ESP CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2011 6.G Owner's Manual

Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
9-6 Driving and Operating
Turn the steering wheel 8 to 13 cm
(3 to 5 inches), about one-eighth
turn, until the right front tire contacts
the pavement edge. Then turn the
steering wheel to go straight down
the roadway.
Loss of Control
Let us review what driving experts
say about what happens when the
three control systems—brakes,
steering, and acceleration —do not
have enough friction where the tires
meet the road to do what the driver
has asked.
In any emergency, do not give up.
Keep trying to steer and constantly
seek an escape route or area of
less danger.
Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of
the vehicle. Defensive drivers avoid
most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions,
and by not overdriving those
conditions. But skids are always
possible.
The three types of skids correspond
to the vehicle's three control
systems. In the braking skid,
the wheels are not rolling. In the
steering or cornering skid, too much
speed or steering in a curve causes
tires to slip and lose cornering force.
And in the acceleration skid, too
much throttle causes the driving
wheels to spin.
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 is longer
and vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with
reduced traction, try 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 might
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.

Black plate (12,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
9-12 Driving and Operating
Blizzard Conditions
Being stuck in snow can be in a
serious situation. Stay with the
vehicle unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use theRoadside
Assistance Program (United States
and Canada) on page 13‑8 or
Roadside Assistance Program
(Mexico) on page 13‑10. To get
help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.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
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
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
(2 in) 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.(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
.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.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust on page 9‑26.
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.

Black plate (22,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
9-22 Driving and Operating
Cell phone chargers can interfere
with the operation of the Keyless
Access System. Battery chargers
should not be plugged in when
starting or turning off the engine.
To start the vehicle, do the following:
1. For vehicles with an automatictransmission, with your foot
on the brake pedal, press the
START button located on the
instrument panel. For vehicles
with a manual transmission, you
must also press in the clutch
pedal while pressing the START
button.
If there is not a keyless access
transmitter in the vehicle or if
there is something causing
interference with it, the DIC will
display NO FOBS DETECTED.
See Key and Lock Messages on
page 5‑42 for more information. 2. When the engine begins
cranking, let go of the button and
the engine cranks automatically
until it starts. If the battery in the
keyless access transmitter is
weak, the DIC displays FOB
BATTERY LOW. You can still
drive the vehicle.
See “Battery Replacement”
under Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation on
page 2‑3 for more information.
If the fob battery is dead, you
need to insert the fob into
the fob slot to enable engine
starting. See “NO FOBS
DETECTED” underKey and
Lock Messages on page 5‑42.
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.

Black plate (30,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
9-30 Driving and Operating
SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 9‑36 Traction Control
System (TCS).
The Manual Paddle Shift system
can be deactivated by moving the
shifter from S (Sport Mode) back to
D (Drive), or by holding either
up‐shift button for more than
one second.
The driver may choose to briefly
activate the Manual Paddle Shift
system while in D (Drive). Tapping
either the upshift or downshift
controls will place the transmission
in Manual Paddle Shift mode. The
driver may then exit Manual Paddle
Shift mode by holding either upshift
control for two seconds. The system
will return to automatic shifting after
10 seconds of cruising at a steady
speed, or when the vehicle comes
to a stop.
While the Manual Paddle Shift
gear selection system is active,
the transmission will automatically
downshift through the gears as the
vehicle slows. The transmission will select 2 (Second) gear as the
vehicle stops. From a stop, the
vehicle will start from and hold
2 (Second) gear unless the driver
manually paddle shifts into a
different gear or selects D (Drive).
The driver can select 1 (First) gear
for maximum acceleration from
a stop.
When using the Manual Paddle
Shift feature while in S (Sport Mode),
the current gear will be displayed in
the Driver Information (DIC), or the
Head-Up Display (HUD), if the
vehicle has either of these features.
If the vehicle has a Navigation
system, see
“Head-Up
Display (HUD)” in the Index
of the navigation manual. The Manual Paddle Shift system
will not allow either an up-shift or a
down-shift if the vehicle speed is too
fast or too slow, nor will it allow a
start from 4 (Fourth) or higher gear.
If up-shifting does not occur when
needed, vehicle speed will be
limited to protect the engine.
When the transmission gear does
not respond to a shift change, the
DIC will show an X over the gear
display.
When a requested shift is denied
due to the speed restrictions shown,
the DIC will momentarily show an X
over the gear display and a chime
will sound.

Black plate (31,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-31
If the vehicle has a HUD, and the
transmission gear does not respond
to a shift change, a chime will sound
and the HUD will momentarily show
an X over the gear display.
Manual Paddle Shift operation
is available for use with Cruise
Control. SeeCruise Control on
page 9‑44 Cruise Control for more
information.
The vehicle speeds required for
Manual Paddle Shift up-shifts
depend on several vehicle inputs,
which will vary the allowed up-shift
speed by a few km/h (mph).
For vehicles with a 2.56:1 Axle
Ratio (RPO GM8)
.Up-shifts to 4 (Fourth) gear
require approximately 35 km/h
(22 mph).
.Up-shifts to 5 (Fifth) gear require
approximately 45 km/h (28 mph).
.Up-shifts to 6 (Sixth) gear
require approximately 65 km/h
(41 mph). To prevent damage to the
powertrain, Manual Paddle
downshifts to a lower gear cannot
be done above certain speeds.
The maximum speed allowed for
downshifting of gears 1 (First)
through 4 (Fourth) are:
.Into 4 (Fourth) gear over
250 km/h (155 mph)
.Into 3 (Third) gear over
188 km/h (117 mph)
.Into 2 (Second) gear over
120 km/h (75 mph)
.Into 1 (First) gear over
68 km/h (42 mph).
For vehicles with a 2.73:1 Axle
Ratio (RPO GU2)
.Up-shifts to 4 (Fourth) gear
require approximately 31 km/h
(19 mph).
.Up-shifts to 5 (Fifth) gear require
approximately 39 km/h (24 mph).
.Up-shifts to 6 (Sixth) gear
require approximately
57 km/h (35 mph). To prevent damage to the
powertrain, Manual Paddle
downshifts to a lower gear cannot
be done above certain speeds.
The maximum speed allowed for
downshifting of gears 1 (First)
through 4 (Fourth) are:
.Into 4 (Fourth) gear over
234 km/h (145 mph)
.Into 3 (Third) gear over
176 km/h (109 mph)
.Into 2 (Second) gear over
113 km/h (70 mph)
.Into 1 (First) gear over
64 km/h (40 mph).
If the driver does not request
an upshift as the engine speed
approaches fuel shut off RPM,
the engine speed will be limited to
protect the engine. See Tachometer
on page 5‑11 Tachometer for more
information.

Black plate (36,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
9-36 Driving and Operating
Brake Assist
This vehicle has a brake assist
feature designed to assist the
driver in stopping or decreasing
vehicle speed in emergency driving
conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake
control module to supplement
the power brake system under
conditions where the driver has
quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly
stop or slow down the vehicle.
The stability system hydraulic brake
control module increases brake
pressure at each corner of the
vehicle until the ABS activates.
Minor brake pedal pulsation or
pedal movement during this time
is normal and the driver should
continue to apply the brake pedal
as the driving situation dictates.
The brake assist feature will
automatically disengage when
the brake pedal is released or
brake pedal pressure is quickly
decreased.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control
System (TCS)
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) that limits wheel spin.
This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system
operates only if it senses that the
rear wheels are spinning too much
or are beginning to lose traction.
When this happens, the system
works the rear brakes and reduces
engine power (by closing the throttle
and managing engine spark) to limit
wheel spin.
The TRACTION SYSTEM ACTIVE
message displays on the Driver
Information Center (DIC) when TCS
is limiting wheel spin. SeeRide
Control System Messages on
page 5‑44. The system may be
heard or felt while it is working,
but this is normal. If cruise control is being used when
TCS begins to limit wheel spin, the
cruise control will automatically
disengage. Cruise control may be
reengaged when road conditions
allow. See
Cruise Control on
page 9‑44.
The SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM
message and the TCS warning light
will come on if there is a problem
with TCS. See Ride Control System
Messages on page 5‑44.
When this light and the SERVICE
TRACTION SYSTEM message
are on, the system will not limit
wheel spin. Adjust your driving
accordingly.

Black plate (37,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-37
TCS automatically comes on
whenever the vehicle is started.
To limit wheel spin, especially in
slippery road conditions, the system
should always be left on. TCS can
be turned off if needed.
To turn the system off, press the
button located on the console.
The system can be turned on or off
at any time by pressing the ACTIVE
HANDLING button. The DIC will
display the appropriate message
when the button is pushed.
Notice:When traction control is
turned off, or Competitive Driving
Mode is active, it is possible to
lose traction. If you attempt to shift with the drive wheels
spinning with a loss of traction, it
is possible to cause damage to
the transmission. Do not attempt
to shift when the drive wheels do
not have traction. Damage caused
by misuse of the vehicle is not
covered. See the warranty book
for additional information.
Adding non‐dealer/non-retailer
accessories can affect the vehicle's
performance. See
Accessories and
Modifications on page 10‑4 for more
information.
Active Handling System
The Active Handling System is
a computer controlled system
that helps the driver maintain
directional control of the vehicle
in difficult driving conditions.
This is accomplished by selectively
applying any one of the vehicle's
brakes. The ACTIVE HANDLING message
will come on when the system is
operating. See
Ride Control System
Messages on page 5‑44 for more
information. The system may be
heard or felt while it is working.
This is normal.
The SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING
SYSTEM message is displayed, the
instrument cluster light comes on,
and a sound is heard if there is a
problem with the system.
See Ride Control System Messages
on page 5‑44 for more information.
When this light and the SERVICE
ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM
message are on, the system is not
operational. Adjust your driving
accordingly.

Black plate (42,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
9-42 Driving and Operating
Launch Control is only available
when the following criteria are met:
.Competitive Driving Mode is
selected (except ZR1) or any
of the Performance Traction
Management modes are
selected (ZR1). The TCS
light comes on the instrument
panel and the appropriate
DIC message displays.
.The vehicle is not moving.
.The steering wheel is pointing
straight.
.The clutch is pressed and the
vehicle is in first gear.
.The accelerator pedal is rapidly
applied to wide open throttle.
The Launch Control feature will
initially limit engine speed as
the driver rapidly applies the accelerator pedal to wide open
throttle. A smooth, quick release of
the clutch, while maintaining the
fully pressed accelerator pedal, will
manage wheel slip. Complete
shifts as described in
Manual
Transmission on page 9‑32.
After the vehicle is launched, the
system continues in Competitive
Mode (except ZR1) or Performance
Traction Management (ZR1).
Competitive Driving Mode,
Performance Traction Management,
and Launch Control are systems
designed for a closed course race
track and not intended for use on
public roads. The systems are not
intended to compensate for lack of
driver experience or familiarity with
the race track.
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Vehicles with a limited-slip rear axle
can give more traction on snow,
mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works
like a standard axle most of the
time, but when traction is low,
this feature allows the drive wheel
with the most traction to move the
vehicle.
Selective Ride Control
The vehicle may have a ride control
system called Magnetic Selective
Ride Control. The system provides
the following performance benefits:
.Reduced Impact Harshness
.Improved Road Isolation
.Improved High-Speed Stability
.Improved Handling Response
.Better Control of Body Ride
Motions

Black plate (43,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-43
Except ZR1
This knob is located on the center
console. Turn it to select the
suspension of your choice.
TOUR:Use for normal city and
highway driving. This setting
provides a smooth, soft ride.
SPORT: Use where road conditions
or personal preference demand
more control. This setting provides
more “feel”, or response to the road
conditions. The setting can be changed
at any time. Based on road
conditions, steering wheel angle
and the vehicle speed, the system
automatically adjusts to provide
the best handling while providing
a smooth ride. The Tour and Sport
modes will feel similar on a smooth
road. Select a new setting whenever
driving conditions change.
Three Driver Information
Center (DIC) messages (SERVICE
RIDE CONTROL, SHOCKS
INOPERATIVE and MAXIMUM
SPEED 80 MPH (129 KM/H) display
when a malfunction occurs with
the Selective Ride Control system.
Refer to
Ride Control System
Messages on page 5‑44 for more
information.
ZR1
This knob is located on the
center console. Turn it to select
the suspension of your choice.
The knob will return to the center
position when released. The switch
will illuminate the current
suspension setting.
TOUR: Use for normal city and
highway driving. This setting
provides a smooth, soft ride.

Black plate (44,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
9-44 Driving and Operating
SPORT:Use where road conditions
or personal preference demand
more control. This setting provides
more “feel”, or response to the road
conditions.
The setting can be changed
at any time. Based on road
conditions, steering wheel angle
and the vehicle speed, the system
automatically adjusts to provide
the best handling while providing a
smooth ride. The Tour and Sport
modes will feel similar on a smooth
road. Select a new setting whenever
driving conditions change.
The Selective Ride knob will not
display the Tour or Sport setting
when the Performance Traction
Management mode is selected. When this mode is selected,
turning the Selective Ride knob
will change the Performance
Traction Management mode
and the suspension setting
will be determined automatically.
See
Competitive Driving Mode on
page 9‑38 for more information.
Three Driver Information Center
(DIC) messages (SERVICE
RIDE CONTROL, SHOCKS
INOPERATIVE and MAXIMUM
SPEED 80 MPH (129 KM/H) display
when a malfunction occurs with
the Selective Ride Control system.
Refer to Ride Control System
Messages on page 5‑44 for more
information.Cruise Control
With cruise control, a speed of
about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more can
be maintained without keeping your
foot on the accelerator. Cruise
control does not work at speeds
below about 40 km/h (25 mph).
Cruise control will not work if the
parking brake is set, or if the master
cylinder brake fluid level is low.
{WARNING
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
a steady speed. So, do not use
the cruise control on winding
roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous
on slippery roads. On such roads,
fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use
cruise control on slippery roads.