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

What to Use
{WARNING:
Adding only plain water to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid such as alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. The vehicle's coolant warning
system is set for the proper coolant mixture.
With plain water or the wrong mixture, the engine
could get too hot but would not get the overheat
warning. The engine could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of
clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant. If using this mixture, nothing else
needs to be added. This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection down to −37°C (−34°F),
outside temperature.
.Gives boiling protection up to 129°C (265°F),
engine temperature.
.Protects against rust and corrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper engine temperature. Notice:
If an improper coolant mixture is used,
the engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core, and
other parts.
Notice: If extra inhibitors and/or additives are used
in the vehicle's cooling system, the vehicle could be
damaged. Use only the proper mixture of the engine
coolant listed in this manual for the cooling system.
See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
on
page 7‑10for more information.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface when checking
the coolant level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in the coolant surge
tank. If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, do not do anything else until it cools down.
If coolant is visible but the coolant level is not at or
above the FULL COLD mark, add a 50/50 mixture of
clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL coolant at the
coolant recovery tank, but be sure the cooling system
is cool before this is done. See Engine Coolant
on
page 6‑34for more information.
6-35

The engine coolant surge
tank is located toward
the rear of the engine
compartment on the
driver side of the vehicle.
See Engine Compartment
Overview
on page 6‑14for more information on
location.
When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
the FULL COLD mark on the coolant surge tank.
When the engine is hot, the level could be higher
than the FULL COLD line. If the coolant is below the
FULL COLD line when the engine is hot, there could
be a leak in the cooling system.
If the coolant is low, add the coolant or take the vehicle
to a dealer/retailer for service.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
{WARNING:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough.
Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
{WARNING:
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn you badly. They are
under pressure, and if you turn the coolant surge
tank pressure cap —even a little —they can come
out at high speed. Never turn the cap when the
cooling system, including the coolant surge tank
pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system
and coolant surge tank pressure cap to cool if you
ever have to turn the pressure cap.
6-36

4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the engine and let it run until you can feel the
upper radiator hose getting hot. Any time during
this procedure, watch out for the engine
cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant
surge tank may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper mixture to the coolant surge
tank until the level stabilizes at the FULL COLD
mark on the coolant surge tank. 5. Replace the pressure cap. Be sure the pressure
cap is hand-tight and fully seated.
Check the level in the surge tank when the system
has cooled down. If the coolant is not at the proper
level, repeat Steps 1 through 4, then reinstall the
pressure cap. If the coolant is not at the proper
level when the system cools down again, see your
dealer/retailer.
Notice: If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightly
secured.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators to warn of engine
overheating.
There is an engine coolant temperature gauge on
the instrument panel cluster. See Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge
on page 4‑40. The vehicle may
also display a COOLANT OVER TEMPERATURE
message on the Driver Information Center (DIC).
See DIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4‑52for more information.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away. See Roadside Assistance Program
on
page 8‑7.
6-38

If you do decide to lift the hood , make sure the vehicle
is parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine cooling fan is running.
If the engine is overheating, the fan should be running.
If it is not, do not continue to run the engine and have
the vehicle serviced.
Notice: Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant is not covered by your warranty.
See Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
on page 6‑41for information on driving to a safe
place in an emergency.
Notice: If the engine catches fire while driving
with no coolant, the vehicle can be badly damaged.
The costly repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. See Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
on page 6‑41for information on
driving to a safe place in an emergency.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
{WARNING:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you
badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam coming
from it. Turn it off and get everyone away from
the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until there
is no sign of steam or coolant before you open
the hood.
If you keep driving when the vehicles engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire. You or
others could be badly burned. Stop the engine if
it overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the
engine is cool.
See Overheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode
on page 6‑41for information on driving to
a safe place in an emergency.
6-39

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 firing groups
of cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this
mode, there is a significant 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. See Engine Oil
on
page 6‑19.
Power Steering Fluid
See Engine Compartment
Overviewon page 6‑14for reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
6-41

Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it.
Add washer fluid until the
tank is full. See Engine
Compartment Overview
on page 6‑14for
reservoir location.
Notice:
.When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer's instructions for
adding water.
.Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer
fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze
and damage the washer fluid tank and other
parts of the washer system. Also, water does
not clean as well as washer fluid.
.Fill the washer fluid tank only three-quarters
full when it is very cold. This allows for fluid
expansion if freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is completely full.
.Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in
the windshield washer. It can damage the
vehicle's windshield washer system and
paint.
Brakes
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder
reservoir is filled with
DOT 3 brake fluid. See
Engine Compartment
Overview
on page 6‑14for the location of the
reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in
the reservoir might go down:
.The brake fluid level goes down because of
normal brake lining wear. When new linings are
installed, the fluid level goes back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic system can also
cause a low fluid level. Have the brake hydraulic
system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or
later the brakes will not work well.
6-43

Scheduled Maintenance
When the Change Engine Oil Message
Displays
Change engine oil and filter. See Engine Oilon
page 6‑19. An Emission Control Service.
When the Change Engine Oil message displays,
service is required for the vehicle as soon as possible,
within the next 1 000 km/600 miles. If driving under the
best conditions, the engine oil life system might not
indicate the need for vehicle service for more than a
year. The engine oil and filter must be changed at least
once a year and the oil life system must be reset. Your
dealer/retailer has trained service technicians who will
perform this work and reset the system. If the engine
oil life system is reset accidentally, service the vehicle
within 5 000 km/3,000 miles since the last service.
Reset the oil life system whenever the oil is changed.
See Engine Oil Life System on page 6‑25. When the Change Engine Oil message displays,
certain services, checks, and inspections are
required. The services described for Maintenance
I
should be performed at every engine oil change.
The services described for Maintenance IIshould
be performed when:.Maintenance Iwas performed the last time the
engine oil was changed.
.It has been 10 months or more since the Change
Engine Oil message has displayed or since the last
service.
Maintenance I
.Change engine oil and filter. See Engine Oilon
page 6‑19. An Emission Control Service.
.Engine coolant level check. See Engine Coolanton page 6‑34.
.Windshield washer fluid level check. See
Windshield Washer Fluid on page 6‑42.
.Tire inflation check. See Inflation - Tire Pressureon page 6‑70.
7-3

.Tire wear inspection. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6‑76.
.Fluids visual leak check (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first). A leak in any system must
be repaired and the fluid level checked.
.Engine air cleaner filter inspection (vehicles
driven in dusty conditions only). See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 6‑27.
.Brake system inspection (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first).
Maintenance II
.Perform all services described in Maintenance I.
.Steering and suspension inspection. Visual
inspection for damaged, loose, or missing parts
or signs of wear.
.Engine cooling system inspection. Visual
inspection of hoses, pipes, fittings, and clamps
and replacement, if needed.
.Windshield wiper blade inspection for wear,
cracking, or contamination and windshield and
wiper blade cleaning, if contaminated. See
Windshield and Wiper Blades
on page 6‑96.
Worn or damaged wiper blade replacement.
See Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
on
page 6‑59.
.Body hinges and latches, key lock cylinders, any
folding seat hardware, and rear compartment,
hood, and console door hinges and latches
lubrication. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
on page 7‑10. More frequent
lubrication may be required when vehicle is
exposed to a corrosive environment. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips with a clean cloth
makes them last longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
.Restraint system component check. See Checking
the Restraint Systems on page 2‑60.
.Engine air cleaner filter inspection. See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 6‑27.
.Passenger compartment air filter replacement
(or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). More
frequent replacement may be required if vehicle is
driven regularly under dusty conditions.
Additional Required Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.Engine oil level check. See Engine Oilon
page 6‑19.
.Engine coolant level check. See Engine Coolanton page 6‑34.
.Windshield washer fluid level check. See
Windshield Washer Fluid on page 6‑42.
7-4

First Engine Oil Change After Every
80 000 km/50,000 Miles
.Engine air cleaner filter replacement. See Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6‑27.
.Automatic transmission fluid change (severe
service) for vehicles mainly driven in heavy city
traffic in hot weather, in hilly or mountainous
terrain, when frequently towing a trailer, or used
for taxi, police, or delivery service. See Automatic
Transmission Fluid on page 6‑31.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
160 000 km/100,000 Miles
.Automatic transmission fluid change (normal
service). See Automatic Transmission Fluidon
page 6‑31.
.Spark plug replacement and spark plug wires
inspection. An Emission Control Service.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
240 000 km/150,000 Miles
.Engine cooling system drain, flush, and refill,
cooling system and cap pressure check, and
cleaning of outside of radiator and air conditioning
condenser (or every 5 years, whichever occurs
first). See Engine Coolant
on page 6‑34.An
Emission Control Service.
.ZR1 Only: Intercooler system drain, flush, and refill
(or every 5 years, whichever occurs first). See
Engine Coolant on page 6‑34.
.Engine accessory drive belt inspection for fraying,
excessive cracks, or obvious damage and
replacement, if needed. An Emission Control
Service.
7-6

Scheduled Maintenance
ServiceMaintenanceIMaintenance II
Change engine oil and filter. Reset oil life system. ••
Engine coolant level check. ••
Windshield washer fluid level check. ••
Tire inflation pressures check. ••
Tire wear inspection. ••
Fluids visual leak check. ••
Engine air cleaner filter inspection (vehicles driven in dusty conditions only). ••
Brake system inspection. ••
Steering and suspension inspection. •
Engine cooling system inspection. •
Windshield wiper blades inspection. •
Body components lubrication. •
Restraint system components check. •
Engine air cleaner filter inspection (vehicles not driven in dusty conditions). •
Passenger compartment air filter replacement. •
7-7