engine overheat CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2010 6.G Owners Manual

3. Do not race the engine immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and transmission gently until
the oil warms up and lubricates all moving parts.
4. If the engine does not start and no DIC message is displayed, wait 15 seconds before trying again to
let the cranking motor cool down.
If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below −18°C
or 0°F), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing the accelerator pedal all the way
to the floor while cranking for up to 15 seconds
maximum. Wait at least 15 seconds between
each try, to allow the cranking motor to cool down.
When the engine starts, let go of the accelerator.
If the vehicle starts briefly but then stops again,
repeat these steps. This clears the extra gasoline
from the engine.
Notice: Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by pressing the START button immediately
after cranking has ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the battery. Wait at
least 15 seconds between each try, to allow the
cranking motor to cool down. The vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in starting the engine and
protects components. Once cranking has been initiated,
the engine continues cranking for a few seconds or
until the vehicle starts. If the engine does not start,
cranking automatically stops after 15 seconds to
prevent cranking motor damage. To prevent gear
damage, this system also prevents cranking if the
engine is already running.
Notice:
The engine is designed to work with the
electronics in the vehicle. If electrical parts or
accessories are added, you could change the
way the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your dealer/retailer. If you
do not, the engine might not perform properly. Any
resulting damage would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
3-25

Downshifting (Manual Transmission)
Do not downshift into the gear shown below at a speed
greater than shown in the table:
1 (First)50 mph (80 km/h)
2 (Second) 74 mph (119 km/h)
3 (Third) 101 mph (163 km/h)
4 (Fourth) 130 mph (209 km/h)
Notice: If you skip more than one gear when you
downshift, or if you race the engine when you
release the clutch pedal while downshifting, you
could damage the engine, clutch, driveshaft or the
transmission. Do not skip gears or race the engine
when downshifting.
The six-speed transmission has a spring that centers
the shift lever near 3 (Third) and 4 (Fourth). This
spring helps you know which gear you are in when
you are shifting. Be careful when shifting from 1 (First)
to 2 (Second) or downshifting from 6 (Sixth) to 5 (Fifth).
The spring will try to pull the shift lever toward 4 (Fourth)
and 3 (Third). Make sure you move the lever into
2 (Second) or 5 (Fifth). If you let the shift lever move
in the direction of the pulling, you may end up shifting
from 1 (First) to 4 (Fourth) or from 6 (Sixth) to 3 (Third).
Parking Brake
The parking brake lever is located to the right of the
center console.
To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down.
Pull the parking brake lever up. If the ignition is on, the
brake system warning light will come on.
To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal
down. Then push the release button in as you move the
parking brake lever all the way down.
Notice: Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the
brake warning light is off before driving.
3-34

Shifting Into Park
(Automatic Transmission)
{WARNING:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are
on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow.
1. Hold the brake pedal set the parking brake. See Parking Brake
on page 3‑34for more
information.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by holding in the button on the lever and pushing the lever all the
way toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Press the Acc. button (ignition switch) to turn the engine off.
Leaving the Vehicle With the Engine
Running (Automatic Transmission)
{WARNING:
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the
engine running. The vehicle could move suddenly
if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the
parking brake firmly set. And, if you leave the
vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat
and even catch fire. You or others could be
injured. Do not leave the vehicle with the engine
running.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the engine running,
be sure the vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking brake
is firmly set before you leave it. After you have moved
the shift lever into P (Park), hold down the regular brake
pedal. See if you can move the shift lever away from
P (Park) without first pushing the button on the lever.
If you can, it means that the shift lever was not fully
locked into P (Park).
3-35

Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
United StatesCanada
This gauge shows the engine coolant temperature.
If the gauge 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.
See Engine Overheating
on page 6‑38for more
information.
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with a tire
pressure monitoring
system, this light comes
on briefly when the engine
is started. It provides
information about tire
pressures and the Tire
Pressure Monitoring
System.
When the Light is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the tires is
significantly underinflated.
A tire pressure message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC), can accompany the light. See Driver
Information Center (DIC)
on page 4‑47for more
information. Stop and check the tires as soon as it is
safe to do so. If underinflated, inflate to the proper
pressure. See Inflation - Tire Pressure
on page 6‑70for more information.
4-40

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. See Engine Coolant
on
page 6‑34.
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. See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp
on page 4‑41for 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. See Engine Overheating on page 6‑38.
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. See Convertible Top
(Manual)
on page 3‑59or Convertible Top (Power)on
page 3‑66.
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. If your
vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission,
Launch Control is available when this mode selected.
The Traction Control System (TCS) will not be operating
while in the Competitive Driving mode. Adjust your
driving accordingly. This system is available on all
models except ZR1. See Competitive Driving Mode
on
page 5‑9, including the “Launch Control” information,
and Racing or Other Competitive Drivingon page 5‑19for more information.
4-55

COOLANT OVER TEMPERATURE
This message displays and a sound will be heard if the
engine coolant exceeds 124°C (255°F). 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
gauges button on the DIC or the engine coolant
temperature gauge on the instrument panel cluster.
See Engine Overheating
on page 6‑38,DIC Operation
and Displayson page 4‑47, and Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge on page 4‑40.
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 briefly 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. See Cruise Control
on page 4‑7for
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.
See Engine Overheating on page 6‑38.
ENGINE PROTECTION REDUCE
ENGINE RPM
This message displays if the engine oil temperature
exceeds 160°C (320°F). Check the engine coolant
temperature and engine oil level. If the engine is
too hot, see Engine Overheating
on page 6‑38.
The vehicle may need service, so see your dealer/
retailer.
You can monitor the oil temperature with the gauges
button on the DIC. See DIC Operation and Displays
on
page 4‑47.
4-56

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

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

WARNING: (Continued)
For more information about carbon monoxide, see
Engine Exhaust on page 3‑37.
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle.
This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas
to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill you.
You cannot see it or smell it, so you might not
know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from
around the base of your vehicle, especially any
that is blocking the exhaust.
Run the engine for short periods only as needed to
keep warm, but be careful.
To save fuel, run the engine for only short periods as
needed to warm the vehicle and then shut the engine
off and close the window most of the way to save heat.
Repeat this until help arrives but only when you feel
really uncomfortable from the cold. Moving about to
keep warm also helps.
If it takes some time for help to arrive, now and then
when you run the engine, push the accelerator pedal
slightly so the engine runs faster than the idle speed.
This keeps the battery charged to restart the vehicle
and to signal for help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible to save fuel.
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to free the
vehicle when stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
See Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on page 5‑28.
If the vehicle has a traction system, it can often help
to free a stuck vehicle. Refer to the vehicle's traction
system in the Index. If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the traction system off
and use the rocking method.
{WARNING:
If the vehicle's tires spin at high speed, they
can explode, and you or others could be injured.
The vehicle can overheat, causing an engine
compartment fire or other damage. Spin the
wheels as little as possible and avoid going above
55 km/h (35 mph) as shown on the speedometer.
For information about using tire chains on the vehicle,
see Tire Chains on page 6‑84.
5-27

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