power steering CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8 2021 User Guide

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
178 Driving and Operating
Electric Power Steering
The vehicle has electric power steering.
It does not have power steering fluid.
Regular maintenance is not required.
If power steering assist is lost due to a
system malfunction, the vehicle can be
steered, but may require increased effort.
If the steering assist is used for an extended
period of time while the vehicle is not
moving, power assist may be reduced.
If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the maximum rotation and is held
at that position for an extended period of
time, power steering assist may be reduced.Normal use of the power steering assist
should return when the system cools down.
See your dealer if there is a problem.
Dynamic Rack Travel
If equipped with Magnetic Ride Control,
Dynamic Rack Travel (DRT) is a steering
system feature which enhances driving by
providing additional maximum steering
wheel rotation to allow a tighter turning
radius during low speed driving conditions.
If the vehicle speed increases or if the
suspension encounters significant wheel
travel, such as a driveway, while at
maximum steering rotation, DRT may gently
push the steering back a small amount to
prevent the front tires from contacting the
vehicle. This is normal operation. There is no
customer interface or display for this
feature. DRT is not available when in
Track Mode.
Curve Tips
.Take curves at a reasonable speed.
.Reduce speed before entering a curve.
.Maintain a reasonable and steady speed
through the curve.
.Wait until the vehicle is out of the curve
before accelerating gently into the
straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
.There are some situations when steering
around a problem may be more effective
than braking.
.Holding both sides of the steering wheel
allows you to turn 180 degrees without
removing a hand.
.The Antilock Brake System (ABS) allows
steering while braking.
Off-Road Recovery

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
192 Driving and Operating
Ignition Positions
The vehicle has an electronic keyless ignition
with pushbutton start.
The remote key must be in the vehicle for
the system to operate. If the pushbutton
start is not working, the vehicle may be
near a strong radio antenna signal causing
interference to the Keyless Access system.
SeeRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 07.
To shift out of P (Park), the vehicle must be
turned on and the brake pedal must be
applied. Stopping the Engine/OFF (No Indicator
Lights) :
When the vehicle is stopped, press
ENGINE START/STOP once to turn the
engine off.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), the ignition will
turn off, and Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
will remain active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) 0194.
If the vehicle is in R (Reverse), D (Drive),
or M (Manual Mode), the vehicle will shift
to P (Park), the ignition will turn off, and
RAP will remain active.
If the vehicle is in N (Neutral), the ignition
will return to ACC/ACCESSORY and display
the message SHIFT TO PARK in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). When the vehicle
is shifted into P (Park), the ignition will
turn off.
Do not turn the engine off when the vehicle
is moving. This will cause a loss of power
assist in the brake and steering systems and
disable the airbags.
If the vehicle must be turned off in an
emergency: 1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This
may deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force. 2. Shift into N (Neutral). This can be done
while the vehicle is moving. After
shifting into N (Neutral), firmly apply the
brakes and steer the vehicle to a safe
location.
3. Come to a complete stop. Shift into P (Park).
4. Set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0204. Press ENGINE
START/STOP to turn the vehicle off.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while moving may
cause loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable the
airbags. While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over and
must be turned off while driving, press and
hold ENGINE START/STOP for more than
two seconds, or press twice within
five seconds.
ACC/ACCESSORY (Amber Indicator Light) :
This mode allows the use of some electrical
accessories when the engine is off.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
Driving and Operating 203
rate of launch. Tire spin may occur with the
accelerator pedal pressed and the Traction
Control System (TCS) turned off.
This launch occurs when both of these
conditions are met:
.Vehicle speed is below 10 km/h (6 mph).
.Both the + paddle and−paddle are
released at the same time.
With the accelerator fully pressed and the
engine at the rev limiter, peak performance
only occurs if the paddles are released
within a short period of time after reaching
the rev limit (i.e., a few seconds).
Standard Exit : Engine power is reapplied to
the wheels gently to support normal vehicle
operation on public roads.
This occurs when paddles are released under
any of the these conditions:
.Vehicle speed is above 10 km/h (6 mph).
.The vehicle is in R (Reverse).
.The + paddle and −paddle are not
released at the same time.
If the vehicle was in Temporary Manual
Paddle Shift mode before entering Double
Paddle Declutch, the vehicle will return to D
(Drive) with automatic shifting upon exiting
Double Paddle Declutch.
{Warning
When exiting Double Paddle Declutch, the
vehicle may move rapidly. You could lose
control and cause a crash with nearby
people or objects. Be ready to release the
accelerator pedal or apply the brakes
immediately if the vehicle moves too
quickly. Do not use the Double Paddle
Declutch when people or objects are near.
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost
Vehicles equipped with electric brake boost
have hydraulic brake circuits that are
electronically controlled when the brake
pedal is applied during normal operation.
The system performs routine tests and turns
off within a few minutes after the vehicle is
turned off. Noise may be heard during this
time. If the brake pedal is pressed during
the tests or when the electric brake boost
system is off, a noticeable change in pedal
force and travel may be felt. This is normal.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 088.
ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot on the brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will
not be enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down firmly. Hearing and feeling ABS
operate is normal.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
204 Driving and Operating
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.
Electric Parking Brake
The Electric Parking Brake (EPB) can always
be applied, even if the vehicle is off. In case
of insufficient electrical power, the EPB
cannot be applied or released. To prevent
draining the battery, avoid unnecessary
repeated cycles of the EPB.The system has a red parking brake status
light and an amber service parking brake
warning light. See
Electric Parking Brake
Light 088 and
Service Electric Parking Brake Light 088.
There are also parking brake-related Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages.
Before leaving the vehicle, check the red
parking brake status light to ensure that the
parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The red parking brake status light will flash
and then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the red parking brake status light
flashes continuously, then the EPB is only
partially applied or there is a problem with
the EPB. A 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 red parking brake status light
is flashing. See your dealer. If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, press the EPB switch. Continue to
hold the switch until the red parking brake
status light remains on. If the amber service
parking brake warning light is 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, or at the request of other
safety functions that utilize the EPB.
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 red parking
brake status light is off.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
Driving and Operating 209
pedal mapping, exhaust valve tuning, and
engine sound. My Mode will remain active
across ignition cycles.
Through the center display, the following
vehicle sub-systems may be available for
customization in this mode:
Engine Sound:Stealth, Tour, Sport, Track
Steering: Tour, Sport, Track
Suspension: Tour, Sport, Track
Brake Response: Tour, Sport, Track
For a more detailed description on how each
driver system is changed, see “Drive Mode
Customization,” later in this section.
Additionally the cluster theme can be set up
using the display menu in the cluster.
vZ-Mode : Z-Mode is used to
personalize dynamic driving. This mode
allows the driver to configure the driver
systems to their own preference for
maximum handling. Z-Mode further
enhances the experience by adding
powertrain customization. This mode
modifies pedal mapping, ESC performance,
TCS performance, suspension, steering,
exhaust valve turning, and engine sound. Through the center display, the driver can
customize multiple settings. The following
vehicle sub-systems may be available for
customization in this mode:
Engine Sound:
Stealth, Tour, Sport, Track
Steering: Tour, Sport, Track
Suspension: Tour, Sport, Track
Powertrain: Tour, Sport, Track, Weather
Brake Response: Tour, Sport, Track
PTM: Off, Wet, Dry, Sport, Race 1, Race 2
For a more detailed description on how each
driver system is changed, see “Drive Mode
Customization,” later in this section. For
more information on PTM, see “Performance
Traction Management,” later in this section.
Additionally, the cluster theme can be set
up using the display menu in the cluster.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
212 Driving and Operating
Cluster Display
Configures the gauge cluster display for
each mode when linked (default).
The Layout Display (Theme) is a preset of
Cluster Display and cannot be modified or
changed independently.
Throttle Progression
Adjusts throttle sensitivity by selecting how
quickly or slowly the throttle reacts to
input.
Throttle Progression is a preset of
Powertrain and cannot be modified or
changed independently.
Transmission Shift Operation
Basic:
.Transmission upshifts and downshifts are
selected based on vehicle speed and
accelerator position to optimize comfort
and fuel economy during mild driving
conditions.
Driver Influenced Gear Selection:
.Aggressive driving will influence both the
upshift and downshift points in all modes.
.Criteria which have influence are: driving
mode, accelerator, brakes, lateral and
longitudinal loading.
.Changes in gear selection behavior due to
aggressive driving can include:
‐ Downshifting early with higher rpm’s
during aggressive braking (i.e. entering
a corner)
‐ Altering upshifts while experiencing
lateral acceleration
‐ Not upshifting when the accelerator is
released to avoid unnecessary shifts if
the accelerator is re-applied
‐ Recognizing sporty driving and
anticipate upcoming corners with the
appropriate gear selection entering and
exiting
.Driver Modes
‐Driver influenced changes are effective
in all driving modes, however the
aggressiveness of the transmission
response will increase between Tour,
Sport, and Track Modes respectively.
Active Fuel Management (engine cylinder
shuts off)
.Normal with Dual Clutch Transmission:
The engine uses 8-cylinder mode when
accelerating, but changes to 4-cylinder
mode when coasting. Active Fuel Management is a preset of
Powertrain and cannot be modified or
changed independently.
Engine Sound
Caution
Using a stealth engine sound setting
during spirited driving will cause the
exhaust system to overheat and damage
the variable exhaust valves. Do not use
this setting when auto-crossing or driving
on high speed tracks.
If available, engine sound settings change
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.
Drive Mode Customization
The vehicle is equipped to modify the
following vehicle settings base on vehicle
content. Through the center stack, under

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
Driving and Operating 213
Vehicle Settings, select“Drive Mode
Customization” to customize and personalize
My Mode and/or Z-Mode.
Engine Sound:
Engine Sound adjusts the volume of engine
noise. Setting range from quietest to loudest
volume as you move from Stealth through
Track.
.Stealth, Tour, Sport, Track
Steering:
This setting adjusts the effort required to
turn the steering wheel. The steering wheel
offers better feedback but requires more
effort as you move from Tour to Track.
.Tour, Sport, Track
Suspension:
This setting adjusts the firmness of the
suspension in the vehicle. Suspension adjust
stiffness of the shocks and / or springs. The
ride is more comfortable at lower settings
and is stiffer at higher settings for better
control.
.Tour, Sport, Track Powertrain:
This setting adjusts the throttle response,
gear shifting and engine performance. An
increased throttle response enhances the
acceleration feel as you move toward Track,
but with a comfort trade-off due to more
aggressive gear shifting.
.Weather, Tour, Sport, Track
Brake Response:
This setting adjusts the brake pedal
response. Settings range from a slower
response for more comfortable driving to
the quickest response for quicker
deceleration. Brake pedal travel decreases
and caliper pressure increases as you move
from Tour to Sport. Track allows for
improved pedal precision at higher
decelerations for high performance driving.
.Tour, Sport, Track
Performance Traction Management (PTM):
To activate PTM through Z-Mode, configure
Z-Mode to the desired PTM state in the
center stack (Vehicle>Settings>Drive Mode
Customization>Z-Mode). Press the Z-Mode
button once to activate Z-Mode. When PTM
is configured on, a message will appear in the Driver Information Center (DIC)
“Z-Mode
Active —Press Again for PTM On —ESC
May be Disabled”.
To confirm, and enter PTM, press the
Z-Mode button again. The PTM state can
now be modified using the mode knob or
changing the Z Mode setting in the center
stack. Both the Z Mode and PTM indicators
will be displayed.
To cancel, press the center dismiss button
on the steering wheel (Z Mode remains
active). Selecting PTM states may modify
other Z Mode customization options.
.Off, Wet, Dry, Sport, Race 1, Race 2
Display:
This setting adjusts the cluster display
theme (this setting is only configured
through the cluster using the steering wheel
controls).
.Tour, Sport, Track, Weather (and any
informational tiles set-up).
Front Lift System
A two-position lift actuator (one per damper)
with 35 mm (1.5 in) of stroke will
hydraulically raise the front of the vehicle to
provide approximately 50 mm (2 in) of
increased clearance in approximately

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
216 Driving and Operating
The following is a DIC display description
and the recommended usage of each mode:
Performance Traction–Wet
.Intended for all driver skill levels.
.Wet or damp conditions only —not
intended for use in heavy rain or standing
water.
.StabiliTrak/ESC is on and engine power is
reduced based on conditions.
Performance Traction –Dry
.For use by less experienced drivers or
while learning a new track.
.Dry conditions only.
.StabiliTrak/ESC is on and engine power is
slightly reduced.
Performance Traction –Sport
.For use by drivers who are familiar with
the track.
.Dry conditions only.
.Requires more driving skill than mode 2.
.StabiliTrak/ESC is on and more engine
power is available than in mode 2.
Performance Traction –Race 1
.For use by drivers who are familiar with
the track.
.Dry conditions only.
.Requires more driving skill than modes 2
or 3.
.StabiliTrak/ESC is off and available engine
power is the same as mode 3.
Performance Traction –Race 2
.For use by experienced drivers who are
familiar with the track.
.Dry conditions only.
.Requires more driving skill than in other
modes.
.StabiliTrak/ESC is off and engine power is
available for maximum cornering speed.
Press and release
@to turn off PTM and
return to the TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC
systems. The traction off light
iand
StabiliTrak Off light
@will go out.
Launch Control (Sport and Track
Mode Only)
A Launch Control feature is available, within
Competitive Driving Mode or PTM, on all
vehicles to allow the driver to achieve high
levels of vehicle acceleration in a straight
line. Launch Control is a form of TCS that
manages tire spin, and transmissions clutch,
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 or any of the
PTM Modes are selected (if equipped).
.The vehicle is not moving.
.The wheels and steering wheel are
pointing straight.
Launching the Vehicle
.Ensure the vehicle is in Competitive
Driving Mode or any of the PTM modes.
.The brake pedal must be firmly pressed
to the floor, equivalent to a panic brake
event.
.While maintaining the brake pedal, 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’s to stabilize.
A smooth, quick release of the brake pedal,

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-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
Vehicle Care 257
FusesUsage
F13 –
F14 Glove box F15 –
F16 –
F17 Remote function actuator
F18 Front trunk release
F19 Intelligent battery sensor
F20 Exterior lighting module 1 F21 Exterior lighting module 3
F22 Exterior lighting module 4
F23 Body control module 2
F24 Exterior lighting module 6 F25 Amplifier
F26 Automatic occupant sensing/Electric park
brake
F27 Video processing module
F28 Right headlamp
F29 – Fuses
Usage
F30 Sensing and diagnostic module/Automatic
occupant sensing
F31 Body control module 1
F32 Column lock module
F33 Data link connection/ Wireless charging module
F34 Telematics/Head up display
F35 Horn
F36 –
F37 –
F38 Front wash pump
F39 Rear auxiliary power outlet
F40 Performance data recorder/Center stack
module
F41 –
F42 Theft deterrent
F43 Left headlamp
F44 Exterior lighting module 2 Fuses
Usage
F45 Power steering column module
F46 Body control module 3 F47 Exterior lighting module 5
F48 Exterior lighting module 7
F49 Body control module 4 F50 Front auxiliary power outlet
F51 –
F52 Steering wheel control switch
F53 Heated steering wheel
F54 –
Relays Usage
K1 –
K2 Glove box relay
K3 Horn relay
K4 Front wash relay K5 Retained accessory power/Accessory relay