1997 CHEVROLET CORVETTE oil level

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Checking Engine Oil
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or a
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down.
When to Add Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD mark, you’ll need to
add at least one quart
of oil. But you must use the right
kind.
This part explains what kind of oil to‘use. For
crankcase capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications”
in the Index.
NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the upper
mark that
shows the proper operating range,
your engine could be damaged.
6-12

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine The engine oil fill cap is on
top
of the right valve rocker
arm cover.
What Kind of Oil to Use
Look for two things:
GM4718M
The Corvette engine requires a special oil meeting
GM Standard GM47 18M. Oils meeting this Standard
may be identified as synthetic. However, not all
synthetic oils will meet this GM Standard. You
should look for and
use only an oil that meets GM
Standard GM47 18M.
Be sure to fill it enough to put the level somewhere in
the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when you’re through. I I
1 NOTICE: I
If you use oils that don’t have the GM4718M
Standard designation, you can cause engine
damage not covered
by your warranty.
6-13

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Your Corvette engine is filled at the factory with a
Mobil
l@ synthetic oil, which meets all requirements for
your vehicle.
Substitute Oil: When adding oil to maintain engine oil
level, oil meeting GM Standard GM4718M may not be
available. You can add substitute oil designated SAE
5W-30 with the “Starburst” symbol at all temperatures.
If temperatures are above 0°F
(- 18 O C), you may
substitute SAE 1OW-30 with the “Starburst” symbol.
Substitute oil not meeting GM Standard GM4718M
should not be used for an oil change.
Engine Oil Additives
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your Chevrolet dealer is
ready to advise
if you think something should be added.
When to Change Engine Oil
Your Corvette has an Engine Oil Life Monitor. This
feature will let you know when to change your oil and
filter
-- usually between 3,000 miles (5 000 km) and
10,000 miles (1 6 000 km) since your last oil change.
Under severe conditions, the indicator may come on
before
3,000 miles (5 000 km). Never drive your vehicle
more than 10,000 miles
(1 6 000 km) or 12 months
(whichever occurs first) without an oil change. Use
engine oil meeting the GM Standard GM4718M. The
system won’t detect dust in the
oil. So, if you
drive in a dusty area, be sure to change your oil every
3,000 miles (5 000 km) or sooner if the CHANGE OIL
light comes on. Remember to reset the Engine Oil Life
Monitor when the oil has been changed. For more
information, see “Engine Oil Life Monitor” in the Index.
When Changing the Engine Oil
There is a special procedure for changing engine oil.
Contact your Chevrolet dealer for additional information
or the procedure can be found in a Corvette Service
Manual. To purchase a service manual, see “Service and
Owner Publications”
in the Index.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life Monitor
Press RESET to acknowledge the CHANGE OIL SOON
warning. The oil page on the DIC will then show a
message such as OIL LIFE 0%. To reset the monitor,
press and hold RESET for two seconds.
You will then
receive a message such as OIL LIFE
99%.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Change both the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles
(80 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one of
these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches
90” F (32” C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
0 High performance operation.
If you do not use your vehicle under one of these
conditions, the fluid and filter do not require changing.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index for
the proper service intervals for the transmission fluid
and filter.
Manual Transmission Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is
changed. However, the fluid in your manual
transmission doesn’t require changing.
How to Check
Because this operation can be difficult, you may
choose to have this done at your Chevrolet dealership
Service Department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or you could get a false reading.
I NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transmission.
Too much can mean that some
of the fluid could come out and fall on hot
exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Be sure to
1 get an accurate reading if you check your
transmission fluid.
Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the
vehicle is parked on a level place and the transmission is
cool enough for you to rest your fingers
on the
transmission case.
6-19

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Checking Brake Fluid
You can check the brake fluid without taking off the cap. NOTICE:
Just look at the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid level
should be above the MIN mark on the reservoir.
If it
isn’t, have your brake system checked to see if there
is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system, make
sure the level is between the MIN and MAX marks.
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake
fluid
-- such as Delco Supreme ll@ (GM Part
No. 12377967). Use new brake fluid from a sealed
container only.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
With the wrong kind of fluid in your b,,ke
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause
a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
0 Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just
a few
drops
of mineral-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts
so badly that they’ll have to be
replaced. Don’t let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.
0 If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle’s
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle.
If you do, wash it off
immediately. See “Appearance Care”
in the Index.
6-30

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Replacement Parts
Air Cleaner Filter ...................... A917C
Battery ............................. 78A-72H
Coolant Surge Tank Cap ................. RC75
Engine Oil Filter ........................ PF44
15
psi (105
kPa)
PCV Valve ............................. 799C
Serpentine Belt
AC Compressor
......... GM Part No. 12556609
or equivalent
Water Pump, Generator, Power Steering Pump
... GM Part No. 12555225
or equivalent
Thermostat .............. GM Part No. 125557 17
or equivalent
Windshield Wiper Blade Spark Plug
............. 4 1-93 1 (0.60 inch Gap)
Length
................... .22 inches (55.9 cm)
Type
............ 9 mm x 3 mm Shephard’s Hook
Wheel Nuts
Wheel Nut Torque .......... 100 lb-ft (140 Nsm)
Capacities (Approximate)
The following approximate capacities are given in
United States. and metric conversions.
Air Conditioning ... See the refrigerant information
label under the hood.
Automatic Transmission
Drain and Refill ............... 5 quarts (4.7 L)*
Overhaul
................ 10.8 quarts (10.2 L)*
With M30 Automatic Transmission
.... 12.6 quarts
With MM6 Manual Transmission
...... 12.9 quarts
(12.2 L)
With Filter Change
.......... 6.5 quarts (6.1 L)*
Fuel Tank ................. 19.1 gallons (72.3 L)
Coolant System
(11.9 L)
Crankcase
Manual Transmission Rear Axle (Overhaul)
................ 4.1 quarts
(3.81 L)*
Lubricant
.................. 1.5 quarts (1.42 L)
Limited-Slip Additive
....... 4.0 ounces (1 18 ml)
Tire Pressures ...... See Tire-Loading Information
label on rear edge of driver’s door.
*Recheck fluid level after filling. See Section
6 or the Index.
Add enough to bring the fluid level to the full line.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine IMPORTANT:
KEEP ENGINE OIL
AT THE PROPER
LEVEL AND CHANGE AS I
RECOMMENDED
I
Introduction
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your
vehicle
in good working condition, but also helps the
environment. All recommended maintenance procedures
are important. Improper vehicle maintenance can even
affect the quality
of the air we breathe. Improper fluid
levels or the wrong tire inflation can increase the level
of emissions from your vehicle. To help protect our
environment, and to keep your vehicle in good
condition, please maintain your vehicle properly.
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements
your new vehicle warranties. See your
Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet, or your
Corvette dealer for details.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed below are owner checks and services which
should be performed at the intervals specified to help
ensure the safety, dependability and emission control
performance
of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids
or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
in Part
D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
per$orm these underhood checks at each fuel
fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. See “Engine Oil” in the Index for
further details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL@
coolant mixture
if necessary. See “Engine Coolant” in
the Index for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the
windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if
necessary. See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the Index
for further details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures.
See “Tires” in the Index for further details.
Cassette Deck Service
Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every
50 hours of tape play. See “Audio Systems” in the
Index for further details.
7-13