automatic transmission fluid CHEVROLET CORVETTE C7 2018 Owners Manual

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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158 Driving and Operating
Caution (Continued)
it would with normal use. Low oil
levels can damage the engine.
Check the oil level often and
maintain the proper level. See
Engine Oil0222.
Caution
Not changing the engine oil to
15W-50 may cause engine
damage. Engine oil must be
changed to 15W-50 synthetic.
See Capacities and Specifications
0 313.
Z51 Performance Package, Grand
Sport, and Z06 Only: Check the oil
level often during track events and
competitive driving and keep the
level at or near 0.5 L (0.5 qt) above
the upper mark that shows the
proper operating range on the
engine oil dipstick. After the
competitive driving, remove excess oil so that the level on the dipstick is
not above the upper mark that
shows the proper operating range.
Stingray without Z51 Performance
Package: Additional oil fill above the
upper mark on the dipstick is not
recommended for track events or
other competitive driving. Check the
oil level often during racing or other
competitive driving and keep the
level at or near the upper mark that
shows the proper operating range
on the engine oil dipstick. After the
competitive driving, remove excess
oil so that the level on the dipstick is
not above the upper mark that
shows the proper operating range.
After track use, change the oil back
to 5W-30 for street use. See
Engine
Oil 0222.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Have the transmission fluid set to
the track specific oil level prior to
track usage. Transmission fluid
should be changed after every
15 hours of track usage. Any
transmission level set or change
should be performed at your dealer. Manual Transmission Fluid
Manual transmission fluid should be
changed after every 15 hours of
track usage.
Brake Fluid
Replace existing brake fluid with a
qualified high performance brake
fluid from a sealed container. Brake
fluid with a dry boiling point >279 °C
(534 °F) is qualified. If high
performance brake fluid is used,
replace it with GM approved brake
fluid before driving on public roads.
If high performance brake fluid is in
the vehicle and the age of the brake
fluid is over a month old or
unknown, replace the brake fluid
before track events and competitive
driving. Do not use silicone or
DOT-5 brake fluids.
Load Limit
Z51 Performance Package Only:
Limit vehicle load to the driver only,
with no other cargo. Inflate tires to
180 kPa (26 psi) and drive at a
maximum speed of 280 km/h
(174 mph).

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 183
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift
into a drive gear while the engine
is running at high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.
D : This position is for normal
driving. If more power is needed for
passing, press the accelerator
pedal down. Downshifting the transmission in
slippery road conditions could result
in skidding. See
“Skidding”under
Loss of Control 0156.
The transmission can be shifted like
a manual transmission using the
paddle shift controls while in
D (Drive). See Manual Mode0183.
Caution
A transmission hot message may
display if the automatic
transmission fluid is too hot.
Driving under this condition can
damage the vehicle. Stop and idle
the engine to cool the automatic
transmission fluid. This message
clears when the transmission fluid
has cooled sufficiently.
M : In M (Manual Mode), the
transmission can be shifted like a
manual transmission using the
paddle shift controls. See Manual
Mode 0183.
Manual Mode
Manual Paddle Shift
(Automatic Transmision)
When the shift lever is moved to
M (Manual Mode), the transmission
enters Manual Mode. The
transmission will hold the current
gear until a change is requested.
The paddles on the steering wheel
can be used to manually upshift or
downshift the transmission. The
right (+) plus paddle upshifts, and
the left (−) minus paddle downshifts.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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200 Driving and Operating
on the instrument cluster and the
appropriate DIC message
displays.
. The vehicle is not moving.
. The steering wheel is pointing
straight.
Manual Transmissions
. The clutch is pressed and the
vehicle is in 1 (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. Allow
the engine rpm to stabilize.
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 0186.
Automatic Transmissions
. The brake pedal must be firmly
pressed to the floor, equivalent
to a panic brake event. .
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 to stabilize.
A smooth, quick release of the
brake pedal, while maintaining the
fully pressed accelerator pedal, will
manage wheel slip.
After the vehicle is launched, the
system continues in Competitive
Driving Mode or Performance
Traction Management.
Competitive Driving Mode, PTM,
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.Limited-Slip Differential
(Stingray without
Z51 Only)
If equipped, the mechanical
limited-slip differential 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. For
vehicles with limited-slip differential,
driven under severe conditions, the
rear axle fluid should be changed.
See Competitive Driving Mode
0 197 andMaintenance Schedule
0 299.
Limited-Slip Differential
(Z06, Grand Sport, and
Stingray with Z51)
If equipped, the Electronic
Limited-Slip Differential (eLSD) is
automatically activated. eLSD
actively monitors vehicle sensors
and driver inputs to determine the

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 201
amount of change for the
conditions. With eLSD, the
vehicle has:
.Enhanced high-speed control
. Improved traction through
corners, allowing more
acceleration
. More precise steering
. Increased vehicle agility
. Integration with StabiliTrak
For vehicles with eLSD, driven
under severe conditions, the rear
axle fluid should be changed.
See Competitive Driving Mode
0 197 andMaintenance Schedule
0 299.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).
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
a steady speed. Do not use
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 equipped with a manual
transmission, the cruise control will
remain active when the gears are
shifted. The cruise is disengaged if
the clutch is pressed for several
seconds. If the Traction Control System (TCS)
begins to limit wheel spin while you
are using cruise control, the cruise
control automatically disengages.
See
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0192. When road
conditions allow for using safely
again, cruise control can be turned
back on.
If the brakes are applied, cruise
control disengages.
Cruise control will disengage if
either TCS or StabiliTrak is
turned off.

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Vehicle Care 211
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 212
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 213
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Lifting the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 227
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . 229
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 229
Cooling System (Engine) . . . . . 232
Cooling System (Aero Panel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 236
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237 Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Battery - North America . . . . . . 240
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 242
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 243
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 243
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 244
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 246
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 247
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Run-Flat Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Competition Oriented Tires . . . 257
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 258
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 273
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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228 Vehicle Care
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.Dry Sump Engine Break-In Oil
Change
If equipped with a dry sump engine,
the initial oil and filter change must
be performed at 800 km/500 mi.
Follow the engine oil life system for
every oil change thereafter.
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)
0116.
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.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
How to Check Automatic
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

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Vehicle Care 229
service manual, seeService
Publications Ordering Information
0 325.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage
the vehicle, and the damage may
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the
automatic transmission fluid listed
in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0308.
Change the fluid and filter at the
intervals listed in Maintenance
Schedule 0299, and be sure to use
the fluid listed in Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0308.
Manual Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
manual 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. See
Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0308 for the
proper fluid to use.
Hydraulic Clutch
It is not necessary to regularly
check clutch fluid unless you
suspect there is a leak in the
system. Adding fluid will not correct
a leak. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
The fluid will darken over time. See
Maintenance Schedule 0299 for
when to replace the fluid.
When to Check and What
to Use
The hydraulic clutch fluid reservoir
cap has this symbol on it. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0 217 for reservoir location. Refer to
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0308 for the proper fluid
to use. The fluid requires changing.
See Maintenance Schedule 0299.
How to Check and Add Fluid
Visually check the clutch fluid
reservoir to make sure the fluid level
is at the MIN (minimum) line on the
side of the reservoir. The hydraulic
clutch fluid system should be closed
and sealed.
Do not remove the cap to check the
fluid level or to top off the fluid level.
Remove the cap only when
necessary to add the proper fluid
until the level reaches the MIN line.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
See Engine Compartment Overview
0 217 for the location of the engine
air cleaner/filter.
Caution
If water is sprayed and enters the
engine air cleaner/filter intake and
housing, the engine could be
(Continued)

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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242 Vehicle Care
Rear Axle
When to Check Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly
check rear axle fluid unless a leak is
suspected or an unusual noise is
heard. A fluid loss could indicate a
problem. Have it inspected and
repaired.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the
vehicle should be on a level
surface.The fluid level should be at or within
13 mm (0.5 in) of the bottom of the
fill plug hole threads. If it is at this
level, no additional fluid is needed.
If the fluid level is below 13 mm
(0.5 in), add fluid until it is above
this level.
What to Use
To add lubricant when the level is
low or to completely refill after
draining, see
Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants 0308. Then fill to
within 13 mm (0.5 in) of the bottom
of the fill plug hole threads with the
required lubricant.
Starter Switch Check
{Warning
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured. 1. Before starting this check, be
sure there is enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular brake.
See Electric Parking Brake
0 190.
Do not use the accelerator
pedal, and be ready to turn off
the engine immediately if it
starts.
3. For automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the engine
in each gear. The vehicle
should start only in P (Park) or
N (Neutral). If the vehicle starts
in any other position, contact
your dealer for service.
For manual transmission
vehicles, put the shift lever in
Neutral, push the clutch pedal
down halfway, and try to start
the engine. The vehicle should
start only when the clutch
pedal is pushed down all the
way to the floor. If the vehicle
starts when the clutch pedal is
not pushed all the way down,
contact your dealer for service.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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300 Service and Maintenance
a year and the oil life system must
be reset. Your trained dealer
technician can perform this work.
If the engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle
within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since the
last service. Reset the oil life
system when the oil is changed.
SeeEngine Oil Life System 0227.
Dry Sump Engine Break-In Oil
Change
If equipped with a dry sump engine,
the initial oil and filter change must
be performed at 800 km/500 mi.
Follow the engine oil life system for
every oil change thereafter.
Required Services Every
12 000 km/7,500 mi
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0222 and
Engine Oil Life System 0227.
. Check engine coolant level.
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 232 orCooling System (Aero
Panel) 0235. .
Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0237.
. Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care 0289. Replace worn or
damaged wiper blades. See
Wiper Blade Replacement
0 243.
. Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0263.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0267.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 229.
. Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0289.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of
wear. See Exterior Care 0289.
. Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 069. .
Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.
. Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for
loose or damaged parts.
. Lubricate body components. See
Exterior Care 0289.
. Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check 0242.
. Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function. See
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function Check
0243.
. Check parking brake and
automatic transmission park
mechanism. See Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 243.
. Check accelerator pedal for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
. Visually inspect gas strut for
signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage. Check the hold open
ability of the strut. If the hold
open is low, service the gas
strut. See Gas Strut(s) 0244.

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Service and Maintenance 303
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services - Severe12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi
60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi
84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi
120 000 km/75,000 mi
132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi
156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi
204 000 km/127,500 mi
216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Dry Sump Engines Only (Stingray with Z51, Grand Sport, and Z06) - Required: Initial break-in oil change. Change engine oil and filter after the first 800 km/500 mi. Follow the
engine oil life system for every oil change thereafter.
Perform Required Services. Check engine oil
level and oil life percentage. Change engine oil
and filter, if needed.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@ @@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (2)@ @@
Replace engine air cleaner filter. (3)@@@@
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter.@ @@
Change manual transmission fluid.@@@
LT1 Engine: Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark
plug wires.@
LT4 Supercharged Engine: Replace spark plugs.
Inspect spark plug wires.@ @
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (4)@
Change rear axle fluid.@@@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (5)@
Replace brake fluid. (6)
Replace clutch fluid. Manual transmission
only. (7)