checking oil CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2015 7.G Owners Manual

Black plate (20,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7576293) - 2015 - crc - 10/31/14
1-20 In Brief
.To turn off both traction control
and StabiliTrak, press and hold
the TCS/StabiliTrak
gbutton,
until the Traction Off light
iand
the StabiliTrak OFF light
g
illuminate in the instrument
cluster.
.Press and release the TCS/
StabiliTrak
gbutton again to
turn on both systems.
See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control on page 9-38.
The vehicle has Driver Mode
Control and may have Competitive
Driving Mode. See Driver Mode
Control on page 9-40 and
Competitive Driving Mode on
page 9-44.
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 9-15.
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 the tire 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 10-59.
Performance Vehicle
Features
Checking Engine Oil
Your vehicle may have a high
performance dry sump lubrication
system. This system operates
differently than a standard engine
lubrication system. See Engine Oil
on page 10-12.
Check the oil level only after the
engine has been thoroughly warmed
up and then check between five and
10 minutes of shutoff. This ensures
that the oil level reading obtained
will be accurate.

Black plate (8,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7576293) - 2015 - crc - 10/31/14
10-8 Vehicle Care
1.Passenger Compartment Air
Filter on page 8-5 (Out of View).
2. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant on page 10-25.
3. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10-40.
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10-20.
5. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System
(Aero Panel) on page 10-24 or
Cooling System (Engine) on
page 10-22.
6. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” underBrake
Fluid on page 10-32.
7. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10-12.
8. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” underBrakes on
page 10-30. 9. Clutch Master Cylinder
Reservoir (If Equipped). See
Hydraulic Clutch on page 10-19.
10. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid on
page 10-29.

Black plate (10,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7576293) - 2015 - crc - 10/31/14
10-10 Vehicle Care
1. Engine Oil Dipstick. See“Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10-12.
2. Dry Sump Engine Oil Tank Fill Cap. See “Changing Engine Oil
and Filter” Engine Oil on
page 10-12.
3. Passenger Compartment Air
Filter on page 8-5 (Out of View).
4. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant on page 10-25.
5. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10-40.
6. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10-20.
7. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System
(Aero Panel) on page 10-24 or
Cooling System (Engine) on
page 10-22.
8. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” underBrakes on
page 10-30. 9. Clutch Master Cylinder
Reservoir (If Equipped). See
Hydraulic Clutch on page 10-19.
10. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid on
page 10-29.

Black plate (12,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7576293) - 2015 - crc - 10/31/14
10-12 Vehicle Care
1. Engine Oil Dipstick. See“Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10-12.
2. Dry Sump Engine Oil Tank Fill Cap. See “Changing Engine Oil
and Filter” Engine Oil on
page 10-12.
3. Passenger Compartment Air
Filter on page 8-5 (Out of View).
4. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant on page 10-25.
5. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10-40.
6. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10-20.
7. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System
(Aero Panel) on page 10-24 or
Cooling System (Engine) on
page 10-22.
8. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” underBrakes on
page 10-30. 9. Clutch Master Cylinder
Reservoir (If Equipped). See
Hydraulic Clutch on page 10-19.
10. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid on
page 10-29.
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.Always use engine oil approved
to the proper specification and of
the proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
.Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
.Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System on page 10-18.
.Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil (Except
Z51 and Z06)
If the ENGINE OIL LOW–ADD OIL
message displays on the Driver
Information Center (DIC), check the
engine oil level right away. See
Engine Oil Messages on page 5-37.
Check the engine oil level regularly.
It is a good idea to check the engine
oil level at each fuel fill. In order to
get an accurate reading, the vehicle
must be on level ground. The
engine oil dipstick handle is a loop.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 10-7 for the location of the
engine oil dipstick.

Black plate (13,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7576293) - 2015 - crc - 10/31/14
Vehicle Care 10-13
Obtaining an accurate oil level
reading is essential:
1. If the engine has been runningrecently, turn off the engine and
check within five and 10 minutes
of shutoff. Checking the oil level
too soon after engine shutoff will
not provide an accurate oil level
reading.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
2. Pull the dipstick and wipe it with a clean paper towel or cloth,
then push it back in all the way.
Remove it again, keeping the tip
down, and check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
(Except Z51 and Z06)
If the oil is below the cross-hatched
area at the tip of the dipstick, add
1 L (1 qt) of the recommended oil
and then recheck the level. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil” in
this section for an explanation of
what kind of oil to use. For engine
oil crankcase capacity, see
Capacities and Specifications on
page 12-2.
See Track Events and Competitive
Driving on page 9-5 for additional
information on engine oil.
{Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil
levels above or below the
acceptable operating range
shown on the dipstick are harmful
to the engine. If you find that you
have an oil level above the
operating range, i.e., the engine
has so much oil that the oil level
gets above the cross-hatched
area that shows the proper
operating range, the engine could
be damaged. You should drain
out the excess oil or limit driving
of the vehicle and seek a service
professional to remove the
excess amount of oil.
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10-7 for the location of the
engine oil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating
range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when through.

Black plate (14,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7576293) - 2015 - crc - 10/31/14
10-14 Vehicle Care
Checking Engine Oil
(Z51 and Z06)
1. Engine Oil Dipstick
2. Engine Oil Fill Cap
It is a good idea to check the engine
oil level at each fuel fill. In order to
get an accurate reading, the vehicle
must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a
loop. The dipstick is located on the
dry sump engine oil tank. See
Engine Compartment Overview on
page 10-7for the location of the dry
sump engine oil tank. 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 checking
the engine oil level. Follow this
procedure closely.
The engine oil level must be
checked when the engine is warm.
Cold oil level in the dry sump tank
may not indicate the actual amount
of oil in the system. With this
system, engine oil is contained in an
external tank, separate from the
engine. Under normal operating
conditions, the oil pan under the
engine does not store any oil. If the
vehicle has been parked for an
extended period without the engine
being started, some oil will seep
back into the oil pan, reducing the
amount of oil held in the dry sump
tank and there could be no engine
oil at all showing on the dipstick.
This is normal since the dipstick is
designed to read the engine oil level
only after the engine has run long
enough to reach normal operating
temperature. Do not add engine oil
based on cold engine dipstick
readings. The engine oil level on the
dipstick will also be inaccurate if
checked while the engine is running.
1. To obtain an accurate engine oil
level reading, warm up the
engine to at least 80 °C (175 °F).
Cold oil will not give a correct oil
level reading.
2. Once the engine is warm, turn off the engine. Checking the oil
while the engine is running will
result in an incorrect oil level
reading.
3. Check the oil level between five and 10 minutes after the engine
is shut down.

Black plate (16,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7576293) - 2015 - crc - 10/31/14
10-16 Vehicle Care
Changing Engine Oil and Filter
(Z51 and Z06)
The vehicle may 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.
1. Engine Oil Drain Plugs
2. Seals
Steps to follow:
1. Remove the two engine oil drainplugs 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. Reinstall both drain plugs and tighten them to 25 Y(18 lb ft).
4. Replace the oil filter and tighten it to 3/4 to 1 turn after gasket
contact. See Maintenance
Replacement Parts on
page 11-13 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 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.
8. Start the engine and let it run at idle for at least 15 seconds. This
will circulate the fresh engine oil
through the lubrication system.
9. Shut off the engine and check the oil level as described under
“Checking Engine Oil
(Z51 and Z06).”
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil
depends on both the proper oil
specification and viscosity grade.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12.
Specification
Ask for and use engine oils that
meet the dexos1™ specification.
Engine oils that have been
approved by GM as meeting the
dexos1 specification are marked
with the dexos1 approved logo. See
www.gmdexos.com.

Black plate (19,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7576293) - 2015 - crc - 10/31/14
Vehicle Care 10-19
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
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 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. Contact the
dealer for additional information or
the procedure can be found in theservice manual. To purchase a
service manual, see
Service
Publications Ordering Information
on page 13-11.
{Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage
the vehicle, and the damage 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 11-2, and be sure
to use the fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12.
Manual Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
manual transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to the
dealer and have it repaired as soon
as possible. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 11-12
for the proper fluid to use.
Hydraulic Clutch
It is not necessary to regularly
check clutch fluid unless you
suspect there is a leak in the
system. Adding fluid will not correct
a leak. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
The fluid will darken over time. See
Maintenance Schedule on
page 11-2 for when to replace the
fluid.

Black plate (26,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7576293) - 2015 - crc - 10/31/14
10-26 Vehicle Care
coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
health.
If ambient temperatures are
anticipated below−28°C (−18°F),
make sure a proper mixture ratio of
50% DEX-COOL coolant and 50%
clean, drinkable water is used.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant surge tank. If the coolant
inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, do not do anything else until
it cools down. If coolant is visible
but the coolant level is not at or
above the cold fill line, add a
mixture of 40% DEX-COOL coolant
and 60% clean, drinkable water at
the coolant recovery tank, but be
sure the cooling system is cool
before this is done. See Engine
Overheating on page 10-27.
The engine coolant surge tank is
toward the rear of the engine
compartment on the passenger side
of the vehicle. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10-7.
When the engine is cold, the coolant
level should be at the cold fill line on
the coolant surge tank.
When the engine is hot, the level
could be higher than the cold fill
line. If the coolant is below the cold
fill line when the engine is hot, there
could be a leak in the cooling
system.
If the coolant is low, add the coolant
or take the vehicle to a dealer for
service.
How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge Tank
{Warning
You can be burned if you spill
coolant on hot engine parts.
Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system can blow out
and burn you badly. Never turn
the cap when the cooling system,
including the surge tank pressure
cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling
system and surge tank pressure
cap to cool.

Black plate (33,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7576293) - 2015 - crc - 10/31/14
Vehicle Care 10-33
Do not top off the brake fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove brake fluid,
as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic
system. See“Checking Brake
Fluid” in this section.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
to determine when to check the
brake fluid. See Maintenance
Schedule on page 11-2.
Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake fluid by looking at the
brake fluid reservoir. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10-7.
The fluid level should be above the
MIN mark on the reservoir. If it is
not, have the brake hydraulic
system checked to see if there is
a leak.
After work is done on the brake
hydraulic system, make sure the
level is between the MIN and MAX
marks.
What to Add
Use only new DOT 3 brake fluid
from a sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it. This
helps keep dirt from entering the
reservoir.{Warning
With the wrong kind of fluid in the
brake hydraulic system, the
brakes might not work well. This
could cause a crash. Always use
the proper brake fluid.
{Caution
.Using the wrong fluid can
badly damage brake
hydraulic system parts. For
example, just a few drops of
mineral-based oil, such as
engine oil, in the brake
hydraulic system can damage
brake hydraulic system parts
so badly that they will have to
be replaced. Do not let
someone put in the wrong
kind of fluid.
(Continued)