controls and can cause this light to come on.
Modications to these systems could lead to
costly repairs not covered by the vehicle warranty.
This could also result in a failure to pass a
required Emission Inspection/Maintenance test.
SeeAccessories and Modifications on page 5-3.This light comes on during a malfunction in one of
two ways:
Light Flashing:A misre condition has been detected.
A misre increases vehicle emissions and could
damage the emission control system on the vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be required.
The following can prevent more serious damage to the
vehicle:
Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard accelerations.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park the vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds, and restart
the engine. If the light is still ashing, follow the previous
steps and see your dealer/retailer for service as soon
as possible.
3-43

Light On Steady:An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on the vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be required.
An emission system malfunction might be corrected by
doing the following:
Make sure the fuel cap is fully installed. SeeFilling
the Tank on page 5-9. The diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap
allows fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few
driving trips with the cap properly installed should
turn the light off.
If the vehicle has been driven through a deep
puddle of water, the vehicle’s electrical system
might be wet. The condition is usually corrected
when the electrical system dries out. A few driving
trips should turn the light off.
Make sure to fuel the vehicle with quality fuel.
Poor fuel quality causes the engine not to run
as efficiently as designed and may cause: stalling
after start-up, stalling when the vehicle is changed
into gear, misring, hesitation on acceleration,
or stumbling on acceleration. These conditions
might go away once the engine is warmed up.
If one or more of these conditions occurs, change
the fuel brand used. It will require at least one
full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
SeeGasoline Octane on page 5-6.
If none of the above have made the light turn off, your
dealer/retailer can check the vehicle. The dealer/retailer
has the proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to
x any mechanical or electrical problems that might have
developed.
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