CHEVROLET CORVETTE C7 2018 Owners Manual

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 4/4/17
190 Driving and Operating
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold
the brake pedal down firmly and let
ABS work. You may hear the ABS
pump or motor operating and feel
the brake pedal pulsate. This is
normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows you to steer and brake
at the same time. In many
emergencies, steering can help
more than even the very best
braking.
Electric Parking Brake
The vehicle has an Electric Parking
Brake (EPB). The EPB can always
be activated, even if the ignition is
off. To prevent draining the battery,
avoid repeated cycles of the EPB
system when the engine is not
running.
The system has a
Yor PARK
Electric Parking Brake light, and a
8
Service Parking Brake light.
See Electric Parking Brake Light
0 112 and Service Electric Parking
Brake Light 0112.
Before leaving the vehicle, check for
the
Yor PARK light to ensure that
the EPB is applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Lift up the EPB switch momentarily.
The
Yor PARK light will flash and
then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the
Yor PARK light
flashes continuously, then the EPB is only partially applied or there is a
problem with the EPB. A Driver
Information Center (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
Yor PARK
light is flashing. See your dealer.
See Electric Parking Brake Light
0 112.
If the
8light is on, press the EPB
switch and hold it. Continue to hold
the switch until the
Yor PARK
light remains on. If the
8light
remains 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.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 4/4/17
Driving and Operating 191
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
Y
or PARK light is off.
If the
8light is on, release the EPB
by pressing and holding the EPB
switch. Continue to hold the switch
until the
Yor PARK light is off.
If either light stays on after release
is attempted, see your dealer.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system
and cause premature wear or
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
damage to brake system parts.
Make sure that the parking brake
is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if
the vehicle is running, placed into
gear, and an attempt is made to
drive away. Avoid rapid acceleration
when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
The EPB can also be used to
prevent roll back for vehicles with a
manual transmission taking off on a
hill. When no roll back is desired, an
applied EPB will allow both feet to
be used for the clutch and
accelerator pedals in preparation for
starting the vehicle moving in the
intended direction. In this case,
there is no need to press the switch
to release the EPB.
Brake Assist
The Brake Assist feature is
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.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 4/4/17
192 Driving and Operating
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
If equipped, Hill Start Assist (HSA)
may automatically activate when the
vehicle is stopped on a grade. This
feature is designed to prevent the
vehicle from rolling, either forward or
rearward, during vehicle drive off.
During the transition from releasing
the brake pedal to accelerating to
drive off on a grade, HSA holds the
braking pressure to prevent rolling.
HSA will not activate if the vehicle is
in a drive gear and facing downhill
or if the vehicle is facing uphill and
in R (Reverse).
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and a StabiliTrak
system. These systems help limit
wheel spin and assist the driver in
maintaining control, especially on
slippery road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that the
rear wheels are spinning too much
or are beginning to lose traction.
When this happens, TCS applies
the brakes to the spinning wheel
and reduces engine power (by
closing the throttle and managing
engine spark) to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak activates when the
vehicle senses a difference between
the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling.
StabiliTrak selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the
vehicle wheel brakes to assist the
driver in keeping the vehicle on the
intended path.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. See
Cruise Control 0201.
Both systems come on
automatically when the vehicle is
started and begins to move. The
systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while
performing diagnostic checks. This
is normal and does not mean there
is a problem with the vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both
systems on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary
to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
See If the Vehicle Is Stuck 0170
and “Turning the Systems Off and
On” later in this section.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 193
The indicator light for both systems
is in the instrument cluster. This
light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting
wheel spin
. Flash when StabiliTrak is
activated
. Turn on and stay on when either
system is not working
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the
Driver Information Center (DIC), and
dcomes on and stays on to
indicate that the system is inactive
and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. The vehicle is
safe to drive, but driving should be
adjusted accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine. Drive the vehicle. If
dcomes on
and stays on, the vehicle may need
more time to diagnose the problem.
If the condition persists, see your
dealer.
Turning the Systems Off
and On
The TCS/StabiliTrak button is on the
center console.
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or
accelerate heavily when TCS is
off. The vehicle driveline could be
damaged.
To turn off only TCS, press and
release
g. The Traction Off lighti
illuminates in the instrument cluster.
To turn TCS on again, press and
release
g. The Traction Off lighti
displayed in the instrument cluster
will turn off.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
g
is pressed, the system will not turn
off until the wheels stop spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak,
press and hold
guntil the Traction
Off light
iand StabiliTrak OFF
light
gilluminate and stay on in the
instrument cluster.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 4/4/17
194 Driving and Operating
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak on
again, press and release
g. The
Traction Off light
iand StabiliTrak
OFF light
gin the instrument cluster
turn off.
If the Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) system is malfunctioning
and the DIC displays SERVICE
TIRE MONITOR SYSTEM,
StabiliTrak will be affected as
follows:
. StabiliTrak cannot be turned off
by the driver.
. If StabiliTrak is off, it will be
turned on automatically.
. Competitive Driving Mode or
Performance Traction
Management is unavailable.
. StabiliTrak will feel different in
aiding and maintaining
directional control.
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle performance. See
Accessories and Modifications
0 213.
Driver Mode Control
The Driver Mode Selector knob is
on the console behind the shift
lever.
There are five modes for different
driving conditions: Weather, Eco,
Tour, Sport, and Track.
The outer ring turns to change the
modes, which display in the
instrument cluster.
Press the button in the center of the
knob for StabiliTrak and Traction
Control System (TCS), or if the
vehicle is in Track Mode with
Performance Traction Management (PTM). See
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0192 or
the information on PTM in
Competitive Driving Mode 0197.
When PTM is active, the outer ring
will change the PTM mode and the
Driver mode will display in the
instrument cluster.
Each mode is configured for use in
different driving conditions. Use:
. Weather Mode for rain
and snow.
. Eco Mode to improve fuel
economy.
. Tour Mode for comfortable
normal driving.
. Sport Mode for spirited on road
driving.
. Track Mode for track use.
There are 12 attributes that vary by
mode shown below. Not all vehicles
have all features, depending on the
vehicle options.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 4/4/17
Driving and Operating 195
Modes:WEATHER ECO TOUR
DefaultSPORT TRACK
Cluster Display Tour Tour Tour Sport Track
Throttle Progression Weather Normal Normal Sport Track
Trans Shift Mode (if equipped) Normal Normal Normal Sport Track
Active Fuel Management Normal Eco Normal Normal Normal
Exhaust Mode Eco Eco Tour Sport Track
Steering Comfort Comfort Comfort Sport Track
Stability Control Normal Normal Normal Normal Comp Mode
Avail
Electronic Limited Slip (if equipped) Mode 1 Mode 1 Mode 1 Mode 2 Modes 2
& 3
Magnetic Ride (if equipped) Tour Tour Tour Sport Track
Launch Control NA NA NA NA Available
Traction Control Weather Normal Normal Normal Track
Performance Traction or Competitive Driving
Mode (if equipped) Off Off Off Off Available

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 4/4/17
196 Driving and Operating
Driver Mode Selector Attributes
Affected
Instrument Cluster Display
Configures the gauge cluster
display for each mode when linked
(default):
.Tour: Modern theme which
features displays for audio and
navigation.
. Sport: Classic easy to read
Sports Car gauges.
. Track: Gauges design based on
Corvette Racing display with lap
timer.
Throttle Progression
Adjusts throttle sensitivity by
selecting how quickly or slowly the
throttle reacts to input.
Transmission Shift Mode −Paddle
Shift Automatic
. Adjusts to either a smoother or
firmer shift.
. Sport –Performance Algorithm
Liftfoot (PAL) recognizes
aggressive throttle maneuvers
and holds lower gears for greater engine braking and
enhanced vehicle control when
not using paddles. (Available in
Sport or Track Mode.)
. Track –Performance Algorithm
Shift (PAS) recognizes
aggressive cornering, heavy
braking, and high acceleration to
select and hold lower gears
when not using paddles.
Active Fuel Management (engine
cylinder shuts off)
4-Cylinder Mode
. Normal with automatic
transmission: The engine uses
8-cylinder mode when
accelerating, but changes to
4-cylinder mode when coasting.
. With manual transmission:
Active Fuel Management only
active in Eco Mode.
. Off in Manual Mode with
automatic transmission unless in
Eco Mode.
. Eco keeps the engine in
4-cylinder mode unless heavy
acceleration is needed. Exhaust (variable mode exhaust
system)
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.
Launch Control
Available only in Track Mode for
maximum
“off-the-line” acceleration
when in Competitive or PTM modes.
Stability Control
. Competitive Driving Mode allows
less computer control to permit
some slide and drift and is
selected with
g–only available
in Sport or Track Mode.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 4/4/17
Driving and Operating 197
.StabiliTrak can be turned off by
pressing and holding
gfor
10 seconds.
PTM (Performance Traction
Management) (if equipped)
. Available in Track Mode.
. There are five selectable
settings if Competitive Driving
Mode is activated.
Competitive Driving Mode
If equipped, 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 driver
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 System
(TCS) and StabiliTrak system on.
Caution
Attempting to shift when the drive
wheels are spinning and do not
have traction may cause damage
to the transmission. Damage
caused by misuse of the vehicle
is not covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not attempt to shift
when the drive wheels do not
have traction.
Competitive Driving Mode
Competitive Driving Mode allows full
engine power while StabiliTrak
helps maintain directional control of
the vehicle by selective brake
application. In this mode, TCS is off.
Launch Control is available if in
Track Mode. Adjust your driving
style to account for the available
engine power. See
“Launch Control”
later in this section.
These lights are on when the
vehicle is in the Competitive
Driving Mode.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 4/4/17
198 Driving and Operating
In order to select this optional
handling mode, the vehicle mode
must be in Sport or Track Mode. In
vehicles equipped with Performance
Traction Management (PTM), the
Competitive Driving Mode is only
available in Sport Mode. In vehicles
not equipped with PTM, the
Competitive Driving Mode is
available in Sport and Track Mode.
Then quickly press
gon the center
console two times. STABILITRAK
COMPETITIVE MODE displays in
the Driver Information Center (DIC).
When
gis pressed again, the
traction off light
iand StabiliTrak
OFF light
gwill go out.
Performance Traction
Management (Z06, Grand
Sport, and Stingray with FE4)
Performance Traction Management
(PTM) integrates the Traction
Control, StabiliTrak, 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
Track. Then quickly press the TCS/
StabiliTrak
gbutton on the center
console 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
normal acceleration occurs, fully
push 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 Selective Ride
Control/Performance Traction
Management MODE SELECT knob
on the center console. Scroll up or
down through modes 1–5 by turning
the MODE SELECT knob to the
right or left.
The following is a DIC display
description and the recommended
usage of each mode:

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 4/4/17
Driving and Operating 199
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.
. StabiliTrak 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.
. StabiliTrak 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. .
StabiliTrak 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.
. StabiliTrak 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.
. StabiliTrak is off and engine
power is available for maximum
cornering speed. Press and release
gto turn off PTM
and return to the traction control and
StabiliTrak systems. The traction off
light
iand StabiliTrak OFF lightg
will go out.
Launch Control (Track
Mode Only)
A Launch Control feature is
available, within Competitive Driving
Mode, on all vehicles 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
60 and quarter mile times are
desirable.
Launch Control is only available
when the following criteria are met:
. Competitive Driving Mode is
selected or any of the
Performance Traction
Management modes are
selected. The TCS light comes