1999 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coolant

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Driver Information Center (DIC)
The Driver Information Center (DIC) will display
information about how your vehicle is functioning, as well
as warning messages if a system problem is detected. The
DIC display area is located in the instrument cluster below
the speedometer and tachometer, directly above the
steering column.
The following buttons are on the DIC control panel which
is located to the right of the instrument panel cluster.
1 FUEL: Press this button to display fuel information
such as fuel economy and range.
2 GAGES: Use this button to display gage information
like oil pressure and temperature, coolant temperature,
transmission fluid temperature, battery voltage and
front/rear tire pressures.
3 TRIP: Use this button to display your total and trip
miles, the elapsed time function, your average speed and
the engine oil life.
4 OPTIONS: This button allows you to choose personal
options that are available on your vehicle, depending on
the options your vehicle is equipped with, such as
security, door locks, easy entry seats and language.
5 E/M: Use this button to change the display between
English and metric units.
RESET: This button, used along with the other buttons,
will reset system functions and turn off or acknowledge
messages on the Driver Information Center (DIC).
At the top of the DIC control buttons is a light sensor.
Be sure not to block the sensor or your lighting
functions may be disrupted.

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Press the GAGE button again to display the oil
temperature, such as:

OIL TEMP 234 F or

OIL TEMP 112 C
Press the GAGE button again to display the coolant
temperature, such as:

COOLANT TEMP 123 F or

COOLANT TEMP 51 C
Press the GAGE button again to display the transmission
fluid temperature (automatic transmission only),
such as:

TRANS FLUID 123 F or

TRANS FLUID 51 C
Press the GAGE button again to display the battery
voltage, such as:

BATTERY VOLTS 13.5
Press the GAGE button again to display the tire pressure
for the front tires (left and right), such as:

FRONT L34 R33 PSI or

FRONT L234 R228 kPaPress the GAGE button again to display the tire pressure
for the rear tires (left and right), such as:

REAR L34 R33 PSI or

REAR L234 R228 kPa
Note that tire pressure is not available until the vehicle
has reached a speed of 15 mph (24 km/h) or more.
3 TRIP
The TRIP button allows you to scroll through the
functions listed below when you press it.

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If the Driver Information Center (DIC) displays the
REDUCED ENGINE POWER message and the
CHECK ENGINE light comes on, a noticeable
reduction in the vehicle's performance may occur. If the
REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is displayed but
there is no reduction in performance, proceed to your
destination. The performance may be reduced the next
time the vehicle is driven.
The vehicle may be driven at a reduced speed while the
REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is displayed,
but acceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime the
CHECK ENGINE light stays on, the vehicle should be
taken to an authorized Chevrolet dealer as soon as
possible for diagnosis and repair.
Also, refer to ªMalfunction Indicator Lampº (Check
Engine Light) in the Index. If the REDUCED ENGINE
POWER message is displayed in combination with the
COOLANT OVER TEMP message, see ªEngine
Overheatingº in the Index.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON: If this message appears
on the DIC, there may be an electrical or another system
problem with your vehicle. Have your vehicle checked
by your dealer if this message keeps appearing.CHARGE SYSTEM FAULT: Press RESET to
acknowledge that you have read the message and to
remove it from the display. The message will reappear
every 10 minutes until this condition changes. You will
hear two chimes when this message is displayed.
If this message comes on while you are driving, you
may have a problem with the electrical charging system.
It could indicate that you have a loose or broken drive
belt or another electrical problem. Have it checked
right away. Driving while this light is on could drain
your battery.
If you must drive a short distance with the message on,
be certain to turn off your accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.
TRACTION SYS ACTIVE: When your traction
control system is limiting wheel spin, the TRACTION
SYS ACTIVE message will be displayed. Slippery road
conditions may exist if this message is displayed, so
adjust your driving accordingly. The message will stay
on for a few seconds after the traction control system
stops limiting wheel spin.
TRACTION SYSTEM
-ON: This message is displayed
when you decide to turn on the Traction Control System
by pressing the switch on the console. This message will
shut off automatically on its own.

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MAXIMUM SPEED 80 MPH (129 km/h): You will
hear four chimes when this message is displayed. To
acknowledge the warning, press RESET. After you press
RESET, a message will reappear every 10 minutes until
this condition changes.
This message indicates that the vehicle speed will be
limited to 80 mph (129 km/h) when the shock absorber
system has failed and the shocks are in their full soft
mode. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
LOW COOLANT: You will hear two chimes when this
message is displayed. To acknowledge the warning,
press RESET. After you press RESET, a message will
reappear and you will hear a chime every 10 minutes
until this condition changes.
This message indicates that the coolant in the system is
low. You may need to add coolant. See ªEngine
Overheatingº in the Index.
COOLANT OVER TEMP: You will hear four chimes
and the CHECK GAGES telltale will come on when this
message is displayed. To acknowledge the warning,
press the RESET button. After you press the RESET
button, a message will be displayed and you will hear a
chime every minute until this condition changes. If you
do not press RESET, the message will remain on the
digital display until the condition changes.If the engine coolant exceeds 255
F (124
C), this
message is displayed. If you have been operating your
vehicle under normal driving conditions, you should
pull off from the road, stop your vehicle and turn off the
engine as soon as possible. You can monitor the coolant
temperature with the GAGES button on the DIC or the
engine coolant gage on the instrument panel cluster. See
ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index.
HIGH OIL TEMPERATURE REDUCE ENGINE
RPM: You will hear four chimes when this message is
displayed. To acknowledge the warning, press the
RESET button. After you press the RESET button, a
message will be displayed and you will hear a chime
every minute until this condition changes. If you do not
press RESET, the message will remain on the digital
display until the condition changes.
If the engine oil temperature exceeds 320
F (160
C),
this message is displayed. You should check the engine
coolant temperature and engine oil level. If your engine
is too hot, see ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index. Your
vehicle may need service, so see your dealer. You can
monitor the oil temperature with the GAGES button on
the DIC.

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HIGH TRANS TEMP (Automatic Transmission
Only): You will hear four chimes when this message
is displayed. To acknowledge this warning, press the
RESET button. After you press the RESET button,
the message will be displayed every 10 minutes until the
condition changes. If you do not press RESET,
the message remains on the display until the
condition changes.
If the transmission fluid temperature rises above
270
F (132
C) or rises rapidly, this message is
displayed. The transmission may shift gears or apply the
torque converter clutch to reduce the fluid temperature.
Driving aggressively or driving on long hills can cause
the transmission fluid temperature to be higher than
normal. If this message appears, you may continue to
drive at a slower speed. You should also monitor the
transmission fluid temperature and allow it to cool to at
least 230
F (110
C). The transmission fluid temperature
can be monitored with the GAGES button on the DIC.
See ªAutomatic Transmission Fluidº in the Index.
You should also check the engine coolant temperature.
If it is also hot, see ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index.If the HIGH TRANS TEMP message is displayed
during normal vehicle operation on flat roads,
your vehicle may need service. See your dealer for
an inspection.
SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING: If the SERVICE
ACTIVE HNDLG message is displayed, there is a
problem with your Active Handling System and your
vehicle needs service. The instrument cluster light will
also be on and a chime will sound. When this message is
displayed, the system is not working. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
ACTIVE HANDLING: Your vehicle is equipped with
an optional computer controlled system to assist the
driver in controlling the vehicle in difficult driving
conditions. You may feel or hear the system working
and see the ACTIVE HANDLING message displayed in
the DIC. This is normal when the system is operating.

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LOWER: This setting directs most of the air
through the lower ducts to the floor area of the vehicle
with some of the air also directed toward the windshield
and side window vents.
DEFOG: This setting divides the air between the
windshield and lower outlets with a small amount
directed toward the side window vents. This is useful
when fog appears on the windshield or side glass due to
rain or snowy conditions.
DEFROST: Use this setting to quickly remove fog
or frost from the windshield. This setting directs most of
the airflow to the windshield with a small amount
directed toward the lower and side window outlets.
Mode Buttons
These buttons control the air intake, the air conditioning
and the rear window defogger operation.
FRESH AIR: Press this button and it will bring
outside air into the vehicle. The light on the button will
come on when operating. Use this setting while trying to
defrost or defog windows to help clear moisture.
RECIRCULATE: Press this button to limit the
amount of fresh air entering the vehicle by recirculating
most of the air inside the vehicle. The light on the button
will come on when operating. This setting is helpful
when you are trying to cool the air quickly or to limit
odors entering the vehicle. RECIRCULATE cannot be
used while in the DEFROST or DEFOG modes.
A/C: This button turns the air conditioning
compressor off or on under most conditions. The light
on the A/C button comes on when the compressor is
operating. The air conditioning does not operate at
temperatures below approximately 35
F to 40
F
(2
C to 4
C). The air conditioning cools and
dehumidifies the air coming into the vehicle. The air
conditioning cannot be turned off in DEFROST, as it
helps to remove moisture from the vehicle. It also helps
to keep the windows clear.
The air conditioning may be forced off at high engine
speeds or high engine oil or coolant temperatures.
See ªRear Window Defoggerº later in this section for
more information.

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When adjusting the temperature, start with a driver-set
temperature of 73
F (23
C) until you determine your
comfort zone. If you choose 60
F (16
C), the
system will remain at maximum cooling and will not
automatically adjust fan speed or air delivery. If you
choose 90
F (32
C), the system will remain at
maximum heating and will not automatically adjust fan
speed or air delivery. Choosing either maximum setting
will not cause the system to heat or cool any faster.
Turning the knob past either maximum setting has no
effect on the operation of the system.
Passenger Temperature Offset
The PASSENGER knob changes the temperature on the
passenger's side of the vehicle. When the knob is in the
12 o'clock position, the passenger's temperature is the
same as the driver's. Turn the knob clockwise for
warmer air on the passenger's side, counterclockwise for
cooler air. If the driver
-set temperature is set at 60
F
(16
C) or 90
F (32
C), turning the passenger knob
has no effect because the system is locked at a
maximum setting.Automatic Operation
Press the AUTO button to place the entire system in the
automatic mode. After a five
-second display of the
current settings, only the word AUTO and the outside
temperature will be shown on the digital display. The
system will operate to achieve your comfort set
temperature as quickly as possible. If you have set the
driver temperature at 60
F (16
C) or 90
F (32
C),
the system will not operate automatically until a
different temperature is selected. The AUTO control
system works best with the windows up and the
removable roof installed or the convertible top up.
A Typical Cold Weather Example:
Your vehicle has been parked outside overnight in cold
weather (below 32
F/ 0
C) and you have set the driver
temperature at 73
F (23
C) and have selected the
AUTO mode. The system will automatically adjust the
temperature output to maximum heating. The fan will
start at a low speed. This is to avoid blowing cold air
into the vehicle. The length of the delay depends on the
amount of time since the engine was last started, the
outside temperature and the engine coolant temperature.
As the coolant warms up, the fan speed will gradually
increase. Air will flow to the floor with some air to
the windshield to prevent fogging under most
normal conditions.

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The air conditioning removes moisture from the air, so
you may notice water dripping from under the vehicle
when it is idling or after it has been turned off.
This is normal.
Heating
The heater works best if you keep the windows closed.
Maximum heating will occur when airflow direction is
in the lower mode and the temperature control knob
(on a manual climate control system) is all the way in
the red area. These settings will be selected by the
Automatic Electronic Dual Climate Control System if
operating in AUTO when maximum heating is required.
The BI
-LEVEL setting is designed for use on sunny
days when the air is only moderately warm or cool.
On days like these, the sun may adequately warm your
upper body, but your lower body may not be warm
enough. The BI
-LEVEL setting will direct cooler
airflow to your upper body and warmer air to the
floor area.
If you have the optional engine coolant heater and use it
during cold weather 0
F (
-18
C) or lower, the heating
system will provide heat more quickly because the
coolant is already warmed. See ªEngine Coolant Heaterº
in the Index.
Defogging and Defrosting
To rapidly defrost the windshield, the FRONT defrost
mode (Automatic Electronic Dual Climate Control
System) or defrost mode (manual control system)
should be used and the fan speed should be adjusted to
the highest speed. With the manual control system, turn
the temperature control knob all the way to the red area.
To keep the windshield clear and provide heated air to
the floor area of the vehicle, use the DEFOG setting.
Your vehicle is equipped with side window defogger
vents located near the side rearview mirrors.
Rear Window Defogger
REAR: This button turns the rear defogger and the
optional heated outside mirrors on. The light on the
button will come on when operating. The system
automatically shuts off after approximately 10 minutes.
If further defogging is desired, press the button again
and it will operate for about five more minutes.
The rear window defogger operates only when the
engine is running.