overheating CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2010 6.G Owners Manual

Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to the
vehicle can damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not use
equipment exceeding maximum amperage rating of
20 amperes. Check with your dealer/retailer before
adding electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow the
installation instructions included with the equipment.
We recommend that you see a qualified technician or
your dealer/retailer for the proper installation of your
equipment.
Notice: Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not
hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket
from the plug because the power outlets are
designed for accessory power plugs only.Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
The ashtray and cigarette lighter are located on the
instrument panel, in front of the shift lever. To use the
ashtray, press on the indentation at the top of the door.
Notice: If papers, pins, or other flammable items are
put in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other smoking
materials could ignite them and possibly damage
the vehicle. Never put flammable items in the
ashtray.
Loose objects, such as paper clips, can lodge behind
and beneath the ashtray lid and prevent movement of
the lid. You should avoid putting small, loose objects
near the ashtray.
To use the cigarette lighter, push it in all the way and let
go. When it is ready, it will pop back out by itself.
Notice: Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is
heating does not let the lighter back away from
the heating element when it is hot. Damage from
overheating can occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold a
cigarette lighter in while it is heating.
4-21

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

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

Checking Coolant
1. Verify that the engine and intercooler are no longer hot.
2. Place a cloth to absorb possible coolant loss under the driver's side bleeder valve (A). 3. Loosen, but do not completely unscrew the bleeder
valve to check for coolant in the system.
4. Tighten the bleeder valve if there is coolant flowing out of the bleeder valve.
5. If there is no coolant flowing out of the bleeder valve, there could be a leak in the system. Tighten
the bleeder valve and contact your dealer/retailer
for service.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is filled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in the vehicle for five years or 240 000 km
(150,000 miles), whichever occurs first.
The following explains the cooling system and how
to check and add coolant when it is low. If there is
a problem with engine overheating, see Engine
Overheating on page 6‑38.
6-34

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