check engine CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2020 User Guide

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
Instruments and Controls 107
and inflate the tires to the pressure
value shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeTire
Pressure 0253.
When the Light Flashes First and
Then Is On Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute
and then stays on, there may be a
problem with the TPMS. If the
problem is not corrected, the light
will come on at every ignition cycle.
See Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation 0256.
Engine Oil Pressure Light
Caution
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
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
and the oil pressure is still low,
have the vehicle serviced. Always
follow the maintenance schedule
for changing engine oil.
This light should come on briefly as
the engine is started. If it does not
come on, have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer.
If the light comes on and stays on, it
means that oil is not flowing through
the engine properly. The vehicle
could be low on oil and may have
some other system problem. See
your dealer.
Security Light
The security light should come on
briefly as the engine is started. If it
does not come on, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. If the
system is working normally, the
indicator light turns off.
If the light stays on and the engine
does not start, there could be a
problem with the theft-deterrent
system. SeeImmobilizer Operation
0 28.
High-Beam On Light

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 151
Danger (Continued)
loss of control of the vehicle,
which could injure or kill you or
others. Always drive safely.
Participating in track events or other
competitive driving without following
the instructions provided may affect
the vehicle warranty. See the
warranty manual before using the
vehicle for racing or other
competitive driving. See Competitive
Driving Mode 0192.
Be sure to follow all service
procedures before driving the
vehicle at track events or
competitively.
{Warning
Prior to each track event and
again before returning to public
roads, tighten the wheel nuts with
a torque wrench to the proper
torque specification. Wheel nuts (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
that are improperly or incorrectly
tightened can cause the wheels
to become loose or come off,
resulting in a crash. See
Capacities and Specifications
0299 for wheel nut torque
specifications.
If equipped, the front license plate
bracket should be removed and
replaced with the aero cover for
track use.
Engine Sound Management
Setting Caution
Do not place the vehicle in
Engine Sound Management –
Stealth mode. Damage could
result to exhaust valve actuators.
Engine Oil
Caution
If the vehicle is used for track
events and competitive driving,
the engine may use more oil than
it would with normal use. Low oil
levels can damage the engine.
Check the oil level often and
maintain the proper level. See
Engine Oil0218.
Check the oil level often during track
events and competitive driving. See
“Checking the Engine Oil" in Engine
Oil 0218.
Fuel
Unleaded gasoline, rated at
93 octane or higher, is required.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
164 Driving and Operating
.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. This rule
applies at all times, not just
during the break-in period.
For the first 2 414 km (1,500 mi):
. Do not participate in track
events, sport driving schools,
or similar activities.
. Check engine oil with every
refueling and add if necessary.
Oil and fuel consumption may be
higher than normal.
Front Air Dam (and
Splitter)
If equipped, the front air dam and
splitter have minimal ground
clearance. Under normal operation, the
components will occasionally
contact some road surfaces (speed
bumps, driveway ramps, etc.). This
can be heard inside the vehicle as a
scraping noise. This is normal and
does not indicate a problem.
Use care when approaching bumps
or objects on road surfaces and
avoid them when possible.
If equipped, the Front Lift System
may be used to increase front air
dam or splitter clearance. See
Front
Lift System 0191.
Composite Materials
This vehicle may be equipped with
parts containing carbon fiber,
sheet-molding compound, or other
composite materials.
Dealer-installed accessories may
also contain composite materials.
These parts and accessories may
include the splitter or rocker
extensions.
{Warning
Exposed edges of parts
containing carbon fiber and other
composite materials can be
sharp. Contact with these parts
could result in injury. Use caution
to avoid contacting these parts,
including when washing the
vehicle. If the parts are damaged,
replace the parts promptly with
replacements from your dealer.
{Warning
Rocker extensions may break
under pressure, resulting in
property damage or injury. Do not
stand on the rocker extension or
use it as a step.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
182 Driving and Operating
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and a StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
system. These systems help limit
wheel spin and assist the driver in
maintaining control, especially on
slippery road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that the
rear wheels are spinning too much
or are beginning to lose traction.
When this happens, TCS applies
the brakes to the spinning wheel
and reduces engine power (by
closing the throttle and managing
engine spark) to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the
vehicle senses a difference between
the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling.
StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of thevehicle wheel brakes to assist the
driver in keeping the vehicle on the
intended path.
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 0196.
If the driver disables TCS, cruise
control will disengage. Cruise
control will also be disabled if
Performance Traction Management
(PTM) is selected, or if StabiliTrak is
turned off.
Both systems come on
automatically when the vehicle is
started and begins to move. The
systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while
performing diagnostic checks. This
is normal and does not mean there
is a problem with the vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both
systems on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary
to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See
If the Vehicle Is Stuck 0159
and “Turning the Systems Off and
On” later in this section.
The indicator light for both systems
is in the instrument cluster. This
light will:
.
Flash when TCS is limiting
wheel spin
. Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is
activated
. Flash when ABS is active
. Turn on and stay on when either
system is not working
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the
Driver Information Center (DIC), and
dcomes on and stays on to
indicate that the system is inactive
and is not assisting the driver in

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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208 Driving and Operating
Trailer Towing
General Towing
Information
{Warning
Never tow a trailer with your
vehicle. It was not designed or
intended to tow a trailer.
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is
used for vehicle service and
Emission Inspection/Maintenance
testing. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light) 0102
. A device connected to the DLC
— such as an aftermarket fleet or
driver-behavior tracking device —
may interfere with vehicle
systems. This could affect vehicle
operation and cause a crash.
Such devices may also access
information stored in the vehicle’s
systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can
damage the vehicle or cause
components to not work and
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always check
with your dealer before adding
electrical equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain the
vehicle's 12-volt battery, even if the
vehicle is not operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to add anything
electrical to the vehicle, see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 072 and
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 072.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 209
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 210
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Lifting the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Underhood Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 221
Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 224
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226 Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 230
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Battery - North America . . . . . . 234
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 235
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 236
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 236
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . 238
Bulb Replacement
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 239
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 239
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Run-Flat Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248 Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 249
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Tire Terminology and
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Tire Pressure for High-Speed
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 265
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 267Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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218 Vehicle Care
1. Engine Cooling Fan (Out ofView). See Cooling System
0 226.
2. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter (Under Access Panel). See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0224.
3. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System 0226.
4. Dry Sump Engine Oil Tank and Fill Cap. See Engine Oil0218.
5. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil 0218.
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, pay
careful attention to engine oil.
Follow these important steps:
.
Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
later 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” later in this section.
. Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0221.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking the Engine Oil
1. Engine Oil Dipstick
2. Engine Oil Fill Cap
Check the engine oil level regularly,
every 650 km (400 mi), especially
prior to a long trip. To get an
accurate reading, the vehicle must
be parked on a level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a
loop. See Engine Compartment
Overview 0215 for the location.
The vehicle has 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. 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

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 219
pan. This will reduce the amount of
oil held in the dry sump tank and
there could be no engine oil 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 must
be checked while the engine is
running at idle.
To check the engine oil:1. Turn the engine on and let it warm up to at least 80 °C (175
°F).
2. Once the engine is warm, check the oil while the engine
is running at idle.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle. 3. Remove the dipstick and wipe
it with a clean lint-free paper
towel or a cloth. Re-insert the
dipstick and push it all the way
in until it stops.
4. Remove the dipstick again and read the level on the
cross-hatched area.
5. Turn the engine off.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatched
area at the tip of the dipstick, add
1 L (1 qt) of the recommended oil
through the oil fill cap opening in the
oil tank fill tube and then recheck
the level. See “Selecting the Right
Engine Oil” later in this section for
the type of oil to use. For engine oil
crankcase capacity, see Capacities
and Specifications 0299.
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 the oil level is
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. Drain
the excess oil or limit driving of
the vehicle, and seek a service
professional to remove the
excess oil.
See Engine Compartment Overview
0 215 for the location of the external
engine oil tank dipstick and fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating
range. Push the dipstick all the way
back into the oil tank tube when
finished.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
220 Vehicle Care
Changing the Engine Oil and
Filter
The vehicle requires a special
procedure when changing the
engine oil and filter. Follow this
procedure closely.
1. Engine Oil Drain Plug
2. O-ring Seal
3. Engine Oil Filter
To change the engine oil and filter:1. Run the engine at idle for about 20 seconds to return all of the
oil back into the dry sump
oil tank. 2. Turn the engine off prior to
draining the oil.
3. Remove the engine oil drain plug from the bottom of the
engine oil pan. Drain plug
removal will let the oil drain
from the external oil tank and
residual oil from the crankcase
sump. Allow the oil to drain.
4. Remove the engine oil filter and allow the oil to drain.
5. Inspect the drain plug O-ring seal and replace if it is
damaged. Reinstall the drain
plug into the oil pan and tighten
it to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
6. Replace the oil filter and tighten it three-quarters to one
turn after the gasket makes
contact. See Maintenance
Replacement Parts 0296 for
the correct filter.
7. Remove the oil fill cap from the external engine oil tank.
Add oil to the oil tank through
the opening in the fill tube. See
Capacities and Specifications
0299. 8. Install the oil fill cap and insert
the dipstick, if removed.
{Warning
To help avoid personal injury and/
or engine damage, always install
the engine oil dipstick and oil fill
cap until fully seated to a stop.
If not fully seated, oil could
escape on to hot exhaust parts
and cause a fire.
9. Start the engine and check the oil level as described under
"Checking the Engine Oil."
previously in this section.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil
depends on both the proper oil
specification and the viscosity
grade. See Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants 0295.
Specification
Use engine oils that meet the
dexos2 specification.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
222 Vehicle Care
This vehicle has 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 0218.
When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished, it
indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON 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 may not indicate that an oil
change is 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.
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. Scroll through the DIC Info Pages menu until the
REMAINING OIL LIFE
percentage is displayed. See
Driver Information Center (DIC)
0108.
2. Press and hold SEL on the DIC while the Oil Life display is
active. The oil life will change
to 100%.
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.
Dual Clutch Transmission
Fluid
How to Check Dual Clutch
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 the
service manual. To purchase a
service manual, see Publication
Ordering Information 0311.