engine CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2013 6.G Manual PDF

Black plate (26,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
9-26 Driving and Operating
N (Neutral):In this position, the
engine does not connect with the
wheels. To restart the engine when
the vehicle is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only. If the vehicle needs
towing, see Towing the Vehicle on
page 10‑79.
{WARNING
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift
into a drive gear while the engine
is running at high speed.
Notice: Shifting out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle. D (Drive):
This position is for
normal driving. It provides the best
fuel economy. If you need more
power for passing, push the pedal
down to achieve the desired level of
acceleration.
Downshifting the transmission in
slippery road conditions could result
in skidding. See “Skidding”under
Loss of Control on page 9‑5.
S (Sport Mode): When in
S (Sport Mode), the transmission will
work as an automatic until you use
the Manual Paddle Shift Controls,
which activates driver manual gear
selection. See Manual Mode on
page 9‑26. While in S (Sport Mode),
the transmission will have more
noticeable upshifts for sportier
vehicle performance.
Manual Mode
Manual Paddle Shift
While in S (Sport Mode), the paddles
located on the steering wheel can
be used to manually up-shift or
down-shift the transmission.
The Manual Paddle Shift system is
activated from S (Sport Mode) by
pushing the paddle, above the
steering wheel spokes, to up-shift to
the next gear, or pulling on the
paddle, behind the steering wheel
spokes, to down-shift to the
next gear.

Black plate (27,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
Driving and Operating 9-27
When accelerating the vehicle from
a stop in snowy and icy conditions,
you may want to shift to 2 (Second)
or 3 (Third) gear. A higher gear
allows you to gain more traction on
slippery surfaces. If traction control
is active, upshifts are delayed to
increase your control of the vehicle.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 9‑34 Traction Control
System (TCS).
The Manual Paddle Shift system
can be deactivated by moving the
shift lever from S (Sport Mode) back
to D (Drive), or by holding either
up-shift paddle 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 more than one second.
The system will return to automatic
shifting after 10 seconds of cruising at a steady speed and no manual
shifts, 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 Head-Up
Display (HUD), see
Head-Up
Display (HUD) on page 5‑30.
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.

Black plate (29,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
Driving and Operating 9-29
.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 5‑12 for more information.
Manual Transmission
This is the shift pattern for the
six-speed manual transmission.
Here is how to operate the
transmission:
1 (First):Press the clutch pedal
and shift into 1 (First). Then slowly
let up on the clutch pedal as you
press the accelerator pedal. You can shift into 1 (First) when you
are going less than 64 km/h
(40 mph). If you come to a complete
stop and it is hard to shift into
1 (First), put the shift lever in Neutral
and let up on the clutch. Press the
clutch pedal back down. Then shift
into 1 (First).
2 (Second):
Press the clutch pedal
as you let up on the accelerator
pedal and shift into 2 (Second).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch
pedal as you press the accelerator
pedal.
3 (Third), 4 (Fourth), 5 (Fifth) and
6 (Sixth): Shift into 3 (Third),
4 (Fourth), 5 (Fifth) and 6 (Sixth) the
same way you do for 2 (Second).
Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as
you press the accelerator pedal.
To stop, let up on the accelerator
pedal and press the brake pedal.
Just before the vehicle stops, press
the clutch pedal and the brake
pedal, and shift to Neutral.

Black plate (30,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
9-30 Driving and Operating
Neutral:Use this position when
you start or idle the engine. The
shift lever is in Neutral when it is
centered in the shift pattern, not in
any gear.
R (Reverse): To back up, press
down the clutch pedal and shift into
R (Reverse). Just apply pressure to
get the lever past 5 (Fifth) and
6 (Sixth) into R (Reverse). Let up on
the clutch pedal slowly while
pressing the accelerator pedal.
The six-speed manual transmission
has a feature that allows you to
safely shift into R (Reverse) while
the vehicle is rolling at less than
5 km/h (3 mph). You will be locked
out if you try to shift into
R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving faster than 5 km/h (3 mph).Shift Speeds
(Manual Transmission)
{WARNING
If you skip a gear when you
downshift, you could lose control
of the vehicle. You could injure
yourself or others. Do not shift
down more than one gear at a
time when you downshift.
This chart shows when to shift to
the next higher gear for the best fuel
economy.

Black plate (31,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
Driving and Operating 9-31
Manual Transmission RecommendedShift Speeds in km/h (mph)
Engine Acceleration Shift Speed
1 to 2 2 to 3 3 to 4 4 to 5 5 to 6
All Engines 24 (15) 40 (25) 64 (40) 72 (45) 80 (50)
If the engine speed drops below
900 rpm, or if the engine is not
running smoothly, you should
downshift to the next lower gear.
You may have to downshift two or
more gears to keep the engine
running smoothly or for good engine
performance.
Notice: When shifting gears, do
not move the shift lever around
unnecessarily. This may damage
the transmission. Shift directly
into the next gear.
One to Four Shift Light
(Manual Transmission)
When this light comes on, you can
only shift from 1 (First) to 4 (Fourth)
instead of 1 (First) to 2 (Second).
See One-to-Four Shift Light (Manual
Transmission) on page 5‑21 for
more information.
Downshifting
(Manual Transmission)
Do not downshift into the gear
shown below at a speed greater
than shown in the table:
1 (First) 80 km/h (50 mph)
2 (Second) 119 km/h (74 mph) 3 (Third) 163 km/h (101 mph)
4 (Fourth) 209 km/h (130 mph)
Notice: If you skip more than one
gear when you downshift, or if
you race the engine when you
release the clutch pedal while
downshifting, you could damage
the engine, clutch, driveshaft or
the transmission. Do not skip
gears or race the engine when
downshifting.
The six-speed transmission has a
spring that centers the shift lever
near 3 (Third) and 4 (Fourth). This
spring helps you know which gear
you are in when you are shifting.

Black plate (32,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
9-32 Driving and Operating
Be careful when shifting from
1 (First) to 2 (Second) or
downshifting from 6 (Sixth) to
5 (Fifth). The spring will try to pull
the shift lever toward 4 (Fourth) and
3 (Third). Make sure you move the
lever into 2 (Second) or 5 (Fifth).
If you let the shift lever move in the
direction of the pulling, you may end
up shifting from 1 (First) to 4 (Fourth)
or from 6 (Sixth) to 3 (Third).
If the driver does not upshift as the
engine speed approaches fuel shut
off RPM, the engine speed will be
limited to protect the engine. See
Tachometer on page 5‑12for more
information.Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has the Antilock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced
electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to drive
away, ABS checks itself.
A momentary motor or clicking noise
might be heard while this test is
going on, and it might even be
noticed that the brake pedal moves
a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
on page 5‑21. If driving safely on a wet road and it
becomes necessary to slam on the
brakes and continue braking to
avoid a sudden obstacle, a
computer senses that the wheels
are slowing down. If one of the
wheels is about to stop rolling, the
computer will separately work the
brakes at each wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressure
to each wheel, as required, faster
than any driver could. This can help
you steer around the obstacle while
braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the
computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls
braking pressure accordingly.

Black plate (34,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
9-34 Driving and Operating
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 5‑42. 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 9‑42.
The SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM
message and the Active Handling
System light will come on if there is
a problem with TCS. See Ride
Control System Messages on
page 5‑42.
When this light and the SERVICE
TRACTION SYSTEM message are
on, the system will not limit wheel
spin. Adjust your driving
accordingly. 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
Active Handling button located on
the center console.
The Traction Off light comes on.

Black plate (36,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
9-36 Driving and Operating
To turn the system off, press
the Active Handling button on the
center console until TRACTION
SYSTEM AND ACTIVE HANDLING
SYSTEM—OFF is displayed on
the DIC.
The StabiliTrak Off light will
come on.
The system can be turned back on
at any time by pressing the Active
Handling button. The DIC will
display the appropriate message
when the button is pushed. If the Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)
system detects a flat tire and the
Driver Information Center (DIC)
displays TIRE FLAT, or if the TPM
system is malfunctioning and the
DIC displays SERVICE TIRE
MONITOR, the Active Handling
System will be affected as follows:
.The Active Handling System
cannot be turned off by the
driver.
.If the Active Handling System is
off, it will be turned on
automatically.
.Competitive Driving Mode or
Performance Traction
Management is unavailable.
.The Active Handling System will
feel different in aiding and
maintaining directional control.
Competitive Driving Mode
Competitive Driving Mode,
Performance Traction Management,
and Launch Control are systems
designed to allow increasedperformance while accelerating and/
or cornering. This is accomplished
by regulating and optimizing the
engine, brakes, and suspension
performance. These modes are for
use at a closed course race track
and are not intended for use on
public roads. They will not
compensate for driver inexperience
or lack of familiarity with the race
track. Drivers who prefer to allow
the system to have more control of
the engine, brake, and suspension
are advised to turn the normal
traction control and active handling
systems on. See
Racing or Other
Competitive Driving on page 9‑6.
Notice: Do not attempt to shift
when the drive wheels are
spinning and do not have
traction. This may cause damage
to the transmission. Damage
caused by misuse of the vehicle
is not covered by the vehicle
warranty. See the warranty book
for additional information.

Black plate (37,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
Driving and Operating 9-37
Competitive Driving Mode
(Except Z06 with magnetic
Selective Ride Control or ZR1)
Competitive Driving Mode allows full
engine power while the Active
Handling System helps maintain
directional control of the vehicle by
selective brake application. In this
mode, TCS is off and Launch
Control is available. Adjust your
driving style to account for the
available engine power. See
“Launch Control”later in this
section.
This light is on when the vehicle is
in the Competitive Driving Mode.
This optional handling mode can be
selected by pressing the Active
Handling button on the center
console quickly two times. COMPETITIVE DRIVING MODE
displays in the Driver Information
Center (DIC). See
Ride Control
System Messages on page 5‑42.
When the Active Handling button is
pressed again, the Active Handling
and TCS systems are on. The
TRACTION SYSTEM AND ACTIVE
HANDLING-ON message displays
briefly in the DIC and a chime is
heard.
Performance Traction
Management (Z06 with
magnetic Selective Ride
Control or ZR1)
Performance Traction Management
integrates the Traction Control,
Active Handling, and Selective Ride
Control systems to provide
improved and consistent
performance when cornering. The
amount of available engine power is
based on the mode selected, track
conditions, driver skill, and the
radius of each corner.
This light is on when the vehicle is
in the Performance Traction
Management Mode.
This optional handling mode can be
selected by pressing the Active
Handling button on the center
console quickly two times. PERF
TRAC 1 - WET ACTIVE HANDLING
ON displays in the DIC.
To experience the performance
benefit of this system, after entering
a curve and at the point where the
driver would normally start to
increase acceleration, the
accelerator pedal can be fully
pressed. The Performance Traction
Management system will modify the
level of engine power for a smooth
and consistent corner exit.

Black plate (38,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
9-38 Driving and Operating
To select a mode while in
Performance Traction Management,
turn the knob on the center console.
The Performance Traction
Management system contains five
modes. These modes are selected
by turning the Selective Ride
Control/Performance Traction
Management knob on the center
console. The driver scrolls up or
down through modes 1–5 by turning
the knob to the right or left.The following is a DIC display
description and the recommended
usage of each mode:
PERF TRAC 1
–WET ACTIVE
HANDLING ON
.Intended for all driver skill levels
.Wet or damp conditions only —
not intended for use in heavy
rain or standing water
.Active Handling is on and engine
power is reduced based on
conditions
PERF TRAC 2 –DRY ACTIVE
HANDLING ON
.For use by less experienced
drivers or while learning a new
track
.Dry conditions only
.Active Handling is on and engine
power is slightly reduced
PERF TRAC 3 –SPORT
ACTIVE HANDLING ON
.For use by drivers who are
familiar with the track
.Dry conditions only
.Requires more driving skill than
mode 2
.Active Handling is on and more
engine power is available than in
mode 2
PERF TRAC 4 –SPORT
ACTIVE HANDLING OFF
.For use by drivers who are
familiar with the track
.Dry conditions only
.Requires more driving skill than
modes 2 or 3
.Active Handling is off and
available engine power is the
same as mode 3