traction control CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2009 6.G Owners Manual

Vehicle Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that use
symbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or information relating
to a specic component, control, message, gage, or
indicator.
M:This symbol is shown when you need to see your
owner manual for additional instructions or information.
*:This symbol is shown when you need to see a
service manual for additional instructions or information.
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may be found on
the vehicle and what they mean. For more information
on the symbol, refer to the index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gage
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
iv

Manual Paddle Shift
While in the S (Sport Mode) position, the paddles
located on the steering wheel can be used to manually
up-shift or down-shift the transmission.
While in S (Sport Mode), push the paddle above the
steering wheel spokes to up-shift to the next gear, or
pull on the paddle behind the steering wheel spokes to
down-shift to the next gear.
To use the system, shift from P (Park) position to
S (Sport Mode) while stopped and with the engine
running, or from D (Drive) with the vehicle moving.When accelerating the vehicle from a stop in snowy and
icy conditions, you may want to shift to 2 (Second) or
3 (Third) gear. A higher gear allows you to gain more
traction on slippery surfaces. If traction control is active,
upshifts are delayed to increase your control of the
vehicle. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6.
While the Manual Paddle Shift gear selection system
is active, the transmission will automatically downshift
through the gears as the vehicle slows. The transmission
will select 2 (Second) gear as the vehicle stops. From a
stop, the vehicle will start from and hold 2 (Second) gear
unless the driver manually paddle shifts into a different
gear or selects D (Drive). The driver can select 1 (First)
gear for maximum acceleration from a stop.
When using the Manual
Paddle Shift feature while
in S (Sport Mode), the
current gear will be
displayed in the Driver
Information (DIC), or the
Head-Up Display (HUD),
if the vehicle has either of
these features.
If the vehicle has a Navigation system, see “Head-Up
Display (HUD)” in the Index of the navigation manual.
2-28

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals (Auto Signal).....3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-9
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-14
Wiper Activated Headlamps............................3-14
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-15
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-15
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-16
Twilight Sentinel
®..........................................3-16
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver........................3-17
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-18
Courtesy Lamps...........................................3-18
Entry/Exit Lighting.........................................3-18
Reading Lamps............................................3-18
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-18
Head-Up Display (HUD).................................3-19
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-23
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-24Climate Controls............................................3-24
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-24
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-29
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-30
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-31
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-32
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-34
Tachometer.................................................3-34
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-34
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-35
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-36
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-37
One-to-Four Shift Light (Manual Transmission) . . .3-38
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-38
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.....3-39
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light. . . .3-40
Active Handling System Light.........................3-40
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-41
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-42
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-42
Engine Oil Pressure Gage.............................3-46
Security Light...............................................3-47
Fog Lamp Light............................................3-47
Lights On Reminder......................................3-47
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-47
Fuel Gage
...................................................3-48
Boost Gage (ZR1 Only).................................3-49
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Windshield Washer
The lever on the right side of the steering column also
controls the windshield washer. There is a button at
the end of the lever. To spray washer uid on the
windshield, press the button and hold it. The washer will
spray until you release the button. The wipers will
continue to clear the window for about six seconds after
the button is released and then stop or return to your
preset speed.
{CAUTION:
In freezing weather, do not use your washer until
the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer
uid can form ice on the windshield, blocking your
vision.
If the uid in the windshield washer uid reservoir is
low, the message CHECK WASHER FLUID will appear
on the Driver Information Center (DIC) display. It will
take 15 seconds after the bottle is relled for this
message to turn off. For information on the correct
washer uid to use, seeWindshield Washer Fluid on
page 5-43andRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-12.
Cruise Control
With cruise control, a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h)
or more can be maintained without keeping your foot
on the accelerator. Cruise control does not work
at speeds below about 25 mph (40 km/h).
Cruise control will not work if the parking brake is set, or
if the master cylinder brake uid level is low.
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where you cannot
drive safely at a steady speed. So, do not use the
cruise control on winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery roads.
On such roads, fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on slippery roads.
If the vehicle is in cruise control, and has the Traction
Control System (TCS), and it begins to limit wheel
spin, the cruise control automatically disengages.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6.
When road conditions allow the cruise control to be
safely used again, it can be turned back on.
3-10

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.
3-40

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

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

To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button.
The message reappears every ve minutes until this
condition changes.
If the REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is
displayed in combination with the COOLANT OVER
TEMPERATURE message, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-39.
SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM
This message displays if there is a problem with the
Active Handling System and the vehicle needs service.
The active handling system light on the instrument
panel cluster also turns on and a sound will be heard.
See your dealer/retailer. When this message is
displayed, the system is not working. Adjust your driving
accordingly. SeeActive Handling System on page 4-8
for more information.
SERVICE AIR CONDITIONING
This message displays when the electronic sensors that
control the air conditioning and heating systems are
no longer working. Have the climate control system
serviced by your dealer/retailer if you notice a drop in
heating and air conditioning efficiency.
SERVICE ANTILOCK BRAKES
If this message displays while you are driving, stop as
soon as possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the
engine again to reset the system. If the message
stays on, or comes back on again while you are driving,
the vehicle is in need of service. See your dealer/retailer.
If the antilock brake system (ABS) warning light is on
and the regular brake system warning light is not on, you
still have brakes, but do not have ABS. If the regular
brake system warning light is also on, you do not
have ABS and there is a problem with the brakes.
SeeAntilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
on page 3-39andBrake System Warning Light on
page 3-38.
If this message is displayed, the Traction Control
System (TCS) and the Active Handling System will also
be disabled. The DIC will scroll three messages:
SERVICE ANTILOCK BRAKES, SERVICE TRACTION
SYSTEM, and SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING, and
the instrument panel cluster lights will come on along
with a sound. When the service message is displayed,
the computer controlled systems will not assist the
driver. Have the system repaired by your dealer/retailer
as soon as possible. Adjust your driving accordingly.
To acknowledge these messages, press the RESET
button.
3-63

SERVICE CHARGING SYSTEM
If this message displays while you are driving, there
may be a problem with the electrical charging system.
It could mean that there is a loose or broken drive belt
or that there is another electrical problem. Have the
vehicle checked right away by your dealer/retailer.
Driving while this message is on could drain the battery.
If you must drive a short distance with the message
on, be certain to turn off the vehicle’s accessories, such
as the radio and air conditioner.
Multiple chimes sound when this message is displayed.
To acknowledge the message, press the RESET
button. The message reappears every 10 minutes until
this condition changes.
SERVICE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This message displays if an electrical problem has
occurred within the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
Have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE FUEL SYSTEM
This message displays if the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) has detected a problem within the fuel system.
Have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
This message also displays when the cluster is not
getting fuel information from the PCM.
SERVICE RIDE CONTROL
This message displays when the Selective Ride Control
system has detected a malfunction and the system
must be serviced. See your dealer/retailer. If a fault is
present in the Selective Ride Control system which
causes the shocks to be in their full soft condition, the
messages SERVICE RIDE CONTROL, SHOCKS
INOPERATIVE, and MAXIMUM SPEED 80 MPH
(129 km/h) will display together. SeeSelective Ride
Control on page 4-10for more information.
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR
This message displays if a part on the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) is not working properly. The tire
pressure light also ashes and then remains on during
the same ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Light on
page 3-42. Several conditions may cause this message
to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 5-74for more information. If the warning comes on
and stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS.
See your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM
If this message displays when you are driving, there is a
problem with the Traction Control System (TCS) and
the vehicle is in need of service. See your dealer/retailer.
When this message is displayed, the system will not
limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
3-64

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