check oil CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2013 6.G Owners Manual

Black plate (21,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
In Brief 1-21
Tire Pressure Monitor
This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The low tire pressure warning light
alerts to a significant loss in
pressure of one of the vehicle's
tires. If the warning light comes on,
stop as soon as possible and inflate
the tires to the recommended
pressure shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label. See
Vehicle Load Limits on page 9‑12.
The warning light will remain on until
the tire pressure is corrected.
The low tire pressure warning light
may come on in cool weather when
the vehicle is first started, and then
turn off as the vehicle is driven. This
may be an early indicator that thetire pressures are getting low and
the tires need to be inflated to the
proper pressure.
The TPMS does not replace normal
monthly tire maintenance. Maintain
the correct tire pressures.
See
Tire Pressure Monitor System
on page 10‑62.
Performance Information
(Z06, ZR1, manual
transmission Grand Sport
Coupe, and 427
Convertible)
Checking Engine Oil
This vehicle has a high performance
dry sump lubrication system. This
system operates differently than a
standard engine lubrication system.
See Engine Oil on page 10‑13.
You should check the oil level only
after the engine has been
thoroughly warmed up and then shut off for at least five minutes.
This ensures that the oil level
reading obtained will be accurate.
Jump Starting the Battery
The battery 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. See
Battery on page 10‑37
and Jump Starting on page 10‑75.
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.

Black plate (14,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
5-14 Instruments and Controls
Engine Oil Pressure
Gauge
Metric
English
Metric—Z06, 427 Convertible,
and ZR1 Models
English —Z06, 427 Convertible,
and ZR1 Models
Notice: Lack of proper engine oil
maintenance can damage the
engine. Driving with the engine
oil low can also damage the
engine. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Check the oil level as soon as
possible. Add oil if required, but
if the oil level is within the
operating range and the oil
pressure is still low, have the
vehicle serviced. Always follow
the maintenance schedule for
changing engine oil.

Black plate (30,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
5-30 Instruments and Controls
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. 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 9‑25.
.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

Black plate (32,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
5-32 Instruments and Controls
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.English
Metric
Be sure to continue scanning the
displays, controls, and driving
environment just as you would in a
vehicle without HUD. If you never
look at the instrument panel cluster,
you may miss something important,
such as a warning light. Under
important warning conditions, the
CHECK GAGES warning will illuminate in the HUD. View your
Driver Information Center (DIC) for
more information.The HUD controls are located to the
left of the steering wheel.

Black plate (38,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
5-38 Instruments and Controls
Engine Cooling System
Messages
CHECK COOLANT LEVEL
This message displays when the
engine coolant level is low. Have
the cooling system serviced by your
dealer as soon as possible. See
Engine Coolant on page 10‑26.
COOLANT OVER
TEMPERATURE
This message displays and a sound
will be heard if the engine coolant
exceeds 124°C (255°F). If you have
been operating the vehicle under
normal driving conditions, pull off
the road, stop the vehicle, and turn
off the engine as soon as possible.
You can monitor the coolant
temperature with the gauges button
on the DIC or the engine coolant
temperature gauge on theinstrument panel cluster. See
Engine Overheating on page 10‑29,
Driver Information Center (DIC) on
page 5‑25, and
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge on page 5‑15.
To acknowledge the message, press
the RESET button. The message
and sound will come back on until
this condition changes. If you do not
press the RESET button, the
message remains on until the
condition changes.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 10‑29.
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 10‑29. 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 5‑25.
Multiple chimes sound when this
message is displayed. This
message remains displayed and
active until the issue is resolved.

Black plate (39,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
Instruments and Controls 5-39
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 5‑25. Also, see Engine Oil on
page 10‑13 andEngine Oil Life
System on page 10‑19 for more
information.
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. See Engine Overheating
on page 10‑29.
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 10‑13.
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.

Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
9-6 Driving and Operating
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 10‑13.
Z06, ZR1, manual transmission
Grand Sport Coupe and 427
Convertible 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, manual
transmission Grand Sport Coupe
and 427 Convertible : 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, manual transmission
Grand Sport Coupe and 427
Convertible 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
point greater than 279°C (534°F).
After conversion to the high
performance brake fluid, follow the
brake fluid service
recommendations outlined by the
fluid manufacturer. Do not use
silicone or DOT-5 brake fluids.
Z06, ZR1, and manual transmission
Grand Sport Coupe Only: For racing
or competitive driving, it is
recommended that the loading of
the vehicle be limited to the driver
only, with no other cargo, and that
tires be inflated to 180 kPa (26 psi)
for a maximum speed of 230 km/h
(143 mph).
If the vehicle is a Z06, ZR1,
or manual transmission Grand Sport
Coupe and 427 Convertible model,
it has greaseable outer ends on
both of the rear toe-links. Under
normal use, lubrication should be
performed as described in the
maintenance schedule. See
Maintenance Schedule on
page 11‑3
andRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on
page 11‑12. If using the vehicle for
racing, lubrication should be
performed at the end of each racing
day. See your dealer for lubrication
and make sure any needed repairs
are made at once. Proper
procedures for performing these

Black plate (17,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
Driving and Operating 9-17
Starting and
Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Follow these recommended
guidelines during the first 2414 km
(1500 mi) 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 mi):
.To break in new tires, drive at
moderate speeds and avoid hard
cornering for the first 322 km
(200 mi).
.New brake linings also need a
break- in period. Avoid making
hard stops during the first
322 km (200 mi). This is
recommended every time brake
linings are replaced.For the first 800 km (500 mi):
.Avoid full throttle starts and
abrupt stops.
.Do not exceed 4000 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 2414 km (1500 mi):
.Do not participate in track
events, sport driving schools,
or similar activities during the
first 2414 km (1500 mi).
.Check engine oil with every
refueling and add if necessary.
Oil and fuel consumption may be
higher than normal during the
first 2414 km (1500 mi).
Front Air Dam
The vehicle is equipped with a front
air dam which has minimal ground
clearance.
Vehicles with the ZR1 package, 427
convertibles or Z06 vehicles with
RPO CFZ, also come with a splitter
made from carbon fiber.

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
Vehicle Care 10-1
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . 10-3
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Lifting the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-6
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-7
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-8
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . 10-19
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-20
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-21
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-21
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . 10-21
Cooling System (Engine) . . . 10-24 Cooling System
(Intercooler) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . 10-29
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . 10-31
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-37
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . 10-38
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-39
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . 10-39
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40
Windshield Replacement . . . 10-41
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . 10-41
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-41
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41 High Intensity Discharge
(HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-43
Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-43
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . 10-44
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . 10-44
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-45
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-45
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-48
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-52
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-53
Run-Flat Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-53
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-54
Sport Cup Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-55
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-55
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . 10-55

Black plate (9,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
Vehicle Care 10-9
A. Clutch Master CylinderReservoir (If Equipped). See
Hydraulic Clutch on page 10‑21.
B. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid on
page 10‑32.
C. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” underBrakes on
page 10‑32.
D. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant on page 10‑26.
E. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10‑21.
F. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power Steering Fluid on
page 10‑31.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” underBrake
Fluid on page 10‑36.
H. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10‑13. I.
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑45.
J. Passenger Compartment Air Filter (Out of View). See
Passenger Compartment Air
Filter on page 8‑6.
K. Battery on page 10‑37.
If the vehicle has the 6.2L LS3
V8 engine (without the dry sump
engine oil tank) and you are facing
the front of the vehicle.