check engine light CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2009 6.G User Guide

Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have or
might begin programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on the vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection
could prevent getting a vehicle registration.
Here are some things to know to help the vehicle pass
an inspection:
The vehicle will not pass this inspection if the check
engine light is on with the engine running.
To perform a check engine light bulb check with the
keyless ignition, make sure the transmitter fob is
in the passenger compartment. SeeIgnition
Positions on page 2-22. Press the bottom of the
Acc. button on the instrument panel and hold
the button down for ve seconds. The instrument
panel, including the check engine light, will light up
and the ignition will be on, but the engine will not
start — press the bottom of the Acc. button only
briey, less than ve seconds, the accessory power
mode will be turned on, but not the ignition.
After the bulb check, press and release the Acc.
button again to turn the ignition off and avoid
draining the vehicle’s battery.
The vehicle will not pass this inspection if the
OBD II (on-board diagnostic) system determines
that critical emission control systems have not been
completely diagnosed by the system. The vehicle
would be considered not ready for inspection.
This can happen if the battery has recently
been replaced or if the battery has run down.
The diagnostic system is designed to evaluate
critical emission control systems during normal
driving. This can take several days of routine
driving. If this has been done and the vehicle still
does not pass the inspection for lack of OBD II
system readiness, your dealer/retailer can prepare
the vehicle for inspection.
3-45

BUCKLE PASSENGER
This message reminds you to buckle the passenger’s
safety belt.
This message displays and a sound will be heard when
the ignition is on, the driver’s safety belt is buckled, the
passenger’s safety belt is unbuckled with the passenger
airbag enabled, and the vehicle is in motion. You should
have the passenger buckle their safety belt.
The reminder will be repeated if the ignition is on, the
vehicle is in motion, the driver is buckled and the
passenger is still unbuckled, and the passenger airbag
is enabled. If the passenger’s safety belt is already
buckled, this message will not come on.
BUCKLE SEATBELT
This message reminds you to buckle the driver’s
safety belt.
This message displays and a sound will be heard when
the ignition is on, the driver’s safety belt is unbuckled,
and the vehicle is in motion. You should buckle your
safety 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 safety belt is already buckled,
this message will not come on.This message is an additional reminder to the safety
belt reminder light in the instrument panel cluster.
SeeSafety Belt Reminders on page 3-34for more
information.
CHANGE BRAKE PADS
On vehicles with electronic brake pad wear sensors,
this message will be displayed when the pads are worn.
See your dealer/retailer for service.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL
This message displays 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” underDIC Operation
and Displays on page 3-49. Also, seeEngine Oil
on page 5-20andEngine Oil Life System on page 5-26
for more information.
CHECK BRAKE FLUID
This message displays, a sound will be heard, and the
brake system warning light on the instrument panel
cluster turns 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 dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
SeeBrakes on page 5-44.
3-56

CHECK COOLANT LEVEL
This message displays when the engine coolant level
is low. Have the cooling system serviced by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-34.
CHECK GAS CAP
This message displays if the fuel cap has not been fully
tightened. Check the fuel cap to make sure that it is
on properly. Once tightened, it takes at least one
overnight park to reset or clear this message. If both the
CHECK GAS CAP message and the malfunction
indicator lamp in the instrument panel cluster are on,
you may need to see your dealer/retailer for service.
SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on page 3-42for more
information.
CHECK OIL LEVEL
On some vehicles, this message displays and
two chimes sound if the oil level in the vehicle is low.
Once the vehicle senses a change in the engine
oil level, the light remains off.If this message appears after starting the engine, the
engine oil level may be too low. You may need to
add oil. SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-39.
To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button.
The message reappears every 10 minutes until this
condition changes.
CLOSE TRUNK TO MOVE TOP
This message displays and a sound will be heard 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 2-59orConvertible Top (Power)
on page 2-66.
COMPETITIVE DRIVING MODE
This message displays and a sound will be heard
when the Competitive Driving mode is selected.
The instrument panel cluster light will be on when the
Competitive Driving mode is selected. The Traction
Control System (TCS) will not be operating while in
the Competitive Driving mode. Adjust your driving
accordingly. SeeRacing or Other Competitive Driving
on page 4-15for more information.
3-57

Multiple chimes sound when this message is displayed.
This message remains displayed and active until the
issue is resolved.
HEADLAMPS SUGGESTED
This message displays if it is dark enough outside and
the headlamps and the Twilight Sentinel®controls
are off. 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
This message displays when one or more of the tires is
over-inated. This message also displays LEFT FRONT,
RIGHT FRONT, LEFT REAR, or RIGHT REAR to
indicate which tire is affected. 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 the
Tire Loading Information label. SeeRun-Flat Tires
on page 5-69,Loading the Vehicle on page 4-22,
Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-70, andTire Pressure
Monitor System on page 5-73. The DIC also shows
the tire pressure values. SeeDIC Operation and
Displays on page 3-49.To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button.
A message reappears every 10 minutes until the
condition is corrected.
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 automatically resumes. You can continue to
drive the vehicle. If this message continues to appear,
have the system repaired by your dealer/retailer 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. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
LOW FUEL
This message displays when the fuel tank is less than
10 percent full and the display is turned off. A sound will
be heard when this message is displayed. Rell the
fuel tank as soon as possible. SeeFuel Gage on
page 3-48.
3-59

LOW OIL PRESSURE
This message displays if low oil pressure levels occur.
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 sound will be heard when this
message is displayed. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-20.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE
{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. SeeActive
Handling System on page 4-8. If you 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.This message displays when one or more of the tires is
under-inated. This message also displays LEFT
FRONT, RIGHT FRONT, LEFT REAR, or RIGHT REAR
to indicate which tire is affected. Multiple chimes sound
and the tire pressure light on the instrument panel cluster
turns on when this message is displayed. SeeTire
Pressure Light on page 3-42. 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 the
Tire Loading Information label. SeeRun-Flat Tires
on page 5-69,Loading the Vehicle on page 4-22,
Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-70, andTire Pressure
Monitor System on page 5-73. The DIC also shows the
tire pressure values. SeeDIC Operation and Displays
on page 3-49.
To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button.
A message reappears every 10 minutes until the
condition is corrected.
MAXIMUM SPEED 80 MPH (129 km/h)
This message displays when a malfunction is present in
the Selective Ride Control 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 the vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
3-60

NO FOB - OFF OR RUN?
This message displays when the keyless access
transmitter is not detected inside the vehicle while you
are trying to turn the ignition off. The vehicle may
be near a strong radio antenna signal causing the
keyless access system to be jammed. The vehicle will
remain in ACCESSORY until the vehicle is turned off or
is restarted, 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 displays 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 the 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 3-71for more
information.
PRESS BRAKE TO START ENGINE
(Automatic Transmission Only)
This message displays 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. SeeIgnition Positions
on page 2-22for more information.
REDUCED ENGINE POWER
If this message displays 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 dealer/retailer as soon as possible
for diagnosis and repair. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 3-42for more information.
Multiple chimes sound when this message is displayed.
3-62

The traction control system (TCS) warning light on the
instrument panel cluster will also turn on and a
sound will be heard.
When this message is displayed, the computer
controlled systems will not assist the driver in controlling
the vehicle. Have the system repaired by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible. Adjust your driving
accordingly. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-6for more information.
To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays when there is a problem with the
transmission. See your dealer/retailer for service.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message displays and a sound will be heard when
there may be an electrical or another system problem
with the vehicle. Have your vehicle checked by your
dealer/retailer if this message keeps appearing.
SET PARK BRAKE FOR SEAT RECALL
If the vehicle has a manual transmission, this message
displays if you try to recall the memory positions
when the ignition is on and the parking brake is not set.If the vehicle is on, you must set the parking brake in
order for the memory positions to recall. SeeMemory
Seat, Mirrors and Steering Wheel on page 1-4for more
information.
SET PARK BRAKE TO MOVE TOP
If the vehicle has a manual transmission, this message
displays and a sound will be heard if you try to
operate the power convertible top without rst setting
the parking brake. Set the parking brake before trying to
operate the power convertible top. SeeConvertible
Top (Manual) on page 2-59orConvertible Top (Power)
on page 2-66for more information.
SHIFT TO PARK
If the vehicle has an automatic transmission, this
message displays if the vehicle is not in P (Park) when
the engine is being turned off. The vehicle will be in
ACCESSORY Once the shift lever is moved to P (Park),
the vehicle will turn off.
The vehicle will remain in ACCESSORY, without the
20 minute time-out period, until the shift lever is moved
to P (Park) or until the driver presses the pushbutton
to restart the vehicle. SeeIgnition Positions on
page 2-22for more information.
3-65

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
This vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an
advanced electronic braking system that will help
prevent a braking skid.
When the engine is started and the vehicle begins to
drive away, ABS checks itself. A momentary motor
or clicking noise might be heard while this test is going
on, and it might even be noticed that the brake pedal
moves a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
ABS, this warning light
stays on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light on
page 3-39.Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that the wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, as
required, faster than any driver could. This can help
the driver steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the computer keeps
receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking
pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time needed to get
a foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping
distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you,
there will not be enough time to apply the brakes if that
vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough
room up ahead to stop, even with ABS.
4-5

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-4
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-5
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the
Vehicle......................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-6
Gasoline Octane............................................5-6
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-7
Additives.......................................................5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-8
Filling the Tank..............................................5-9
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-12
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-12
Hood Release..............................................5-13
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-14
Engine Oil...................................................5-20
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-26
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-28
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-30
Manual Transmission Fluid.............................5-31
Hydraulic Clutch...........................................5-31
Cooling System (Engine)................................5-32
Cooling System (Intercooler)...........................5-33Engine Coolant.............................................5-34
Engine Overheating.......................................5-39
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-41
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-42
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-43
Brakes........................................................5-44
Battery........................................................5-50
Jump Starting...............................................5-51
Rear Axle.......................................................5-55
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-56
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-56
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting............5-56
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-57
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, and
Parking Lamps..........................................5-57
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-59
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-59
Windshield Replacement.................................5-60
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-60
Tires..............................................................5-62
Winter Tires.................................................5-63
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-64
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-66
Run-Flat Tires..............................................5-69
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

If the temperature overheat gage is no longer in the
overheat zone or an overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive
the vehicle slow for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the car in front of you. If the
warning does not come back on, continue to drive
normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park the
vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine for
three minutes while parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it cools down.
Also, see “Overheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode” next in this section.Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode lets the vehicle
be driven to a safe place, up to 50 miles (80 km),
in an emergency situation. 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,
there is a signicant loss in power and engine
performance.
Driving extended distances in the overheat protection
mode should be avoided.
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 5-20.
5-41