cooling CHEVROLET CORVETTE C7 2018 User Guide

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 3/29/17
220 Vehicle Care
1. Engine Oil Dipstick. See“Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0222.
2. Dry Sump Engine Oil Tank Fill Cap. See “Changing Engine Oil
and Filter” Engine Oil 0222.
3. Passenger Compartment Air
Filter 0151 (Out of View).
4. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap.
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 232 orCooling System (Aero
Panel) 0235.
5. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0247.
6. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0229.
7. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View).
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 232 orCooling System (Aero
Panel) 0235.
8. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0239.
9. Clutch Master Cylinder Reservoir (If Equipped). See
Hydraulic Clutch 0229. 10. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
0 237.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 3/29/17
222 Vehicle Care
1. Engine Oil Dipstick. See“Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0222.
2. Dry Sump Engine Oil Tank Fill Cap. See “Changing Engine Oil
and Filter” Engine Oil 0222.
3. Passenger Compartment Air
Filter 0151 (Out of View).
4. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap.
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 232 orCooling System (Aero
Panel) 0235.
5. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0247.
6. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0229.
7. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View).
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 232 orCooling System (Aero
Panel) 0235.
8. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0239.
9. Clutch Master Cylinder Reservoir (If Equipped). See
Hydraulic Clutch 0229. 10. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
0 237.
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.
Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
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” in this section.
. Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0227.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil (Except
Z06, Grand Sport, and Stingray
with Z51)
If the ENGINE OIL LOW–ADD OIL
message displays on the Driver
Information Center (DIC), check the
engine oil level right away.
Check the engine oil level regularly,
every 650 km (400 mi), especially
prior to a long trip. The engine oil
dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0217 for the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
Follow these guidelines:
. To get an accurate reading, park
the vehicle on level ground.
Check the engine oil level after
the engine has been off for at
least two hours. Checking the
engine oil level on steep grades

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 3/29/17
232 Vehicle Care
Cooling System (Engine)
The cooling system allows the
engine to maintain the correct
working temperature.
LT1 Engine (without Dry SumpEngine Oil Tank)
1. Coolant Surge Tank withPressure Cap
2. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
LT1 Engine (with Dry Sump
Engine Oil Tank)
1. Coolant Surge Tank withPressure Cap
2. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
LT4 Engine (with Dry Sump
Engine Oil Tank)
1. Coolant Surge Tank withPressure Cap
2. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
{Warning
An underhood electric fan can
start up even when the engine is
not running and can cause injury.
Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood
electric fan.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 233
{Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator
hoses, or other engine parts.
They can be very hot and can
burn you. Do not run the engine if
there is a leak; all coolant could
leak out. That could cause an
engine fire and can burn you. Fix
any leak before driving the
vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL engine
coolant. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants 0308. The fluid
requires changing at certain
intervals. See Maintenance
Schedule 0299.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
see Engine Overheating 0236.
What to Use
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such
as alcohol, can boil before the
proper coolant mixture will. With
plain water or the wrong mixture,
the engine could get too hot but
there would not be an overheat
warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be
burned.
Use a mixture of 40% DEX-COOL
coolant and 60% clean, drinkable
water. If using this mixture, nothing
else needs to be added. This
mixture:
. Gives freezing protection down
to−28 °C (−18 °F), outside
temperature.
. Gives boiling protection up to
129 °C (265 °F), engine
temperature.
. Protects against rust and
corrosion.
. Will not damage aluminum parts. .
Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.Caution
Do not use anything other than a
mix of DEX-COOL coolant that
meets GM Standard
GMW3420 and clean, drinkable
water. Anything else can cause
damage to the vehicle’ s engine
cooling system and vehicle, which
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, pouring it on
the ground, or into sewers, streams,
or bodies of water. Have the coolant
changed by an authorized service
center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used
coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
health.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 3/29/17
234 Vehicle Care
If ambient temperatures are
anticipated below−28 °C (−18 °F),
make sure a proper mixture ratio of
50% DEX-COOL coolant and 50%
clean, drinkable water is used.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant surge tank. If the coolant
inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, do not do anything else until
it cools down. If coolant is visible
but the coolant level is not at or
above the cold fill line, add a
mixture of 40% DEX-COOL coolant
and 60% clean, drinkable water at
the coolant recovery tank, but be
sure the cooling system is cool
before this is done. See Engine
Overheating 0236.
The engine coolant surge tank is
toward the rear of the engine
compartment on the passenger side
of the vehicle. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0217. When the engine is cold, the coolant
level should be at the cold fill line on
the coolant surge tank.
When the engine is hot, the level
could be higher than the cold fill
line. If the coolant is below the cold
fill line when the engine is hot, there
could be a leak in the cooling
system.
If the coolant is low, add the coolant
or take the vehicle to your dealer for
service.
How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge Tank
{Warning
Spilling coolant on hot engine
parts can burn you. Coolant
contains ethylene glycol and it will
burn if the engine parts are hot
enough.
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure
cap, even a little, can cause them
to come out at high speed and
you could be burned. Never turn
the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
pressure cap to cool.
If coolant is needed, add the proper
DEX-COOL coolant mixture directly
to the surge tank, but be sure the
cooling system is cool before this
is done.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 3/29/17
Vehicle Care 235
1. When the cooling system,including the coolant surge
tank pressure cap and upper
radiator hose, is no longer hot,
remove the pressure cap.
Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise about
one-quarter turn and then stop.
If a hiss is heard, wait for that
to stop. A hiss means there is
still some pressure left.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap slowly, and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture until the
level inside stabilizes at the
cold fill line on the front of the
surge tank.
4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the
engine and let it run until the
upper radiator hose can be felt
getting hot. Any time during
this procedure, watch out for
the engine cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level
inside the coolant surge tank
may be lower. If the level is lower, add more of the proper
mixture to the coolant surge
tank until the level stabilizes at
the cold fill line on the coolant
surge tank.
5. Replace the pressure cap tightly.
6. Verify coolant level after the engine is shut off and the
coolant is cold. If necessary,
repeat coolant fill procedure
Steps 1−6.
If the coolant still is not at the
proper level when the system
cools down again, see your
dealer.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and engine
damage may occur. Be sure the
cap is properly and tightly
secured.
Cooling System (Aero
Panel)
The aero panel enhances
aerodynamic efficiency and
improves fuel economy.
Remove the aero panel and bracket
to improve engine cooling and air
conditioning performance when
driving aggressively or in hot
weather.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 3/29/17
236 Vehicle Care
To remove the aero panel and
bracket:
Stingray Shown, Grand Sport andZ06 Similar
1. Press up on the two indents at the bottom and lift the aero
panel off the bracket.
Stingray Shown, Grand Sport and
Z06 Similar
2. Unscrew the two fasteners that secure the bracket.
3. Gently pull the bracket away from the grille.
To replace the bracket and aero
panel: 1. Position the bracket over the grille.
2. Secure the bracket by pushing the two fasteners into place.
3. Snap the aero panel into place.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators
to warn of engine overheating.
There is an engine coolant
temperature gauge on the
instrument cluster. See Engine
Coolant Temperature Gauge 0106.
The vehicle may also display a
message on the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood but to get service help right
away, see Roadside Assistance
Program 0320.
If the decision is made to lift the
hood, make sure the vehicle is
parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine
cooling fan is running. If the engine
is overheating, the fan should be
running. If it is not, do not continue
to run the engine, and have the
vehicle serviced.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 3/29/17
Vehicle Care 237
Caution
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak in the engine cooling system.
This can cause a loss of all
coolant and can damage the
system and vehicle. Have any
leaks fixed right away.
If Steam Is Coming from the
Engine
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure
cap, even a little, can cause them
to come out at high speed and
you could be burned. Never turn
the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
pressure cap to cool.
If No Steam Is Coming from
the Engine
If an engine overheat warning is
displayed but no steam can be seen
or heard, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
. Stops after high-speed driving.
. Idles for long periods in traffic.
If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the
highest fan speed. Open the
windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral), and let the
engine idle.
If the temperature overheat gauge is
no longer in the shaded area or an
overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven.
Continue to drive the vehicle slowly for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the vehicle in
front. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normally
and have the cooling system
checked for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for three minutes while
parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When the vehicle needs windshield
washer fluid, be sure to read the
manufacturer instructions before
use. If the vehicle will be operating
in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid
that has sufficient protection against
freezing.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 3/29/17
250 Vehicle Care
FusesUsage
46 Transmission control module
47 Canister vent
48 Integrated chassis control module/
Automatic
occupant sensing
49 Theft/Vehicle interface module
50 Engine/ Transmission
51 Instrument cluster
52 High-beam headlamps
53 Transmission control module/
Engine control
module
54 Starter
55 Front wiper –
Low/High
56 Run/Crank
57 Front wiper motor Fuses
Usage
58 Headlamp washer
59 A/C control
60 –
61 Low-beam headlamps
62 Engine control module
63 Vacuum pump
64 –
65 –
66 –
67 –
68 –
69 –
70 –
71 –
72 –
73 –
74 Transmission cooling fan 2
75 – Fuses
Usage
76 Communication gateway module
Relays Usage
54 Starter
55 Front wiper –
Low/High
56 Run/Crank
57 Front wiper motor
58 Headlamp washer
59 A/C control
60 –
61 Low-beam headlamps
62 Engine control module
63 Vacuum pump

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 3/29/17
274 Vehicle Care
Caution
The wrong wheel can also cause
problems with bearing life, brake
cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp
aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire
clearance to the body and
chassis.
Tightening Wheel Lug Nuts
{Warning
Never use oil or grease on studs
or the threads of the wheel nuts.
The wheel nuts might come loose
and the wheel could fall off,
causing a crash.
{Warning
Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly
tightened wheel nuts can cause
the wheel to become loose and
even come off. This could lead to
a crash. Be sure to use the
correct wheel nuts. If you have to
replace them, be sure to get new
GM original equipment
wheel nuts.
Caution
Improperly tightened wheel nuts
can lead to brake pulsation and
rotor damage. To avoid expensive
brake repairs, evenly tighten the
wheel nuts in the proper
sequence and to the proper
torque specification.
Tighten the wheel lug nuts firmly in
a crisscross sequence. See
Capacities and Specifications 0313.
Tire Chains
{Warning
Do not use tire chains. There is
not enough clearance. Tire chains
used on a vehicle without the
proper amount of clearance can
cause damage to the brakes,
suspension, or other vehicle
parts. The area damaged by the
tire chains could cause loss of
(Continued)