1997 CHEVROLET CORVETTE fuel

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine SERVICE TIRE MON SYS: If this message comes on,
a part on the Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) is not
working properly. If you drive your vehicle while any
of
the four sensors are missing or inoperable, the warning
will come on in approximately
10 minutes. If all four
sensors are missing, the warning will come on in
approximately
15 - 20 minutes. (All the sensors would
be missing, for example, if you put different wheels on
your vehicle without transferring the sensors. If the
warning comes on and stays on, there may be a problem
with the TPM. See your dealer.
Other Messages
Here are more messages that you can receive on your
Driver Information Center. To acknowledge a message
and read another message that may have come
on at the
same time, press the RESET button.
BRAKE BEFORE SHIFT
(Automatic Transmissions Only)
0 CHANGE OIL NOW
CHANGE OIL SOON
0 CRUISE DISENGAGED
0 CRUISE SET - MPH (- kmh)
0 DOOR AJAR
0 ENGINE PROTECTION REDUCE ENGINE RPM
0 HATCH AJAR
0 HIGH VOLTAGE
LOW BRAKE FLUID (See “Brake Fluid” in
0 LOW COOLANT (See “Engine Overheating” in
0 LOW FUEL (fuel range is less than 50 miles (80 km))
0 LOW VOLTAGE
the Index)
the Index)
0 LOW
WASHER FLUID
0 PULL KEY - WAIT 10 SEC
0 RESERVE FUEL
UPSHIFT NOW
2-97

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Outside Air Temperature Sensor
This sensor is located in the air intake under the front
bumper of the vehicle. Information from this sensor
is used for the outside air temperature readings
shown on the digital display for the automatic
climate control system.
If the outside temperature goes up, the displayed
temperature will not change until:
0 The vehicle’s speed is above 20 mph (32 km/h)
for one and a half minutes.
The vehicle’s speed is above 45 mph (72 km/h)
for one minute.
These delays help prevent false readings.
If the
temperature goes down, the outside temperature
display is updated immediately.
If your vehicle has been turned off for more than three
hours, the current outside temperature will be shown
when you start the vehicle.
If it has been turned off for
less than three hours, the temperature will be recalled
from the previous vehicle operation.
Inside Temperature Sensor
This sensor is located just left of the ignition switch.
The automatic climate control system uses this sensor
to receive information
so if you block or cover it, the
system will not function properly.
Air Conditioning
On very hot days, your vehicle will cool down more
quickly and economically if you open the windows
long enough to let hot inside air escape. Then keep your
windows closed in order to allow the air conditioning
to work best. Maximum cooling will occur when the
RECIRCULATE setting is operating, airflow direction is
in the upper mode, and the temperature control knob (on
a manual climate control system) is turned all the way to
the blue area. These settings will be selected by the
Automatic Electronic Dual Climate Control System if
operating in AUTO when maximum cooling is required.
When the
air conditioning is on, you may sometimes
notice slight changes in your vehicle’s engine
performance and power. This is normal. The system
is
designed to help fuel economy while maintaining the
desired cooling level.
The
air conditioning removes moisture from the air, so you
may notice water dripping from under your vehicle when
it is idling or after it has been turned
off. This is normal.
3-11

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain you
allow a reasonable following distance. Expect
to move
slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the proper
lane well in advance. If you miss your exit, do not,
under any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive on
to
the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed
is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not to your sense of moti0.n. After driving for any distance
at higher speeds, you may tend to think you are going
slower than you actually
are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you’re not fresh
-- such as after a day’s
work
-- don’t plan to make too many miles that first part
of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you
can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it’s ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course,
you’ll find experienced and able service experts in
Chevrolet dealerships all across
North America. They’ll
be ready and willing to help if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
0
0
0
0
0
0 0
Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving?
Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a short
time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
4-23

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle.
This can cause deadly
CO (carbon monoxide) gas
to get inside.
CO could overcome you and kill
you. You can’t see it or smell it, so you might not
know it
is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from
around the base of your vehicle, especially any
that
is blocking your exhaust pipe. And check
around again from time to time to be sure
snow
doesn’t collect there.
Open a window just
a little on the side of the
vehicle that’s away from the wind. This will help
keep
CO out.
I Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it
go a little faster
than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This
uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it keeps the
battery charged. You will need a well-charged battery to
restart the vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on
with your headlamps. Let the heater run for a while.
Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost
all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine again
and repeat this only when you feel really uncomfortable
from the cold. But do
it as little as possible. Preserve the
fuel as long
as you can. To help keep warm, you can get
out of the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises
every half hour
or so until help comes.
4-29

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Loading Your Vehicle
/ -
OCCUPANTS VEHICLE CAP. WT.
TIRE-LOADING INFORMATION
FRT. CTR.
RR. TOTAL LBS. KG
MAX.
LOADING & GVWR SAME AS VEHICLE
CAPACITY WEIGHT
XXX COLD TIRE
TIRE SIZE SPEED PRESSURE
RTG
PSI/KPa
FRT. RR.
SPA. IF
TIRES ARE HOT, ADD 4PS1/28KPa
SEE OWNER’S MANUAL FOR ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it
may properly carry. The Tire-Loading Information label
found on the rear edge of the driver’s door tells you the
proper size, speed rating and recommended inflation. It
also gives you important information about the number
of people that can be in your vehicle and the total weight
that you can carry. This weight is called Vehicle
Capacity Weight and includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo, and all non-factory-installed options.
DATE GVWR GAWR FRT GAWR RR
MFD BY GENERAL MOTORS CORP
THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO ALL APPLI-
CABLE U.S. FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE
SAFETY, BUMPER, AND THEFT PREVENTION
STANDARDS
IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF
MANUFACTURE SHOWN ABOVE.
The other label is the Certification label, found on the
rear edge of the driver’s door. It tells you
the gross
weight capacity of your vehicle, called the GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating).
The GVWR includes the
weight
of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) for either the front
or rear axle.
And,
if you do have a heavy load, you should spread it
out. Don’t carry more than
100 pounds (45 kg) in your
rear area.
4-30

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine e Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your Corvette. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6-2 Service 6-3 Fuel
6-5 Fuels in Foreign Countries
6-5 Filling Your Tank
6- 8 Checking Things Under the Hood
6-1 1 Engine Oil
6-16 Air Cleaner
6-18 Automatic Transmission Fluid
6- 19 Manual Transmission Fluid
6-20 Hydraulic Clutch
6-22 Engine Coolant
6-26 Surge Tank Pressure Cap
6-26 Power Steering Fluid
6-22 Rear Axle
6-26
Thermostat
6-27 Windshield Washer Fluid
6-
29 Brakes
6-32 Battery 6-33
6-33
6-37
6-40
6-5
1
6-5 1
6-54
6-55
6-56
6-57
6-57 6-59
6- 60
6- 60
6-6 1
6-69
6-69 6-7
1
Bulb Replacement
Halogen Bulbs
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Tires Appearance Care
Cleaning the Inside of Your Corvette
Care of Safety Belts
Cleaning the Outside of Your Corvette
Aluminum Wheels
Tires Underbody Maintenance
Appearance Care Materials
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Service Parts Identification Label
Electrical System
Replacement Bulbs Capacities and Specifications
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
6-1

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine c
You can be injured and your vehicle could be
damaged
if you try to do service work on a
vehicle without knowing enough about it.
Be sure you have sufficient knowledge,
experience, the proper replacement parts
and tools before you attempt any vehicle
maintenance task.
Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts and
other fasteners. “English” and “metric”
fasteners can be easily confused.
If you use
the wrong fasteners, parts can later break
or fall
off. You could be hurt.
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle
Things you might add to the outside of your vehicle can
affect the aifflow around it. This may cause wind noise
and affect windshield washer performance. Check with
your Chevrolet dealer before adding equipment to the
outside of your vehicle.
Fuel
Use premium unleaded gasoline rated at 91 octane or
higher for best performance. You may use middle grade
or regular unleaded gasolines, but your vehicle may not
accelerate as well.
At a minimum, the gasoline you use should meet
specifications ASTM
D48 14 in the United States and
CGSB 3.5-M93 in Canada. Improved gasoline
specifications have been developed by
the American
Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) for
better vehicle performance and engine protection. Gasolines meeting the AAMA specification could
provide improved driveability and emission control
system protection compared to other gasolines.
Be sure the posted octane for premium is at least
91
(at least 89 for middle grade and 87 for regular). If the
octane is less than
87, you may get a heavy knocking
noise when you drive. If it’s bad enough,
it can damage
your engine.
6-3

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If you’re using fuel rated at the recommended octane or
higher and you hear heavy knocking, your engine needs
service. But don’t worry if you hear a little pinging
noise when you’re accelerating or driving up a hill.
That’s normal, and you don’t have to buy a higher
octane fuel to get rid
of pinging. It’s the heavy, constant
knock that means you have a problem.
If your vehicle is certified to meet California Emission
Standards (indicated on the underhood emission control
label), it is designed to operate on fuels that meet
California specifications. If such fuels are not available
in states adopting California emissions standards, your
vehicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting
federal specifications, but emission control system
performance may be affected. The malfunction indicator
lamp on your instrument panel may turn on and/or your
vehicle may fail a smog-check test.
If this occurs, return
to your authorized Chevrolet dealer for diagnosis to
determine the cause of failure.
In the event it is
determined that the cause
of the condition is the type of
fuels used, repairs may not be covered by your warranty.
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions contain an octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT);
ask your service station operator whether or not his fuel
contains MMT. General Motors does not recommend the
use of such gasolines.
If fuels containing MMT are used, spark
plug life may be reduced and your emission
control system performance may be affected. The
malfunction indicator lamp on your instrument panel
may turn on. If this occurs, return to your authorized
Chevrolet dealer for service.
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States
are now required to contain additives that will help
prevent deposits from forming in your engine and fuel
system, allowing your emission control system to
function properly. Therefore, you should
not have to add
anything to the fuel. In addition, gasolines containing
oxygenates, such as ethers and ethanol, and
reformulated gasolines may be available in your area to
help clean the air. General Motors recommends
that you
use these gasolines if they comply with the
specifications described earlier.
NOTICE:
Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that
I contains methanol. Don’t use it. It can corrode
~ metal parts in your fuel system and also damage
I plastic and rubber parts. That damage wouldn’t
1 be covered under your warranty.
6-4