oil filter CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2012 6.G Owners Manual

Black plate (23,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
In Brief 1-23
Jump Starting the Battery
The battery of Z06, ZR1, and
manual transmission Z16 (Grand
Sport) coupe models is in the rear of
the vehicle. You do not need to
access the battery for jump starting.
There are remote positive (+) and
negative (−) terminals under the
hood for this purpose. SeeBattery
on page 10‑43 andJump Starting
on page 10‑82.
Brake Noise
Under certain weather or operating
conditions, occasional brake noise
might be heard with the vehicle's
performance braking system. This
brake system is designed for
superior fade resistance and
consistent operation using high
performance brake pads. Brake
noise is normal and does not affect
system performance. See Braking
on page 9‑4. Car Wash Guidelines
Automatic car washes are not
recommended for this vehicle.
Some car washes cause damage to
the vehicle, the wheels, and the
convertible top, if the vehicle is
so equipped.
If you drive the vehicle through an
automatic car wash that does not
have enough clearance for the
undercarriage and/or wide rear tires
and wheels, you could damage the
vehicle. Verify with the manager of
the car wash that the vehicle will fit
before entering the car wash or use
a touchless car wash. See
“Washing
Your Vehicle” underExterior Care
on page 10‑86.Engine Oil Life System
The engine oil life system calculates
engine oil life based on vehicle use
and displays a DIC message when
it is necessary to change the engine
oil and filter. The oil life system
should be reset to 100% only
following an oil change.
Resetting the Oil Life System
1. Press the TRIP button so the OIL LIFE percentage is
displayed.
2. Press RESET and hold for two seconds. OIL LIFE
REMAINING 100% will appear.
See Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑22.

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-1
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . 10-3
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Lifting the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-8
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-9
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-10
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-16
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . 10-22 Automatic Transmission
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . 10-25
Cooling System (Engine) . . . 10-28
Cooling System
(Intercooler) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . 10-34
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . 10-36
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-43
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . 10-45 Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control
Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . 10-46
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . 10-46
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-47
Windshield Replacement . . . 10-47
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . 10-48
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-48
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-48
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-48
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-49
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-50
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . 10-50

Black plate (11,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-11
A. Clutch Master CylinderReservoir (If Equipped).
See Hydraulic Clutch on
page 10‑24.
B. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid on
page 10‑38.
C. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 10‑38.
D. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant on page 10‑30. E.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10‑25.
F. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power Steering Fluid on
page 10‑36.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” underBrake
Fluid on page 10‑42.
H. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10‑16.
I. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑52. J. Passenger Compartment
Air Filter (Out of View).
See Passenger Compartment
Air Filter on page 8‑6.
K. Battery on page 10‑43.
If the vehicle has the 6.2 L LS3
V8 engine (without the dry sump
engine oil tank) and you are facing
the front of the vehicle.

Black plate (13,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-13
A. Intercooler. SeeCooling System
(Engine) on page 10‑28 or
Cooling System (Intercooler) on
page 10‑29.
B. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10‑25.
C. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir and Cap. See Power Steering
Fluid on page 10‑36.
D. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant on page 10‑30.
E. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid on
page 10‑38. F. Clutch Master Cylinder
Reservoir (If Equipped).
See Hydraulic Clutch on
page 10‑24.
G. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 10‑38.
H. Passenger Compartment Air Filter (Out of View).
See Passenger Compartment
Air Filter on page 8‑6.
I. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10‑16.
J. Dry Sump Engine Oil Tank. See “Changing Engine Oil
and Filter” Brake Fluid on
page 10‑42. K. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
“Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10‑16.
L. Remote Positive (+) Terminal (Out of View). See Jump
Starting on page 10‑82.
M. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑52.
If the vehicle has the 6.2 L LS9
Supercharged V8 engine and you
are facing the front of the vehicle.

Black plate (15,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-15
A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10‑25.
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power Steering Fluid on
page 10‑36.
C. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑52.
D. Remote Positive (+) Terminal (Out of View). See Jump
Starting on page 10‑82.
E. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10‑16. F. Dry Sump Engine Oil Tank.
See “Changing Engine Oil and
Filter” under Engine Oil on
page 10‑16.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10‑16.
H. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant on page 10‑30.
I. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid on
page 10‑38. J. Brake Fluid Reservoir.
See “Brake Fluid” under
Brake Fluid on page 10‑42.
K. Clutch Master Cylinder Reservoir. See Hydraulic Clutch
on page 10‑24.
If the vehicle has the 6.2 L LS3
V8 engine with the manual
transmission (with the dry sump
engine oil tank) or the 7.0 L LS7
V8 engine and you are facing the
driver side of the vehicle.

Black plate (20,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
10-20 Vehicle Care
Changing Engine Oil and Filter
(Z06, ZR1, and Grand Sport)
These vehicles have a racetrack‐
ready dry sump engine lubrication
system. This high‐performance
system operates differently than a
standard engine lubrication system
and requires a special procedure
when changing the engine oil and
filter. Follow this procedure closely
when changing the engine oil
and filter.
Z06 Shown, ZR1 andGrand Sport Similar
A. Engine Oil Drain Plugs
B. Seals
1. Remove the two engine oil drain plugs from the bottom of the
engine oil pan. One drain plug
drains the external oil tank via
the oil transfer supply line.
The other drain plug drains
residual oil from the crankcase
sump. Allow the oil to drain. 2. Once the oil has been drained
from the engine, remove the
engine oil filter and allow the
oil to drain.
3. Re‐install both drain plugs and tighten them to 25 Y(18 lb ft).
4. Replace the oil filter and tighten it to 30 Y(22 lb ft).
See Maintenance Replacement
Parts on page 11‑14 for the
correct filter.
5. Oil is filled through the opening in the top of the external engine
oil tank. Remove the oil fill cap.
6. Add 9.9 L (10.5 quarts) of oil to the oil tank. See Capacities and
Specifications on page 12‑2.
7. Install the oil fill cap and insert the dipstick, if removed.

Black plate (22,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
10-22 Vehicle Care
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your
own oil, be sure to drain all the oil
from the filter before disposal. Never
dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or
bodies of water. Recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer that
indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on a combination of factors which
include engine revolutions, engine
temperature, and miles driven.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably.
For the oil life system to work
properly, the system must be reset
every time the oil is changed.
Z06, ZR1, and Grand Sport models
have a racetrack‐ready dry sump
engine lubrication system. This
high‐performance system operates
differently than a standard engine
lubrication system and requires a
special procedure when changing
the engine oil and filter. SeeEngine
Oil on page 10‑16. When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished,
it indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE
OIL message comes on. Change
the oil as soon as possible within
the next 1 000 km (600 mi). It is
possible that, if driving under the
best conditions, the oil life system
might indicate that an oil change is
not necessary for up to a year.
The engine oil and filter must be
changed at least once a year and,
at this time, the system must be
reset. Your dealer has trained
service people who will perform this
work and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly
over the course of an oil drain
interval and keep it at the
proper level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.

Black plate (23,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-23
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change. To reset the
system:
1. Press the TRIP button so theOIL LIFE percentage is
displayed.
2. Press RESET and hold for two seconds. OIL LIFE
REMAINING 100% will appear.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not reset. Repeat the
procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check
the transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the
only reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to the
dealer service department and have
it repaired as soon as possible.
The vehicle is not equipped with a
transmission fluid level dipstick.
There is a special procedure for
checking and changing the
transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, this should
be done at the dealer service
department. Contact the dealer
for additional information or the procedure can be found in the
service manual. To purchase a
service manual, see
Service
Publications Ordering Information
on page 13‑17.
Notice: Use of the incorrect
automatic transmission fluid may
damage the vehicle, and the
damages may not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Always use
the automatic transmission fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 11‑12.
Change the fluid and filter at the
intervals listed in Maintenance
Schedule on page 11‑3, and be
sure to use the fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑12.

Black plate (25,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-25
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑10 for the location of the
engine air cleaner/filter.
Notice: If you spray water into
the engine air cleaner/filter intake
and water enters the engine air
cleaner/filter housing, you could
damage your vehicle's engine.
The repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. Do not spray
water into the engine air cleaner/
filter intake and/or housing.
If cleaning the vehicle with the hood
open, take care not to spray water
directly near the filter opening of
the air cleaner, as shown in the
illustration, as this could damage
the vehicle's engine. When to Inspect the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/filter at
the scheduled maintenance
intervals and replace them at
the first oil change after each
80 000 km (50,000 mi) interval.
See
Maintenance Schedule on
page 11‑3 for more information.
If driving in dusty/dirty conditions,
inspect the filter at each engine oil
change.
How to Inspect the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/filter,
remove the filter from the vehicle
and lightly shake the filter to release
loose dust and dirt. If the filter
remains covered with dirt, a new
filter is required. To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter:
1. Open the hood. See
Hood on
page 10‑9.
6.2 L V8 Engine LS3 Shown,
6.2 L V8 Engine LS9 and
7.0 L V8 Engine LS7 Similar
A. Tube
B. Clamp
C. Duct
2. Remove the tube (A) from the air cleaner assembly.
3. Loosen the clamp (B) at the throttle body and remove the
duct (C).

Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Service and Maintenance 11-3
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.Check the engine oil level.
SeeEngine Oil on page 10‑16.
Once a Month
.Check the tire inflation
pressures. See Tire Pressure on
page 10‑66.
.Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection on page 10‑72.
.Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer Fluid on
page 10‑38.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays, have the
engine oil and filter changed within
the next 1 000 km/600 mi. If driven
under the best conditions, the
engine oil life system might not
indicate the need for vehicle service
for more than a year. The engine oil
and filter must be changed at least
once a year and the oil life system
must be reset. Your trained dealer
technician can perform this work.
If the engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle
within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since the
last service. Reset the oil life
system when the oil is changed.
See Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑22.
Required Services Every
12 000 km/7,500 mi
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system. See Engine
Oil on page 10‑16 andEngine
Oil Life System on page 10‑22.
.Check engine coolant level. See
Engine Coolant on page 10‑30.
.Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid on
page 10‑38.
.Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care on page 10‑86. Replace
worn or damaged wiper blades.
See Wiper Blade Replacement
on page 10‑47.