check engine CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2010 6.G Owner's Manual

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. See Engine Oil on page 6‑19.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE or TIRE LOW
ADD AIR TO TIRE
{WARNING:
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. See Active
Handling System
on page 5‑8. 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-inflated. 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. See
Tire Pressure Light
on
page 4‑40. 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. See Run-Flat Tires
on
page 6‑69, Loading the Vehicleon page 5‑28,
Inflation - Tire Pressureon page 6‑70, and Tire
Pressure Monitor Systemon page 6‑72. The DIC
also shows the tire pressure values. See DIC Operation
and Displays
on page 4‑47.
To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button.
A message reappears every 10 minutes until the
condition is corrected.
4-58

PERF TRAC 5–RACE ACTIVE
HANDLING OFF
This message displays and a sound will be heard
when this Performance Traction Management mode
is selected. The instrument panel cluster light will also
be on when this mode is selected. Launch Control is
available when this mode selected. In this mode the
Traction Control is available but intended for use on dry
race track conditions. The Active Handling System is
disabled when this mode is selected. This mode will
require more driver skill than modes 1-4. Adjust your
driving accordingly. This system is available only on
ZR1 models. See “Performance Traction Management”
and “Launch Control” underCompetitive Driving Mode
on page 5‑9andRacing or Other Competitive Drivingon page 5‑19for more information about the use of
this mode.
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. See Ignition Positions
on
page 3‑23for 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. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp
on
page 4‑41for more information.
Multiple chimes sound when this message is displayed.
To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button.
The message reappears every five minutes until this
condition changes.
If the REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is
displayed in combination with the COOLANT OVER
TEMPERATURE message, see Engine Overheating
on
page 6‑38.
4-62

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.
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. See Traction Control System (TCS)
on
page 5‑6for 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. See Memory Seat,
Mirrors and Steering Wheel
on page 2‑4for 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 first setting the
parking brake. Set the parking brake before trying to
operate the power convertible top. See Convertible Top
(Manual)
on page 3‑59or Convertible Top (Power)on
page 3‑66for 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.
4-65

TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE ENGINE
This message displays and four chimes sound if the
transmission fluid temperature rises above 132°C
(270°F) or rises rapidly. The transmission may shift
gears or apply the torque converter clutch to reduce the
fluid temperature. Driving aggressively or driving on
long hills can cause the transmission fluid temperature
to be higher than normal. If this message appears, you
may continue to drive at a slower speed. Monitor the
transmission fluid temperature and allow it to cool to at
least 110°C (230°F). The transmission fluid temperature
can be monitored with the gauges button on the DIC.
See DIC Operation and Displays
on page 4‑47and
Automatic Transmission Fluidon page 6‑31. Also
check the engine coolant temperature. If it is also hot,
see Engine Overheating on page 6‑38.
If this message is displayed during normal vehicle
operation on flat roads, the vehicle may need service.
See your dealer/retailer for an inspection.
If driving in a performance or competitive manner, the
use of (S) Sport Automatic Mode or (S) Sport Manual
Paddle Shift gear selection is recommended. See
Automatic Transmission Operation
on page 3‑26for
more information. To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button.
The message reappears every 10 minutes until this
condition changes. If you do not press the RESET
button, the message remains on the display until the
condition changes.
TURN SIGNAL ON
This message displays and a sound will be heard if a
turn signal is left on for 1.2 km (three-quarters of a mile).
Move the turn signal/multifunction lever to the off
position.
To acknowledge this message, press the RESET
button.
UNLATCH HEADER TO MOVE TOP
This message displays and a sound will be heard if you
try to lower the convertible top without first unlocking
the top. Move the latch handle to unlock the convertible
top. See
Convertible Top (Manual)
on page 3‑59or
Convertible Top (Power) on page 3‑66.
4-69

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
This vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an
advanced electronic braking system that helps 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. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
on
page 4‑37.
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.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down firmly and let antilock work. A motor or clicking
noise might be heard and the brake pedal might be felt
to move a little during a stop, but this is normal.
5-5

If the vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
the vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a
second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, slow
down and adjust your driving to these conditions. It is
important to slow down on slippery surfaces because
stopping distance will be longer and vehicle control
more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing vehicle speed by shifting
to a lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the
tires to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery
until the vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues —such as enough water, ice, or packed snow on
the road to make a mirrored surface —and slow down
when you have any doubt.
Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only the
braking skid.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, see Engine Oil on page 6‑19.
Z06, ZR1, and Grand Sport 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, ZR1, and Grand Sport: Be sure to check
the oil level often during racing or other competitive
driving and keep the level at or near 1 L (1 quart)
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, ZR1, and Grand Sport Only: For racing or
competitive driving, it is recommended that the brake
fluid be replaced with a high performance brake fluid
that has a dry boiling point greater than 279°C (534°F).
5-19

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 fluid reservoir filled.
.Have good tires with proper tread depth. See Tireson page 6‑62.
.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 inflated to
recommended pressure?
.Weather and Maps: Safe to travel? Have
up-to-date maps?
5-23

Highway Hypnosis
Always be alert and pay attention to your surroundings
while driving. If you become tired or sleepy, find a safe
place to park your vehicle and rest.
Other driving tips include:
.Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
.Keep interior temperature cool.
.Keep your eyes moving —scan the road ahead
and to the sides.
.Check the rearview mirror and vehicle
instruments often.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different
than driving on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for driving in
these conditions include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in good shape.
.Check all fluid levels and brakes, tires, cooling
system, and transmission.
.Going down steep or long hills, shift to a
lower gear.
{WARNING:
If you do not shift down, the brakes could get so
hot that they would not work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none going down a hill.
You could crash. Shift down to let the engine
assist the brakes on a steep downhill slope.
5-24

TheAntilock Brake System (ABS)on page 5‑5improves vehicle stability during hard stops on a
slippery roads, but apply the brakes sooner than when
on dry pavement.
Allow greater following distance on any slippery road
and watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can occur on
otherwise clear roads in shaded areas. The surface
of a curve or an overpass can remain icy when the
surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while on ice.
Turn off cruise control, if equipped, on slippery surfaces.
Blizzard Conditions
Being stuck in snow can be in a serious situation.
Stay with the vehicle unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use the Roadside Assistance Program
on
page 8‑7. To get help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
.Turn on the Hazard Warning Flasherson
page 4‑3.
.Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
{WARNING:
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the vehicle.
This may cause exhaust gases to get inside.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in the snow:
.Clear away snow from around the base of
your vehicle, especially any that is blocking
the exhaust pipe.
.Check again from time to time to be sure
snow does not collect there.
.Open a window about 5 cm (two inches) on
the side of the vehicle that is away from the
wind to bring in fresh air.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under the
instrument panel.
.Adjust the Climate Control system to a setting
that circulates the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest setting.
See Climate Control System in the Index.
(Continued)
5-26

Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Gasoline Octane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
California Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12
Checking Things Under the Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12
Hood Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-14
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-19
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-25
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-27
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-31
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-31
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-31
Cooling System (Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-32 Cooling System (Intercooler) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-33
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-34
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-38
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-41
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-41
Windshield Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-42
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-43
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-49
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-50
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-55
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-55
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-56
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . 6-56
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-56
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, and Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-56
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps . . . . . . . . 6-58
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-58
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-59
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . 6-59
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-62
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-63
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-64
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-66
6-1