check oil CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2009 6.G Owners Manual

Head-Up Display (HUD)
{CAUTION:
If the HUD image is too bright, or too high in your
eld of view, it may take you more time to see
things you need to see when it is dark outside.
Be sure to keep the HUD image dim and placed
low in your eld of view.
For vehicles with the Head-Up Display (HUD), you can
see some of the driver information that appears on
the instrument panel cluster.
The information may be displayed in English or metric
units and appears as an image focused out toward
the front of the vehicle. The HUD consists of the
following information:
Speedometer
Turn Signal Indicators
High-Beam Indicator Symbol
Tachometer
Manual Paddle Shift Gear Indicator (If Equipped)
These displays on the HUD are for use when
using the manual paddle shift controls to shift the
transmission. See “Manual Paddle Shift” in
Automatic Transmission Operation on page 2-26.
Shift Light
This light is used for performance driving to indicate
that the vehicle’s best performance level has been
reached to shift the transmission into the next
higher gear. An arrow pointing up will light up on
the display just prior to reaching the engine fuel
cut-off mode. This cut-off is about 6,500 RPM for
the LS3 engine, 6,600 RPM for the LS9 & ZR1
engines and 7,000 RPM for the LS7 engine.
Check Gages Warning
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
Transmission Fluid Temperature Gage,
(Automatic Transmission Vehicles Only)
Engine Oil Temperature Gage
Engine Oil Pressure Gage
G-Force Gage
Boost Gage (If Equipped)
Audio Functions, Street Mode Only
Navigation, Only with Navigation Radio,
Turn-by-Turn Guidance
3-19

Engine Oil Pressure Gage
{CAUTION:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low.
The engine can become so hot that it catches re.
Someone could be burned. Check the oil as soon
as possible and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance can
damage the engine. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always follow the
maintenance schedule in this manual for changing
engine oil.
The engine oil pressure gage shows the engine
oil pressure in psi (pounds per square inch) or
kPa (kilopascals) when the engine is running.
Oil pressure should be 20 to 80 psi (140 to 550 kPa).
In certain situations such as long, extended idles on hot
days, it could read as low as 6 psi (40 kPa) and still
be considered normal. It may vary with engine speed,
outside temperature and oil viscosity, but readings
above the shaded area show the normal operating
range. Readings in the shaded area tell you that the
engine is low on oil, or that you might have some other
oil problem. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-20. United States
Canada
United States — Z06
and ZR1 ModelsCanada — Z06 and
ZR1 Models
3-46

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

COOLANT OVER TEMPERATURE
This message displays and a sound will be heard if the
engine coolant exceeds 255°F (124°C). If you have
been operating the vehicle under normal driving
conditions, pull off the road, stop the 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 temperature
gage on the instrument panel cluster. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 5-39,DIC Operation and Displays
on page 3-49, andEngine Coolant Temperature
Gage on page 3-41.
To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button.
The message and sound will come back on until this
condition changes. If you do not press the RESET
button, the message remains on until the condition
changes.
CRUISE DISENGAGED
This message displays briey 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 3-10for
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 displays. This message stays on for a
few seconds following the engine drag control event.
ENGINE OVERHEATED – STOP
ENGINE
This message displays and a sound will be heard when
the engine has overheated. Stop and turn the engine
off immediately to avoid severe engine damage.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-39.
ENGINE PROTECTION REDUCE
ENGINE RPM
This message displays if the engine oil temperature
exceeds 320°F (160°C). Check the engine coolant
temperature and engine oil level. If the engine is too hot,
seeEngine Overheating on page 5-39. The vehicle
may need service, so see your dealer/retailer.
You can monitor the oil temperature with the gages
button on the DIC. SeeDIC Operation and Displays
on page 3-49.
3-58

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

Racing or Other Competitive Driving
Racing or competitive driving may affect the vehicle
warranty. See the warranty book before using the
vehicle for racing or other competitive driving.
Notice:If you use the 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, seeEngine Oil on page 5-20.
Z06 and ZR1 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 and ZR1: 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.Z06 and ZR1 Only: For racing or competitive driving,
it is recommended that the brake uid be replaced with a
high performance brake uid that has a dry boiling point
greater than 534°F (279°C). After conversion to the high
performance brake uid, follow the brake uid service
recommendations outlined by the uid manufacturer.
Do not use silicone or DOT-5 brake uids.
If the vehicle is a ZO6 or ZR1 model or has the Z51
performance package, it has 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 6-4and
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
If using the vehicle for racing, lubrication should be
performed at the end of each racing day. See your
dealer/retailer 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 7-15.
If the vehicle is used for racing or other competitive
driving, the rear axle uid temperatures may be higher
than would occur in normal driving. We recommend
that the rear axle uid be drained and relled with new
uid after every 24 hours of racing or competitive
driving. SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-12for what uid to use.
4-15

Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build up under
your vehicle’s tires so they actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and
you are going fast enough. When your vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The
best advice is to slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet weather driving tips
include:
Allow extra following distance.
Pass with caution.
Keep windshield wiping equipment in good shape.
Keep the windshield washer uid reservoir lled.
Have good tires with proper tread depth. SeeTires
on page 5-62.
Turn off cruise control.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
To prepare your vehicle for a long trip, consider having
it serviced by your dealer/retailer before departing.
Things to check on your own include:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Reservoir full? Windows
clean — inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:In good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:All levels checked?
Lamps:Do they all work and are lenses clean?
Tires:Are treads good? Are tires inated to
recommended pressure?
Weather and Maps:Safe to travel? Have
up-to-date maps?
4-17

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

California Fuel
If the vehicle is certied to meet California Emissions
Standards, it is designed to operate on fuels that meet
California specications. See the underhood emission
control label. If this fuel is not available in states adopting
California emissions standards, the vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal specications, but
emission control system performance might be affected.
The malfunction indicator lamp could turn on and the
vehicle might fail a smog-check test. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-42. If this occurs, return to your
authorized dealer/retailer for diagnosis. If it is determined
that the condition is caused by the type of fuel used,
repairs might not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Additives
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States
are now required to contain additives that help prevent
engine and fuel system deposits from forming, allowing
the emission control system to work properly. In most
cases, you should not have to add anything to the fuel.
However, some gasolines contain only the minimum
amount of additive required to meet U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency regulations. To help keep fuel injectors
and intake valves clean, or if the vehicle experiences
problems due to dirty injectors or valves, look for gasoline
that is advertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.
For customers who do not use TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline regularly, one bottle of GM Fuel System
Treatment PLUS, added to the fuel tank at every engine
oil change, can help clean deposits from fuel injectors
and intake valves. GM Fuel System Treatment PLUS
is the only gasoline additive recommended by General
Motors.
Also, your dealer/retailer has additives that will help
correct and prevent most deposit-related problems.
5-7