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Corvette: The American
Dream Machine
In the early '50s, it was only a designer's dream. Today
the Corvette stands alone as America's dream car
-- a
testament to its unmistakable charisma and the
excitement it inspires. Unique styling, powerful
performance and an undeniable panache have made
Corvette one of the most celebrated sports cars in
the world.
In 1953, Corvette produced 300 new lightweight
fiberglass roadsters. A handful went to project
engineers, General Motors managers, and a select group
of movie stars and celebrities. With a two
-speed
Powerglide automatic transmission, Blue Flame
six
-cylinder engine, and gleaming Polo White exterior,
the Corvette began its drive into the heart of America.
Designers freshened up the 'Vette in 1956 by adding a
removable hardtop and the famous Corvette ªcoves.º
The sculptured body enhanced its sporty look, and a
standard 210
-horsepower Chevy V8 engine solidified
Corvette's reputation as a production race car.
2-
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Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2
-4 Door Locks
2
-6 Memory (Option)
2
-7 Remote Function Actuation System
2
-14 Remote Hatch/Trunk Lid Release
2
-17 Universal Theft-Deterrent (Option)
2
-19 PASS-Key
2-20 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-21 Ignition Positions
2
-23 Starting Your Engine
2
-25 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2
-27 Automatic Transmission Operation
2
-30 Manual Transmission Operation
2
-34 Parking Brake
2
-35 Shifting Into PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission Only)
2
-37 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission)
2
-37 Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission)2
-38 Parking Over Things That Burn
2
-38 Engine Exhaust
2
-39 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
(Automatic Transmission)
2
-39 Limited-Slip Rear Axle
2
-40 Selective Real Time Damping (SRTD) (Option)
2
-41 Windows
2
-43 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-51 Exterior Lamps
2
-53 Interior Lamps
2
-54 Mirrors
2
-56 Storage Compartments
2
-61 Roof Panel (Option)
2
-68 Convertible Top (Option)
2
-74 The Instrument Panel -- Your
Information System
2
-77 Warning Lights, Gages and Messages
2
-92 Driver Information Center (DIC)
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Resynchronizing Your Transmitter
Your RFA system uses a continually changing code for
increased security. Normally, the receiver in your
vehicle will keep track of this changing code. If your
vehicle does not respond to your transmitter, do the
following to determine what's wrong:
1. Get closer to the vehicle and try pressing a button
again. Your battery may be low (If so, see ªBattery
Replacementº in the Index).
2. While standing close to your vehicle, press the
LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on your transmitter at
the same time and hold for seven seconds. This will
attempt to resynchronize the security code in your
RFA key fob transmitter.
3. When resynchronization is achieved, the horn
will chirp.
Loss of synchronization will occur after transmitter
battery replacement or disconnection of the
vehicle's battery.
If attempts to resynchronize your transmitter to the
vehicle are not successful, you may need to match the
transmitter to the vehicle. See ªMatching Transmitter(s)
to Your Vehicleº in the Index.
Remote Hatch/Trunk Lid Release
To use the remote hatch/trunk lid release on automatic
transmission vehicles, your vehicle must be in PARK (P)
or NEUTRAL (N). For manual transmissions, set the
parking brake. See ªParking Brakeº in the Index.
Press the button with the trunk symbol on it, located at
the left
-hand side of the steering column on the
instrument panel, to release the hatch/trunk lid from
inside your vehicle.
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Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft
-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make
it impossible to steal. However, there are ways you
can help.
Key in the Ignition
If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it's an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves
-- so
don't do it.
When you park your vehicle and open the driver's door,
you'll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key
from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this.
Your steering wheel will be locked, and so will your
ignition. If you take the key with you, and you have an
automatic transmission, it will be locked. And remember
to lock the doors.
Parking at Night
Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.
Parking Lots
If you park in a lot where someone will be watching
your vehicle, it's best to lock it up and take your keys.
But what if you have to leave your key? Do not leave
valuables in your vehicle, since there would be no place
to secure them.
Universal Theft-Deterrent System
Your vehicle has
a theft
-deterrent
alarm system.
With this system, the SECURITY light will flash as you
open the door (if your ignition is off). This light reminds
you to arm the theft
-deterrent system.
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Front Air Dam
Your vehicle is equipped with a front air dam which has
minimal ground clearance for aerodynamics. For this
reason, the air dam has a spring
- loaded hinge provided
and it will retract with road contact.
In normal operation, the air dam will occasionally
contact some road surfaces (speed bumps, driveway
ramps, etc.). This can be heard inside the vehicle as a
scraping noise. This is normal and does not indicate
a problem.
Use care when approaching bumps or objects on road
surfaces and avoid them when possible.
Ignition Positions
CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition
key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or
others could be injured or even killed. They could
operate power windows or other controls or even
make the vehicle move. Don't leave the keys in
the vehicle with children.
With the key in the ignition
switch, you can turn the
switch to four positions.
OFF: The only position from which you can remove the
key. Removing the key locks your steering wheel,
ignition and automatic transmission.
If you have an automatic transmission, the ignition
switch can't be turned to OFF unless the shift lever is
in PARK (P).
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ACC: This is an on position in which you can operate
your electrical power accessories. With the key in this
position, the automatic transmission and steering
column will unlock.
ON: This is the position to which the switch returns
after you start the engine and release the switch. The
switch stays in ON when the engine is running. But even
when the engine is not running, you can use ON to
operate your electrical power accessories and to display
some instrument panel messages and telltales.
START: This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to ON for normal driving.
When the engine is not running, ACC and ON allow you
to operate your electrical accessories, such as the radio.
A warning tone will sound if you open the driver's door
when the ignition is in OFF or ACC and the key is in
the ignition.
CAUTION:
Removing the key from the ignition switch will
lock the steering column and result in a loss of
ability to steer the vehicle. This could cause a
collision. If you need to turn the engine off while
the vehicle is moving, turn the key to ACC.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in OFF and you can't
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it all the way in? Turn the key only with
your hand. Using a tool to force it could break
the key or the ignition switch. If none of this
works, then your vehicle needs service.
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2-23 Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
With RAP, your power windows and the audio system
will continue to work for up to 15 minutes after the
ignition key is turned to OFF and neither door is opened.
If a door is opened, the power windows and audio
system will shut off.
Starting Your Engine
This vehicle has a computer system that monitors engine
speed, throttle and pedal position, and records the
current status.
Automatic Transmission
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won't start in any other position
-- that's a
safety feature. To restart when you're already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
NOTICE:
Don't try to shift to PARK (P) if your Chevrolet
is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
The gear selector should be in NEUTRAL and the parking
brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the floor and start
the engine. Your vehicle won't start if the clutch pedal is
not all the way down
-- that's a safety feature.
1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your
engine gets warm.
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to
be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat
can damage your starter motor. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to help avoid
draining your battery or damaging your starter.
2. If it doesn't start within 10 seconds, push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor, while you
hold the ignition key in START. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and let up on the accelerator
pedal. Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help
avoid draining your battery or damaging your starter.
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Automatic Transmission Operation
There are several different positions for your shift lever.
PARK (P): This position locks your rear wheels. It's the
best position to use when you start your engine because
your vehicle can't move easily.
CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle won't move, even when you're on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to PARK (P).
See ªShifting Into PARK (P)º in the Index.