1999 CHEVROLET CORVETTE check engine

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2-19
Now, if a door or the hatch/trunk lid is opened without
the key or the key fob transmitter, the alarm will go off.
Your horn will sound for two minutes, then it will go off
to save battery power. And, your vehicle won't start.
The theft
-deterrent system won't arm if you lock the
doors with a key, the manual door lock, or if you use the
power door lock after the doors are closed.
If your passenger stays in the vehicle when you leave
with the keys, have the passenger lock the vehicle after
the doors are closed. This way the alarm won't arm, and
your passenger won't set it off.
PASS-Key

Your vehicle is equipped
with the PASS
-Key
(Personalized Automotive
Security System)
theft
-deterrent system.
PASS
-Key is a passive
theft
-deterrent system. It
works when you insert or
remove the key from
the ignition.PASS
-Key uses a resistor pellet in the ignition key that
matches a decoder in your vehicle.
When the PASS
-Key system senses that someone is
using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle's starter
and fuel systems. For about three minutes, the starter
won't work and fuel won't go to the engine. If someone
tries to start your vehicle again or uses another key
during this time, the shutdown period will start over
again. This discourages someone from randomly trying
different keys with different resistor pellets in an attempt
to make a match.
The key must be clean and dry before it's inserted in the
ignition or the engine may not start. If the SECURITY
light comes on, the key may be dirty or wet.
If this happens and the starter won't work, turn the
ignition off. Clean and dry the key, wait three minutes
and try again. If the starter still won't work, wait three
minutes and try the other ignition key. At this time, you
may also want to check the fuses (see ªFuses and Circuit
Breakersº in the Index). If the starter won't work with
the other key, your vehicle needs service. If your vehicle
does start, the first ignition key may be faulty. See your
dealer or a locksmith who can service the PASS
-Key.

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2-24
When starting your engine in very cold weather (below
0
F or
-18
C), do this:
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START and hold it there. When the
engine starts, let go of the key. Use the accelerator
pedal to maintain engine speed, if you have to, until
your engine has run for a while.
2. If your engine still won't start (or starts but then
stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for about three seconds. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do the same thing, but
this time keep the pedal down for five or six seconds.
This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way
the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your dealer. If you don't,
your engine might not perform properly.
If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see
the part of this manual that tells how to do it
without damaging your vehicle. See ªTowing
Your Vehicleº in the Index.
Starter Interlock Feature
For your convenience and to avoid damage to your
starter, your vehicle is equipped with a starter interlock
feature. This feature will not allow you to crank the
engine when the vehicle is already running.

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2-25 Racing or Other Competitive Driving
See your Warranty Book before using your vehicle for
racing or other competitive driving.
NOTICE:
If you use your vehicle for racing or other
competitive driving, your engine may use more
oil than it would with normal use. Low oil levels
can damage the engine. Be sure to check the oil
level often during racing or other competitive
driving and keep the level at or near the upper
mark on the engine oil dipstick. You may need
to add oil. See ªAdding Oilº under ªEngineº in
the Index.
Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
The engine coolant heater is located on the driver's side
of the engine under the manifold.
In very cold weather, 0
F (
-18
C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You'll get easier starting and
better fuel economy during engine warm
-up. Usually,
the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of
four hours prior to starting your vehicle.

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2-78
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle's functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to let you know when
there's a problem with your vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows
there may be a problem, check the section that tells you
what to do about it. Please follow this manual's advice.
Waiting to do repairs can be costly
-- and even
dangerous. So please get to know your warning lights
and gages. They're a big help.
Your vehicle also has a Driver Information Center that
works along with the warning lights and gages. See
ªDriver Information Center (DIC)º in the Index.
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to ON or START, a chime will
come on for about eight seconds to remind people to
fasten their safety belts, unless the driver's safety belt is
already buckled.
The safety belt light will
also come on and stay
on until the driver's belt
is buckled.
Air Bag Readiness Light
There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows a deployed air bag symbol. The
system checks the air bag's electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical
problem. The system check includes the air bag sensors,
the air bag modules, the wiring and the diagnostic
module. For more information on the air bag system, see
ªAir Bagº in the Index.
This light will come on
when you start your engine,
and it will flash for a few
seconds. Then the light
should go out. This means
the system is ready.

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2-79
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you start the
engine or comes on when you are driving, your air bag
system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.
The air bag readiness light should flash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to ON. If the
light doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.
Voltmeter
When the key is in ON with
the engine not running, the
voltmeter shows the voltage
output of your battery.
When the engine is running,
it shows the voltage output
of the charging system.The reading will change as the rate of charge changes
(with engine speed, for example), but if the voltmeter
reads at 9 volts or below, your instrument panel and
other systems may shut down. The Driver Information
Center (DIC) will read LOW VOLTAGE when your
vehicle is at 10 volts or below. Have it checked right
away. Driving with the voltmeter reading at 10 volts or
below could drain your battery and disable your vehicle.
Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle's hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part isn't working, the other part can
still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you
need both parts working well.
This light should come on
when you turn the ignition
key to START.

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2-83 Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light)
Your vehicle is equipped
with a computer which
monitors operation of the
fuel, ignition and emission
control systems.
This system is called OBD II (On
-Board
Diagnostics
-Second Generation) and is intended to
assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life
of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment. The CHECK ENGINE light comes on to
indicate that there is a problem and service is required.
Malfunctions often will be indicated by the system
before any problem is apparent. This may prevent more
serious damage to your vehicle. This system is also
designed to assist your service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.
NOTICE:
If you keep driving your vehicle with this light
on, after a while, your emission controls may not
work as well, your fuel economy may not be as
good and your engine may not run as smoothly.
This could lead to costly repairs that may not be
covered by your warranty.
NOTICE:
Modifications made to the engine, transmission,
exhaust or fuel system of your vehicle or the
replacement of the original tires with other than
those of the same Tire Performance Criteria
(TPC) can affect your vehicle's emission controls
and may cause the CHECK ENGINE light to
come on. Modifications to these systems could
lead to costly repairs not covered by your
warranty. This may also result in a failure to pass
a required Emission Inspection/Maintenance test.

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2-84
This light should come on, as a check to show you it is
working, when the ignition is on and the engine is not
running. If the light doesn't come on, have it repaired.
This light will also come on during a malfunction in one
of two ways:

Light Flashing
-- A misfire condition has been
detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and
may damage the emission control system on your
vehicle. Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis
and service may be required.

Light On Steady
-- An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis and
service may be required.
If the Light Is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle:

Reducing vehicle speed.

Avoiding hard accelerations.

Avoiding steep uphill grades.
If the light stops flashing and remains on steady, see ªIf
the Light Is On Steadyº following.If the light continues to flash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park your vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds and restart the
engine. If the light remains on steady, see ªIf the Light
Is On Steadyº following. If the light is still flashing,
follow the previous steps, and drive the vehicle to your
dealer or qualified service center for service.
If the Light Is On Steady
You may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install
the cap. See ªFilling Your Tankº in the Index. The
diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has been
left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel
cap will allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A
few driving trips with the cap properly installed should
turn the light off.
Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition
will usually be corrected when the electrical system
dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.

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2-85
Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel (see
ªFuelº in the Index). Poor fuel quality will cause your
engine not to run as efficiently as designed. You may
notice this as stalling after start
-up, stalling when you
put the vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitation on
acceleration or stumbling on acceleration. (These
conditions may go away once the engine is warmed up.)
This will be detected by the system and cause the light
to turn on.
If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least one
full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light turn off,
have your dealer or qualified service center check the
vehicle. Your dealer has the proper test equipment and
diagnostic tools to fix any mechanical or electrical
problems that may have developed.
Engine Oil Pressure Gage
The engine oil pressure
gage shows the engine oil
pressure in psi (pounds per
square inch) or kPa
(kilopascals) when the
engine is running.
Oil pressure should be 20 to 80 psi (140 to 550 kPa).
(In certain situations such as long, extended idles on hot
days, it could read as low as 6 psi (40 kPa) and still be
considered normal.) It may vary with engine speed,
outside temperature and oil viscosity, but readings above
the shaded area show the normal operating range.
Readings in the shaded area tell you that the engine is
low on oil, or that you might have some other oil
problem. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
The engine oil pressure can also be displayed using the
GAGES button on the Driver Information Center (DIC).
See ªDriver Information Centerº in the Index.