automatic transmission CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8 2021 User Guide

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
Driving and Operating 197
If the vehicle is left with the engine running,
follow the proper steps to be sure the
vehicle will not move. SeeShifting Into Park
0 194 and
Engine Exhaust 0196.
Dual Clutch Transmission
This vehicle is equipped with a dual clutch
transmission that contains an integrated
rear differential. The dual clutch
transmission provides an extremely
connected feel due to the direct connection
between the engine and gear box. This
arrangement provides very fast shift times
for maximum performance. Automatic
driving mode is selected by pulling D on the
transmission range selection panel and provides fully automatic shifting operation
which can be further refined using driver
mode control. Upshifts may be delayed
regardless of mode selection or ambient
temperature until the engine is warmed up.
Manual operation can also be selected. See
Manual Mode later in this section.
This transmission is electronically controlled.
The shift switches are on the center console.
The selected gear position will illuminate red
on the shift switch, while all others will
display in white. The indicator on the shift
switch may flash if the shift is not
immediate or if the gear is not fully
engaged. This may occur in very cold
conditions or when Double Paddle Declutch
is used.
The transmission does not operate when the
vehicle is off.
If the vehicle is in ACC/ACCESSORY, the
transmission can be shifted into P (Park).
If ENGINE START/STOP is pressed twice while
at a relatively high speed, the engine will
turn off and the transmission will
automatically shift into N (Neutral). Once the
vehicle is stopped, P (Park) can be selected.
P :
This position locks the drive wheels. Use
P (Park) when starting the vehicle to ensure
the vehicle does not move.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle
if the vehicle is not in P (Park) with the
parking brake set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine
is running. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and shift to
P (Park). See Shifting Into Park 0194.
When the vehicle is stopped, press ENGINE
START/STOP to turn off the vehicle. The
transmission will shift into P (Park)
automatically unless N (Neutral) is selected.
The vehicle will not shift into P (Park) if it is
moving too fast. Stop the vehicle and shift
into P (Park).
To shift into and out of P (Park), see Shifting
Into Park 0194 and
Shifting out of Park 0195.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
198 Driving and Operating
R :Use this gear to back up.
If the vehicle is shifted into R (Reverse) while
the speed is too high, the vehicle will shift
into N (Neutral). Reduce vehicle speed and
try the shift again.
To shift into R (Reverse): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Pull the R (Reverse) switch on the center console.
To shift out of R (Reverse): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift into the desired gear.
At low vehicle speeds, R (Reverse) can be
used to rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice, or sand without
damaging the transmission. See If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0187.
N : In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart the
engine when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only.{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.
Caution
The vehicle is not designed to stay in
N (Neutral) for extended periods of time.
It will automatically shift into P (Park). To shift into N (Neutral), press and hold the
N (Neutral) switch until the N indicator
is red.
To shift out of N (Neutral):
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift into the desired gear.
Maintaining N (Neutral) with Engine Off
This vehicle includes a method of keeping
the vehicle in N (Neutral) while the engine
is off.
This method is not to be used for vehicle
towing. If the vehicle needs to be towed,
see Towing the Vehicle 0281.
Driver Remains in Vehicle : To place the
vehicle in N (Neutral) with the engine off
and the vehicle occupied:
1. Ensure the vehicle is on level ground, the engine is running and the vehicle is in
P (Park).
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Shift to N (Neutral).
4. Turn off the engine and release the brake pedal.
5. The indicator should continue to show N. If it does not, start the engine and
repeat Steps 2–4.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
Driving and Operating 199
6. The vehicle will now remain inN (Neutral).
Driver Leaves Vehicle : To place the vehicle
in N (Neutral) with the engine off and the
vehicle unoccupied:
1. Ensure the vehicle is on level ground, the engine is running and the vehicle is in
P (Park).
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Open the door.
4. Shift to N (Neutral).
5. Turn off the engine and release the brake pedal.
6. The indicator should continue to show N. If it does not, start the engine and
repeat Steps 2–5.
7. Exit the vehicle and close the door.
8. The vehicle may automatically shift to P (Park) upon re-entry.Caution
A transmission hot message may display
if the transmission fluid is too hot.
Driving under this condition can damage
the vehicle. Stop and idle the engine to
cool the transmission fluid. This message
clears when the transmission fluid has
cooled sufficiently.
D : This position is for normal driving.
If more power is needed for passing, press
the accelerator pedal.
If the vehicle is shifted into D (Drive) while
the speed is too high, the transmission will
get ready to engage D (Drive). Reduce the
vehicle speed, then the transmission will
engage D (Drive).
To shift into D (Drive):
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Pull the D (Drive) switch on the center console.
To shift out of D (Drive): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear. Downshifting the transmission in slippery
road conditions could result in skidding. See
“Skidding”
underLoss of Control 0179.
The transmission can be shifted like a
manual transmission using the paddle shift
controls while in D (Drive). See Manual
Mode 0200.
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.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
200 Driving and Operating
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 the
paddles 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) 093.
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.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
Driving and Operating 201
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
Shift mode, the transmission will
automatically upshift if the accelerator pedal
is pressed all the way to the floor.
Manual Paddle Shift can be used with cruise
control. SeeCruise Control 0218.
The vehicle speeds required for Manual
Paddle Shift upshifts depend on several
vehicle inputs, which will vary the allowed
upshift speed by a few km/h (mph).
To prevent damage to the powertrain,
Manual Paddle downshifts to a lower gear
cannot be done above certain speeds. For vehicles with an Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (Z51)
Upshift Allowed (into gear) At Approximately
km/h mph
2nd 15 9 3rd 25 16
4th 36 22 5th 47 29
6th 60 37 7th 76 47
8th 92 57
Maximum Downshift Inhibit Speed (into gear) At Approximately
km/h mph
1st 30 19
2nd 63 39 3rd 104 65
4th 164 102 5th 232 144
6th 304 189 7th 380 236

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
208 Driving and Operating
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 0187. 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
0 214.
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,

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
Driving and Operating 217
while maintaining the fully pressed
accelerator pedal, will manage tire slip and
transmissions clutch. After the vehicle is
launched, the system continues in
Competitive Driving Mode or PTM.
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.
Caution
The new vehicle break-in period should be
completed before using the launch
control feature, otherwise performance
will be limited and damage may occur to
the powertrain/engine. SeeNew Vehicle
Break-In 0190.
Limited-Slip Differential
(without Z51)
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. See
Competitive Driving Mode
0214 and
Maintenance Schedule 0293.
Limited-Slip Differential (with Z51)
The Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (eLSD)
is a hydraulically actuated clutch system
inside the transaxle. It can infinitely vary
the clutch engagement between 0 and
2250 N*m (1659 lb-ft) of breakaway torque
between the rear wheels. When necessary it
responds from open to full engagement in
fractions of a second. Smaller clutch
adjustments happen even faster.
The eLSD:
.Uses the vehicle sensors and driver inputs
to determine the optimum amount of
clutch engagement for the conditions.
.Improves traction while cornering by
changing the engagement to achieve a
balance between directional control and
acceleration.
.Provides optimal engagement for
high-speed control and stability without
affecting precise steering and turn-in.
.Improves vehicle stability during spirited
driving and evasive maneuvers. It is fully
integrated with the Active Handling and
Performance Traction Management (PTM)
systems (if equipped).
There are unique calibrations based on the
Traction Control System (TCS) setting. eLSD
modes change automatically when the
traction control button is pressed. No unique
input from the driver is required.
.Mode 1 is the standard mode when the
vehicle is started. It provides a touring
calibration with an emphasis on vehicle
stability. Mode 1 is also used in PTM
Wet mode.
.Mode 2 is engaged when both TCS and
StabiliTrak are turned off. This calibration
provides more nimble corner turn-in, and
is biased for better traction out of
corners.
.Mode 3 is engaged when PTM is engaged
in Dry, Sport 1 & 2, and Race modes. This
is a nimble calibration with similar
functionality as eLSD Mode 2, however, it
is integrated to work with PTM.
.Mode 4 is engaged when TCS is selected
off, but StabiliTrak remains on. Vehicle
stability is still the priority, while allowing
for optimized traction out of corners.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 219
Resuming a Set Speed
If the cruise control is set at a desired speed
and then the brakes are applied or
*is
pressed, the cruise control is disengaged
without erasing the set speed from memory.
Once the vehicle reaches about 40 km/h
(25 mph) or more, briefly press +RES. The
vehicle returns to the previous set speed.
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control
Do one of the following:
.Press and hold +RES until the desired
speed is reached, then release it.
.To increase vehicle speed in small
increments, briefly press +RES. For each
press, the vehicle goes about 1 km/h
(1 mph) faster.
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control
Do one of the following:
.Press and hold SET– until the desired
lower speed is reached, then release it.
.To decrease the vehicle speed in small
increments, briefly press SET–. For each
press, the vehicle goes about 1 km/h
(1 mph) slower. Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise
Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase the
vehicle speed. When you take your foot off
the pedal, the vehicle will slow down to the
previously set cruise speed.
While pressing the accelerator pedal or
shortly following the release to override
cruise control, briefly pressing SET–
will
result in cruise set to the current vehicle
speed.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control works on hills
depends upon the vehicle speed, load, and
the steepness of the hills. When going up
steep hills, you may have to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain your speed.
When going downhill, you may have to
brake or shift to a lower gear to keep your
speed down. If the brake pedal is applied,
cruise control will disengage.
Cruise Control in Manual Paddle Shift Gear
Selection
When the vehicle is in M (Manual Mode)
and the manual paddle shift controls are not
being used, cruise control operates in the
same manner as D (Drive). When the vehicle is in M (Manual Mode)
and the manual paddle shift controls are
being used, cruise control operates as
follows:
.If cruise control is active and a gear is
selected with the manual paddle shift
controls, the vehicle speed is maintained
in the driver selected gear and will not
automatically upshift or downshift the
transmission while the driver’s gear
selection is active.
.If driving in hilly terrain, cruise control
may not be able to maintain vehicle
speed if an upshift or downshift is not
selected by the driver. While driving on
hilly terrain and cruise control is active
with a manual paddle shift gear selection,
the driver must select the proper gear for
the terrain or select D (Drive) on the
shifter for full automatic transmission
operation.
Ending Cruise Control
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
.Press*.
.To turn off cruise control, press1.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 265
(4) Construction Code:A letter code is
used to indicate the type of ply
construction in the tire. The letter "R"
means radial ply construction; the letter
"D" means diagonal or bias ply
construction.
(5) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of the
wheel in inches.
(6) Service Description
:These
characters represent the load index and
speed rating of the tire. The load index
represents the load carrying capacity a
tire is certified to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a tire is
certified to carry a load.
Tire Terminology and Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside
the tire pressing outward on each
square inch of the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in kPa (kilopascal) or psi
(pounds per square inch).
Accessory Weight
:The combined
weight of optional accessories. Some
examples of optional accessories are automatic transmission, power
windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship of a
tire's height to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of cords
between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other
reinforcing materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains steel
wires wrapped by steel cords that hold
the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire in which
the plies are laid at alternate angles
less than 90 degrees to the centerline
of the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The amount of air
pressure in a tire, measured in kPa
(kilopascal) or psi (pounds per square
inch) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Tire Pressure0267. Curb Weight
:The weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional
equipment including the maximum
capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded into the
sidewall of a tire signifying that the tire
is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT)
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The
DOT code includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also identify the
tire manufacturer, production plant,
brand, and date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
See Vehicle Load Limits 0188.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight Rating
for the front axle. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0188.
GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight Rating
for the rear axle. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0188.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
280 Vehicle Care
2. Get the vehicles close enough so thejumper cables can reach, but be sure the
vehicles are not touching each other.
If they are, it could cause a ground
connection you do not want. You would
not be able to start the vehicle, and the
bad grounding could damage the
electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles
rolling, set the parking brake firmly on
both vehicles involved in the jump start
procedure. Put an automatic transmission
in P (Park) or a manual transmission in
Neutral before setting the parking
brakes.
Caution
If any accessories are left on or plugged
in during the jump starting procedure,
they could be damaged. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Whenever possible, turn off or
unplug all accessories on either vehicle
when jump starting. 3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles.
Unplug unnecessary accessories plugged
into the cigarette lighter or the accessory
power outlet. Turn off the radio and all
lamps that are not needed. This will
avoid sparks and help save both
batteries. And it could save the radio!
4. Open the hood. See Hood017.
5. Release the four clips for the left and
right outer covers.
6. Release the five clips and remove theouter cover to access the battery.
7. Locate the battery positive (+) and negative (−) terminals.
8. Check that the jumper cables do not have loose or missing insulation. If they
do, you could get a shock. The vehicles
could be damaged too.
9. Open the positive terminal trim cover and connect the red positive (+) cable to
the positive (+) terminal (2) of the dead
battery.
10. Do not let the other end touch metal. Connect it to the positive (+) terminal (4)
of the good battery.