traction control CHEVROLET CORVETTE C6 2012 Owner's Manual

Black plate (36,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
9-36 Driving and Operating
Parking Brake
The parking brake lever is located
to the right of the center console.
To set the parking brake, hold the
brake pedal down. Pull the parking
brake lever up. If the ignition is on,
the brake system warning light will
come on.
To release the parking brake, hold
the brake pedal down. Then push
the release button in as you move
the parking brake lever all the
way down.
Notice:Driving with the parking
brake on can overheat the brake
system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system
parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the
brake warning light is off before
driving.
Brake Assist
This vehicle has a brake assist
feature designed to assist the driver
in stopping or decreasing vehicle
speed in emergency driving
conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake
control module to supplement the
power brake system under
conditions where the driver has
quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly
stop or slow down the vehicle.
The stability system hydraulic brake
control module increases brake
pressure at each corner of the
vehicle until the ABS activates.
Minor brake pedal pulsation or
pedal movement during this time
is normal and the driver should
continue to apply the brake pedal
as the driving situation dictates.
The brake assist feature will
automatically disengage when
the brake pedal is released or
brake pedal pressure is quickly
decreased.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control
System (TCS)
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) that limits wheel spin.
This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system
operates only if it senses that the
rear wheels are spinning too much
or are beginning to lose traction.
When this happens, the system
works the rear brakes and reduces
engine power (by closing the throttle
and managing engine spark) to limit
wheel spin.
The TRACTION SYSTEM ACTIVE
message displays on the Driver
Information Center (DIC) when TCS
is limiting wheel spin. See Ride
Control System Messages on
page 5‑44. The system may be
heard or felt while it is working, but
this is normal.

Black plate (37,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-37
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. SeeCruise Control on
page 9‑45.
The SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM
message and the Active Handling
System light will come on if there is
a problem with TCS. See Ride
Control System Messages on
page 5‑44.
When this light and the SERVICE
TRACTION SYSTEM message
are on, the system will not limit
wheel spin. Adjust your driving
accordingly. TCS automatically comes on
whenever the vehicle is started.
To limit wheel spin, especially in
slippery road conditions, the system
should always be left on. TCS can
be turned off if needed.To turn the system off, press the
Active Handling button located on
the center console.
The Traction Off light comes on.
The system can be turned on or off
at any time by pressing the Active
Handling button. The DIC will
display the appropriate message
when the button is pushed.
Notice:
When traction control is
turned off, or Competitive Driving
Mode is active, it is possible to
lose traction. If you attempt to
shift with the drive wheels
spinning with a loss of traction,
it is possible to cause damage to
the transmission. Do not attempt
to shift when the drive wheels do
not have traction. Damage caused
by misuse of the vehicle is not
covered. See the warranty book
for additional information.
Adding non-dealer accessories can
affect the vehicle's performance.
See Accessories and Modifications
on page 10‑3 for more information.

Black plate (38,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
9-38 Driving and Operating
Active Handling System
The Active Handling System is a
computer controlled system that
helps the driver maintain directional
control of the vehicle in difficult
driving conditions. This is
accomplished by selectively
applying any one of the vehicle's
brakes.
The ACTIVE HANDLING message
will come on when the system is
operating. SeeRide Control System
Messages on page 5‑44 for more
information. The system may be
heard or felt while it is working.
This is normal.
The SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING
SYSTEM message is displayed on
the DIC, the Active Handling System light comes on, and a sound
is heard if there is a problem with
the system.
See
Ride Control System Messages
on page 5‑44 for more information.
When this light and the SERVICE
ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM
message are on, the system is not
operational. Adjust your driving
accordingly.
The Active Handling System
comes on automatically whenever
the vehicle is started. To help
maintain directional control of the
vehicle, the system should always
be left on. The system can be
turned off if needed. If the Active
Handling System is turned off, the
Traction Control System will also
be turned off. Adjust your driving
accordingly.
To turn the system off, press the
Active Handling button on the
center console until TRACTION
SYSTEM AND ACTIVE HANDLING
SYSTEM —OFF is displayed on
the DIC.
The StabiliTrak Off light will
come on.
The system can be turned back on
at any time by pressing the Active
Handling button. The DIC will
display the appropriate message
when the button is pushed.

Black plate (39,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-39
If the Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)
system detects a flat tire and the
Driver Information Center (DIC)
displays TIRE FLAT, or if the TPM
system is malfunctioning and the
DIC displays SERVICE TIRE
MONITOR, the Active Handling
System will be affected as follows:
.The Active Handling System
cannot be turned off by the
driver.
.If the Active Handling System
is off, it will be turned on
automatically.
.Competitive Driving Mode or
Performance Traction
Management is unavailable.
.The Active Handling System will
feel different in aiding and
maintaining directional control.
Competitive Driving Mode
Competitive Driving Mode,
Performance Traction Management,
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 a
driver’s inexperience or lack of
familiarity with the race track.
Drivers who prefer to allow the
system to have more control of
the engine, brake, and suspension
are advised to turn the normal
traction control and active handling
systems on. See Racing or Other
Competitive Driving on page 9‑6
for more information. Notice:
Do not attempt to shift
when the drive wheels are
spinning and do not have
traction. This may cause damage
to the transmission. Damage
caused by misuse of the vehicle
is not covered by the vehicle
warranty. See the warranty book
for additional information.
Competitive Driving Mode
(Except ZR1)
Competitive Driving Mode allows
full engine power while the Active
Handling System helps maintain
directional control of the vehicle
by selective brake application.
In this mode, 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.

Black plate (40,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
9-40 Driving and Operating
This light is on when the vehicle is
in the Competitive Driving Mode.
This optional handling mode can be
selected by pressing the Active
Handling button on the center
console quickly two times.
COMPETITIVE DRIVING MODE
displays in the Driver Information
Center (DIC). SeeRide Control
System Messages on page 5‑44
for more information.
When the Active Handling button
is pressed again, the Active
Handling and TCS systems are on.
The TRACTION SYSTEM AND
ACTIVE HANDLING-ON message
displays briefly in the DIC and a
chime is heard.
Performance Traction
Management (Z06, ZR1)
Performance Traction Management
integrates the Traction Control,
Active Handling, and Selective
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 Performance Traction
Management Mode.
This optional handling mode can be
selected by pressing the Active
Handling button on the center
console quickly two times. PERF
TRAC 1 - WET ACTIVE HANDLING
ON displays in the DIC. To experience the performance
benefit of this system, after entering
a curve and at the point where the
driver would normally start to
increase acceleration, the
accelerator pedal can be fully
pressed. The Performance Traction
Management system will modify the
level of engine power for a smooth
and consistent corner exit.
To select a mode while in
Performance Traction Management,
turn the knob located on the center
console.

Black plate (41,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-41
The Performance Traction
Management system contains five
modes. These modes are selected
by turning the Selective Ride
Control/Performance Traction
Management knob on the center
console. The driver scrolls up or
down through modes 1–5 by
rotating the knob to the right or left.
The following is a DIC display
description and the recommended
usage of each mode:
PERF TRAC 1–WET ACTIVE
HANDLING ON
.Intended for all driver skill levels
.Wet or damp conditions
only —not intended for use in
heavy rain or standing water
.Active Handling is on and engine
power is reduced based on
conditions
PERF TRAC 2 –DRY ACTIVE
HANDLING ON
.For use by less experienced
drivers or while learning a new
track
.Dry conditions only
.Active Handling is on and engine
power is slightly reduced
PERF TRAC 3 –SPORT
ACTIVE HANDLING ON
.For use by drivers who are
familiar with the track
.Dry conditions only
.Requires more driving skill than
mode 2
.Active Handling is on and more
engine power is available than in
mode 2
PERF TRAC 4 –SPORT
ACTIVE HANDLING OFF
.For use by drivers who are
familiar with the track
.Dry conditions only
.Requires more driving skill than
modes 2 or 3
.Active Handling is off and
available engine power is the
same as mode 3
PERF TRAC 5 –RACE ACTIVE
HANDLING OFF
.For use by experienced drivers
who are familiar with the track
.Dry conditions only
.Requires more driving skill than
in other modes
.Active Handling is off and engine
power is available for maximum
cornering speed
Press and release the ACTIVE
HANDLING button to turn off
Performance Traction Management
and return to the Active Handling
and Traction Control Systems.
The TRACTION SYSTEM AND
ACTIVE HANDLING-ON message
displays briefly in the DIC and a
chime is heard.

Black plate (42,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
9-42 Driving and Operating
Launch Control
A Launch Control feature is
available, within Competitive Driving
Mode (except ZR1) or Performance
Traction Management (Z06, ZR1),
on vehicles with a manual
transmission to allow the driver to
achieve high levels of vehicle
acceleration in a straight line.
Launch Control is a form of traction
control that manages tire spin while
launching the vehicle. This feature
is intended for use during closed
course race events where
consistent zero to sixty and
quarter mile times are desirable.Launch Control is only available
when the following criteria are met:.Competitive Driving Mode is
selected (except ZR1) or any
of the Performance Traction
Management modes are
selected (Z06, ZR1). The TCS
light comes on the instrument
panel and the appropriate DIC
message displays.
.The vehicle is not moving.
.The steering wheel is pointing
straight.
.The clutch is pressed and the
vehicle is in first gear.
.The accelerator pedal is rapidly
applied 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. A smooth, quick release of the
clutch, while maintaining the fully
pressed accelerator pedal, will
manage wheel slip. Complete shifts
as described in
Manual
Transmission on page 9‑32.
After the vehicle is launched, the
system continues in Competitive
Mode (except ZR1) or Performance
Traction Management (Z06, ZR1).
Competitive Driving Mode,
Performance Traction Management,
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.

Black plate (43,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-43
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Vehicles with a limited-slip rear axle
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.
Selective Ride Control
The vehicle may have a ride control
system called Magnetic Selective
Ride Control. The system provides
the following performance benefits:
.Reduced Impact Harshness
.Improved Road Isolation
.Improved High-Speed Stability
.Improved Handling Response
.Better Control of Body Ride
Motions
Except ZR1
This knob is located on the center
console. Turn it to select the
suspension of your choice.
TOUR:Use for normal city and
highway driving. This setting
provides a smooth, soft ride.
SPORT: Use where road conditions
or personal preference demand
more control. This setting provides
more “feel,” or response to the road
conditions. The setting can be changed at any
time. Based on road conditions,
steering wheel angle, and the
vehicle speed, the system
automatically adjusts to provide the
best handling while providing a
smooth ride. The Tour and Sport
modes will feel similar on a smooth
road. Select a new setting whenever
driving conditions change.
Three Driver Information
Center (DIC) messages (SERVICE
RIDE CONTROL, SHOCKS
INOPERATIVE, and MAXIMUM
SPEED 129 KM/H (80 MPH) display
when a malfunction occurs with the
Selective Ride Control system.
Refer to
Ride Control System
Messages on page 5‑44 for more
information.

Black plate (44,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
9-44 Driving and Operating
ZR1 or Z06 with PTM
This knob is located on the center
console. Turn it to select the
suspension of your choice.
The knob will return to the
center position when released.
The switch will illuminate the
current suspension setting.TOUR:
Use for normal city and
highway driving. This setting
provides a smooth, soft ride.
SPORT: Use where road conditions
or personal preference demand
more control. This setting provides
more “feel,” or response to the road
conditions.
The setting can be changed at any
time. Based on road conditions,
steering wheel angle, and the
vehicle speed, the system
automatically adjusts to provide the
best handling while providing a
smooth ride. The Tour and Sport
modes will feel similar on a smooth
road. Select a new setting whenever
driving conditions change.
The Selective Ride knob will not
display the Tour or Sport setting
when the Performance Traction
Management mode is selected. When this mode is selected,
turning the Selective Ride knob
will change the Performance
Traction Management mode and
the suspension setting will be
determined automatically.
See
Competitive Driving Mode on
page 9‑39 for more information.
Three Driver Information Center
(DIC) messages (SERVICE
RIDE CONTROL, SHOCKS
INOPERATIVE, and MAXIMUM
SPEED 129 KM/H (80 MPH) display
when a malfunction occurs with the
Selective Ride Control system.
Refer to Ride Control System
Messages on page 5‑44 for more
information.

Black plate (45,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-45
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).
Cruise control will not work if the
parking brake is set, or if the master
cylinder brake fluid level is low.
{WARNING
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
a steady speed. So, do not use
the 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 vehicle is in cruise control,
and has the Traction Control
System (TCS), and it begins to limit
wheel spin, the cruise control
automatically disengages. See
Traction Control System (TCS) on
page 9‑36. When road conditions
allow the cruise control to be safely
used again, it can be turned
back on.
The vehicle has cruise control.
9(Off):
Turns the system off.
R(On):Turns the system on.
S(Resume/Accelerate): Makes
the vehicle accelerate or resume a
previously set speed.
T(Set): Press this button at the
end of the lever to set the speed. Setting Cruise Control
If the cruise button is on when not in
use, it could get bumped and go into
cruise when not desired. Keep the
cruise control switch off when cruise
is not being used.
1. Move the cruise control switch
to on.
2. Get up to the speed desired.
3. Press
Tat the end of the lever
and release it.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
When the cruise control is
engaged, the CRUISE SET TO
XXX MPH message displays on the
Driver Information Center (DIC).
See Cruise Control Messages on
page 5‑38.