cooling CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2011 6.G User Guide

Black plate (31,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-31
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. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 10‑29 for more information.
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 10‑10 for 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 for
service.

Black plate (32,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
10-32 Vehicle Care
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(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
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.
If coolant is needed, add the proper
DEX-COOL coolant mixture directly
to the surge tank, but be sure the
cooling system is cool before this
is done.
1. When the cooling system, including the coolant surge tank
pressure cap and upper radiator
hose, is no longer hot, remove
the pressure cap.
Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise about
one-quarter turn and then stop.
If a hiss is heard, wait for that to
stop. A hiss means there is still
some pressure left.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap slowly, and remove it.

Black plate (33,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-33
3. Fill the coolant surge tank withthe proper DEX-COOL coolant
mixture until the level inside
stabilizes at the FULL COLD
mark on the front of the
surge tank.4. With the coolant surge tankpressure cap off, start the
engine and let it run until the
upper radiator hose can be felt
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
the dealer.
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.

Black plate (34,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
10-34 Vehicle Care
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators
to warn of engine overheating.
There is an engine coolant
temperature gauge on the
instrument panel cluster.
SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Gauge on page 5‑15. The vehicle
may also display a COOLANT
OVER TEMPERATURE message
on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). See Engine Cooling
System Messages on page 5‑39
for more information.
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood but to get service help right
away. See Roadside Assistance
Program (United States and
Canada) on page 13‑8 orRoadside
Assistance Program (Mexico) on
page 13‑10.
If the decision is made 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 the
vehicle warranty. See Overheated
Engine Protection Operating
Mode for 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 10‑35 for information on
driving to a safe place in an
emergency.
If Steam is Coming from the
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.
(Continued)

Black plate (54,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
10-54 Vehicle Care
J-StyleFuses Usage
25 Cooling Fan
26 Battery Main 3
27 Antilock Brake
System
28 Heating/Ventilation/
Air Conditioning
Blower
29 Battery Main 2
30 Starter
31 Audio Amplifier
32 Intercooler Pump
33 Battery Main 1
Micro-Relays Usage 34 Horn
35 Air
Conditioning
Compressor
36 Windshield
Washer Micro-Relays Usage
37 Parking
Lamps,
Foglamps
38 Front
Fog Lamp
39 High-Beam
Headlamp
46 Headlamp
Washer
55 Fuel Pump
(except ZR1)
Mini-Relays Usage 40 Rear Defog
41 Windshield Wiper
High/Low
42 Windshield Wiper
Run/Accessory
43 Crank
44 Powertrain
Ignition 1 Mini-Relays Usage
45 Windshield Wiper
On/Off
47 Low-Beam
Headlamp
Spare Fuses Usage 48 Spare
49 Spare
50 Spare
51 Spare
52 Spare
53 Spare
54 Fuse Puller
Diodes Usage § Diode 1
§ Wiper
§ Diode 2

Black plate (78,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
10-78 Vehicle Care
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent,
cracked, or badly rusted or
corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming
loose, the wheel, wheel bolts, and
wheel nuts should be replaced.
If the wheel leaks air, replace it
(except some aluminum wheels,
which can sometimes be repaired).
See your dealer if any of these
conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of
wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have
the same load-carrying capacity,
diameter, width, offset, and be
mounted the same way as the
one it replaces.If you need to replace any of your
wheels, wheel bolts or wheel nuts,
replace them only with new GM
original equipment parts. This way,
you will be sure to have the right
wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel nuts
for your vehicle.
{WARNING
Using the wrong replacement
wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel
nuts on your vehicle can be
dangerous. It could affect the
braking and handling of your
vehicle, make your tires lose air
and make you lose control. You
could have a collision in which
you or others could be injured.
Always use the correct wheel,
wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for
replacement.
{WARNING
Putting a used wheel on the
vehicle is dangerous. You cannot
know how it has been used or
how far it has been driven.
It could fail suddenly and cause
a crash. If you have to replace a
wheel, use a new GM original
equipment wheel.
Notice: The wrong wheel can
also cause problems with
bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometer or odometer
calibration, headlamp aim,
bumper height, vehicle ground
clearance, and tire clearance to
the body and chassis.

Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
Service and Maintenance 11-3
Your dealer 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.
SeeEngine Oil Life System on
page 10‑22.
Every Engine Oil Change
.Change engine oil and
filter. Reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil on page 10‑15
and Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑22. An Emission
Control Service.
.Engine coolant level check.
See Engine Coolant on
page 10‑29.
.Engine cooling system
inspection. Visual inspection
of hoses, pipes, fittings, and
clamps and replacement,
if needed.
.Windshield washer fluid level
check. See Washer Fluid on
page 10‑37.
.Windshield wiper blade
inspection for wear, cracking,
or contamination and windshield
and wiper blade cleaning,
if contaminated. See Exterior
Care on page 10‑86. Worn
or damaged wiper blade
replacement. See Wiper Blade
Replacement on page 10‑46.
.Tire inflation pressures
check. See Tire Pressure on
page 10‑66.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire
Inspection on page 10‑72.
.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. See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 10‑24.
.Brake system inspection
(or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first).
.Steering and suspension
inspection. Visual inspection
for damaged, loose, or missing
parts or signs of wear.
.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 11‑6.
More frequent lubrication may
be required when the 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 Safety System
Check on page 3‑21.

Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
Service and Maintenance 11-5
First Engine Oil Change After
Every 80 000 km/50,000 Miles
.Engine air cleaner filter
replacement. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 10‑24.
.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 10‑23.
.Evaporative control system
inspection. Check all fuel and
vapor lines and hoses for proper
hook‐up, routing, and condition.
Check that the purge valve,
if the vehicle has one, works
properly. Replace as needed.
An Emission Control Service. The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board
has determined that the failure
to perform this maintenance
item will not nullify the emission
warranty or limit recall liability
prior to the completion of
the vehicle's useful life.
We, however, urge that all
recommended maintenance
services be performed at the
indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
First Engine Oil Change After
Every 160 000 km/100,000 Miles.Automatic transmission fluid
change (normal service).
See Automatic Transmission
Fluid on page 10‑23.
.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 (or every five
years, whichever occurs first).
See
Engine Coolant on
page 10‑29. An Emission
Control Service.
.ZR1 Only: Intercooler system
drain, flush, and refill (or every
five years, whichever occurs
first). See Engine Coolant on
page 10‑29.
.Engine drive belts inspection
for fraying, excessive cracks,
or obvious damage (or every
10 years, whichever occurs
first). Replace, if needed.

Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
12-2 Technical Data
Vehicle Data
Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in metric and English conversions.
SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 11‑6 for more information.
Application Capacities
Metric English
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134a For the air conditioning system refrigerant charge
amount, see the refrigerant label located under the hood. See your dealer for more information.
Cooling System 6.2L LS3 V8 Engine 11.3 L 11.9 qt
6.2L LS9 V8 Supercharged Engine –Cooling System 12.0 L 12.7 qt
6.2L LS9 V8 Supercharged Engine –Supercharger
Intercooler Cooling System 4.9 L 5.2 qt
7.0L LS7 V8 Engine 11.3 L 11.9 qt
Engine Oil with Filter
6.2L LS3 V8 5.7 L 6.0 qt
6.2L LS3 V8 with Z52 Dry Sump Oil System 9.9 L 10.5 qt

Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
INDEX i-3
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Cluster, IP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Clutch, Hydraulic . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . 13-12
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Competitive Driving Mode . . . . . 9-38
Competitive Driving, Racingor Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Convertible Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22 Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-37
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Coolant Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Engine TemperatureGauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Cooling System . . . . . . . .10-28, 10-29 Engine Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-39
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-10
Covers Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2 Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-44
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-38
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . 13-6 Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-5
Text Telephone (TTY)Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-6
Customer Information Service PublicationsOrdering Information . . . . . . 13-15
Customer Satisfaction
Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1, 13-3
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . 13-12
Danger, Warnings, andCautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . 13-17
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Devices, Auxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17
Displays Head-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-31 Door
Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-39
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Driving
Competitive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-38
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-10
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 9-10
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 9-13
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 9-14
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-11
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22, 1-23
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1