traction control CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2020 Owner's Guide

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
192 Driving and Operating
controls, seeSteering Wheel
Controls 087. The driver can also
delete stored locations for the
automatic lift. If the vehicle is raised
automatically using GPS, it will
automatically lower once the vehicle
is located about 60 meters (197 feet)
from the programmed location.
Drivers can disable this function by
turning off GPS location through
their vehicle Front Lift System will
still operate, but only by using the
pushbutton command, and the “Auto
Lift Location Remembered”
confirmation message will not
display.
The Front Lift System can also be
used in accessory mode. Put the
vehicle in ACC/ACCESSORY mode,
then press and hold the button on
the center console for 10
consecutive seconds to
automatically raise the vehicle.
The DIC may display the message
“Lift System Unavailable” if the
following occur:
. Any doors are ajar.
. The hood is open. .
The vehicle is moving over
38 km/h (24 mph).
. Too many lift requests within a
short period.
The Front Lift System should not be
used to service the vehicle. Do not
place anything or body parts under
the vehicle while lifted. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0295.
Competitive Driving Mode
If equipped, Competitive Driving
Mode, PTM, and Launch Control are
systems designed to allow
increased performance 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, brakes, and suspension are advised to turn
the normal traction control and
StabiliTrak/ESC systems on.
Competitive Driving Mode
Competitive Driving Mode allows full
engine power while StabiliTrak/ESC
helps maintain directional control of
the vehicle by selective brake
application. In this mode, the 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.

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Driving and Operating 193
These lights are on when the
vehicle is in the Competitive
Driving Mode.
In order to select this optional
handling mode, the vehicle mode
must be Sport or Track (if equipped
with Performance Traction
Management (PTM), then
Competitive Driving Mode is only
available in Sport). Then quickly
press
gon the center console two
times. ESC COMPETITIVE MODE
displays in the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
When
gis pressed again, the
traction off light
iand StabiliTrak/
ESC OFF light
gwill go out.
Performance Traction
Management (PTM) (if
equipped)
PTM integrates the TCS,
StabiliTrak/ESC, and Magnetic 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 PTM Mode. To select this
optional handling mode, the vehicle
mode must be in Track. Then
quickly press
gon the center
console two times. Performance
Traction Wet —ESC On displays in
the DIC.
To experience the performance
benefit of this system, after entering
a curve and at the point where
normal acceleration occurs, fully
press the accelerator pedal. The
PTM system will modify the level of
engine power for a smooth and
consistent corner exit.
The PTM system contains five
modes. These modes are selected
by turning the MODE switch on the center console. Scroll through
modes 1–5 by turning the mode
control dial.
The following is a DIC display
description and the recommended
usage of each mode:
PTM Mode 1
–Wet
. Intended for all driver skill levels.
. Wet or damp conditions only —
not intended for use in heavy
rain or standing water.
. StabiliTrak/ESC is on and
engine power is reduced based
on conditions.
PTM Mode 2 –Dry
. For use by less experienced
drivers or while learning a new
track.
. Dry conditions only.
. StabiliTrak/ESC is on and
engine power is slightly reduced.
PTM Mode 3 –Sport 1
. For use by drivers who are
familiar with the track.
. Dry conditions only.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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194 Driving and Operating
.Requires more driving skill than
mode 2.
. StabiliTrak/ESC is on and more
engine power is available than in
mode 2.
PTM Mode 4 –Sport 2
. For use by drivers who are
familiar with the track.
. Dry conditions only.
. Requires more driving skill than
modes 2 or 3.
. StabiliTrak/ESC is off and
available engine power is the
same as mode 3.
PTM Mode 5 –Race
. For use by experienced drivers
who are familiar with the track.
. Dry conditions only.
. Requires more driving skill than
in other modes.
. StabiliTrak/ESC is off and
engine power is available for
maximum cornering speed. Press and releasegto turn off PTM
and return to the TCS and
StabiliTrak/ESC systems. The
traction off light
iand StabiliTrak
Off light
gwill go out.
Launch Control (Sport and
Track Mode Only)
A Launch Control feature is
available, within Competitive Driving
Mode or PTM, on all vehicles to
allow the driver to achieve high
levels of vehicle acceleration in a
straight line. Launch Control is a
form of TCS that manages tire spin,
and transmissions clutch, while
launching the vehicle. This feature
is intended for use during closed
course race events where
consistent zero to 60 and quarter
mile times are desirable.
Launch Control is only available
when the following criteria are met:
. Competitive Driving Mode or any
of the PTM Modes are selected
(if equipped).
. The vehicle is not moving. .
The wheels and steering wheel
are pointing straight.
Launching the Vehicle
. Ensure the vehicle is in
Competitive Driving Mode or any
of the PTM modes.
. The brake pedal must be firmly
pressed to the floor, equivalent
to a panic brake event.
. While maintaining the brake
pedal, the accelerator pedal is
rapidly applied to wide open
throttle. (If the vehicle rolls due
to wide open throttle, release the
throttle, press the brake pedal
more firmly, and re-apply the
accelerator to wide open
throttle.)
The Launch Control feature will
initially limit engine speed as the
driver rapidly applies the accelerator
pedal to wide open throttle. Allow
the engine rpm’ s to stabilize.
A smooth, quick release of the
brake pedal, while maintaining the
fully pressed accelerator pedal, will
manage tire slip and transmissions

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Driving and Operating 195
clutch. After the vehicle is launched,
the system continues in Competitive
Driving Mode or PTM.
Competitive Driving Mode, PTM,
and Launch Control are systems
designed for a closed course race
track and not intended for use on
public roads. The systems are not
intended to compensate for lack of
driver experience or familiarity with
the race track.
Caution
The new vehicle break-in period
should be completed before using
the launch control feature,
otherwise performance will be
limited and damage may occur to
the powertrain/engine. SeeNew
Vehicle Break-In 0163.
Limited-Slip Differential
(without Z51)
The mechanical limited-slip
differential can give more traction on
snow, mud, ice, sand, or gravel.
It works like a standard axle most of the time, but when traction is low,
this feature allows the drive wheel
with the most traction to move the
vehicle. See
Competitive Driving
Mode 0192 and
Maintenance Schedule 0286.
Limited-Slip Differential
(with Z51)
The Electronic Limited-Slip
Differential (eLSD) is a hydraulically
actuated clutch system inside the
transaxle. It can infinitely vary the
clutch engagement between 0 and
2250 N*m (1659 lb-ft) of breakaway
torque between the rear wheels.
When necessary it responds from
open to full engagement in fractions
of a second. Smaller clutch
adjustments happen even faster.
The eLSD:
.
Uses the vehicle sensors and
driver inputs to determine the
optimum amount of clutch
engagement for the conditions. .
Improves traction while
cornering by changing the
engagement to achieve a
balance between directional
control and acceleration.
. Provides optimal engagement
for high-speed control and
stability without affecting precise
steering and turn-in.
. Improves vehicle stability during
spirited driving and evasive
maneuvers. It is fully integrated
with the Active Handling and
Performance Traction
Management (PTM) systems (if
equipped).
There are unique calibrations based
on the Traction Control System
(TCS) setting. eLSD modes change
automatically when the traction
control button is pressed. No unique
input from the driver is required.
. Mode 1 is the standard mode
when the vehicle is started.
It provides a touring calibration
with an emphasis on vehicle
stability. Mode 1 is also used in
PTM Wet mode.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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196 Driving and Operating
.Mode 2 is engaged when both
TCS and StabiliTrak are turned
off. This calibration provides
more nimble corner turn-in, and
is biased for better traction out of
corners.
. Mode 3 is engaged when PTM is
engaged in Dry, Sport 1 & 2, and
Race modes. This is a nimble
calibration with similar
functionality as eLSD Mode 2,
however, it is integrated to work
with PTM.
. Mode 4 is engaged when TCS is
selected off, but StabiliTrak
remains on. Vehicle stability is
still the priority, while allowing for
optimized traction out of corners.Cruise Control
With cruise control, a speed of
about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more
can be maintained without keeping
your foot on the accelerator. Cruise
control does not work at speeds
below about 40 km/h (25 mph).
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
a steady speed. Do not use
cruise control on winding roads or
in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous
on slippery roads. On such roads,
fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use
cruise control on slippery roads.
If the Traction Control System (TCS)
begins to limit wheel spin while you
are using cruise control, the cruise
control automatically disengages.
See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0182. When road conditions allow for using safely
again, cruise control can be turned
back on.
If the brakes are applied, cruise
control disengages.
Cruise control will disengage if
either TCS or StabiliTrak/Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) is turned off.
1:
Press to turn cruise control on
or off. A white indicator comes on in
the instrument cluster when cruise
is turned on.

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Vehicle Care 211
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotive
applications, such as airbag
initiators, seat belt pretensioners,
and lithium batteries contained in
electronic keys, may contain
perchlorate materials. Perchlorate
Material–special handling may
apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/
hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
Accessories and
Modifications
Adding non-dealer accessories or
making modifications to the vehicle
can affect vehicle performance and
safety, including such things as
airbags, braking, stability, ride and
handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, and
electronic systems like antilock
brakes, traction control, and stability
control. These accessories or
modifications could even cause
malfunction or damage not covered
by the vehicle warranty. Damage to suspension components
caused by modifying vehicle height
outside of factory settings will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components
resulting from modifications or the
installation or use of non-GM
certified parts, including control
module or software modifications, is
not covered under the terms of the
vehicle warranty and may affect
remaining warranty coverage for
affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to
complement and function with other
systems on the vehicle. See your
dealer to accessorize the vehicle
using genuine GM Accessories
installed by a dealer technician.
Also, see
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 072.
Lifting the Vehicle
{Warning
Lifting a vehicle can cause an
injury. The vehicle can slip off the
jack and roll over you or other
people. You and they could be
badly injured. Find a level place
to lift your vehicle. To help
prevent the vehicle from moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put the transmission inP (Park).
3. Turn off the engine.
To be even more certain the
vehicle will not move, put blocks
in front of and behind the wheels.
{Warning
Getting under a vehicle when it is
lifted on a jack is dangerous.
If the vehicle slips off the jack, (Continued)

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Vehicle Care 247
Winter Tires
This vehicle was not originally
equipped with winter tires. Winter
tires are designed for increased
traction on snow and ice-covered
roads. Consider installing winter
tires on the vehicle if frequent
driving on ice or snow covered
roads is expected. See your dealer
for details regarding winter tire
availability and proper tire selection.
Also, seeBuying New Tires 0261.
With winter tires, there may be
decreased dry road traction,
increased road noise, and shorter
tread life. After changing to winter
tires, be alert for changes in vehicle
handling and braking.
If using winter tires:
. Use tires of the same brand and
tread type on all four wheel
positions.
. Use only radial ply tires of the
same size, load range, and
speed rating as the original
equipment tires. Winter tires with the same speed
rating as the original equipment tires
may not be available for H, V, W, Y,
and ZR speed rated tires. If winter
tires with a lower speed rating are
chosen, never exceed the tire's
maximum speed capability.
Run-Flat Tires
This vehicle, when new, had run-flat
tires. There is no spare tire, no tire
changing equipment, and no place
to store a tire in the vehicle.
The vehicle also has a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
that indicates a loss of tire pressure
in any of the tires.
{Warning
If the low tire warning light
displays on the instrument cluster,
the handling capabilities will be
reduced during severe
maneuvers. Driving too fast could
cause loss of control and you or
others could be injured. Do not
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) when
the low tire warning light is
displayed. Drive cautiously and
check the tire pressures as soon
as possible.
Run-flat tires can be driven on with
no air pressure. There is no need to
stop on the side of the road to
change the tire. Continue driving;
however, do not drive too far or too
fast. Driving on the tire may not be
possible if there is permanent
damage. To prevent permanent
damage, the tire can be driven with
no air pressure for up to 80 km
(50 mi) at speeds slower than
80 km/h (50 mph) when carrying a
load of driver plus one passenger.
When carrying a heavier load, total
distance driven without air should
be reduced. As soon as possible,
contact the nearest authorized GM
or run-flat servicing facility for
inspection and repair or
replacement.

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Vehicle Care 261
or less of tread remaining. SeeTire
Inspection 0259 and
Tire Rotation 0259.
The rubber in tires ages over time.
This also applies to the spare tire,
if the vehicle has one, even if it is
never used. Multiple factors
including temperatures, loading
conditions, and inflation pressure
maintenance affect how fast aging
takes place. GM recommends that
tires, including the spare if
equipped, be replaced after six
years, regardless of tread wear. To
identify the age of a tire, use the tire
manufacture date which is the last
four digits of the DOT Tire
Identification Number (TIN) which is
molded into one side of the tire
sidewall. The first two digits
represent the week (01–52) and the
last two digits, the year. For
example, the third week of the year
2010 would have a four-digit DOT
date of 0310.
Vehicle Storage
Tires age when stored normally
mounted on a parked vehicle. Park
a vehicle that will be stored for at least a month in a cool, dry, clean
area away from direct sunlight to
slow aging. This area should be free
of grease, gasoline, or other
substances that can deteriorate
rubber.
Parking for an extended period can
cause flat spots on the tires that
may result in vibrations while
driving. When storing a vehicle for
at least a month, remove the tires or
raise the vehicle to reduce the
weight from the tires.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched
specific tires for the vehicle. The
original equipment tires installed
were designed to meet General
Motors Tire Performance Criteria
Specification (TPC Spec)
system rating. When
replacement tires are needed,
GM strongly recommends
buying tires with the same TPC
Spec rating.
GM's exclusive TPC Spec
system considers over a dozen
critical specifications that impact
the overall performance of the
vehicle, including brake system
performance, ride and handling,
traction control, and tire
pressure monitoring
performance. GM's TPC Spec
number is molded onto the tire's
sidewall near the tire size. If the
tires have an all-season tread
design, the TPC Spec number
will be followed by MS for mud
and snow. See
Tire Sidewall
Labeling 0249, for additional
information.
GM recommends replacing worn
tires in complete sets of four.
Uniform tread depth on all tires
will help to maintain the
performance of the vehicle.
Braking and handling
performance may be adversely
affected if all the tires are not
replaced at the same time.
If proper rotation and

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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262 Vehicle Care
maintenance have been done,
all four tires should wear out at
about the same time. SeeTire
Rotation 0259 for information
on proper tire rotation. However,
if it is necessary to replace only
one axle set of worn tires, place
the new tires on the rear axle.
Winter tires with the same speed
rating as the original equipment
tires may not be available for H,
V, W, and ZR speed rated tires.
Never exceed the winter tire's
maximum speed capability when
using winter tires with a lower
speed rating.
{Warning
Tires could explode during
improper service. Attempting
to mount or dismount a tire
could cause injury or death.
Only your dealer or authorized
tire service center should
mount or dismount the tires.
{Warning
Mixing tires of different sizes
(other than those originally
installed on the vehicle), brands,
or types may cause loss of
control of the vehicle, resulting in
a crash or other vehicle damage.
Use the correct size, brand, and
type of tire on all four wheels.
{Warning
Using bias-ply tires on the
vehicle may cause the wheel
rim flanges to develop cracks
after many miles of driving.
A tire and/or wheel could fail
suddenly and cause a crash.
Use only radial-ply tires with
the wheels on the vehicle.
If the vehicle tires must be
replaced with a tire that does not
have a TPC Spec number, make
sure they are the same size, load range, speed rating, and
construction (radial) as the
original tires.
Vehicles that have a tire
pressure monitoring system
could give an inaccurate
low-pressure warning if non-TPC
Spec rated tires are installed.
See
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation 0256.
The Tire and Loading
Information label indicates the
original equipment tires on the
vehicle. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 160.
Different Size Tires and
Wheels
If wheels or tires are installed that
are a different size than the original
equipment wheels and tires, vehicle
performance, including its braking,
ride and handling characteristics,
stability, and resistance to rollover
may be affected. If the vehicle has
electronic systems such as antilock
brakes, rollover airbags, traction

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Vehicle Care 263
control, electronic stability control,
or All-Wheel Drive, the performance
of these systems can also be
affected.
{Warning
If different sized wheels are used,
there may not be an acceptable
level of performance and safety if
tires not recommended for those
wheels are selected. This
increases the chance of a crash
and serious injury. Only use GM
specific wheel and tire systems
developed for the vehicle, and
have them properly installed by a
GM certified technician.
See Buying New Tires 0261 and
Accessories and Modifications
0 211.
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading
The following information relates
to the system developed by the
United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA), which grades tires by
treadwear, traction, and
temperature performance. This
applies only to vehicles sold in
the United States. The grades
are molded on the sidewalls of
most passenger car tires. The
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
(UTQG) system does not apply
to deep tread, winter tires,
compact spare tires, tires with
nominal rim diameters of
10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm),
or to some limited-production
tires.
While the tires available on
General Motors passenger cars
and light trucks may vary with
respect to these grades, they
must also conform to federal
safety requirements and
additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC)
standards.
Quality grades can be found
where applicable on the tire
sidewall between tread shoulder
and maximum section width. For
example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
All Passenger Car Tires Must
Conform to Federal Safety
Requirements In Addition To
These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a
comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a
specified government test
course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and
one-half (1½) times as well on
the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of
their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the