engine oil CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2012 6.G User Guide

Black plate (30,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
5-30 Instruments and Controls
Oil Pressure:This display shows
the oil pressure.
Press the gauges button to display
the oil pressure, such as:
.OIL PRESSURE 276 kPa or
.OIL PRESSURE 40 PSI
Oil Temperature: This display
shows the oil temperature.
Press the gauges button again to
display the oil temperature, such as:
.OIL TEMPERATURE 112°C or
.OIL TEMPERATURE 234°F
If the oil temperature is low,
the display will show OIL
TEMPERATURE LOW. If the oil
temperature is high, the display will
show OIL TEMPERATURE HIGH.
Coolant Temperature:
This display shows the engine
coolant temperature. Press the gauges button again to
display the coolant temperature,
such as:
.COOLANT
TEMPERATURE 51°C or
.COOLANT
TEMPERATURE 123°F
If the coolant temperature is low, the
display will show COOLANT
TEMPERATURE LOW. If the
coolant temperature is high, the
display will show COOLANT
TEMPERATURE HIGH.
Transmission Fluid
Temperature: If you have an
automatic transmission vehicle,
this display shows the automatic
transmission fluid temperature.
Press the gauges button again to
display the automatic transmission
fluid temperature, such as:
.TRANS FLUID TEMP 51°C or
.TRANS FLUID TEMP 123°F If the transmission fluid temperature
is low, the display will show TRANS
FLUID TEMP LOW. If the
transmission fluid temperature is
high, the display will show TRANS
FLUID TEMP HIGH.
Battery Voltage:
This display
shows the current battery voltage.
Press the gauges button again to
display the battery voltage, such as:
.BATTERY VOLTAGE
13.5 VOLTS
Tire Pressure: This display shows
the tire pressure for each tire.
Press the gauges button again to
display the tire pressure for the
front tires, such as:
.FRONT TIRE PRESSURES
L 234 kPa R 228 kPa or
.FRONT TIRE PRESSURES
L 34 PSI R 33 PSI

Black plate (32,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
5-32 Instruments and Controls
Average Speed:Press the TRIP
button until the average speed is
displayed, such as:
.AVERAGE SPEED 100 km/h or
.AVERAGE SPEED 62 MPH
Press and hold the RESET button to
reset to 0.0 km/h (mph).
Engine Oil Life: Press the TRIP
button until the engine oil life is
displayed, such as OIL LIFE
REMAINING 89%.
This is an estimate of the engine
oil's remaining useful life. It will
show 100% when the system is
reset after an oil change. It will alert
you to change the oil on a schedule
consistent with your driving
conditions.
When the remaining oil life is low,
the system will alert you with the
message CHANGE ENGINE OIL.
Remember, you must reset the
engine oil life system yourself
after each oil change. It will not reset itself. To reset the
system, see
Engine Oil Life System
on page 10‑22. Be careful not to
reset the engine oil life system
accidentally at any time other than
when the oil has just been changed.
It cannot be reset accurately until
the next oil change.
See Maintenance Schedule on
page 11‑3 andEngine Oil on
page 10‑16 for more information.
OPTION Button
The OPTION button allows you to
access the PERSONAL OPTIONS
menu and customize the
personalization settings on your
vehicle. See Vehicle Personalization
on page 5‑55 for more information.
RESET Button
The RESET button, used along
with other buttons, will reset
system functions and turn off or
acknowledge messages on the DIC.
Head-Up Display (HUD)
{WARNING
If the HUD image is too bright,
or too high in your field of view, it
may take you more time to see
things you need to see when it is
dark outside. Be sure to keep the
HUD image dim and placed low in
your field of view.
For vehicles with the Head-Up
Display (HUD), you can see some
of the driver information that
appears on the instrument panel
cluster.

Black plate (33,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-33
The information may be displayed in
English or metric units and appears
as an image focused out toward the
front of the vehicle. The HUD
consists of the following information:
.Speedometer
.Turn Signal Indicators
.High-Beam Indicator Symbol
.Tachometer
.Manual Paddle Shift Gear
Indicator (If Equipped)
These displays on the HUD are
for use when using the manual
paddle shift controls to shift the
transmission. See“Manual
Paddle Shift” inAutomatic
Transmission on page 9‑27.
.Shift Light
This light is used for
performance driving to indicate
that the vehicle's best
performance level has been
reached to shift the transmission
into the next higher gear. An arrow pointing up will light
up on the display just prior to
reaching the engine fuel cut-off
mode. This cut-off is about 6,500
rpm for the LS3 engine, 6,600
rpm for the LS9 & ZR1 engines,
and 7,000 rpm for the
LS7 engine.
.Check Gauges Warning
.Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge
.Transmission Fluid Temperature
Gauge, (Automatic Transmission
Vehicles Only)
.Engine Oil Temperature Gauge
.Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
.G-Force Gauge
.Boost Gauge (If Equipped)
.Audio Functions, Street
Mode Only
.Navigation, Only with Navigation
Radio, Turn-by-Turn Guidance.
Street Mode Only
There are three HUD modes that
can be viewed in the HUD display.
Press the MODE button to scroll
through these modes in the
following order:
English
Metric
Street Mode supports audio and
navigation functions with your
choice of tachometer settings.

Black plate (34,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
5-34 Instruments and Controls
English
Metric
Track Mode 1 supports the G-Force
gauge and minor gauges with a
circular tachometer.
English
Metric
Track Mode 2 supports G-Force
gauges, boost gauge w/ZR1, and
minor gauges with a linear
tachometer.
When the desired HUD display
has been selected, release the
MODE button.
Within each mode, the display, can
be further customized by pressing
the PAGE button. Pressing this button in each mode
will turn off and on the following:
.Street Mode
—No tachometer,
circular tachometer, and linear
tachometer.
.Track Modes 1 and 2 —
No minor gauge, coolant
temperature, transmission oil
temperature (Automatic
Transmission only), engine oil
temperature, engine oil
pressure, and boost gauge.
While in Track Mode 1 or 2, the
maximum G value achieved
during the current ignition cycle
can be displayed by pressing
and holding the PAGE button.
The maximum G display will be
shown until the PAGE button is
released. The maximum G value
display will be identical to the
normal G value display, except
the maximum G gauge digits
(X.XX G) and corresponding
G gauge bar will overwrite the
current G value.

Black plate (41,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-41
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 10‑34.
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 10‑34. The
vehicle may need service, so see
your dealer.
You can monitor the oil temperature
with the gauges button on the DIC.
See Driver Information Center (DIC)
on page 5‑28. Multiple chimes sound when this
message is displayed. This
message remains displayed and
active until the issue is resolved.
HOT ENGINE AIR
CONDITIONING OFF
This message displays when the
engine coolant becomes hotter than
the normal operating temperature.
To avoid added strain on a hot
engine, the air conditioning
compressor is automatically turned
off. When the coolant temperature
returns to normal, the A/C operation
automatically resumes. You can
continue to drive the vehicle. If this
message continues to appear, have
the system repaired by your dealer
as soon as possible to avoid
compressor damage.
Engine Oil Messages
CHANGE ENGINE OIL
This message displays when the
life of the engine oil has expired.
See
Maintenance Schedule on
page 11‑3. After an oil change, the
engine oil life system must be reset.
See “Engine Oil Life” underDriver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5‑28. Also, see Engine Oil on
page 10‑16 andEngine Oil Life
System on page 10‑22 for more
information.

Black plate (42,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
5-42 Instruments and Controls
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. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 10‑34.
To acknowledge the message, press
the RESET button. The message
reappears every 10 minutes until
this condition changes.
LOW OIL PRESSURE
This message displays if low oil
pressure levels occur. If this
message appears while the engine
is running, stop the engine and do
not operate it until the cause of low
oil pressure is corrected. Severe
damage to the engine can result. A sound will be heard when this
message is displayed. See
Engine
Oil on page 10‑16.
Engine Power Messages
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.
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 as soon as possible for
diagnosis and repair. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 5‑19
for 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 10‑34.

Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
9-6 Driving and Operating
Defensive drivers avoid most skids
by taking reasonable care suited to
existing conditions, and by not
overdriving those conditions.
But skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow
these suggestions:
.Ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly
steer the way you want the
vehicle to go. The vehicle may
straighten out. Be ready for a
second skid if it occurs.
.Slow down and adjust your
driving according to weather
conditions. Stopping distance
can be longer and vehicle
control can be affected when
traction is reduced by water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. 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.
.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.
Remember: Antilock brakes help
avoid only the braking skid.
Racing or Other
Competitive Driving
Racing or competitive driving may
affect the vehicle warranty. See the
warranty book before using the
vehicle for racing or other
competitive driving.
Notice: If you use the vehicle
for racing or other competitive
driving, the engine may use more
oil than it would with normal use.
Low oil levels can damage the
engine. For information on how to
add oil, see Engine Oil on
page 10‑16. Z06, ZR1, and Grand Sport Coupe
manual transmission only: Be
sure to check the oil level often
during racing or other
competitive driving and keep the
level at or near the upper mark
that shows the proper operating
range on the engine oil dipstick.
Except Z06, ZR1, and Grand Sport
Coupe manual transmission:
Be sure to check the oil level
often during racing or other
competitive driving and keep the
level at or near 1 L (1 qt) above
the upper mark that shows the
proper operating range on the
engine oil dipstick. After the
competitive driving, remove
excess oil so that the level on the
dipstick is not above the upper
mark that shows the proper
operating range.
Z06, ZR1, and Grand Sport Coupe
manual transmission Only: For
racing or competitive driving, it is
recommended that the brake fluid
be replaced with a high performance
brake fluid that has a dry boiling

Black plate (18,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
9-18 Driving and Operating
Starting and
Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Follow these recommended
guidelines during the first 2 414 km
(1,500 miles) of driving this vehicle.
Parts have a break-in period and
performance will be better in
the long run.
For the first 322 km (200 miles):
.To break in new tires, drive at
moderate speeds and avoid hard
cornering for the first 322 km
(200 miles).
.New brake linings also need a
break- in period. Avoid making
hard stops during the first
322 km (200 miles). This is
recommended every time brake
linings are replaced.For the first 80 km (500 miles):
.Avoid full throttle starts and
abrupt stops.
.Do not exceed 4,000 rpm.
.Avoid driving at any one
constant speed, fast or slow,
including the use of cruise
control.
.Avoid downshifting to brake or
slow the vehicle when the
engine speed will exceed
4000 rpm.
.Do not let the engine labor.
Never lug the engine in high
gear at low speeds. With a
manual transmission, shift to
the next lower gear. This rule
applies at all times, not just
during the break-in period.
For the first 2 414 km (1,500 miles):
.Do not participate in track
events, sport driving schools,
or similar activities during the
first 2 414 km (1,500 miles).
.Check engine oil with every
refueling and add if necessary.
Oil and fuel consumption may be
higher than normal during the
first 2 414 km (1,500 miles).
Front Air Dam
The vehicle is equipped with a front
air dam which has minimal ground
clearance.
Vehicles with the ZR1 package,
or Z06 vehicles with RPO CFZ, also
come with a splitter made from
carbon fiber.

Black plate (21,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-21
Starting the Engine
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral) for an automatic
transmission. For a manual
transmission the vehicle can be
started in Neutral or any other gear
as long as the clutch pedal is
pressed. To restart a vehicle with a
manual transmission when you are
already moving, use the Neutral
position only. To restart a vehicle
with an automatic transmission
when you are already moving, use
N (Neutral).
Notice:Do not try to shift to
P (Park) if the vehicle is moving.
If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to P (Park)
only when the vehicle is stopped.
The RKE transmitter must be inside
the vehicle for the ignition to work. 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 automatic
transmission, 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 an RKE 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 5‑43 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
RKE 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 5‑43.
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.

Black plate (49,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-49
If the vehicle has the 6.2L V8 engine
(VIN Code T) or the 7.0L V8 engine
(VIN Code E), use premium
unleaded gasoline with a posted
octane rating of 91 or higher. For
best performance, use premium
unleaded gasoline with a posted
octane rating of 93. In an
emergency, you can use regular
unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating of 87 or higher. If 87 octane
fuel is used, do not perform any
aggressive driving maneuvers such
as wide open throttle applications.
You might also hear audible spark
knock during acceleration. Refill the
tank with premium fuel as soon as
possible to avoid damaging the
engine. If heavy knocking is heard
when using gasoline rated at
91 octane or higher, the engine
needs service.Gasoline Specifications
(U.S. and Canada Only)
At a minimum, gasoline should
meet ASTM specification D 4814in the United States or
CAN/CGSB‐3.5 or 3.511 in
Canada. Some gasolines contain
an octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). We recommend
against the use of gasolines
containing MMT. See Fuel Additives
on page 9‑50 for additional
information.
California Fuel
Requirements
If the vehicle is certified to meet
California Emissions Standards, it is
designed to operate on fuels that
meet California specifications. See
the underhood emission control
label. If this fuel is not available in
states adopting California Emissions
Standards, the vehicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting
federal specifications, but emission
control system performance might
be affected. The malfunction
indicator lamp could turn on and the
vehicle might fail a smog‐check test.
See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 5‑19. If this occurs, return to
your authorized dealer for diagnosis.
If it is determined that the condition
is caused by the type of fuel used,
repairs might not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Fuels in Foreign
Countries
Never use leaded gasoline or any
other fuel not recommended in the
previous text on fuel. Costly repairs
caused by use of improper fuel
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
To check the fuel availability, ask an
auto club, or contact a major oil
company that does business in the
country where you will be driving.