transmission CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2020 Owner's Guide

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
174 Driving and Operating
Caution
A transmission hot message may
display if the transmission fluid is
too hot. Driving under this
condition can damage the vehicle.
Stop and idle the engine to cool
the transmission fluid. This
message clears when the
transmission fluid has cooled
sufficiently.
D : This position is for normal
driving. If more power is needed for
passing, press the accelerator
pedal.
If the vehicle is shifted into D (Drive)
while the speed is too high, the
transmission will get ready to
engage D (Drive). Reduce the
vehicle speed, then the
transmission will engage D (Drive).
To shift into D (Drive):
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Pull the D (Drive) switch on the center console. To shift out of D (Drive):
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear.
Downshifting the transmission in
slippery road conditions could result
in skidding. See “Skidding”under
Loss of Control 0150.
The transmission can be shifted like
a manual transmission using the
paddle shift controls while in D
(Drive). See Manual Mode 0174.
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill
using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission.
The repair will not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. If the vehicle
is stuck, do not spin the tires.
When stopping on a hill, use the
brakes to hold the vehicle in
place.
Manual Mode
Manual Paddle Shift
With the transmission in D (Drive),
press the M (Manual Mode) switch
on the center console to enter
Manual Mode. Use the paddles on
the steering wheel to manually
upshift or downshift the
transmission. The right + (plus)
paddle upshifts, and the left
−(minus) paddle downshifts.
When using the Manual Paddle
Shift feature, the current gear will be
displayed in the instrument cluster

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
Driving and Operating 175
or the Head-Up Display (HUD),
if equipped. SeeHead-Up Display
(HUD) 0110.
When accelerating the vehicle from
a stop in snowy and icy conditions,
shifting to 2 (Second) gear, when
available, will allow the vehicle to
gain more traction.
The Manual Paddle Shift system
can be deactivated by pulling the
D (Drive) switch on the center
console.
With the transmission in D (Drive),
pull the right + paddle or the left
− paddle to place the transmission
in Temporary Manual Paddle
Shift mode.
To exit Temporary Manual Paddle
Shift mode do one of the following:
. Hold the + paddle for more than
one second.
. Drive at a steady speed without
manual shifts or aggressive
cornering for more than
six seconds.
. Bring the vehicle to a stop. While the Manual Paddle Shift
feature is active, the transmission
will automatically downshift through
the gears as the vehicle slows. The
transmission will select 1 (First) gear
as the vehicle stops. From a stop,
the vehicle will start from and hold
1 (First) gear unless Manual Paddle
Shifts are used to shift into a
different gear, or D (Drive) is
selected.
To cause the transmission to
downshift to the lowest gear
possible for the vehicle speed, in
Manual Paddle Shift or Temporary
Manual Paddle Shift mode:
.
Pull and briefly hold the
−paddle. If the paddle continues
to be held as the vehicle slows,
downshifts will continue as
vehicle speed allows.
The Manual Paddle Shift system will
not allow an upshift or a downshift if
vehicle speed is too fast or too slow,
nor will it allow a start from any gear
other than 1 (First) gear.
When in Manual Paddle Shift mode,
if upshifting does not occur when
needed, vehicle speed will be limited to protect the engine. When
in Temporary Manual Paddle Shift
mode, the transmission will
automatically upshift if the
accelerator pedal is pressed all the
way to the floor.
Manual Paddle Shift can be used
with cruise control. See
Cruise
Control 0196.
The vehicle speeds required for
Manual Paddle Shift upshifts
depend on several vehicle inputs,
which will vary the allowed upshift
speed by a few km/h (mph).
To prevent damage to the
powertrain, Manual Paddle
downshifts to a lower gear cannot
be done above certain speeds.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
Driving and Operating 185
To activate Z-Mode, press the
Z-Mode button on the steering
wheel. To deactivate, the driver can
either select a different mode
through the DMC knob or press the
Z-Mode button on the steering
wheel. When Z-Mode is deactivated
through the Z-Mode button, DMC is
always set back to Tour Mode.
Mode Description
uWeather :Weather Mode is used
for slippery surfaces to help control
wheel speed. This can compromise
the acceleration on dry asphalt.
This feature is not intended for use
when the vehicle is stuck in sand,
mud, ice, snow, or gravel. If the
vehicle becomes stuck, see If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0159. See “Driver
Mode Attributes,” later in this
section.
sTour : Use for normal city and
highway driving to provide a
smooth, soft ride. This setting
provides a balanced setting
between comfort and handling. This
is the standard mode. See “Driver
Mode Attributes,” later in this
section.
rSport : Use where road
conditions or personal preference
demand a more controlled
response. Used for spirited driving.
In this mode, the vehicle monitors
driving behaviors and automatically
enables Performance Shift Features
when spirited driving is detected. These features maintain lower
transmission gears to increase
available engine braking and
improve acceleration response. The
vehicle will exit this feature and
return to normal operation after a
short period when no spirited driving
is detected. See
“Driver Mode
Attributes,” later in this section.
tTrack :Track Mode is used for
closed race tracks. Use when
maximum vehicle handling is
desired.
When in Track Mode, the dual
clutch transmission and steering will
function similar to Sport Mode. The
accelerator pedal is adjusted to give
maximum control during the highest
level of spirited driving. See “Driver
Mode Attributes,” later in this
section.
qMy Mode : My Mode is used to
personalize everyday driving. This
mode is designed to allow the driver
to configure vehicle sub-systems to
their own preference for city or
normal driving.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
Driving and Operating 189
SteeringTour
(Default),
Sport, Track Tour Tour Sport Track Tour, Sport
(Default),Track
Suspension (if equipped with
Magnetic Ride) Tour
(Default),
Sport, Track Tour Tour Sport Track Tour, Sport
(Default),Track
Brake Response Tour
(Default),
Sport, Track Tour Tour Sport Track Tour, Sport
(Default),Track
Cluster Display
Configures the gauge cluster
display for each mode when linked
(default).
The Layout Display (Theme) is a
preset of Cluster Display and cannot
be modified or changed
independently.
Throttle Progression
Adjusts throttle sensitivity by
selecting how quickly or slowly the
throttle reacts to input.
Throttle Progression is a preset of
Powertrain and cannot be modified
or changed independently. Transmission Shift Operation
Basic:
.
Transmission upshifts and
downshifts are selected based
on vehicle speed and
accelerator position to optimize
comfort and fuel economy during
mild driving conditions.
Driver Influenced Gear Selection:
. Aggressive driving will influence
both the upshift and downshift
points in all modes. .
Criteria which have influence
are: driving mode, accelerator,
brakes, lateral and longitudinal
loading.
. Changes in gear selection
behavior due to aggressive
driving can include:
‐Downshifting early with higher
rpm’s during aggressive
braking (i.e. entering a corner)
‐ Altering upshifts while
experiencing lateral
acceleration

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
190 Driving and Operating
‐Not upshifting when the
accelerator is released to
avoid unnecessary shifts if the
accelerator is re-applied
‐ Recognizing sporty driving and
anticipate upcoming corners
with the appropriate gear
selection entering and exiting
. Driver Modes
‐Driver influenced changes are
effective in all driving modes,
however the aggressiveness
of the transmission response
will increase between Tour,
Sport, and Track Modes
respectively.
Active Fuel Management (engine
cylinder shuts off)
. Normal with Dual Clutch
Transmission: The engine uses
8-cylinder mode when
accelerating, but changes to
4-cylinder mode when coasting.
Active Fuel Management is a preset
of Powertrain and cannot be
modified or changed independently. Engine Sound
Changes when the variable exhaust
valves open.
Steering (Assist Effort)
Adjusts from a lighter steering feel
to reduced assist for more
steering feel.
Magnetic Ride Control (if
equipped)
Adjusts the shock dampening
firmness based on driving
conditions to improve comfort and
performance.
Driver Mode Customization
The vehicle is equipped to modify
the following vehicle settings base
on vehicle content. Through the
center stack, under Vehicle
Settings, select Drive Mode to
customize and personalize My
Mode and/or Z-Mode.
Engine Sound:
Engine Sound adjusts the volume of
engine noise. Setting range from
quietest to loudest volume as you
move from Stealth through Track..
Stealth, Tour, Sport, Track
Steering:
This setting adjusts the effort
required to turn the steering wheel.
The steering wheel offers better
feedback but requires more effort as
you move from Tour to Track.
. Tour, Sport, Track
Suspension:
This setting adjusts the firmness of
the suspension in the vehicle.
Suspension adjust stiffness of the
shocks and / or springs. The ride is
more comfortable at lower settings
and is stiffer at higher settings for
better control.
. Tour, Sport, Track
Powertrain:
This setting adjusts the throttle
response, gear shifting and engine
performance. An increased throttle
response enhances the acceleration
feel as you move toward Track, but
with a comfort trade-off due to more
aggressive gear shifting.
. Normal, Tour, Sport, Track

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
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

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
198 Driving and Operating
While pressing the accelerator pedal
or shortly following the release to
override cruise control, briefly
pressing SET–will result in cruise
set to the current vehicle speed.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control works
on hills depends upon the vehicle
speed, load, and the steepness of
the hills. When going up steep hills,
you may have to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain your
speed. When going downhill, you
may have to brake or shift to a lower
gear to keep your speed down.
If the brake pedal is applied, cruise
control will disengage. Cruise Control in Manual Paddle
Shift Gear Selection
When the vehicle is in M (Manual
Mode) and the manual paddle shift
controls are not being used, cruise
control operates in the same
manner as D (Drive).
When the vehicle is in M (Manual
Mode) and the manual paddle shift
controls are being used, cruise
control operates as follows:
.
If cruise control is active and a
gear is selected with the manual
paddle shift controls, the vehicle
speed is maintained in the driver
selected gear and will not
automatically upshift or
downshift the transmission while
the driver ’s gear selection is
active.
. If driving in hilly terrain, cruise
control may not be able to
maintain vehicle speed if an
upshift or downshift is not
selected by the driver. While
driving on hilly terrain and cruise
control is active with a manual
paddle shift gear selection, the
driver must select the proper gear for the terrain or select D
(Drive) on the shifter for full
automatic transmission
operation.
Ending Cruise Control
. Step lightly on the brake pedal.
. Shift the transmission to
N (Neutral).
. Press
*.
. To turn off cruise control,
press
1.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is
erased from memory if
1is pressed
or if the ignition is turned off.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
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-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
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)

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.