6-
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6-1
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. 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
-6 Filling Your Tank
6
-9 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-12 Engine Oil
6
-16 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-18 Automatic Transmission Fluid
6
-19 Manual Transmission Fluid
6
-20 Hydraulic Clutch
6
-21 Rear Axle
6
-22 Surge Tank Pressure Cap
6
-23 Engine Coolant
6
-26 Power Steering Fluid
6
-27 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-29 Brakes
6
-32 Battery
6
-33 Bulb Replacement
6
-38 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
6
-41 Tires6
-52 Lifting Your Corvette
6-56 Appearance Care
6
-56 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-59 Cleaning a Removable Roof Panel
6
-60 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-61 Cleaning Your Convertible Top
6
-62 Cleaning Aluminum Wheels
6
-62 Cleaning Tires
6
-62 Finish Damage
6
-63 Underbody Maintenance
6
-64 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-65 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-65 Service Parts Identification Label
6
-66 Electrical System
6
-74 Replacement Bulbs
6
-74 Capacities and Specifications
6
-76 Air Conditioning Refrigerants
6
-76 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
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6-12
Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are
on properly. Then, just pull the hood down and close
it firmly.
Engine Oil
If the LOW OIL LEVEL message on the Driver
Information Center comes on, it means you need to
check your engine oil level right away. For more
information, see ªDriver Information Centerº in the
Index. You should check your engine oil level regularly;
this is an added reminder.
It's a good idea to check your engine oil level every time
you get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick is
next to the coolant surge
tank. The dipstick handle is
a round, yellow loop.Turn off the engine and give the oil a few minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don't, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.
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 Engine 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 ªCapacities and Specificationsº
in the Index.
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6-22 How to Check Lubricant
If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole,
you'll need to add some lubricant. Add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
What to Use
To add lubricant when the level is low, use SAE 75W-90
Synthetic Gear Lubricant (GM Part No. 12378261) or
equivalent meeting GM Specification 9986115. To
completely refill after draining, add 4 ounces (118 ml)
of Limited
-Slip Differential Lubricant Additive
(GM Part No. 1052358) or equivalent. Then fill to
the bottom of the filler plug hole with the Synthetic
Gear Lubricant.
Surge Tank Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
The surge tank pressure cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa)
pressure
-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating.
When you replace the surge tank pressure cap, a GM cap
is recommended.
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6-25 Checking Coolant
The coolant surge tank is in the engine compartment
behind the passenger's side headlamp.
CAUTION:
Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and
scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly.
Never turn the surge tank pressure cap
-- even a
little
-- when the engine and radiator are hot.
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the
FULL COLD mark. The FULL COLD mark is on
the front of the coolant surge tank. Don't overfill the
surge tank. Too much coolant can result in an overflow
when the fluid is hot.
If the LOW COOLANT message comes on and stays
on, it means you're low on engine coolant.
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7-13
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed in this part 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
perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index for
further details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX
-COOL
coolant mixture if necessary. See ªEngine Coolantº 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 ªWindshield Washer Fluidº in the Index
for further details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures.
See ªTiresº in the Index for further details.
Cassette Deck Service
Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every
50 hours of tape play. See ªAudio Systemsº in the Index
for further details.
Power Antenna Service
Clean power antenna mast. See ªAudio Systemsº in the
Index for further details.
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9-4
Driver Information Center (DIC) Messages (Continued)
Change Oil Now 2-112 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change Oil Soon 2-112 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charge System Fault 2-105 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Competitive Driving 2-103 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Over Temp 2-107 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise Disengaged 2-112 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise Set_MPH (_km/h) 2-112 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Ajar 2-112 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Protection Reduce Engine RPM 2-112 . . . . . . . . . .
Flat Tire 2-110 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hatch Ajar 2-112 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High Oil Temperature Reduce Engine rpm 2-107 . . . . . . . .
High Tire Pressure - (LF, LR, RF, RR) 2-111 . . . . . . . . . . .
High Trans Temp 2-108 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High Voltage 2-112 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Brake Fluid 2-112 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Coolant 2-107 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Fuel 2-112 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Oil Level 2-104 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Oil Pressure 2-104 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Tire Pressure 2-109 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Voltage 2-112 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Washer Fluid 2-112 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maximum Speed 80 mph (129 km/h) 2-107 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pull-Key - Wait 10 Sec 2-104 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reduced Engine Power 2-104 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reserve Fuel 2-112 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service ABS 2-103 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Active Handling 2-108, 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Column Lock 2-104 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Ride Control 2-106 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Service Tire Mon Sys 2
-111 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Traction System 2-106 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Vehicle Soon 2-105 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shocks Inoperative 2-106 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trac/Act Hndlg - Off 2-103 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trac/Act Hndlg - On 2-102, 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction Sys Active 2-105 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction System - Off 2-106 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction System - On 2-105 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk Ajar 2-112 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Upshift Now 2-112 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warm Up Complete 2-102, 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver Position 1-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving 4-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
City 4-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Competitive 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Freeway 4-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In a Blizzard 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In the Rain 4-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night 4-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Curves 4-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Hill and Mountain Roads 4-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Snow and Ice 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Through Deep Water 4-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wet Roads 4-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter 4-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DRL 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunk Driving 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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9-5
Electrical Equipment, Adding 2-24, 3-28, 6-63 . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical System 6-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic Dual Climate Control System 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EMT 6-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessory Belt 6-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding Coolant 6-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner/Filter 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Coolant 6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 5-13, 5-16, 6-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Heater 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Level Check 7-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Gage 2-82 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust 2-16, 2-38, 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Check 7-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Pressure Gage 2-85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode 5-8 . . . . . .
Overheating 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Curves 6-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running While Parked 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 6-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additives 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Kind to Use 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Level Check 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Life 2-97 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Life Monitor, How to Reset 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Scheduled Maintenance 7-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Used 6
-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Change 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Life Monitor 6-15, 7-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance 7-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
English/Metric Button 2-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ethanol 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust, Engine 2-16, 2-38, 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exit and Entry Lighting 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Express-Down Windows 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Extended Mobility Tires 6-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps 2-44, 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric Protection 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fan Control Buttons 3-2, 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Feature, Theft-Deterrent 2-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiberglass Springs 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fifth Gear, Manual Transmission 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling
A Portable Fuel Container 6
-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your Tank 6-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter, Air Cleaner 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish
Care 6
-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First Gear
Automatic Transmission 2
-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Transmission 2-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fixed Mast Antenna 3-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flashers, Hazard Warning 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat Tire, What to Do 5-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Floor Mats 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid Capacities 6-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .