steering CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2021 Service Manual

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/21
Driving and Operating 189
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to
free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud,
ice, or snow.
If stuck too severely for the traction system
to free the vehicle, turn the traction system
off and use the rocking method. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
0206.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high speed,
they can explode, and you or others
could be injured. The vehicle can
overheat, causing an engine compartment
fire or other damage. Spin the wheels as
little as possible and avoid going above
56 km/h (35 mph).
Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right to
clear the area around the front wheels. Turn
off any traction system. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a low forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as possible. To
prevent transmission wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting gears.
Release the accelerator pedal while shifting, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transmission is in gear. Slowly
spinning the wheels in the forward and
reverse directions causes a rocking motion
that could free the vehicle. If that does not
get the vehicle out after a few tries, it may
need to be towed out. If the vehicle does
need to be towed out, see
Towing the
Vehicle 0281.
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how much
weight the vehicle can carry. This
weight is called the vehicle capacity
weight and includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo, and all
nonfactory-installed options. Two labels
on the vehicle may show how much
weight it may properly carry: the Tire
and Loading Information label and the
Certification label.
{Warning
Do not load the vehicle any heavier
than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the maximum
front or rear Gross Axle Weight
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Rating (GAWR). This can cause
systems to break and change the
way the vehicle handles. This could
cause loss of control and a crash.
Overloading can also reduce stopping
performance, damage the tires, and
shorten the life of the vehicle.
Tire and Loading Information Label
Label Example
A vehicle-specific Tire and Loading
Information label is attached to the
center pillar (B-pillar). This label shows

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 193
{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.
Ignition Positions
The vehicle has an electronic keyless ignition
with pushbutton start.
The remote key must be in the vehicle for
the system to operate. If the pushbutton
start is not working, the vehicle may be
near a strong radio antenna signal causing
interference to the Keyless Access system.
SeeRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 07.
To shift out of P (Park), the vehicle must be
turned on and the brake pedal must be
applied. Stopping the Engine/OFF (No Indicator
Lights) :
When the vehicle is stopped, press
ENGINE START/STOP once to turn the
engine off.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), the ignition will
turn off, and Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
will remain active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) 0195.
If the vehicle is in R (Reverse), D (Drive),
or M (Manual Mode), the vehicle will shift
to P (Park), the ignition will turn off, and
RAP will remain active.
If the vehicle is in N (Neutral), the ignition
will return to ACC/ACCESSORY and display
the message SHIFT TO PARK in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). When the vehicle
is shifted into P (Park), the ignition will
turn off.
Do not turn the engine off when the vehicle
is moving. This will cause a loss of power
assist in the brake and steering systems and
disable the airbags.
If the vehicle must be turned off in an
emergency: 1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This
may deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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194 Driving and Operating
2. Shift into N (Neutral). This can be donewhile the vehicle is moving. After
shifting into N (Neutral), firmly apply the
brakes and steer the vehicle to a safe
location.
3. Come to a complete stop. Shift into P (Park).
4. Set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0205. Press ENGINE
START/STOP to turn the vehicle off.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while moving may
cause loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable the
airbags. While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over and
must be turned off while driving, press and
hold ENGINE START/STOP for more than
two seconds, or press twice within
five seconds.
ACC/ACCESSORY (Amber Indicator Light) :
This mode allows the use of some electrical
accessories when the engine is off. With the ignition off, pressing the button
one time without the brake pedal applied
will place the ignition in ACC/ACCESSORY.
The ignition will switch from ACC/
ACCESSORY to off after five minutes to
prevent battery rundown.
ON/RUN/START (Green Indicator Light) :
This
mode is for driving and starting. With the
ignition off and the brake pedal applied,
pressing the button once will place the
ignition in ON/RUN/START. Once engine
cranking begins, release the button. Engine
cranking will continue until the engine
starts. See Starting the Engine 0194. The
ignition will then remain in ON/RUN.
Service Mode
This power mode is available for service and
diagnostics, and to verify the proper
operation of the malfunction indicator lamp
as may be required for emission inspection
purposes. With the vehicle off and the brake
pedal not applied, pressing and holding
ENGINE START/STOP for more than
five seconds will place the vehicle in Service
Mode. The instruments and audio systems
will operate as they do in ON/RUN, but the
vehicle will not be able to be driven. The engine will not start in Service Mode. Press
ENGINE START/STOP again to turn the
vehicle off.
Starting the Engine
Caution
If you add electrical parts or accessories,
you could change the way the engine
operates. Any resulting damage would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
See
Add-On Electrical Equipment 0229.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could
damage the transmission. Shift to P (Park)
only when the vehicle is stopped.
Place the transmission in P (Park) or
N (Neutral). To restart the vehicle when it is
already moving, use N (Neutral) only.
Starting the Vehicle
The remote key must be inside the vehicle
for the ignition to work.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 201
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 thepaddles 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 or the Head-Up
Display (HUD), if equipped. See Head-Up
Display (HUD) 094.
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

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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204 Driving and Operating
rate of launch. Tire spin may occur with the
accelerator pedal pressed and the Traction
Control System (TCS) turned off.
This launch occurs when both of these
conditions are met:
.Vehicle speed is below 10 km/h (6 mph).
.Both the + paddle and−paddle are
released at the same time.
With the accelerator fully pressed and the
engine at the rev limiter, peak performance
only occurs if the paddles are released
within a short period of time after reaching
the rev limit (i.e., a few seconds).
Standard Exit : Engine power is reapplied to
the wheels gently to support normal vehicle
operation on public roads.
This occurs when paddles are released under
any of the these conditions:
.Vehicle speed is above 10 km/h (6 mph).
.The vehicle is in R (Reverse).
.The + paddle and −paddle are not
released at the same time.
If the vehicle was in Temporary Manual
Paddle Shift mode before entering Double
Paddle Declutch, the vehicle will return to D
(Drive) with automatic shifting upon exiting
Double Paddle Declutch.
{Warning
When exiting Double Paddle Declutch, the
vehicle may move rapidly. You could lose
control and cause a crash with nearby
people or objects. Be ready to release the
accelerator pedal or apply the brakes
immediately if the vehicle moves too
quickly. Do not use the Double Paddle
Declutch when people or objects are near.
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost
Vehicles equipped with electric brake boost
have hydraulic brake circuits that are
electronically controlled when the brake
pedal is applied during normal operation.
The system performs routine tests and turns
off within a few minutes after the vehicle is
turned off. Noise may be heard during this
time. If the brake pedal is pressed during
the tests or when the electric brake boost
system is off, a noticeable change in pedal
force and travel may be felt. This is normal.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 089.
ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot on the brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will
not be enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down firmly. Hearing and feeling ABS
operate is normal.

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Driving and Operating 205
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.
Electric Parking Brake
The Electric Parking Brake (EPB) can always
be applied, even if the vehicle is off. In case
of insufficient electrical power, the EPB
cannot be applied or released. To prevent
draining the battery, avoid unnecessary
repeated cycles of the EPB.
The system has a red parking brake status
light and an amber service parking brake
warning light. SeeElectric Parking Brake
Light 088 and Service Electric Parking Brake Light
089.
There are also parking brake-related Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages.
Before leaving the vehicle, check the red
parking brake status light to ensure that the
parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The red parking brake status light will flash
and then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the red parking brake status light
flashes continuously, then the EPB is only
partially applied or there is a problem with
the EPB. A DIC message will display. Release
the EPB and try to apply it again. If the
light does not come on, or keeps flashing,
have the vehicle serviced. Do not drive the
vehicle if the red parking brake status light
is flashing. See your dealer.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, press the EPB switch. Continue to
hold the switch until the red parking brake
status light remains on. If the amber service
parking brake warning light is on, see your
dealer. If the EPB is applied while the vehicle is
moving, the vehicle will decelerate as long
as the switch is pressed. If the switch is
pressed until the vehicle comes to a stop,
the EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply the EPB
in some situations when the vehicle is not
moving. This is normal, and is done to
periodically check the correct operation of
the EPB system, or at the request of other
safety functions that utilize the EPB.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the rear
wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:
1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the red parking
brake status light is off.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, release the EPB by pressing and
holding the EPB switch. Continue to hold the
switch until the red parking brake status
light is off. If either light stays on after
release is attempted, see your dealer.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 209
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 0189. 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 when road conditions or
personal preference demand a more
controlled response. When this mode is
selected, a down shift will be immediately
felt. In this mode the vehicle also 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 time when spirited driving is
no longer detected. The steering will change
to provide more precise control. If the
vehicle has Magnetic Ride Control, the
suspension will change to provide better cornering performance. When in Sport
Mode, the displays will change to sport
theme.
Competitive Mode can be accessed through
this mode. See
Competitive Driving Mode
0 215.
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 adjust to track settings. The accelerator
pedal is adjusted to give maximum control
during the highest level of spirited driving.
This mode also modifies real time damping,
exhaust valve tuning, engine sound, brake
pedal feel, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
performance and Traction Control System
(TCS) performance. When in Track Mode the
displays will change to track theme.
Performance Traction Management (PTM)
can be accessed through this mode. See
“Performance Traction Management,” later
in this section.
qMy Mode : My Mode is used to
personalize everyday driving. This mode
allows the driver to configure the driver
systems to their driving preferences. This
mode modifies the suspension, steering,

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210 Driving and Operating
pedal mapping, exhaust valve tuning, and
engine sound. My Mode will remain active
across ignition cycles.
Through the center display, the following
vehicle sub-systems may be available for
customization in this mode:
Engine Sound:Stealth, Tour, Sport, Track
Steering: Tour, Sport, Track
Suspension: Tour, Sport, Track
Brake Response: Tour, Sport, Track
For a more detailed description on how each
driver system is changed, see “Drive Mode
Customization,” later in this section.
Additionally the cluster theme can be set up
using the display menu in the cluster.vZ-Mode : Z-Mode is used to
personalize dynamic driving. This mode
allows the driver to configure the driver
systems to their own preference for
maximum handling. Z-Mode further
enhances the experience by adding
powertrain customization. This mode
modifies pedal mapping, ESC performance,
TCS performance, suspension, steering,
exhaust valve turning, and engine sound.
Through the center display, the driver can
customize multiple settings. The following
vehicle sub-systems may be available for
customization in this mode:
Engine Sound: Stealth, Tour, Sport, Track
Steering: Tour, Sport, Track Suspension:
Tour, Sport, Track
Powertrain: Tour, Sport, Track, Weather
Brake Response: Tour, Sport, Track
PTM: Off, Wet, Dry, Sport, Race 1, Race 2
For a more detailed description on how each
driver system is changed, see “Drive Mode
Customization,” later in this section. For
more information on PTM, see “Performance
Traction Management,” later in this section.
Additionally, the cluster theme can be set
up using the display menu in the cluster.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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212 Driving and Operating
Active Fuel ManagementEnabled (In 4th
– 8th gear for
mLSD vehicles) Enabled (In 4th
– 8th gear for
mLSD vehicles) Enabled (In 4th
– 8th gear) Enabled (In 5th
– 8th gear) Disable Tour, Sport,
Track (Default),Weather
Traction and Stability Control Tour Weather Tour Tour Track Tour
Performance Traction or Competitive
Driving Mode Availability Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Comp Mode
(available)PTM
(available) PTM (available)
Engine Sound Stealth, Tour
(Default),
Sport, Track Stealth Tour Sport Track Stealth, Tour,
Sport, Track(Default)
Steering Tour (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.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 213
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
‐ 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
Caution
Using a stealth engine sound setting
during spirited driving will cause the
exhaust system to overheat and damage
the variable exhaust valves. Do not use
this setting when auto-crossing or driving
on high speed tracks.
If available, engine sound settings change
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.
Drive 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
Customization” 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